Identifying Digital Transformation Paths in the Business Model of SMEs during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The objective of this study was to analyze how small and medium enterprises (SMEs) cope with environmental changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic by pursuing the business model transformation with the support of digital technologies. To achieve the objective, this study used a multiple case study design with qualitative analysis to examine the data obtained from interviews, observation, and field visits. Seven manufacturing SMEs from Indonesia were selected using a theoretical sampling technique, with the purpose of achieving some degree of variation to allow us to undertake replication logic. Our analysis demonstrates that SMEs adopt a different degree of digital transformations, which can be summarized into three paths, depending on the firms' contextual factors. First, SMEs with a high level of digital maturity who respond to the challenges by accelerating the transition toward digitalized firms;second, SMEs experiencing liquidity issues but a low level of digital maturity who decide to digitalize the sales function only;and, third, the SMEs that have very limited digital literacy but are supported by a high level of social capital. This last group of firms solves the challenges by finding partners who possess excellent digital capabilities. The qualitative case study method allows us to conduct in-depth and detailed analysis, but has thin generalizability. To address this limitation, future research can use a survey covering various industries to test the proposed theory that has resulted from this study, so that the generalizability can be assured.

Domain-based ambidexterity for managing a dual business model in the hospitality industry in the midst of COVID-19 pandemic: an exploratory study

Purpose This study aims to analyse how a hotel company manages ambidexterity when operating different business models in different markets located in the same country. Design/methodology/approach This research was conducted using a qualitative case study, and the subjects were selected using the theoretical sampling technique. A corporation managing two hotel business units located in the same city but operating different business models - a premium and a low-cost business model - were selected as subjects. Findings The empirical evidence revealed that an ambidextrous business model can be realized through integration or separation of appropriate domains of business activities. The empirical findings further showed that exploitations are easier to integrate than explorations. Practical implications The authors found that firms using structural separation for managing premium and low-cost business models can avoid market cannibalism and achieve synergies between different business models if business model ambidexterity is well managed. Originality/value This study extends research in the area of ambidexterity and business models. It responds to calls to examine how firms using structural separation implement business model ambidexterity in practice, particularly in service sectors. By analysing the details of activities within the business model, the authors advance the understanding of which domains are suitable for an integration or separation approach.

IoT-based Covid-19 Patient Service Robot Design

Various innovations have emerged since the Covid-19 Pandemic. Innovations that arise are mainly to reduce the rate of disease spread. Studies on the development of robots are still rare when viewed from various studies. This study enriches the conceptual research related to designing a patient care robot that can be controlled remotely. The technology developed is based on the Internet of Things (IoT). This robot can deliver patient needs and communicate with patients through the LCD screen available on the robot. With the design of this Covid-19 patient service robot, patient care can be carried out remotely. This technology has the potential to be developed and optimized according to the needs in the field.