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Damage and Hope: Living with COVID-19 towards Better Management

Accepted papers will be published on a continuous basis (as soon as accepted) and listed together on this special issue page of the journal.

Final publication date of the Special Issue: October 2020

 

1. NEW TRENDS IN HRM & KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT IN THE HEALTH SECTOR BEYOND COVID-19 - A PRACTICAL MODEL   RECEIVED: 30.03.2020 REVISED: 03.04.2020 FIRST ONLINE: 06.04.2020 Mohammed MERI Strasbourg University - Laboratoire Sage, Strasbourg France DOI:https://doi.org/10.24818/beman/2020.S.I.1-01

The world of work and the status of the human being is constantly changing by the influence of new technologies and the contributions of scientists and practitioners of HRM; therefore, the human being is currently considered as a wealth and its value is maximized. Economists have called it (human capital), accountants (human assets), while contemporary managers have called it (knowledge capital). This change has occurred in the perception of HR due to the transformations that affected the work process began with the TIC revolution of the 21st century, which is concentrated on creativity, innovation based on Competencies to achieve total quality and well-being. But globalization, by for-profit companies, has prioritized profit and the values added to the detriment of which weakened the existence of medical organizations and their personnel as revealed by the Covid-19. Currently, political leaders in the democratic world are turning their eyes and considering human strategies that protect human and open the doors of health protection. Strategic and innovative leadership move on to the development of preventive management which concentrates its priority investments on the KM. New HRM trends, knowledge management (KM) and transformational organizations have become a “strategic” investment as an option in institution building and in health organizations. This new approach adopts the method of KM, competency management in HRM in order to achieve a high-level performance of merit characteristics, efficiency and effectiveness, which combine (motivation, constant incentive, qualities of excellence, clear self-orientation, in-depth and up-to-date knowledge and competencies, ...). This paper presents the subject of new trends in HRM and KM in the health sector as well as the principles of these trends, European, Canadian and American application models, it offers a practical model aimed at improving the health system after Covid-19, in close relation with the improvement of HRM.

2. REACTIONS OF SMALL TO MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN MASVINGO, ZIMBABWE TO COVID 19: IMPLICATIONS ON PRODUCTIVITY

RECEIVED: 06.04.2020

REVISED: 12.04.2020

FIRST ONLINE: 13.04.2020

Takupiwa NYANGA

Julius Nyerere School of Social Science, Great Zimbabwe Univerity, Masvingo

Zimbabwe

Herbert ZIRIMA

Julius Nyerere School of Social Science, Great Zimbabwe Univerity, Masvingo

Zimbabwe

DOI:https://doi.org/10.24818/beman/2020.S.I.1-02

The COVID 19 pandemic has had a significant impact on livelihoods; the virus has affected not only the health sector but the work life of people as the government instituted measures to contain the spread of the virus. This study sought to explore how SMEs in Masvingo, Zimbabwe were affected by a government declared lockdown. In particular, the study sought to establish how the SMEs responded to the lockdown, the strategies that they instituted and the implications of the lockdown on the productivity of the SMEs. A qualitative approach was adopted specifically adopting the descriptive case study approach as a research methodology. Ten participants who participated in this study were conveniently selected from 7 purposively selected SMEs in Masvingo town. In-depth interviews were used for data collection. Results indicated that SMEs were negatively affected by the lockdown. Most of them stopped operations and had to lay off some of their employees. Production in most cases was halted and this entailed that the future after the lockdown was bleak for them. The SMEs appealed for government support to enable them to resuscitate after the lockdown.

