PurposeThe current study investigates how consumers are reacting to the COVID-19 pandemic. The study aims to explain consumers' stockpiling and impulse buying behaviour during the current crisis.Design/methodology/approachBased on the scope and focus of this study, our primary data collection tool was an online survey questionnaire that was sent to 1,000+ people and the results were computed from 417 responses received. The study employed Exploratory Factor Analysis to substantiate the construct validity of the constructs. Unidimensionality, validity and reliability of the model were assessed using confirmatory factor analysis. The effect of the COVID crisis on consumer stocking and impulse buying behaviour was investigated using structural equation modelling.FindingsThe findings show that the COVID pandemic did have a significant impact on consumer behavioural patterns indicated by the stocking and impulse buying behaviour of consumers.Practical implicationsThese results have consequences for policymakers and practitioners in terms of adjusting inventory and response policies, especially in terms of efficient supply chain management processes and actively reaching out to customers to reduce their fear and anxiety levels, which contribute to such panic activity.Originality/valueThis paper adds value to the literature on consumer behaviour during COVID-19 pandemic in case of Indian consumers. The findings of the paper will help in doing a comparison of the said behaviour of consumers in other parts of the world. The paper also helps in explaining the underlying theories elucidating such behaviour of consumers.

Purpose This paper aims to determine why organizations struggle in implementing digital transformation to obtain a faster return on investment and how human resource management can help organizations overcome this challenge. Design/methodology/approach To examine recent research and opinions of industry experts on digital transformation by organizations and the major challenges they face, this study applies an inductive qualitative research approach and uses a descriptive statistics method to analyze the responses. Findings This paper reveals the various challenges organizations face today in implementing digital transformation because of gaps in digital talent in the current workforce. Practical implications This paper provides recommendations to HR practitioners and leadership teams in organizations on how to narrow the gap in current digital talent to successfully implement digital transformation and increase productivity. Social implications This study highlights the need for the current workforce to acquire the necessary digital talent sought by organizations and how improving their digital capabilities can improve their productivity in today’s digital scenario. Originality/value This study focuses on current problems organizations worldwide face in implementing digital transformation. The digital talent gap is increasing daily with the development of new AI, Big Data and other digital technologies. Hence, it is important for human resource departments and leaders to quickly address and resolve digital talent gaps to realize the advantages of digital transformation and a return on their heavy investment.

PurposeThis paper draws on resource-based theory (RBV) to examine the impact of the management control system (MCS) package on business performance through the mediating role of entrepreneurial competencies and the interaction role of business strategy in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).Design/methodology/approachA total of 372 questionnaires were used in this research for analysis purposes using partial least square–structural equation modelling. Cluster sampling was used and nine states out of 16 states were selected randomly, including Kelantan, Johor, Sarawak, Selangor, Kedah, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Perak and Sabah, because the nine states cover 84.4% of the total SMEs.FindingsThe results revealed that only cultural and administrative control has no relationship with business performance. Moreover, in the MCS package, all elements have a significant and positive influence on entrepreneurial competencies. Furthermore, business strategy (cost leadership and differentiation strategy) significantly moderates, while entrepreneurial competencies mediate between, cultural, planning, cybernetic, rewards and compensation, administrative control and business performance.Originality/valueSMEs in Malaysia are contributing 36.6% to gross domestic product. Further, as this sector is important, less attention has been paid to this area of MCS package with business strategies to determine organisational performance. This study fills these gaps, and the recommendations and findings for further research are discussed in detail accordingly. Moreover, the findings of the current research provide guidelines for the management of SMEs.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the various application of artificial intelligence (AI) to social media and digital advertising professionals and agencies to specialize to an advanced degree and maintain collaboration and creativity to bring a better return on investment.Design/methodology/approachDigital marketers are still oblivious to the importance of AI application, while some others simply do not know how to implement it. AI is currently acting as a significant disruption in digital and social media marketing worldwide.FindingsBased on the literature review, the paper identifies the various AI applications in the field of digital media marketing.Originality/valueThis paper can serve as a useful guide for social media marketers to implement AI applications to impact digital marketing strategies better.

Green products are composed of renewable resources and aim to minimize waste by maximizing resource efficiency. Some examples of green products are recycled paper, herbal products, and energy-saving bulbs, which are easily recycled and benefit the environment by reducing waste during manufacturing. Consumers and organizations are becoming more environmentally conscious. Consumer adoption of green products, environmental activism, and stringent regulations can significantly reduce environmental degradation. The main focus of this paper is to consolidate findings on green marketing through a bibliometric study of articles published from 2011 to 23 May 2022 and present the results in a meaningful manner. In this study, we used VOSviewer software to map crucial current trends. It was observed that the key words sustainable, ethical, green, ecological, and eco-friendly marketing have received considerable attention in green marketing during the last decade.

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