Journal of Resilient Economies (ISSN: 2653-1917)

Brand activism

Sharon Schembri — Sat, 31 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +1000

In the context of a global pandemic, social inequalities such as health disparities, systemic racism and economic shutdowns are amongst the challenges of a harsh reality. Given these myriad societal issues, consumers are becoming increasingly distrustful of governments and public service support systems. Consequently, there is a call for the corporate world to take a stand on significant societal issues. Yet, brand activism can be precarious ground. In seeking to address the question of brand activism, this paper presents three cases that demonstrate the range from progressive to regressive brand activism. The Patagonia case shows progressive brand activism with a foundational brand purpose of environmentalism. The National Rifle Association (NRA) case also shows a strong brand purpose of gun rights but demonstrates regressive brand activism. The National Football League (NFL) case demonstrates both progressive and regressive brand activism with a weakened brand purpose of a national football league. Theoretically, the dimensions of brand activism are shown to include social, legal, business, economic, political and environmental dimensions. More practically, brand activism consistently demonstrated in an authentic and transparent manner over time reinforces brand purpose. Values based organisations demonstrating brand purpose in an active and activist manner will engage increasingly discerning consumers who hold similar values. Consumers supporting progressive brand activism will generate momentum. Conversely, consumers withdrawing support for regressive brand activism will also make an impact. Collectively, brand activism may positively influences society’s most urgent challenges and effectively build societal resilience.

Variables Influencing Older Adults' Intention to Use Home-based Care Technologies

Elsy Paola Garcia Reyes, Carmen Reaiche — Sat, 31 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +1000

The increase in the population of older adults is becoming a global urban problem due to increasing health and welfare needs. Innovations in home-based care technologies offer new approaches to delivering care, reducing costs, and supporting aging in place. However, it appears that there are various influencing factors in relation to the adoption and use of technologies by older adults. This research aims to explore the nature of these factors as well as to evaluate and understand if they influence how older adults approach the adoption of home-based care technologies. Addressing this question could help understand the acceptance and identify the education and training needs required for the use of modern technologies by older adults. To achieve this, we used the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) and adopted a qualitative approach. Findings identified some of the key factors influencing older adults' intention to use technologies, including perceived need, social network, self-efficacy, anxiety and attitude towards technology. These factors were not originally evaluated in the UTAUT model; these emerged from the interpretative approach taken on the concerns and perceptions noted by the older adults interviewed. This result provides evidence for the requirement to expand the standard UTAUT model previously used to understand technology adoptions. We argue that the University of the Third Age plays a critical role in enabling senior citizens' knowledge and therefore helping their intention to use these technologies.

Stockpiling of Critical Metals as a Risk Management Strategy for Importing Countries

Andre Wolf — Sat, 31 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +1000

Following the triumph of post-fossil technologies, the global demand for critical raw materials in the form of rare metals will increase dramatically in the coming years. From the perspective of importing countries, dependence on these raw materials poses a host of new risks. In this respect, building up reserves of raw materials can be a sensible policy option for the short term. It can help reduce both supply-side and price-related risks. This is particularly true in cases where markets are characterised by high price volatility and/or the risk of supply disruptions is significant. Moreover, if there is a high degree of market concentration, stockpiling can also serve as a strategic tool for long-term price dampening. At the same time, the institutional design of stockpile management is crucial. In view of the economic risks associated with publicly managed stockpiles, we argue for a policy aimed primarily at promoting stockpiling incentives within the private sector. Central reserves managed by the public sector are only advisable as a basic hedge against the extreme scenario of massive supply interruptions. In any case, a stockpiling strategy should be accompanied by efforts to diversify supply sources in the long run.

Research Note: Optimising Urban Furniture in External Space of Subway Stations in China

Weixuan Chen, Ali Cheshmehzangi, Eugenio Mangi, Timothy Timothy Heath — Sat, 31 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +1000

With the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) model developing in urban construction in China, the contradiction between limited space resources outside subway stations and the enormous demands of stakeholders has become more prominent. The present research on urban furniture mainly focused on the underground space system and the development of surrounding industries. Still, there was a lack of in-depth discussion on the external space of subway stations. This research aims to explore the spatio-temporal differences of activities in the external space of the subway station and put forward the corresponding optimising strategies of urban furniture. The external space of Wushan station in Metro Line 3 in Guangzhou was selected as the research area to investigate and analyse human activities and their demands through the PSPL Survey. It was found that there were significant peaks of human flow on weekdays and weekends separately. On weekdays, the peak was mainly concentrated in the morning and evening. At the same time, that was slightly behind, concentrated primarily on the weekend meal times and apparent differences in the routes of human flow, resulting in different stakeholders having demanded seats. Therefore, this paper proposed foldable and modular design strategies. It could provide a reference for optimising public facilities in the same type of space and a research basis for urban space renewal and rail traffic optimisation.

Implementing Kampus Merdeka

Anggi Afriansyah, Adam Voak, Brian Fairman, Ivan Lilin, Fikri Muslim — Sat, 31 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +1000

In 2020, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia introduced a significant educational policy reform entitled Kampus Merdeka. Kampus Merdeka provides a national approach for Work Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunities for Higher Education students to enhance their future career prospects. However, many challenges have clouded Kampus Merdeka’s execution and its desired resultant impact. Indonesian Higher Education institutions are experiencing significant implementation challenges. This discussion paper aims to undertake a review of the current available literature related to Kampus Merdeka, to better understand the policy’s broader operationalization and future implications for the sector. This discussion focuses on four key themes: Higher Education Management and Administrative Practices, Curriculum Change, Academic Staff Preparedness and Defining and Reshaping Roles and Responsibilities of Academics. The article concludes with reflections concerning the strengthening of the evidence base for Kampus Merdeka’s future operationalization.