3. coping mechanisms adopted by people during the covid-19 lockdown in zimbabwe

RECEIVED: 10.04.2020

REVISED: 18.04.2020

FIRST ONLINE: 23.04.2020

Tsitsi CHIROMBE

Julius Nyerere School of Social Science, Great Zimbabwe Univerity, Masvingo

Zimbabwe

Sharon BENZA

Julius Nyerere School of Social Science, Great Zimbabwe Univerity, Masvingo

Zimbabwe

Epiphania MUNETSI

Julius Nyerere School of Social Science, Great Zimbabwe Univerity, Masvingo

Zimbabwe

Herbert ZIRIMA

Julius Nyerere School of Social Science, Great Zimbabwe Univerity, Masvingo

Zimbabwe

DOI:https://doi.org/10.24818/beman/2020.S.I.1-03

In response to the outbreak of COVID 19 cases in Zimbabwe, the government declared a twenty-one-day lockdown beginning the 30th of March 2020. This study sought to analyse the coping mechanisms that people adopted to survive the lockdown. Specifically, the study explored the social, psychological, religious and physical coping mechanisms adopted by Zimbabweans. A qualitative approach was taken in doing this study, specifically making use of the document analysis design. Data was then collected from a social media platform which is WhatsApp. Forty WhatsApp messages and status updates were analyzed in this research. The lockdown presented challenges and opportunities; some people were struggling to cope yet some saw this as an opportunity to do things that they had no time for. The study revealed that people resorted to WhatsApp groups to connect with workmates, friends, schoolmates and relatives. Most Zimbabweans resorted to indoor games with their family members, exercise, listening to music and gardening. With the restricted movement imposed as a result of lockdown, people had to engage in prayer and other religious activities in their homes. Students found the lockdown as a good opportunity to engage in research and also made use of platforms such as the Google Classroom to continue learning. The study recommends that Zimbabweans should follow government regulations in order to curb the spread of COVID 19 and similar pandemics in the future.

4. PSYCHO-SOCIAL EXPERIENCES OF YOUTHS DURING THE COVID-19 LOCKDOWN: INSIGHTS FROM HARARE, ZIMBABWE

RECEIVED: 14.04.2020

REVISED: 22.04.2020

FIRST ONLINE: 23.04.2020

Nicola MAZWI

Great Zimbabwe University, School of Social Sciences, Department of Psychology, Masvingo

Zimbabwe

Bongani SEREMANI

Great Zimbabwe University, School of Social Sciences, Department of Psychology, Masvingo

Zimbabwe

Tsungai KASEKE

Great Zimbabwe University, School of Social Sciences, Department of Psychology, Masvingo

Zimbabwe

Clemencia LUNGU

Great Zimbabwe University, School of Social Sciences, Department of Psychology, Masvingo

Zimbabwe

DOI:https://doi.org/10.24818/beman/2020.S.I.1-04

The COVID-19 pandemic that started in Wuhan, Hubei province in China in December 2019 has brought about varied psycho-social experiences to youths during the COVID-19 lockdown period. World Health Organisation warned that the coronavirus and the restrictive measures around it would have negative effects on people’s mental health and well-being. Current scientific literature reveals that in China, UK and Spain COVID-19 outbreak resulted in symptoms leading to psychological disorders while in Africa the 2014 Ebola outbreak resulted in social and economic breakdowns in people’s livelihoods. This qualitative study made use of document analysis as a research design. WhatsApp messages were analysed using thematic analysis. The study sought to explore how youths in Harare, Zimbabwe responded to the lockdown and ways in which the lives of the youths were psychologically and socially affected. Research questions were on; how youths in Harare responded to the lockdown; how the lockdown affected the youths; in what ways the lockdown affected psychological lives of the youths and what can be done in future in order to improve the lives of youths during pandemics. The study revealed that some youths of Harare presented psychological conditions leading to PTSD symptoms such as stress, confusion, anger, anxiety and depression while some embraced COVID-19 Lockdown as it improved family and social ties. It was also noted that youths should be able to access psychological services during epidemics in order to avert surges in mental health illnesses emanating from national lockdowns.

