Rethinking risk management in times of crisis:the effect of COVID-19 on small and medium-sized enterprises in Scotland

PurposeThe Scottish economy was experiencing steady growth prior the hit of the COVID-19, with the pandemic causing the government to announce extreme lockdown measures with unprecedented impact on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Whilst some of the industry sectors in Scotland took a lighter hit, a large part of the organizations had to either adapt or completely disrupt their business. An essential aspect of their survival, risk management (RM) was among the areas requiring the most significant acceleration. This study compared the RM practices implemented by Scottish SMEs prior and after the outbreak as well as examined the attitudes of key decision-makers in the SMEs in relation to risk, including their perceived readiness for another crisis of similar significance.Design/methodology/approachAn online survey based on ISO 31000 RM guidelines was distributed to 232 Scottish SMEs. Based on the official government reports and existing knowledge on how SMEs around the world have handled crisis events within the past 20 years, the authors developed the hypothesis that crisis events significantly accelerate SMEs' RM implementation. Around 13 items were tested in relation to the hypothesis and responses were tested via two-tailed T-test to establish significant statistical difference.FindingsThe research provides insight into the current state of risk management practices implemented by Scottish SMEs. As expected, SMEs showed significant difference in their RM implementation prior and after the COVID-19 outbreak. Whilst this has been viewed as a positive, motivations, priorities and approaches in managing risk demonstrated by the SMEs is questionable with views to their sustainable long-term recovery. The study highlights the lack of confidence instilled within the SMEs that they can handle another crisis of similar significance and provides directions for further investigation and improvements with the aim of helping the SMEs prepare better to mitigate the consequences of future crisis events.Originality/valueIn academic sense, the study offers a tested universal framework and a detailed questionnaire for assessment of RM strategy, applicable to organisations of various type, size and geography. Several implications with regards to managerial practices have been highlighted, including the neglect of the SMEs’ own internal environments and its significance in their risk strategies, the predominantly reactive approach to RM displayed by most Scottish SMEs as well as the neglect of compliance risk leading to potential quality and customer satisfaction issues preventing SMEs from full post-crisis recovery

Impact of implementation of digital record systems on service setting. A case study of care homes in the United Kingdom

Purpose With the lifespan increase of the UK population, care homes are experiencing greater pressure to improve the quality of their settings to meet the demand for longer term care of residents. Among the biggest challenges for care home staff has been documentation management. Staff are required to accurately complete and submit care records during each shift as per the Care Quality Commission regulations. Technological advancement has allowed the UK health care sector to implement new digital systems to make the services more efficient and reliable. However, despite the increasing number of care providers using electronic care recording to capture data on service users, the research on the efficiency and efficacy of those systems remains limited. Methodology Survey and observational data were provided by an organisation managing 5 care homes in the United Kingdom, that have recently implemented an electronic care planning system. The authors analysed the quantitative data to compare the care note taking process in pre and post implementation of the e-system. Findings The statistical analysis identified that the total number of care notes being recorded had significantly increased across the sample. The e-system enabled an increase in fluid notes being recorded too. Survey data portrayed that 53% of staff felt using an electronic system improves accuracy and 67% agreed using a system let them record information quicker, although that does not result in staff having extra time to spend on “meaningful” activities with service users. Research limitations/implications The study provides an insight into whether an e-system brings sufficient return to justify the investment of its implementation, highlighting the exact areas of care and service quality impacted by its use. From an academic perspective, the research furthers the existing literature by demonstrating the impact of digital systems beyond medication intake recording. The study is practical for healthcare managers exploring the possibility of implementing an e-system, seeking to understand the benefits and limitations of such investment, presenting the views of both residents and staff. 2 Originality/Value Technological advancement has allowed the UK health care sector to implement new digital systems to make the services more efficient and reliable. However, despite the increasing number of care providers using electronic care recording to capture data on service users, the research on the efficiency and efficacy of those systems remains limited

Identifying elements contributing to effective online learning delivery in higher education institutions – a systematic literature review

Purpose The shift from in-person to online education was among the disruptive changes catalysed by the pandemic. Although today online learning modes outpace traditional ones, there is limited information on effective online learning design and delivery approaches to allow educators to effectively combine pedagogy and andragogy with technology in pursuit of Education 4.0. Methodology The authors performed a Systematic Literature Review, looking at relevant academic peer-reviewed journal articles, published within the last 5 years. A thorough filtering process narrowed the sample of articles down to 44, which were then taken further for a Thematic Analysis. A set of aspects contributing for effective online learning delivery were identified as emerging themes among the final sample of papers, classified under the 4 core modes of learner interactions. Findings Communication between lecturers and students remains a fundamental factor for academic success. The student awareness of “self” is an essential in an online learning delivery mode, due to the process enforcing self-regulation. There is discrepancy between educators and students’ perspectives in various instances, with a debate over the effectiveness of both pedagogies and andragogies for adult learning. The spotlight is on student-centric design, immersive learning experiences, simulations and interactive multimedia, non-traditional subject-authentic assessments, and content access and accessibility. Popular methods for learning enhancement such as the “flipped classroom” approach do not perform as effectively in online settings, while scheduling lengthier amounts of time for self-directed learning are recommended. Research limitations/implications There is clear necessity for the establishment of frameworks to guide the education process, whether that is for fully online or blended learning approaches. The dynamic growth of online learning naturally leads to the question regarding the overall educational effectiveness of online delivery and making steps in the direction of establishing such framework has implications for both academic and support staff at higher education institutions. Having formulated a conceptual framework based on the emerging themesin the final samples of studies, the authors recommend primary research to be undertaken with both students and educators. Originality/Value A central force in speeding the UK’s recovery from the pandemic in times of Education 4.0, it is essential that universities establish a robust framework for assessment of the quality of online learning delivery. The study encourages university authorities to consider the features of effective online learning while calibrating and responding to individual student needs in the interest of continuous improvement of the quality of student experience

Highlights: IEEE ITS Society Technical Committee on Mobile Communications Networks for ITS

[EN] The TC on 'Mobile Networks for ITS' has been in existence since 2005. It will continue to initiate activities (through journal and magazine special issues, workshops, conferences, forums, etc.,) and to promote the technical interactions among professionals in the field. The success of the TC will depend on the contributions of its members and organizers. We would like to thank Prof. Urbano Nunes (VP Technical Activities) for inviting us to submit this highlight. We would also like to thank all the TC members who have supported us over the years. We look forward to your continual participation in the future.This work was partially supported by the Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación, Spain, under Grant TIN2011-27543-C03-01.Toh, CK.; Higashino, T.; Cano Escribá, JC.; Weigle, MC. (2012). Highlights: IEEE ITS Society Technical Committee on Mobile Communications Networks for ITS. IEEE Intelligent Transportation Systems Magazine. 4(1):33-37. doi:10.1109/MITS.2011.2178875S33374