COVID-19, local food system and digitalisation of the agri-food sector

Purpose: This paper aims to evaluate the responses taken during the pandemic of COVID-19 in sustaining agricultural activities and safeguarding local food supply via digital platforms by applying the case study method. Design/methodology/approach: This paper uses a case study approach due to its systematic way of collecting data, analysing information and reporting results to understand the particular problem. For this study, secondary data consisting of government reports and documents are used to give a broader understanding of the impact of COVID-19 on the local food system and digital platform for agricultural produce. Findings: The impact of COVID-19 on the agri-food sector is the move towards a more resilient and sustainable local food system, whereby nations emphasise food security by encouraging local food production. This is done by boosting micro, small and medium enterprises' (MSME) output, "supporting local” initiatives and leveraging digital platforms and FinTech in business transactions. Research limitations/implications: This study highlights that MSMEs' adoption of digital platforms, particularly in the agri-food sector, demonstrates their willingness to embrace new business models that leverage technological advancements while maintaining the personal touch that attracts customers. Practical implications: This study implies that although the pandemic outbreak created prolonged uncertainties with an immediate impact on the economy and ways of doing business transactions, digital platforms and FinTech ensured continuous food supply during the period. Originality/value: This paper provides initial valuable insight to academics, practitioners and policymakers in agriculture and innovation management. It can be observed that digital platform and FinTech plays an essential role in ensuring safety and undisrupted food supply, especially in the case of fresh produce grown by local small-scale farmers and MSMEs. This creates a more resilient agri-food system and reduces the pressure from the conventional model of food purchase and social distancing requirements. © 2022, Emerald Publishing Limited.

Working from home, COVID-19 and multi-dimensional model of well-being theory

The well-being theory (WBT) identifies five well-being variables: positive emotion, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment (PERMA). These variables are significantly empirically verified predictors of flourishing or optimum well-being. However, empirical research for WBT's multidimensional model in the context of work from home, particularly during COVID-19, is limited. This study is important in order to analyse any potentials or challenges that could significantly determine the well-being of workers during WFH, for both public and private sector considerations. As such, this paper aims to contribute to the extant knowledge and practice of WFH from the perspective of the well being theory. Adopting a qualitative methodology, this study identifies the perceived benefits of WFH, including increased productivity, job satisfaction, reduced stress, improved work life balance, and better mental health. Challenges identified include increased work intensity, communication issues, and disruptions to work life balance. Further investigation into the gendered dimension of WFH and its relationship to the life stages of workers revealed a perceived equal relationship between genders, downplaying existing traditional gender stereotypes within participants' households. These findings shed some light on the importance of further research into well-being, particularly for workers and organisations opting for WFH in the post pandemic era. Copyright © 2022 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.

THE IMPACTS OF COVID-19 ON MSMES IN BRUNEI DARUSSALAM

The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly impacted the global economy. Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) of Brunei are among those were negatively affected due to the disruption to their supply chain and the enforced social distancing measures by the government. The suspension of dine-in services in Brunei has tremendously increased the demand for food delivery services during the pandemic. This research focuses on the impacts of the pandemic towards MSMEs that were growing rapidly during the outbreak in Brunei. The research focuses on food delivery platforms and digital marketplaces introduced by MSMEs and the government of Brunei. Shifting towards digital mediums was necessary to provide a platform to connect businesses and their consumers. A case study method was carried out to gather relevant insight from selected MSMEs. © 2022 by Nova Science Publishers, Inc.

Decision Aid in Logistics during COVID-19 Induced Disruption and Significance of a Digital Ecosystem

The COVID-19 outbreak tremendously increased the online purchase behaviour of consumers in most parts of the globe, induced higher demand for the delivery staff, and eventually resulted in a stricter working condition and shortage of delivery staff. Seldom research focuses on this emerging delivery workers' woes. This research embarks on a case study to appraise delivery workers' effectiveness, obstacles, and scenarios as unfolded and encountered during the COVID-19 period. The study analyses the factors that influence the delivery works in various sectors' workplace settings and makes recommendations for the logistics sector's digital transformation, particularly for firms that manage courier services, distribution centres, and e-commerce websites. The Root Cause Analysis (RCA) is utilised to create a proposal to assist the companies in avoiding similar future risks, particularly from parcel delivery staff. © 2022 IEEE.

E-learning in time of COVID-19 pandemic: Challenges & experiences

Covid-19 pandemic has triggered a massive adoption of E-learning. During the pandemic, remote activities are a must as an effort to control the spread of the virus, and Elearning becomes the best response in the time of crisis. This paper examines the core challenges and experiences associated with E-learning in the time of Covid-19 pandemic based on a qualitative approach using the Root Cause Analysis Tool. The phenomenon reflects the critical role of technologies where the teaching and learning processes are relying on the digital platform. Smart Mobile Devices with Internet connection remarkably supporting the education system during the outbreak in many countries at the same time, poses several challenges and obstacles like the digital divide, ICT infrastructure readiness, and psychological challenges of educators, students, as well as parents. While challenges largely immersed in the preparation process and activation, a strong strategic implementation of e-learning at all levels is as important, or even more important than its application and integration. © 2020 IEEE.