5. HAPPINESS FACING TO THE PERFIDIOUS AND INVISIBLE CHALLENGE OF COVID-19

RECEIVED: 10.04.2020

REVISED: 24.04.2020

FIRST ONLINE: 27.04.2020

Alexandru TRIFU

University „Petre Andrei” of Iași

Romania

DOI:https://doi.org/10.24818/beman/2020.S.I.1-05

In this study we are dealing with a new aspect of the problem in discussion that is the pursuing of Happiness, supported by institutions and regulations in the domain, but in moments of disturbances, in moments of crisis. We need to have goals, actions to be accomplished, in order to achieve the desired state of satisfaction or Happiness that anyone can have. We are in the presence of a double determination: the first one is represented by the material, especially money background, influencing the life and activities of households and entities and, the second one is represented by the reverse action that is of Happiness affecting the management and the activities of individuals, households and firms/organizations. The survey of the literature in the field, data from the World Health Organization, from the national authorities, analyses of the specialists in healthcare and economics, reports of the people in difficult health and economic situations are used in order to be able to synthesize the situation at this moment and possible forecasts regarding medical healing and economic recovery of the countries. Nothing is hard to manage, if you have knowledge, required abilities/skills to anticipate challenges or to make fast and right decisions, altogether at Micro and Macro-levels, in the benefit of all parts involved in. The huge interest is to re-establish the economies, mental health of people, i.e. the elements of a functional economic infrastructure.

6. CHALLENGES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF EMERGENCY PUBLIC PROCUREMENT PERFORMED IN ROMANIA TO COMBAT THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

RECEIVED: 28.05.2020

REVISED: 25.06.2020

FIRST ONLINE: 28.06.2020

Ionel PREDA

Bucharest University of Economic Studies,

Romania

DOI:https://doi.org/10.24818/beman/2020.S.I.1-06

The spread of the pandemic generated by the emergence of the new COVID-19 coronavirus quickly became a reality that we cannot ignore and that has caused a series of rapid changes in our personal and professional life, while being a challenge from a managerial point of view. Emergency public procurement has been one of the measures taken by all governments affected by the pandemic to support health systems and limit the spread of the virus. The article analyzes the literature on public procurement in emergency situations and the main features of emergency public procurement management functions. It also describes how public procurement procedures have been simplified in Romania during the state of emergency, the benefits achieved and the problems encountered in conducting procurement procedures to combat the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

7. THE IMPACT OF ORGANIZATIONAL STRESS ON THE HUMAN RESOURCES FROM THE HEALTH SYSTEM During covid-19 Pandemic

RECEIVED: 17.06.2020

REVISED: 27.06.2020

FIRST ONLINE: 29.06.2020

Ana-Mădălina POTCOVARU

Bucharest University of Economic Studies,

Romania

DOI:https://doi.org/10.24818/beman/2020.S.I.1-07

This article shows the impact of organizational stress on the human resources from the health system. The research wants to highlight the main stressors factors among the medical staff, physicians, and assistants from Târgoviște Emergency Hospital from Dâmbovița County and to determine if the organizational stress affects the personal life of the employees. Understanding the sources of stress and reducing them has a great impact on job satisfaction and on the relationship patient-physician. Also, the article presents the impact of the COVID-19 on the health care workers from a psychological point of view. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) affected global mental health.

8. THE UNIVERSAL IMPACT OF THE HEALTH CRISES ON THE INTERNATIONAL TOURISM: THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AS A CASE

RECEIVED: 21.06.2020

REVISED: 02.07.2020

FIRST ONLINE: 04.07.2020

Mohammed BENBOUZIANE

Higher School of Management, Tlemcen

Algeria

Tarik SAIDI

Higher School of Management, Tlemcen

Algeria

DOI:https://doi.org/10.24818/beman/2020.S.I.1-08

This study aims to explore the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the components of the international tourism (the international tourists arrivals, the international tourists receipts, Hospitality and restaurants, The employment in tourism.); to achieve this purpose, we divide the paper into two axes, the first is devoted to the literature review of the issue, while the second is devoted to studying a set of studies and statistics issued by a group of the international reports. Finally, the initial results at the beginning of this pandemic indicate a decrease in the international flows of tourists by about 30% in the first semester of 2020 relative to 2019 as a result of the quarantine, which will negatively affect all components of the international tourism sector.

