Investigating the role of business continuity during COVID-19: an empirical examination

This article investigates the role of business continuity practices during the COVID-19 outbreak in raising financial performance and supply chain disaster readiness. To do so, 322 organisations in France were surveyed in Spring 2020 and collected data were analysed through structural equation modelling using Amos 23. The results support both organisational information processing (OIPT) and resource-based view (RBV) theories regarding business continuity practices in the current health crisis. Furthermore, the findings indicate that firms that improve their supply chain disaster readiness are better at enhancing their financial performance. Some unexpected aspects of the results are also discussed such as the lack of negative impact of COVID-19 outbreak on business continuity practices. © 2023 Kedge Business School.

Disaster readiness' influence on the impact of supply chain resilience and robustness on firms' financial performance: a COVID-19 empirical investigation

This study investigates the impact of supply chain (SC) disaster readiness on SC resilience and robustness and the subsequent impact on firms' financial performance in the context of the COVID-19 outbreak. Drawing on the dynamic capabilities view and organisational readiness for change theory, we provide a theoretical model and assess data gathered of 398 French firms using structural equation modelling. The findings corroborate the role of SC disaster readiness in setting the stage for resilience and robustness. In addition, the results indicate the positive influence of SC resilience on financial performance;however, the effects of SC robustness on performance are not demonstrated. Based on these results, we offer theoretical and practical implications for the extant literature and provide further avenues for research.

A new survey tool for evaluating pandemic preparedness in health services.

BACKGROUND: Rapid decision-making with limited resources and prior research to draw upon posed challenges for health service leaders globally when preparing for COVID-19. How do health services prepare for a pandemic and evaluate if the preparation has been effective? This study aimed to explore health workers' perceptions and knowledge regarding preparedness for COVID-19 at a regional health service in Australia. METHODS: A 32-item online survey was developed to evaluate preparedness across five scales: 1) Clinical, 2) Communication, 3) Environment, 4) Human Resources, and 5) General Preparedness. Data were analyzed using parametric and non-parametric statistics and qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: Ninety-three employees completed the survey, with most working in clinical roles (58.1%). Respondents largely felt the health service was well-prepared (84.0%) and they were personally prepared (74.4%) to respond to COVID-19. Clinical and communication scale scores varied by role type. Respondents faced personal risk and resource shortages impacted their sense of safety; others felt adequately supported. CONCLUSIONS: A coordinated "whole hospital response", accessible and inclusive communication, education, adequate resourcing, and employee wellbeing supports are necessary when preparing health services for sentinel events. This survey tool offers health services an approach to evaluating pandemic preparation. Continued advocacy for resources and wellbeing needs of health workers is paramount in future preparations.

A comprehensive hospital agile preparedness (CHAPs) tool for pandemic preparedness, based on the COVID-19 experience.

COVID-19 presents an unprecedented challenge to hospitals and the systems in which they operate. The primary exponential surge of COVID-19 cases is arguably the most devastating event a hospital will face. In some countries, these surges during the initial outbreak of the disease have resulted in hospitals suffering from significant resource strain, leading to excess patient mortality and negatively impacting staff wellbeing. As experience builds in managing these surges, it has become evident that agile, tailored planning tools are required. The comprehensive hospital agile preparedness (CHAPs) tool provides clinical planners with six key domains to consider that frequently create resource strain during COVID-19; it also allows local planners to identify issues unique to their hospital, system or region. Although this tool has been developed from COVID-19 experiences, it has potential to be modified for a variety of pandemic scenarios according to transmission modes, rates and critical care resource requirements.