Purpose To cope with the existing pandemic situation and to be organizationally responsive, firms need to be strategically flexible, where they need to develop dynamic capabilities (DCs) by continuously reconfiguring their resource base. To address such challenges, firms heavily rely on information and communication technologies (ICT) because of advancement in disruptive technologies. This study aims to explore techniques used by higher education institutional (HEI) leaders to successfully address challenges posed by global disruption, i.e. COVID-19 with the help of advanced ICT software such as Zoom, Google Meet and Microsoft Teams. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative approach was adopted to explore strategic factors such as strategic flexibility (SF) and DC that disclose shortcomings in the current extant literature. A total of 15 interviews were conducted with heads of departments of HEIs in the United Arab Emirates. Data were analyzed using NVivo software. Findings The findings suggested three dimensions of SF (resources, operational and collaborative) and four dimensions of DC (strategic planning, innovative, adaptability and technological) for firms to adopt to be strategically flexible, where DC serves as building blocks of SF. Originality/value This research provides a framework as an avenue for future researchers and practitioners on how to strategically manage their resources and be strategically flexible in turbulent environment such as pandemics. Theory-based investigations on strategic capabilities and DC from resource-based perspective are still under-researched, emphasizing the need for theoretically based research on strategic responsiveness, especially during the times of environmental complexities such as COVID-19 pandemics. This research enriches strategic management research by exploring the important antecedents of organizational responsiveness, including SF and DC together with the support of human factor, i.e. leadership qualities of HEIs managers. This study, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, is among the first to systematically explore main dimensions of DC and SF based on the resource-based theory of strategic management in the Middle Eastern context.

BackgroundTo assess the effectiveness of the new modified technique in order to control bleeding in women presenting with atonic, flabby uterus compared to the most commonly described technique of classic B-Lynch suture.MethodThis study included 160 women of uncontrolled atonic postpartum hemorrhage delivered by cesarean section at Ain Shams University Maternity Hospital between January 2013 and October 2015. Participants were randomly assigned following simple randomization procedures (computerized random numbers) and divided into two groups. Group, I (80 patients) operated upon by the modified (new technique) stitch while group II (80 patients) operated upon by the classic technique. The ultimate goals were to stop blood loss after placement of the sutures and avoid life-saving hysterectomy thus preserving the life and fertility of the patient.ResultsThe modified new technique was done in 80 patients with atonic postpartum hemorrhage and it was found to be superior to the classic technique with a success rate 95 % (4 cases needed hysterectomy as a lifesaving measure) compared to 85 % with the classic technique (in 12 cases, a life-saving hysterectomy was done).ConclusionsThis technique can replace the classic B-lynch in flabby unresponsive atonic uteri as it has 8 shaped placement of the stitch which causes more firm compression on the uterus and simultaneous bilateral uterine artery ligation. This technique was proved valuable and successful in many patients who suffer from uncontrolled massive postpartum hemorrhage (PPH).

The present results indirectly support the hypothesis that infectious agents (in particular C. pneumoniae) have a role in the development of pre-eclampsia. The findings also indicate that antichlamydial treatment might help to reduce the incidence of pre-eclampsia.

Administering epinephrine with 2% lidocaine prolongs the anesthetic effect and reduces the opioid analgesic dose postoperatively required, thereby enhancing patient recovery.

A 27-year-old woman, gravida 3, para 1, at 9 weeks gestation, initially presented with clinical and ultrasonographic features suggestive of a missed spontaneous abortion for which surgical evacuation was performed. A diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy was made as on histological review no fetal or chorionic tissue was seen. Medical management for an ectopic pregnancy was initiated. Following methotrexate administration she was readmitted with severe abdominal pain. Findings on diagnostic laparoscopy revealed an asymmetrically enlarged swollen fundus. Hysteroscopy was performed concurrently demonstrating an empty uterine cavity. A diagnosis of intramyometrial pregnancy was made based on these findings. An MRI scan was performed postprocedure which supported the diagnosis. In view of her parity and future fertility medical management was adopted with methotrexate. She was followed up until hormone levels returned to baseline and serial scans showed a healed solid collection.