Purpose: This study examined how the catering business quickly responded and recovered from the threats caused by COVID-19 with the use of social media in Beijing, China. It evidences how various catering businesses in Beijing continued to pursue their businesses after restrictive social distancing measures were imposed. Methodology: Unstructured face-to-face interviews were conducted with nine restaurant managers in Beijing, who worked during both waves of the pandemic in the spring and fall of 2020. Findings: COVID-19 further strengthened the smoke-free law enforcement in Beijing for the catering business. The Chinese consumers were found to replace restaurant consumption with stay-at-home delivery. Caterers consider social media platforms as essential tools for digital-led customer interaction in a pandemic, but also show concerns about the market power of these platforms. The Chinese government successfully implemented its health tracking app into popular local social media platforms in the battle against COVID-19, and enabled businesses to continue functioning. Value: COVID-19 not only disrupts our daily lives, but it has significantly impacted and improved a smoke-free environment, and it has accelerated the catering business to actively embrace technology which led to remarkable innovations. Integrating health tracking apps into popular and highly penetrated social media platforms is considered as one significant success factor for the containment of the coronavirus and a great help in restoring consumer confidence, leading to purchasing action. This research offers a Chinese inside view of the power of social media to enhance customer interaction and business performance even during a pandemic, profiting both businesses and consumers alike. Implications are raised for similar integration of health apps elsewhere.
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Purpose: This paper aims to explore the phenomenon of molecular gastronomy by conducting empirical research focusing on renowned chefs. Design/methodology/approach: The approach taken is a literature review summarising past culinary innovations then the paper focuses on the origins and evolution of molecular gastronomy, followed by 18 phenomenological interviews with a snowball sample of world class chefs from across Europe. Findings: There is far greater confusion about what molecular gastronomy might be than is implied in previous studies. The term has become wrongly used to describe a possible culinary movement mainly as a result of media influence. Leading chefs, whose new restaurant concepts have become associated with it, reject the term. Research limitations/implications: With only 20 years of history molecular gastronomy is still a comparatively new phenomenon. This initial research presents a clear picture of its evolution so far and the increasing confusion the use of the term has created. It is still far too early to decide if these are heralding a new gastronomic movement. Practical implications: Although molecular gastronomy itself may not provide a foundation for a genuine and lasting development of cuisine it is generating fascination with the fundamental science and techniques of cuisine and showy culinary alchemy. As with nouvelle cuisine poor quality copycat chefs could bring into disrepute the reputation and practices of those who are at the vanguard of culinary and restaurant innovation. Originality/value: This paper is the first widespread primary study, across five countries, into recognised exceptional chefs' understanding of molecular gastronomy. It clarifies that molecular gastronomy was never intended to be the foundation of a culinary movement and identifies four key elements for the development of lasting cuisine movements and trends.
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A Dutch healthcare organisation modernizes its real estate portfolio to meet today’s requirements and acquired an office building for conversion into a nursing home for elderly with dementia. The purpose of the research has been to study the design principles for elderly with dementia, for innovative and smart application in work processes and the acquired building.Methods – Using multiple-method qualitative research design, bachelor thesis students of a university of applied sciences explored the reconstruction of the acquired building and related healthcare processes. Results – Application of design principles for the elderly with dementia were studied, among which were interior design, catering process, and connection with the neighbourhood. Feasible interior ideas were elaborated, intentions for change in the catering process were confirmed by stakeholders, and an action plan for neighbourhood connections was delivered. Elements are being used for a final design. Implementation has to be checked with close scrutiny.Originality – The application of design principles for elderly with dementia (design, favourable state, beautiful moments) together with changes in work processes of health care employees aiming at patient-centred care is a new combination. Practical or social implications – When a healthcare organisation chooses a new care concept, not only the surroundings change. Also, the processes around people and the way we take care of them change. In many ways a new concept can only succeed when the employees and the way they work change as well.
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We De Try: Creative Methods of Storylistening and Storytelling tells the story of a research journey the author underwent in trying to gain a better understanding of diversity and inclusion in higher education. Through insights generated by the exploration of methods of storytelling and storylistening, the research problematises using stories as tools for diversity and inclusion in higher educational institutions. In order to be transformed by that which emerges (storylistening) in a manner that is non-extractive, avoids reinforcing existing power imbalances, and recognises that stories transcend time and space asks for exploring questions relating to practicing care, generosity, and honouring and catering to different needs.
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The emergence of collaborative workspaces is a remarkable feature of contemporary cities. These spaces have appeared rapidly, catering for the locational needs of self-employed workers, start-ups, and small-size companies. The objective of this paper is to provide an analysis of four categories of collaborative workspaces (Accelerators, Incubators, Coworking spaces, and FabLabs). For the case of Amsterdam, we conducted a website content analysis to assess how these spaces position and present themselves towards potential users. The empirical evidence shows that these spaces promise a variety of benefits, ranging from business development to access to social networks. This diversity illustrates the emergence of distinct work settings in an economic environment characterized by the need to work in a social environment that at the same time stimulates networking and collaboration.
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The emergence of collaborative workspaces is a remarkable feature of contemporary cities. These spaces have appeared rapidly, catering for the locational needs of self-employed workers, start-ups and small-size companies. The objective of this paper is to provide an analysis of four categories of collaborative workspaces (accelerators, incubators, coworking spaces and FabLabs). For the case of Amsterdam, we conducted a website content analysis to assess how these spaces position and present themselves towards potential users. The empirical evidence shows that these spaces promise a variety of benefits, ranging from business development to access to social networks. This diversity illustrates the emergence of distinct work settings in an economic environment characterised by the need to work in a social environment that at the same time stimulates networking and collaboration.
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This paper describes a comparative case study that aims to uncover the quantifiable differences between non-interactive and interactive public displays in the urbanenvironment. The study involved a large temporaryinteractive public display on a central city square showing a selection of custom-made content. We have evaluated the effect on passers-by and spectators in two conditions: 1) non-interactive (2102 passers-by, 228 viewers), by showing a content loop, and 2) interactive (1676 passers-by, 257 viewers), by adding physical pushbuttons for content selection and gaming. We discuss the influence of noninteractive and interactive public displays on: 1) attracting attention, 2) engaging people, 3) improving social dynamics within and among groups of viewers, and 4) catering for the suitable time of day. Based on our observations, we provide quantitative support for the hypothesis that interactive displays are more successful than non-interactive displays to engage viewers, and to make city centers more lively and attractive.
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The Integrated Recovery Scale IRS was developed by Dutch National Expertise board for Routine Outcome Monitoring. Recovery is multi dimensional: 1. Symptomatic recovery 2. Physical health, 3. Societal recovery 4. Existential: personal recovery. The validation process and first outcomes of the instrument are described.
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