Rahul De, Biju Mathew and Dolphy M. Abraham
Examines issues related to the successes and failures of Internet businesses. Recent literature has stressed the value of microeconomic models of markets to analyze e‐business…
Abstract
Examines issues related to the successes and failures of Internet businesses. Recent literature has stressed the value of microeconomic models of markets to analyze e‐business models and strategy. The concepts of transaction costs, switching costs, network externalities and product versioning are especially useful in understanding business strategy in the new information economy. These concepts are reviewed and analyzed. A deeper assessment of Internet‐based businesses, both successes and failures, reveals a number of other constructs that are relevant for analysis, viz. infrastructure investment models, user experience models and models of revenue generation. These constructs reveal the inherent complexity of the electronic medium for conducting business and point to the subtle issues that determine success or failure. Case studies and examples are used to illustrate the usefulness of these constructs.
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This paper aims to show that the meaning of development influencing the design of ICT for development (ICT4D) projects is important in deciding what purpose they will eventually…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to show that the meaning of development influencing the design of ICT for development (ICT4D) projects is important in deciding what purpose they will eventually serve.
Design/methodology/approach
Through a review of the literature on development and technology studies, the paper shows how different meanings of development guide technology usage and policy choice for land reforms. A case study of a land records computerization project in India is used to reinforce this claim.
Findings
By explaining alternative manifestations of interlinkages between development and technology, the paper demonstrates that the design choice, especially the content and service delivery model, for an ICT4D project gets influenced by the development context within which it is set.
Research limitations/implications
The focus of the paper has been restricted to a limited context of information and communication technology usage – to land reforms as a development objective, in a relatively better‐off province of India. Future research will include ICT4D projects in other domains and in different socio‐economic settings.
Practical implications
The findings will encourage ICT4D policy makers and project designers to broaden their perspectives of what constitutes development and explicitly acknowledge the importance of development contexts in influencing the outcomes of ICT4D projects.
Originality/value
Prior research in ICT4D has not looked explicitly at the influence of development contexts in informing technology design. The paper attempts to fill this gap by tracing design choices to the contexts of technology use created through alternative understanding of the objectives of development. This can be of help to researchers looking at issues of technology use for societal development and for policy makers and project designers entrusted with the choice of technology.
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The phenomenon of student mobility in higher education is influenced by several factors, including the infrastructure provided by institutions in different countries as student…
Abstract
The phenomenon of student mobility in higher education is influenced by several factors, including the infrastructure provided by institutions in different countries as student support services. These student support services play a pivotal role in fostering students’ adaptability within a new environment, thereby significantly impacting their academic performance and social integration. The study focuses on international students in Uganda and investigates how student support services (as part of institutional infrastructure) support students’ adaptability. Based on Leask’s conceptual model of internationalisation, the study reveals that the presence of such services is essential; in addition, the need to provide newly arriving students with orientation is crucial for them to effectively navigate their surroundings. Offices dedicated to international students are also instrumental in facilitating the students’ orientation and settling-in process and they enhance their overall experience. By recognising the significance of both student support services and orientation, education institutions can create a more conducive and supportive environment for international students, ultimately enriching their academic journey and social interactions.
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Syed Abdul Rehman Khan, Zhang Yu, Muhammad Umar, Ana Beatriz Lopes de Sousa Jabbour and Rahul S. Mor
This study aims to examine the impact of Covid-19 on social and eco-environmental sustainability. It will also investigate the effect of advanced technologies in the post-pandemic…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the impact of Covid-19 on social and eco-environmental sustainability. It will also investigate the effect of advanced technologies in the post-pandemic era.
Design/methodology/approach
To get the robust findings, GMM (Generalized Method of Moments) modeling is employed on the panel data of 50 countries across the globe.
Findings
The outcomes indicate that gross fixed capital, logistical operations, knowledge spillover are positive, while Covid-19 is negatively associated with international trade. The results also revealed that Covid-19 spurs poverty and vulnerable employment, while the fertility rate increase creates pressure on economic growth. Also, fossil fuel and energy consumption contribute to carbon emission, while green and advanced technologies may mitigate the environment's adverse effects.
Originality/value
This study is the first of its kind to provide a solution to the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic in the post-pandemic environment. Furthermore, researchers, managers and legislators can use this article's findings to formulate relevant policies for post-pandemic.
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Zeynep Aksehirli, Yakov Bart, Kwong Chan and Koen Pauwels
Rahul Rao, Christoph Mueller and Matthew Broadbent
There is a dearth of literature examining the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on older people with dual diagnosis referred to mental health services. The purpose of this study was…
Abstract
Purpose
There is a dearth of literature examining the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on older people with dual diagnosis referred to mental health services. The purpose of this study was to compare dual diagnosis before and after lockdown in people aged between 55 and 74 with alcohol use.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected for people referred to mental health services using an anonymised database of de-identified records to identify people with both substance use disorder alone, or accompanied by co-existing mental disorders.