9. ART CONSUMPTION DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC: INFLUENCE UPON THE sentiment OF LIFE FULFILMENT

RECEIVED: 02.06.2020

REVISED: 05.07.2020

FIRST ONLINE: 08.07.2020

Iuliana COMAN

Bucharest University of Economic Studies,

Romania

DOI:https://doi.org/10.24818/beman/2020.S.I.1-09

Art has been present in our life since the beginning of the humanity, participating to the evolution of society and at the same time reflecting the different stages of human evolution. The aim of this paper is to offer a short analysis regarding the art consumption during the Covid-19 crisis presenting several convictions, perceptions and influences which are manifesting in the art consumers behavior. The research analyzed the influences of art upon the feeling of life fulfilment and upon convictions regarding the capacity of art to influence the life of society.The analysis is performed using data obtained from an experimental survey on a sample of 200 persons with higher education in the south of Romania. Data were analyzed using SPSS and Microsoft Excel and contain descriptive tables. The analysis took into consideration the comparisons of the results obtained using different statistical methods. Following the analysis, it was concluded that the consumption of art continued during Covid-19 crisis, the frequency of art consume were rather high due to the availability of various Internet platforms: 75% of respondents consume at least weekly movies on Internet platforms like Netflix or HboGo; 34% of respondents consume weekly theater on Internet platforms (online TV stations, plays broadcast online, others); 73% of respondents consume at least weekly music on Internet platforms (online TV stations, music broadcast online, others). Another conclusion of the research is that the presence of art manifests influences upon the sentiment of life fulfilment and upon the convictions regarding the capacity of art to participate to the consolidation of society.

10. TECHNOLOGIC TRANSFER PARTICULARITIES IN THE BEGINNING OF THE THIRD MILLENNIUM. A SARS-COV2 PANDEMIC PERSPECTIVE

RECEIVED: 18.06.2020

REVISED: 14.07.2020

FIRST ONLINE: 20.07.2020

Claudiu CICEA

Bucharest University of Economic Studies,

Romania

 Ștefan Cătălin POPA

Bucharest University of Economic Studies,

Romania

Cătălina Florentina ALBU

Bucharest University of Economic Studies,

Romania

Cezar SIMION

Bucharest University of Economic Studies,

Romania

DOI:https://doi.org/10.24818/beman/2020.S.I.1-10

Technology transfer is one of the most important vectors for promoting technical progress in a society and for economic growth in general. It is a very complex process, with major implications on the standard of living of a population and on the level of competitiveness for a national economy. In this paper we propose to analyze the main meanings of the concept of technology transfer, the concrete ways of achieving it, the actors that are involved as well as the ways of evaluation. Particular attention will be paid to the particularities of technology transfer in the current context of the medical (and economic) crisis generated by the SARS-VOC2 virus pandemic.

11. DESIGNING A PLAN FOR KEEPING A CONFERENCE IN COVID-19 CONTEXT

RECEIVED: 19.06.2020

REVISED: 27.07.2020

FIRST ONLINE: 04.08.2020

Irina-Miruna RADU

Bucharest University of Economic Studies,

Romania

DOI:https://doi.org/10.24818/beman/2020.S.I.1-11

The current social context, where we are facing problems like COVID-19 and climate changes, has created an environment where humans have to be innovative and find new ways to continue their lives showing respect for the rules, for the other people’s lives and for the planet Earth. This paper seeks to advance the understanding of designing a virtual conference through identifying advantages and challenges and to provide a draft plan for organizing a conference, a plan using tools available on the market. The researched problem was approached via a two-step selection process of the most relevant studies in achieving the objectives. As a result, the paper highlights the strengths that can be used to plan a successful virtual conference, only if the challenges are overcome. It also offers a schema for a virtual conference. As a conclusion, this article takes steps in identifying and preparing a universal plan to support the community in keeping events like conferences in the actual context with technologies available on the market.

