Analyzing the effects of COVID-19 pandemic on supplier performance evaluation factors via fuzzy cognitive map with a hybrid learning system

PurposeThe COVID-19 pandemic has proven that how supply chain management (SCM) can become a crucial process for sustainability of the world's production/service. The global supply chain crisis during pandemic has affected most of the sectors. Home and personal care products manufacturers are among them. In this study (1) the problems at SCM of personal and home care products manufacturers during pandemic are discussed with the help of medium-size manufacturer and (2) the factors affecting suppliers' performance for the relevant sector during COVID-19 are analyzed comprehensively.Design/methodology/approachThe importance of the factors is evaluated using fuzzy cognitive maps that can help to reveal hidden casual relationships with the help of expert knowledge. In order to eliminate subjectivity due to usage of expert knowledge, the maps are trained with a hybrid learning approach that consists of Non-linear Learning and Extended Great Deluge Algorithms to increase robustness of the analysis.FindingsThe findings of the study indicate that the factors such as general quality level of products/services, compliance to delivery time, communication skills and total production capacity of suppliers have been crucial factors during pandemic.Originality/valueWhile the implementation of the hybrid learning approach on supply chain can fill the gap in the relevant literature, the promising results of the study can prove the convenience of the methodology to model the of complex systems like supply chain processes.

Mind Mapping with Problem-Posing: Can It Affect Student's Problem-Solving Skills in Schoology-Based Learning?

Problem-solving skills are essential to help students in expressing their ideas. However, problem posing is a method that can empower problem-solving skills. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of mind mapping assisted with a problem-posing method in online Schoology-based learning. This experimental research used the posttest-only control group. The subject of this study were students of the Department of Biology Education, 2020/2021 academic year, Universitas Sembilanbelas November Kolaka. The sample was divided into an experimental class and a control class. The research instrument was post-test questions that were made based on the indicators of problem-solving skills. The result showed that the experimental class has the highest score on each indicator of problem-solving skills. In addition, the hypothesis testing result with a significance p-value was 0.025 (<0.05). It can be concluded that there is a significant difference between the experimental class and the control class. The average value of problem-solving skills in the experimental class is also higher than in the control class. These results indicated that the mind mapping assisted with a problem-posing method in online Schoology-based learning is effective in improving students' problem-solving skills.

Information Flows of Vaccination Opponents: Specifics of the Scale, Repertoire and Content of the "Anti-Vax " Movement in the Russian Segment of Social Media

This article presents the results of an applied study of information flows representing the activities of vaccination opponents in the Russian segment of the new media. Based on a combination of modern methods and tools of social media predictive analytics, the authors conclude that a full-fledged network movement of "anti-vaxxers" was formed during the COVID-19 pandemic in Russia. The authors formulate the main motivations for the digital activity of anti-vaccination opponents, describe the scale and nature of the new network movement, and determine the dominant structure and management models of anti-vaxx networks. The results of the study highlight the key risks of the development of information flows of the Russian anti-vaccinationists and substantiate the need to effectively counter the movement through the formation of a constructive media agenda.

Marketing geographical indication products in the digital age: a holistic perspective

Purpose>This paper analyses the impact of digitalization in the marketing of geographic indication (GI) products. Specifically, the objective is to provide a systemic and comprehensive view of marketing issues and challenges arising from evolving digitalization in the agriculture sector.Design/methodology/approach>The authors employed an explorative cognitive mapping technique on a sample of key informants among Italian companies and a consortium of registered food, spirits and wine products.Findings>This study describes the key concepts dominant in the discourse of informants concerning digitalization and its influence on the GI market. Three clusters and two loops were also identified to explain the relationship among key concepts, which stress changes regarding the relationship with the consumer, product experience and innovation, and the integration between physical and virtual space.Research limitations/implications>This is the first attempt to apply cognitive maps to GIs. However, the study does have limitations: it was conducted on a small number of producers and was restricted to only Italy. Another limitation is that interviews were conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic.Practical implications>The results suggest important practical implications that stress the need for learning and increased digital competences for the efficient embedding of digital technologies in all business areas, increase product value and innovation, and the need for governance in support of digital transformation.Originality/value>This work creates the new and valuable literature on food marketing and, specifically, on a changing market environment resulting from digitalization, by providing a holistic overview of digitalization in reference to the marketing of GIs.

The Effectiveness of Centralized Payment Network Advertisements on Digital Branding during the COVID-19 Crisis

Crises are always challenging for banking systems. In the case of COVID-19, centralized payment networks and FinTech companies’ websites have been affected by user behavior globally. As a result, there is ample opportunity for marketing managers and professionals to focus on big data from FinTech websites. This can contribute to a better understanding of the variables impacting their brand name and how to manage risk during crisis periods. This research is divided into three stages. The first stage presents the web analytics and the data retrieved from the FinTech platforms. The second stage illustrates the statistical analysis and the fuzzy cognitive mapping (FCM) performed. In the final stage, an agent-based model is outlined in order to simulate and forecast a company’s brand name visibility and user behavior. The results of this study suggest that, during crises, centralized payment networks (CPNs) and FinTech companies with high organic traffic tend to convert new visitors to actual “customers”.

Combining Cognitive Mapping and indigenous knowledge to improve food environments in regional New Zealand.

ISSUE ADDRESSED: Hawke's Bay has one of the highest rates of childhood obesity in New Zealand. While several initiatives exist aiming to decrease obesity through physical activity, there are few nutritional interventions. This study adopted a systems science and matauranga Maori approach to identify and target underlying drivers of rising childhood obesity and engage the community to improve the food environment. METHODS: Cognitive mapping interviews (CM) with local stakeholders (school principals, Iwi and district health board representatives, education managers and local councillors) were conducted. The aim was to map participants' mental models of the causes of rising childhood obesity and to identify key principles for engaging with the local community in a meaningful, impactful and culturally appropriate way for future action. RESULTS: Eleven interviews were conducted face-to-face and cognitive maps were constructed. Follow-up interviews were carried out online, due to COVID restrictions, to present the maps and for interviewees to make any adjustments. Four composite themes emerged through centrality and cluster analysis of the resulting cognitive maps: the importance of building in matauranga Maori (Maori knowledge and ways of being), the "hauora" of children, working with the community and integrating existing initiatives. Two contextual factors are also considered: the growing need for food security in our communities and the opportunity to start interventions in the school setting. CONCLUSION: Cognitive mapping can produce useful insights in the early stages of community engagement. The six "pou" (pillars) underscore the importance of incorporating indigenous knowledge when embarking on public health interventions, particularly around obesity and in regional communities. SO WHAT?: When designing a public health initiative with a community with a high indigenous population, indigenous knowledge should be promoted to focus on holistic health, working with the community and creating opportunities for cohesion. These founding principles will be used to structure future community actions to improve children's food environments in regional New Zealand.