Business Continuity During Adversity and Strategies to Revive Certain Sectors

The study investigates the factors influencing business continuity during adversities like COVID-19. It further sheds light on priorities for preparedness measures that need to be taken to ensure continuity during these adversities. Exploratory research was conducted in the form of focussed interviews with 20 senior management industry professionals, and these were analyzed using N-Vivo, and four important determinants of business continuity were identified based on which a research model was conceptualized using business continuity as dependent variable and others as independent variables. The model was further tested using quantitative research. For this purpose, a questionnaire was prepared, and a total of 200 responses were collected representing 26 sectors. These responses were analyzed using factor and variance analysis, and a multiple regression analysis was performed to test the role of these variables on business continuity. It was further concluded that the factors that ensure business continuity differ according to the industry in which the business is operating.

How Do Educational Experiences Predict Computing Identity?

Despite increasing demands for skilled workers within the technological domain, there is still a deficit in the number of graduates in computing fields (computer science, information technology, and computer engineering). Understanding the factors that contribute to students’ motivation and persistence is critical to helping educators, administrators, and industry professionals better focus efforts to improve academic outcomes and job placement. This article examines how experiences contribute to a student’s computing identity, which we define by their interest, recognition, sense of belonging, and competence/performance beliefs. In particular, we consider groups underrepresented in these disciplines, women and minoritized racial/ethnic groups (Black/African American and Hispanic/Latinx). To delve into these relationships, a survey of more than 1,600 students in computing fields was conducted at three metropolitan public universities in Florida. Regression was used to elucidate which experiences predict computing identity and how social identification (i.e., as female, Black/African American, and/or Hispanic/Latinx) may interact with these experiences. Our results suggest that several types of experiences positively predict a student’s computing identity, such as mentoring others, having a job, or having friends in computing. Moreover, certain experiences have a different effect on computing identity for female and Hispanic/Latinx students. More specifically, receiving academic advice from teaching assistants was more positive for female students, receiving advice from industry professionals was more negative for Hispanic/Latinx students, and receiving help on classwork from students in their class was more positive for Hispanic/Latinx students. Other experiences, while having the same effect on computing identity across students, were experienced at significantly different rates by females, Black/African American students, and Hispanic/Latinx students. The findings highlight experiential ways in which computing programs can foster computing identity development, particularly for underrepresented and marginalized groups in computing.

The Impact of COVID-19 on the GCC Construction Industry

The Coronavirus pandemic has badly affected everyone on the earth. Apart from losing thousands of lives, businesses and individuals are going to be affected by the long-lasting financial effects due to an expected global recession. The impact of the financial crises can, however, be reduced if proper measured are put in place. This article aims to investigate the impact of Coronavirus on the construction industry in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member countries and provide recommendations to help the industry to sustain during this period of crisis. A qualitative research method involving face-to-face online interviews held with the construction industry professionals was adopted to achieve the aims and objectives of the research. Four main aspects of the impact on the construction industry are derived from analysis of interviews: 1) delays, 2) workforce management, 3) health and safety, and 4) legal issues. Recommendations are provided so that construction organizations in the GCC region can reduce the impact of Coronavirus on its businesses.

PENDIDIKAN ETIKA REKA BENTUK DALAM PROGRAM INDUSTRI KREATIF DI INSTITUSI PENGAJIAN TINGGI MALAYSIA [DESIGN ETHICS EDUCATION FOR CREATIVE INDUSTRIES PROGRAMMES IN MALAYSIAN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS]

Nowadays, the creative industry is rapidly developing with various technologies and creativity moving forward. However, problems and issues involving ethical aspects are still often seen on social media, television and print media, it clearly shows the lack of values and ethical aspects of the individual in the production of designs. Therefore, this study is conducted to propose the guidelines on ethical education design for creative industry programs in the institutions of higher learning. The objective of this study is to evaluate students' behavior towards design ethics among students of higher education institutions, evaluate teaching practices implemented by educators of higher education institutions as well as to assess challenges related to design ethics faced by creative industry professionals in submitting proposal regarding ethical education guidelines for creative industry programs. This study uses quantitative method which is the survey method in which questionnaires are distributed to respondents. For the sampling of studies, which is stratified sampling that refers to individual specific characteristic features in terms of his/her involvement in the creative industry. The numbers of respondents were 164 for the students, 108 respondents for the teaching staff and 89 respondents were from creative industry professionals. The findings of this study that are based on the mean value and standard deviation from the data collected through the survey study, show that students' behavior on ethical aspects is an important aspect of design ethics. Meanwhile, for the lecturers, the teaching practices implemented show that ethical aspects are a crucial element in the teaching sessions. Next, for the creative industry professionals, ethical aspects are considered as an important element in facing the challenges regarding design ethics. This is explained through the findings of students, lecturers and creative industry professionals through high recorded mean value. Therefore, it is clear that ethical aspects are a vital element to these three groups. Thus, a guideline on ethical education design for creative industry programs in institutions of higher learning is produced through the findings. Hence, this study provides a module on design ethics education that can be practiced in creative industry programs in Institutions of Higher Learning in Malaysia.

