The novel coronavirus (COVID-19), which is one of its kind of humanitarian disasters, has affected people and businesses worldwide, triggering a global economic crisis. In this aspect, the tourism sector is not being left behind. The pandemic has not only affected the foreign exchange earnings (FEE) but also affected various regional developments, job opportunities, thereby disrupting the local communities as a whole. As there has been a substantial decline in the arrivals of overseas tourists in India in 2020, the paper aims to predict foreign tourists’ arrival in India and FEE using artificial neural networks (ANN). Furthermore, we analyse the impact of COVID-19 based on four scenarios considering with and without lockdown in terms of loss and gain in FEE. Lastly, the results obtained will help policymakers make necessary strategic and operational decisions, along with maximizing the FEE.

While Lean Six Sigma (LSS) has been applied extensively in healthcare organisations, there has been limited research on the trends of LSS application in healthcare in recent years. This paper aims to present the key motivations and benefits of LSS in healthcare with a view to highlighting the types of problems that LSS in healthcare can aid in solving. The authors used a systematic literature review (SLR) approach to achieving the article’s purpose. Peer-reviewed journal articles published between 2011 and 2021 are considered to achieve the study objectives. The systematic review helped the authors to identify the evolution, benefits, and motivations for LSS in healthcare. This work includes directions for managers and healthcare professionals in healthcare organisations to embark on a focused LSS journey aligned with the strategic objectives. This study is perhaps one of the most comprehensive SLRs covering a vital agenda of LSS in healthcare. This study provides all the deliverables of LSS for its successful deployment in healthcare.

Lean Six Sigma (LSS) has been applied in many healthcare organisations, but there has been limited research on the evolution of LSS application in healthcare. This paper aims to present the challenges, critical success factors (CSFs), readiness factors and most common tools and techniques used for LSS deployment in healthcare. A systematic literature review (SLR) was utilised to research the study objectives. Peer-reviewed literature over a 16-year period was studied to understand the deliverables of LSS. The SLR process identified relevant articles and screened a final selection for those under study. The systematic literature review helped the authors to identify the challenges and tools/techniques used for LSS in healthcare. Several CSFs and readiness factors for LSS deployment in healthcare are also presented. This work informs healthcare managers and professionals on the important factors for successful LSS deployment before embarking on the LSS journey. In addition, this work is a valuable resource for healthcare LSS practitioners and academic researchers to learn about, investigate and deploy LSS in the healthcare sector. This study is one of the most comprehensive SLRs covering the importance and specificity of understanding challenges, CSFs and organisational readiness for LSS in healthcare. This study provides knowledge of the successful deployment of LSS in healthcare.

The purpose of this manuscript is to understand how the elements of the game apps impact the intention of purchase of a consumer with the mediating effect of perceived enjoyment, hedonic value, and social interaction to derive benefits designed in terms of marketing strategies. Quantitative data obtained from the non-probability sampling via a standardized questionnaire in the design of exploratory analysis was done to examine the effect of gamification on behaviour intention by adopting mechanic-dynamics-aesthetics (MDA) framework. The findings of the research indicated that fun as a sub-element of mobile gamification can significantly affect social interaction, and storytelling has a significant impact on perceived enjoyment. The study identifies perceived enjoyment as an important antecedent of consumer intention to involve gamification. This provides managers and developers to focus on dynamics, mechanics, and proper feedback systems with the emergence of new technologies.

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to conduct an empirical study derived from the previous literature from the perspective of benefits, tools and techniques, continuous improvement (CI) and quality improvement (QI) methodologies and critical failure factors (CFFs) of Lean and Six Sigma (SS) in the national health service (NHS).Design/methodology/approach: A literature review was carried out to identify previous findings, empirical data and critical variables concerning Lean and SS in healthcare for over ten years. Second, primary research in quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews was carried out with 110 participants who have experience using Lean and SS in the NHS.Findings: Lean and SS have evolved into common practices within the NHS and now have an established list of tools and techniques frequently employed by staff. Lean and SS are considered robust CI methodologies capable of effectively delivering extensive benefits across many different categories. The NHS must overcome a sizable amount of highly important CFFs and divided organizational culture.Originality/value: This paper has developed the most extensive empirical study ever produced on Lean and SS in the NHS and has expanded on previous works to create new and updated research. The findings produced in this paper will assist NHS medical directors and practitioners in obtaining up-to-date insight into Lean and SS status in the NHS. The paper will also guide the NHS to critically evaluate their current CI strategy to ensure long-term sustainability and deliver improved levels of service to patients.