12. COVID-19: IMPACT OF LOCKDOWN ON TOURISM & HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY

RECEIVED: 01.08.2020

REVISED: 28.09.2020

FIRST ONLINE: 02.10.2020

Amit JOSHI

ICFAI business school, ICFAI University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand,

India

Preeti BHASKAR

University of Technology and Applied Sciences, Ibra, Oman & ICFAI University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand,

India

DOI:https://doi.org/10.24818/beman/2020.S.I.1-12

As countries are isolating themselves from rest of the world to secure themselves from the pandemic- COVID 2019, it is definite imperative that the world economy will suffer a deep adverse impact. Amidst lockdown imposed by the Indian government, it is paramount to understand which companies are predominantly adversely affected and how those companies are managing their human resources. The authors initiate to divulge the consequences of lockdown arising because of COVID19 on the Hospitality and Tourism sectors in India. It also showcases its impact on the employees working in these organizations and the remedial measures that are being adopted by them. The significance of the article is that it gives an understanding of the unique HR policies that are being adopted by the companies in dire circumstances to assist and facilitate their employees. The article extends certain suggestions to the Government that may be adopted to retrieve the Tourism and Hospitality from financial burden and curb unemployment.

13. LEVELS OF HOPELESSNESS DURING COVID-19 IMPOSED LOCKDOWN

RECEIVED: 30.07.2020

REVISED: 29.09.2020

FIRST ONLINE: 02.10.2020

Emmanuel MAZITI

Great Zimbabwe University, Masvingo,

Zimbabwe

Agnes MUJURU

Great Zimbabwe University, Masvingo,

Zimbabwe

DOI:https://doi.org/10.24818/beman/2020.S.I.1-13

Pandemics have been experienced since the existence of the known world. Their nature of operation has robbed many people the eye to see the bright future ahead. This study focused on how the recently experienced world epidemic namely covid-19 which started in China’s Wuhan province in 2019, affected the levels of hopelessness in the general population in Zimbabwe. The study adopted a quantitative approach using the quasi-experimental design. 103 participants, above 18 years, both males and females were selected using an online Beck Hopelessness scale. Descriptive statistics, Pearson chi-square and ANOVA were computed, and analysis was aided using Microsoft excel and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.0. Results revealed that the sample had a moderate level of hopelessness, with no significant differences in different age groups as well as no significant difference in levels of hopelessness between males and females. The study concluded that pandemics are associated with some levels of hopelessness and recommended that as the nations are disseminating Covid-19 facts, statistics and prognosis, it must be accompanied by hopeful messages to kindle hope in the general population.

14. COVID 19 PANDEMIC SHIFTING THE JOB SATISFACTION LANDSCAPE AMONG EMPLOYEES

RECEIVED: 20.08.2020

REVISED: 06.10.2020

FIRST ONLINE: 25.10.2020

Takupiwa NYANGA

Great Zimbabwe University, Masvingo,

Zimbabwe

Andrew CHINDANYA

Great Zimbabwe University, Masvingo,

Zimbabwe

DOI:https://doi.org/10.24818/beman/2020.S.I.1-14

The purpose of this study was to analyze the implication of COVID 19 on job satisfaction among workers in SMEs in Zimbabwe. A purely qualitative study was undertaken to establish how COVID 19 affects the attitude of workers towards their work. The study utilized a multiple case study design with an interview being utilized as the main data collection tool. Data was collected from a sample of 20 (n=20) participants who were selected using purpose sampling approach. Data was analyzed using a combination of thematic analysis and descriptive analysis. The study found out that COVID 19 significantly affects job satisfaction among workers in SMEs. COVID 19 resulted in the decrease in workers’ salaries, employment opportunities and job security. The study also found out that COVID 19 increases employee stress due to fear of contracting the disease and propel poor working conditions for workers in SMEs. It was therefore recommended that employers should lay special emphasis on ways and strategies that protect workers from contracting COVID 19. The measures and strategies which can be used to promote employee satisfaction during the COVID 19 pandemic include among others giving workers risk allowances, creating a safe work environment, provide personal protective equipment to workers and employing flexible work arrangements.