Findings
In total, 366 older people were assessed with the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), 185 before and 181 after lockdown. People with dual diagnosis were more likely to be referred than those without, after compared to before lockdown (13 and 6%, respectively, p < 0.05). People with any substance use disorder with and without dual diagnosis showed an even greater likelihood of referral after, compared with before, lockdown (61 and 34%, respectively, p < 0.0001). Opioid use more than once a month was more likely to be reported after, compared with before, lockdown (66 and 36%, respectively, p < 0.005).
Research limitations/implications
The finding of a higher likelihood of opioid use after compared with before lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic warrants further exploration. There is also further scope for further studies that involve older non-drinkers.
Originality/value
A greater likelihood of both dual diagnosis and substance use disorder alone after, compared with before lockdown has implications for both mental health and addiction service provision during a pandemic.
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Mihir Ajgaonkar and Keith D’Souza
The subject areas are organizational management, organizational behaviour and human resource management.
Abstract
Subject area
The subject areas are organizational management, organizational behaviour and human resource management.
Study level/applicability
The study is applicable for courses in human resource management and organizational behaviour as part of masters-level programmes in business administration and management, executive development programmes on organization design and development for middle/senior management.
Case overview
In 2003, Elizabeth and Sunil Mehta had founded a voluntary organization, “Muktangan”, focussed on child-centric education through innovative pedagogy for the community of the urban poor. Elizabeth, an educationist, and Sunil, a highly successful business person, joined hands to contribute to the well-being of urban poor to make a difference to their lives. Elizabeth and Sunil presented a proposal to impart education for “the children of the community, by the teachers drawn from the community” to the residents of the slums in central Mumbai. With a humble beginning of running a small pre-school, Muktangan now manages seven schools with 3,400 children and 500 teachers, and a teachers’ training centre with a capacity to train 100 teachers a year. Muktangan won acclaim for its unique pedagogy and a very effective child-to-teacher ratio. Over the years, Elizabeth and Sunil led Muktangan with a strong passion and a “hands-on” approach. Of late, Elizabeth and Sunil faced questions from their donors about the sustainability of Muktangan with respect to leadership and management succession. Elizabeth and Sunil had a vision for Muktangan for self-directed growth with an empowered team. Muktangan embarked on the journey to create a leadership for self-directed growth. Sunil, Elizabeth and team Muktangan conceptualized and implemented a change management intervention with help from an external consultant to build the desired organization.
Expected learning outcomes
Outcomes are understanding issues involved in the leadership, organization design and management of change, particularly of those organizations engaged in social change and development in developing societies.
Supplementary materials
The Muktangan Story: Part A – An Organizational Study; The Muktangan Story Part B – Winds of Change; Teaching Note; References: Bradach J. (1996), Organizational Alignment: The 7-S Model, Harvard Business School Publishing, Boston, MA 02,163. Cooperrider D. and Whitney D. (2005), “A Positive Revolution in Change: Appreciative Inquiry”, In The Change Handbook. The Definitive Resource on Today’s Best Methods for Engaging.Whole Systems, by Peggy Holman, Tom Devane, and Steven Cady. Berrett-Koehler Publishers. Cooperrider D., Whitney D., and Stavros J.M. (2008), Appreciative Inquiry Handbook for Leaders of Change (Second Edition), Berrett-Koehler Publishers. Greiner, L.E. (1998), “Evolution and Revolution as Organizations Grow”, Harvard Business Review, May-June, 3-11. www.muktanganedu.org/ accessed 12 April, 2018. Kessler, E. H., (2013) (ed.), Encyclopaedia of Management Theory, Sage Publications Kotter, J. P. (1996), Leading Change, Harvard Business School Press, Boston. Lewin K. (1951), Field Theory in social science, Harper & Row, New York. Waterman, R. H., Peters, T. J., and Phillips, J. R. (1980), Structure is not organization. Business Horizons, 23(3), 14-26.
Subject code:
CSS 6: Human Resource Management.
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Vikas Kumar, Rahul Sindhwani, Abhishek Behl, Amanpreet Kaur and Vijay Pereira
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) significantly contribute to economic growth, development, exports and employment of the nations. To maintain competitiveness in today's market…
Abstract
Purpose
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) significantly contribute to economic growth, development, exports and employment of the nations. To maintain competitiveness in today's market, SMEs must explore and identify enablers to enhance their digital transformation process. This paper aims to shed light on some essential enablers SMEs can use to implement digital resilience successfully.
