Repository logo
 

Faculty of Management Sciences

Permanent URI for this communityhttp://ir-dev.dut.ac.za/handle/10321/13

Browse

Filters

2023 - 20242

Settings

Subject: search.filters.subject.COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020-

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Examining the utilisation of virtual engagement by eThekwini pharmaceutical representatives during COVID-19 restrictions
    (2024-05) Gumede, Thabisile; Dlamini, B I
    Customer relationship management (CRM) across all platforms is crucial for pharmaceutical companies to fully maximise and implement in meeting customer needs. During the COVID-19 lockdown, pharmaceutical companies were unable to fulfil their obligations of sharing critical education-related clinical information due to strict lockdown measures that were government imposed. The healthcare providers’ (HCPs) engagement and products offered by the pharmaceutical industry are regulated by the government. Almost all pharmaceutical companies were forced to re-evaluate and implement different methods of engaging with HCPs. During the COVID-19 period, pharmaceutical companies reviewed how they engage with HCPs. Pharmaceutical representatives’ role are crucial in ensuring that relevant product-related information is shared to the HCPs. The correct product information is cascaded from pharmaceutical representatives to the patients via their HCPs. It was expected that pharmaceutical representatives continue to engage with HCPs irrespective of lockdown restrictions. This gave a rise to virtual engagement as a method of engaging with HCPs. This study examined of utilising virtual engagement by eThekwini-based pharmaceutical representatives in meeting their targets and key performance indicators while engaging with HCPs. A quantitative study method using seventy-one respondents was employed to collect data related to virtual engagement by administering a questionnaire to the targeted respondents. The respondents completed the questionnaires which were purposely sent to a specific WhatsApp group consisting of eThekwini-based pharmaceutical representatives. Data was statistically analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software. The research questions focused on understanding: the influence of COVID-19 lockdown in successfully marketing products and services virtually; whether virtual engagements are an effective method for pharmaceutical representatives to interact with healthcare professionals, and marketing tools are successful in engaging with healthcare professionals. The results indicate that 68% of respondents engaged both virtually and in-person during the COVID-19 lockdown either 5 – 6 times or more than 8 times a week. Furthermore, there is a significant agreement that the representatives successfully utilised virtual engagement using Teams, WhatsApp and phone call. The results indicate a 53,5% positive effect of virtual engagement on the marketing of products to HCPs. This study concludes that the results concurred with other studies in the world and present an insight into eThekwini-based representative in utilising virtual engagements. Perception of pharmaceutical representative in utilising these marketing tools provided insight for virtual engagement post COVID-19. It is recommended that companies may re-adjust their state of preparedness in adopting virtual engagement where face-to-face interactions are limited and when investigating newer ways of implementing and migrating towards virtual customer engagements post- COVID-19.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    A model to enhance tourism education post the Covid-19 pandemic : a case of uMgungundlovu and Harry Gwala District Municipalities
    (2023-07) Zaca, Acquinath Kholeka Nombulelo; Hlengwa, Dumsile Cynthia; Sucheran, Reshma
    The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on tourism education in South Africa, leading to a sudden shift from traditional teaching to digital schooling. While some schools successfully adopted technology-enhanced online learning, socially disadvantaged schools and communities faced challenges in transitioning due to technological limitations, poor internet connectivity, and skills shortages. This research sought to improve tourism education in high schools within the uMgungundlovu and Harry Gwala District Municipalities. The study argues that the tourism curriculum must adapt to the changing needs of the industry by incorporating technological advancements. Resilience-based interventions were explored as a means to help tourism education recover from the pandemic's disruptions. The research utilized Critical and Resilience Theories and employed a pragmatic approach with a mix of qualitative and quantitative data collection from tourism educators, subject advisors, and industry partners. Findings revealed that teachers embraced digital technology to enhance teaching and learning but faced challenges such as increased absenteeism, curriculum completion difficulties, knowledge gaps, and reduced morale due to inadequate support. The study emphasizes the importance of integrating tourism education theory and practice and forging strong industry relationships to develop a relevant curriculum that aligns with industry demands. To ensure the survival and adaptability of tourism education, resilient pedagogical strategies are proposed, involving a redesigned curriculum that reflects industry trends. Ultimately, tourism education plays a crucial role in the industry, and its success hinges on the ability of educators to adapt and build resilience in the face of future uncertainties.