15. AN ANALYSIS OF YOUTH BEHAVIOR ON SOCIAL MEDIA NETWORKS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC. EVIDENCE FROM ROMANIA

RECEIVED: 26.08.2020

REVISED: 11.10.2020

FIRST ONLINE: 25.10.2020

Andreea BARBU

University POLITEHNICA of Bucharest,

Romania

DOI:https://doi.org/10.24818/beman/2020.S.I.1-15

The year 2020 represents a year of balance for both the economic and the social environment. Since March 2020, when the World Health Organization declared a state of pandemic for COVID-19, everything has changed for people's personal or professional lives. Information about the new virus is spread globally, through the authorities, television, specialized websites, or even social networks. Given that social networks were heavily used even before the COVID-19 pandemic, it is interesting to investigate how they were used during the pandemic by users. The goal of this paper is to determine how young people used social networks during this period. In this sense, quantitative research has been developed based on a questionnaire that was addressed to the 4th year students specializing in Engineering and Business Management at the Polytechnic University of Bucharest. The pilot study presented in this paper investigates a sample of young people from Bucharest, Romania, analyzing the reasons why young people use social networks when it comes to the situation of the new virus, but also the reasons why they now use social networks, following their new behavior on these platforms during this period. Also, the paper analyses the time spent by respondents on social networks before the pandemic and after it started. According to this study, Twitter, Skype, and Facebook are the most used social networks during the quarantine days. Young people use the most of social networks for relaxation, while when they use Instagram, they often end up buying things that they see posted there.

16. ADJUSTING A STRATEGIC CASH-FLOW MODEL FOR BANGLADESHI SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES: THE ART OF SURVIVING COVID-19 EMERGENCY  

RECEIVED: 15.09.2020

REVISED: 13.10.2020

FIRST ONLINE: 25.10.2020

Ariful ISLAM

University of Putra, Putra Business School, 

Malaysia

Adil MANSOOR

University of Putra, Putra Business School, 

Malaysia

Mostafizur RAHMAN

University of Putra, Putra Business School, 

Malaysia

Sazali Abd WAHAB

University of Putra, Putra Business School, 

Malaysia

DOI:https://doi.org/10.24818/beman/2020.S.I.1-16

Purpose: In a very short period, the worldwide pandemic sparked by the COVID-19 has not only taken multiple lives but has also imposed extreme restrictions on both the private and business activities. The purpose of the study at this point is to provide a broader interpretation of how a flexible cash-flow structure of various strategic interventions will enable Bangladeshi SMEs to endure through the emergency. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study has embraced a qualitative approach on basis of online focus group discussion with the support of a professional facilitator. The data collection process includes 09 participants from various fields, such as Academia, SMEs, Media, and NGOs. Findings: Because SMEs are operating in uncertain conditions, the analysis from the discussions suggests that an adjustable integration of various ranges of cash-flow management initiatives, such as cash flow targets, clear payment terms, use of technology, revisit variable cost, extend payables, and government schemes can help SMEs to endure throughout this turbulent time. Research limitation: Prior empirical attempts are subsequently required to inquiry about the proposed model for SMEs from different perspectives. Also, besides, a smaller sample size creates an issue with generalizability. The moderator, intentionally or inadvertently, may inject his personal biases into the participants' exchange of ideas. Practical implications: The formulated model provides recommendations for SMEs and on how to remain competitive through resilience and renewal strategies. Originality/Value: This article is the first to configure a strategic cash-flow management model for Bangladeshi SMEs to harness the entrepreneurial potential of the pandemic..

17. The Digital Move Towards Online Learning in Lebanon

RECEIVED: 27.09.2020

REVISED: 16.10.2020

FIRST ONLINE: 25.10.2020

Layal H. HAMADE

Bucharest University of Economic Studies,

Romania

DOI:https://doi.org/10.24818/beman/2020.S.I.1-17

Face-to-face learning has always been the primary way of education in Middle East. However, some countries such as Jordan, Saudi Arabia, UAE and others decided to adopt some learning management platforms to provide dual programs online. On the other hand, Lebanon is still in its early stages as it was adopted by Ministry of Education in mid-2020 due to the spread Covid-19. In addition, utilizing online learning platforms suffer from many challenges such as accreditation, culture, cost, etc. To study students' satisfaction regarding technology use, level of interaction, types of questions, training, and online sessions and recorded voice-over slides, a survey was distributed to 609 Lebanese students attending different universities. It showed that institutions mainly used Moodle, Google Classroom, and Zoom. There was a comparable rate of satisfaction between Google and Moodle platforms; however, a lower rate with Zoom..

