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Publication The apprehensions of millennials regarding air travel post COVID-19 pandemic.Balfaqih, Hasan; Mahyoub, Raghd; Almeshal, Mashael; Alksibiri, Abrar; Almoalad, Hammdah; Saleh, Raneem; Balfaqih, Hasan; Supply Chain ManagementDue to the COVID-19 pandemic, air travel was entirely prohibited, prompting concerns about its safety and value. It is crucial for the aviation sector to address these worries to make flying more comfortable. Future research should explore whether concerns vary across generations. Investigating how Millennials' perceptions and willingness to fly change after their first post-pandemic flight is also recommended. The aviation industry has been severely impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, leading to reduced interest in air travel due to restrictions and health concerns. Ensuring the safety of flying is paramount for the industry's recovery, especially with rising global vaccination rates. Recognizing and addressing people's fears is essential to boost passenger confidence. The travel and tourism sector significantly contribute to the global economy, representing 10.3% of the GDP in 2019 and playing a vital role in job creation. Despite its growth, the industry faces economic uncertainty due to various crises. The survey's purpose is to gauge Millennials' perception of flying safety post-COVID-19 and their willingness to take international leisure flights. Identifying risk factors and safety precautions valued by Millennials aims to inform post-pandemic travel strategies. The study focuses on Finnish Millennials who haven't traveled abroad for pleasure during the pandemic.Publication Supporting socio-emotional development in students within families in the post-COVID-19 era: The role of early educators during the pandemic.Balfaqih, Hasan; Hayeedureh, Eman; Ameer, Maha; Nawal, Hibah; Ahmed, Sadal; Balfaqih, Hasan; Supply Chain ManagementThe COVID-19 virus has disrupted early teacher actions that traditionally promote social and emotional development due to its transmission mechanism and necessary adjustments. This study, conducted in an early care and education (ECE) setting during the pandemic, examines the relationship between professional development, perceived stress, comfort with safety measures, and quarantine status with teachers' social-emotional development practices (SEDP). A quantitative approach was employed, utilizing a survey questionnaire distributed through email and WhatsApp to 100 Saudi Arabian university students and teachers aged 21 to 50. Both English and Arabic versions of Google Forms were utilized, with questions revised for clarity and relevance. Data analysis was performed using Google Forms and Excel, aided by messaging apps and social media for dissemination. The results, presented as percentages and figures, demonstrated a notable association between higher levels of social and emotional development practices and increased comfort with safety measures. Furthermore, a statistically significant correlation was found between teachers' stress levels and heightened use of social and emotional development techniques. These findings underscore the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic on early educators' SEDPs, stress levels, and overall well-being.Publication Critical Success Factors Impacting the Management and Growth of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Amid the COVID-19 PandemicBalfaqih, Hasan; Alahmadi, Nada; Baqays, Lujain; Khard, Fatimah; Bohairy, Lenh; Alhattami, Mayar; Balfaqih, Hasan; Supply Chain ManagementThe Covid-19 virus, a novel virus belonging to the same family as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2020. As the number of cases increased, the global population demonstrated its adaptability in addressing the pandemic. These adaptations involved practices such as maintaining physical distance, wearing masks, consistently sanitizing high-touch surfaces, and abstaining from traditional gestures of affection like hugs and handshakes. Consequently, these changes not only affected individuals' personal lives but also had repercussions for businesses. Small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) play a critical role in fostering entrepreneurship, supporting economic growth, alleviating poverty and hunger, and creating job opportunities. However, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic significantly altered the business landscape, posing a threat to the survival of SMEs. Hence, the objective of this study was to identify the key success factors (KSFs) crucial for establishing and managing SMEs in the aftermath of COVID-19. While numerous KSFs contribute to the growth and management of SMEs, this research specifically focused on five as particularly crucial for post-COVID-19 growth and management: 1) strategic planning, 2) human resources, 3) finance, 4) operations, and 5) marketing. The study targeted SMEs in Jeddah, KSA, with a sample size of 108 participants, utilizing a random online questionnaire containing fifteen closed-ended questions in a quantitative approach to comprehensively determine the KSFs. Descriptive and inferential statistics, presented in tables and figures, were provided by the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). The study's findings underscored the importance of each chosen factor in ensuring SME development and management after COVID-19. This research is significant as it furnishes entrepreneurs with practical information about achieving success in SMEs within a post-COVID-19 market.Publication Understanding the Criteria Employed by Saudi Arabian Consumers in Assessing Fast Fashion OnlineBalfaqih, Hasan; AlHashedi, Maya; Rizk, Lamar; BinHashr, Lama; AlSharif, Leen; AlHarbi, Mariam; Balfaqih, Hasan; Supply Chain ManagementExpressing one's style and personality often involves the physical act of dressing up, making the fashion industry one of the most globally influential. Constantly adapting to societal, economic, and technological influences, the fashion industry has seen a significant transformation in recent decades, notably with the emergence of fast fashion—a model characterized by the rapid production of clothing and jewelry using inexpensive and low-quality materials. Originating with Zara's founders, Amancio Ortega and Rosalia Mera, the fast fashion model has been adopted by major retailers like SheIn, H&M, and Forever 21 due to its efficiency in meeting consumer demand and maximizing profit. Despite its economic advantages, the mass production associated with fast fashion is criticized for its environmental impact. Additionally, a shift toward online shopping, driven by factors such as convenience and an expanded product range, has become increasingly prevalent, especially with the accessibility of online stores from any location with internet connectivity. This study delves into the consumer decision-making process when purchasing online, exploring whether the COVID-19 quarantine influenced buying decisions and, if so, how. Understanding these factors becomes crucial as online shopping continues to gain popularity, and individuals shift away from in-person interactions. The research focuses on the understanding of fast fashion online among Generations Y and Z in Saudi Arabia post-COVID-19. Employing a quantitative survey questionnaire, the study aims to discern the differences in attitudes and behaviors toward fast fashion between these two generations. The collected data lays the foundation for further exploration of the demographic characteristics and decision-making processes of Y and Z customers when purchasing fast fashion online. Ultimately, the research reveals that Generation Z places a higher value on fast fashion after COVID-19 compared to Generation Y.