Design/methodology/approach
The quantitative assessment and validation of the enablers have been done using powerful and novel techniques, namely, the Delphi method, “fuzzy interpretive structural modelling” (F-ISM) method and “cross-impact matrix multiplication applied to classification (MICMAC)” analysis. The F-ISM model is developed using the information drawn from digital transformation experts and practitioners involved in the digital transformation process for SMEs. Furthermore, the F-ISM model provides four paths to complete the pathway to digital resilience.
Findings
The F-ISM and MICMAC analysis revealed four ways to enhance the digital transformation process in SMEs. These enterprises can utilise these path assessments to become digitally resilient in the present dynamic scenario. To enhance digital resilience among SMEs, the study identified ten enablers. Among these, “management competencies” was the most crucial, followed by “knowledge management” and “monitoring and controlling”.
Research limitations/implications
The present study is limited in that the data used to develop the models were collected from a small group of industry experts whose opinions may not exhibit the comprehensive views of the population.
Practical implications
The findings can help SMEs enhance the digital transformation process by taking up different pathways to integrate the various enablers of digital resilience depending on resource availability.
Originality/value
The results indicate the most critical and influential enablers for enhancing digital resilience among SMEs. This research can be valuable to academicians, industry practitioners and researchers for guiding their future work.
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Dana A. Robertson, Evelyn Ford-Connors, Susan Dougherty and Jeanne R. Paratore
Purpose: To describe how an approach to instruction that intentionally considers elements of motivation and engagement, intensity of instruction, and cognitive challenge can…
Abstract
Purpose: To describe how an approach to instruction that intentionally considers elements of motivation and engagement, intensity of instruction, and cognitive challenge can accelerate the reading achievement of lower-performing readers by giving them access to and support to meet reading and knowledge building with success.
Design: The authors discuss a set of high-leverage practices squarely under the teacher’s control. Grounded in longstanding and rigorous research, the integrated set of practices have been shown time and time again to accelerate achievement beyond typical growth while also intentionally considering the experiences, cultures, and linguistic knowledge students bring to the classroom. The re-conceptualized approach forefronts student agency and engages students in meaningful interactions with text to build knowledge of the world they live in.
Findings: The authors illustrate the comprehensive approach through a composite vignette drawn from work with teachers and students in school and clinical contexts. The focus of the vignette is on the actions of the classroom teacher who is working to meet the needs of three struggling readers within the broader context of her 5th-grade classroom, while also establishing a coherent instructional approach with fellow teachers.
Practical Implications: By re-conceptualizing their approaches to working with struggling readers, teachers increase the likelihood that students will not only develop component skills related to reading but also integrate these components and develop the conceptual expertise that anchors future reading and learning.
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Vijay Pereira, Nirma Sadamali Jayawardena, Rahul Sindhwani, Abhishek Behl and Benjamin Laker
The purpose of this study is twofold. Firstly, the authors have conducted a systematic investigation considering the historical pandemic periods (1991–2021) over 30 years to…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is twofold. Firstly, the authors have conducted a systematic investigation considering the historical pandemic periods (1991–2021) over 30 years to identify critical factors and business failure phenomenon during pandemics to explore “what”, “why” and “how” factors contributing to business failure during the COVID-19 pandemic and secondly identified interlinks of these factors to explain the phenomenon of business failure strategically through various quantitative models.
Design/methodology/approach
Firstly, the critical factors were identified through previous literature and systematically reported in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. To remove any bias in critical factor selection, Delphi method was employed. In the second phase, m-TISM approach was adopted to understand the interrelationships of the factors to develop the hierarchy levels. Lastly, MICMAC analysis was also done to evaluate the driving and dependence powers of the critical factors. For implementation of the stated methodology, expert opinion was collected to assess the critical factors based on their knowledge and experience. A total of seven experts were involved in this study.
Findings
Two major takeaways from the results of phase one were that “external environmental changes” was at the highest level and had the highest driving power as well as the lowest dependence power, while “inappropriate marketing techniques” was at the lowest level and had the highest dependence and lowest driving powers.
Practical implications
The ever-developing digital technologies act as a synonym to innovation and are shaping up to be the key to future-proofing any industry. However, before one can move towards developing effective strategies to mitigate any business disruptions, there is a need to assess the causes of business failures in the first place which is a major managerial implication identified through this study.
Originality/value
This paper can be considered as the first few studies to conduct a systematic investigation considering the historical pandemic periods (1991–2021) over 30 years to identify critical factors and business failure phenomenon during pandemics to explore “what”, “why” and “how” factors contributing to business failure during the COVID-19 pandemic and secondly identified interlinks of these factors to explain the phenomenon of business failure strategically through various quantitative models.