18. Electronic commerce during Covid-19: An analysis over how online medium helps different industries in a pandemic context

RECEIVED: 28.09.2020

REVISED: 16.10.2020

FIRST ONLINE: 25.10.2020

Elena MIRCEA

Bucharest University of Economic Studies,

Romania

DOI:https://doi.org/10.24818/beman/2020.S.I.1-18

On Wednesday, March 11th, the whole world was put on hold when the World Health Organization officially announced the beginning of a new pandemic generated by the SARS-COV-2 Coronavirus. Even if rumors about a new coronavirus appeared in Wuhan, China were spread starting with 12th of December 2019, only on the last day of the year Chinese government officially reported the first cases. The outbreak came with severe consequences for society, people's health and for the global economy, leading to dramatic changes in consumer behaviour. At this point, it can be considered that studies over this topic are in the incipient stage, as we barely overcame the first wave. Analysts are saying that we are facing the beginning of the second wave, considered to be much stronger. Specific literature and analysis are time dependent, limited by the coronavirus actions and a final conclusion cannot be drawn yet. The aim of this paper is to analyse the impact of the pandemic caused by the new coronavirus on the economy, on people’s economic behaviour taking into consideration the limitations generated by the unknown factors as ongoing studies over symptoms, treatments, side effects. Another goal is to present a general view over the way in which different industries reacted to an unstable economic and social environment, focusing on Romania in a globalized context. Consumer behaviour is reviewed during the government-imposed lockdown going towards commerce and electronic commerce, showing that the consumer behaviour changed during the last months, moving towards online alternatives.

19. TEACHER’S WORK ENGAGEMENT – CHANGE AND ADAPTATION DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC 

RECEIVED: 30.09.2020

REVISED: 21.10.2020

FIRST ONLINE: 25.10.2020

Sorina Ioana MIȘU

Bucharest University of Economic Studies,

Romania

DOI:https://doi.org/10.24818/beman/2020.S.I.1-19

The present paper aims to investigate the complex issue of work engagement during a time of constant change and confusion for the Romanian pre university teachers. Additionally, the research intends to show the way in which this category of employers coped with the teaching methods change during March-June 2020 (i.e. the period of time in which all pre university educational institutions of Romania deployed solely online classes). It is assumed that the feeling of engagement that belonged to a specific set for the professional activities, e.g. meeting physically the students in a classroom, was influenced by the change of the teaching environment and the challenges brought by it. In order to gain a better understanding for the previously mentioned issues, data was gathered through an online questionnaire answered by schoolteachers and later on analyzed according to quantitative research methods. The results of this study could be of importance for any of the educational field’s stakeholders as the challenges brought by the Covid-19 pandemic are still not over and a coherent human resources strategy should continue to be developed. Hence, this paper also aims to discuss the implications of engaged and disengaged teachers during these changing times and to offer human resources management suggestions.

20. DETERMINANTS OF G7 AND CHINESE STOCK MARKET RETURNS DURING COVID-19 OUTBREAK

RECEIVED: 17.08.2020

REVISED: 29.10.2020

FIRST ONLINE: 31.10.2020

Ahmed JERIBI

Faculty of Economics and Management of Mahdia, Mahdia,

Tunisia

Mohamed FAKHFEKH

Higher Institute of Business Administration of Sfax, Sfax,

Tunisia

DOI:https://doi.org/10.24818/beman/2020.S.I.1-20

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the determinants of G7, and Chinese stock market returns during the COVID-19 outbreak. We find that Bitcoin and Ethereum can generate benefits from portfolio diversification and hedging strategies for G7 financial investors in early 2020. Our result reveals that Gold is neither hedge nor haven during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the results indicated that the expected volatility of the US stock market has no effect on the Japanese and Chinese financial markets. Finally, our results suggest that the growth rate of confirmed COVID-19 cases and deaths has an impact only on the US stock market.