An Investigation of Repurchase Intentions in the Banking Industry: What Reason Do They Return?

In an increasingly competitive market, customer retention is imperative for businesses in the services sector, particularly banks. This study aims to understand how relationship quality as second-order impacts repurchase intentions based on the Theory of Repurchase Decision Making (TRD). The switching cost moderating role is addressed. The model was validated using empirical data from Pakistan. A regression modeling was adopted to measure the research hypotheses that underpinned a proposed conceptual model. Results show that relationship quality positively and significantly influences the repurchase intentions. Switching cost determined to be a moderator between relationship quality and repurchase intentions. The implication is that services industry professionals should not overlook the importance of relationship quality and switching costs, as they have a significant impact on repurchase intentions.

Indonesian professionals’ perspectives on flexible working arrangements as an alternative employment option post-Covid 19 recovery

The objective of the study is to assess how industry professionals perceive the implementation of flexible work arrangements (FWA) and what challenges are likely to enable or hinder its adoption in Indonesian companies. We conducted an intensive qualitative study for three months, guided by phenomenology, with 15 industry professionals representing multi-sectorial industries, as respondents. Laddered open-ended interviewing using two series of focus group discussions was employed. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Our findings show that industry professionals are in favor of FWA due to the many benefits it could bring to the employees like work-life balance, health and safety, flexible hours, convenience and comfort, and efficiency in the utilization of office space facilities.

Techniques and Tools for Trainers and Practitioners

If the material is to be delivered effectively, organizations need to understand the human side of cyber security training. In this chapter, the authors draw upon over a decade of experience in creating and adapting training and resources with the help of industry professionals and feedback from clients, which has led to a successful and highly acclaimed approach to cybersecurity education. The resulting discussion considers how to adopt the right approach to cybersecurity training for organizations, with training modules that cater to end users, and which are designed to ensure maximum retention of information by presenting short, humorous, animated scenarios that are relatable for the target audience.

Industry Survey on the Current State of Stope Design Methods in the Underground Mining Sector

Stope design is a core discipline within mining engineering. This study analyzes the current state-of-the-art of stope design through a survey addressed to mining industry professionals. In stope design research the dominance of empirical methods has slowly shifted towards numerical methods. Recent advancements have mostly focused on the development of stope optimization algorithms. The survey consisted of 19 questions and was distributed to stope design experts via email, LinkedIn messages, and the Mining Industry Professionals network forum. In total, 36 responses of satisfying quality from 20 countries were received and analyzed. No dominance of a single stope design method was recognized. Empirical methods and personal expertise are still used widely. However, a readiness for change in stope design practice was indicated in 87% of responses. The current needs of the stoping-based underground mining sector are to increase the amount of geotechnical data, automate stope design and implement related software, and integrate these into general mine planning. According to 70% of the participants, acquired geotechnical data should be available within three days to be employed in design practice. The industry is ready to implement more efficient stope design methods if they offer results proven in case studies.

THE POWER OF NETWORKS AND THE DIGITAL WORLD OF CO-CREATION: DESIGN TOOLS AND STRATEGIES

The purpose of this study is to understand how globalization is changing the set up of the architectural design industry and what strategies and technologies we, as industry professionals, can incorporate in our practices to meet the current industry demands. This paper discusses the power of the network and how it can positively redefi ne our approaches and expand our capabilities in design co-creation. This study looks at the history of architectural design, and analyzes current industry trends and demands. It also off ers a number of research-based solutions for more eff ective project delivery and design co-creation.

Biology and Management of Torpedograss (Panicum repens) in Ornamental Landscape Planting Beds

Torpedograss is one of the most invasive perennial grass species in Florida landscapes. This new 5-page publication of the UF/IFAS Environmental Horticulture Department was written for green industry professionals and others to aid in the identification and management of torpedograss in landscape planting beds. Written by Yuvraj Khamare, Candice Prince, and Chris Marble.https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep615