Advanced Management Practices Research Articles

Effect of IoT Integration in Energy Management System and Grid Responsiveness on Energy Efficiency and Cost Reduction in Jakarta Government Buildings

This study investigates the effect of IoT integration in energy management systems (EMS) and network responsiveness on energy efficiency and cost reduction in DKI Jakarta government buildings. A quantitative analysis was conducted using structural equation modeling (SEM) with Partial Least Squares (PLS) 3. Survey questionnaires were administered to building managers, energy engineers, and facility maintenance personnel, while energy consumption data were obtained from relevant authorities. The results demonstrate a significant positive impact of both IoT integration and network responsiveness on energy management outcomes. Specifically, Energy Management System (EMS) and Grid Responsiveness were found to significantly influence both Cost Reduction and Energy Efficiency within government buildings. These findings have important implications for policymakers, building managers, and stakeholders involved in energy management decision-making. By leveraging advanced energy management technologies and practices, DKI Jakarta government buildings can achieve significant cost savings, improve energy efficiency, and advance environmental sustainability.

Microplastic Human Dietary Uptake from 1990 to 2018 Grew across 109 Major Developing and Industrialized Countries but Can Be Halved by Plastic Debris Removal.

Microplastics (MPs), plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, are now a growing environmental and public health issue, as they are detected pervasively in freshwater and marine environments, ingested by organisms, and then enter the human body. Industrial development drives this environmental burden caused by MP formation and human uptake by elevating plastic pollution levels and shaping the domestic dietary structure. We map the MP human uptake across 109 global countries on five continents from 1990 to 2018, focusing on the world's major coastlines that are affected by plastic pollution that affects the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). Amid rapid industrial growth, Indonesia tops the global per capita MP dietary intake at 15 g monthly. In Asian, African, and American countries, including China and the United States, airborne and dietary MP uptake increased over 6-fold from 1990 to 2018. Eradicating 90% of global aquatic plastic debris can help decrease MP uptake by more than 48% in Southeast Asian countries that peak MP uptake. To reduce MP uptake and potential public health risks, governments in developing and industrialized countries in Asia, Europe, Africa, and North and South America should incentivize the removal of free plastic debris from freshwater and saltwater environments through advanced water treatment and effective solid waste management practices.

The Genesis of the Scientific School of Accounting of Nizhny Novgorod State University Named After N. I. Lobachevsky in the System of Development of Economic Knowledge

Accounting science, as well as science in general, is in constant development and search for new forms, methods and concepts that are immanently embedded in the system of improving economic management. The purpose of the article is to scientifically argue the relevance of accounting knowledge as an integral part of economics on the example of the genesis of the scientific school of Doctor of Economics, Professor E. A. Mizikovsky. The results of accounting and analytical studies play a significant role in structuring the information and instrumental space of corporate management of business entities; in the development of managerial, production and tax accounting; in the formation of a scientific basis for audit and internal control; allow you to create a solid methodological basis for accounting (financial) accounting and auditing standards, strategies for their incorporation into advanced management practices. A significant achievement of scientific accounting thought is the successful development and widespread implementation of the Accounting Plan and Instructions for its application, flexibly adapted to the complex realities of economic life, the needs of public and corporate governance. In the course of the research, methods of historicism, structural-functional and systemic types of analysis were used; formalization, interpretation, evaluation and systematization of scientific data; a causal approach was applied. The article reflects the contribution of the scientific accounting school of Nizhny Novgorod State University named after N. I. Lobachevsky to the development of accounting and the formation of accounting science as a key, formative element of the system of economic knowledge and a catalyzing factor in the development of corporate management of enterprises.

Effects of Psycho-Cultural Factors on Adopting Changes in Defense

There is a constant need for the defense/military institutions to undergo continuous development in order to adjust to modern standards and requirements, often necessitating systemic changes. As part of this development, since the end of the Cold War, defense organizations in many Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries have endeavored to adopt advanced strategic management practices from their Western counterparts in terms of integration process into NATO and the EU.
 However, these efforts have not always been successful. The attempt of the Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries to adopt changes within their defense organizations, particularly in strategic defense planning area through institutionalizing Planning, Programming and Budgeting System (PPBS) serves as such a case. Scholars often highlight factors altering this failure, focusing on the issues like centralized decision making, lack of understanding, resistance to change etc.
 This paper analyzes other influencing factors, namely the importance of considering psycho-cultural factors while introducing changes within defense organizations and explains the main reasons for failure in successfully adopting PPBS. The study was conducted using qualitative methodology, primarily case study, to comprehensively analyze the topic.
 Based on the findings, the authors conclude that in CEE countries psycho-cultural apsects significantly influence the implementation of changes in the defense sector in parallel with the factors mentioned above. In the case of CEE countries, these psycho-cultural factors are reinforced by the post-socialist legacy, which is characterized by a lack of creativity, collaboration, coordination, and consensus building, leading to reluctance and resistance to changes when it comes to adopting modern practices.
 Overall, the findings validate the hypothesis proposed in the paper - disregarding psycho-cultural factors in the process of change implementation contribute to the failure.
 The study also demonstrates the effectiveness of supporting the change implementation process through the utilization of Organizational Change Management (OCM) which is actively employed by Western organizations in the defense sector.

Abstract 234: Longitudinal Trends in Prehospital Advanced Airway Management in the United States

Background: While endotracheal intubation (ETI) is the most common prehospital advanced airway management technique in the United States (US), observations from clinical trials and the COVID-19 pandemic have motivated the broader use of supraglottic airways (SGA). The current national patterns of prehospital airway practices are unknown. We sought to describe longitudinal trends in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) advanced airway management in the US. Methods: We analyzed 2011-2021 data from ESO, a data set of US prehospital electronic health records. We identified all 911 events with attempted advanced airway management, determining the annual percentage receiving ETI and/or SGA attempts. We determined temporal trends using mixed effects regression. We stratified the analyses by condition (cardiac arrest, trauma, medical non-arrest) and age (adult vs. children [<18y]). Results: During the study period 355,532 patients underwent prehospital advanced airway management (annual incidence 9.0-10.0 per 1,000 911 events). Annual patients with SGA attempts increased almost three-fold (20.8% to 53.2%; p-trend<0.001), while annual patients with ETI attempts decreased (90.0% to 60.7%, p-trend<0.001). (Figure) Trends for cardiac arrest (SGA increased from 25.1% to 60.6%; ETI decreased from 87.3% to 54.7%) and trauma (SGA increased from 17.2% to 40.7%; ETI decreased from 90.5% to 71.8%) were similar. Advanced airway management in medical non-arrest patients remained stable (SGA 15.7% to 20.0%, p-trend=0.26; ETI 93.3% to 87.5%, p-trend=0.85). In children SGA attempts increased five-fold (11.2% to 50.9%, p-trend<0.001) while ETI attempts decreased (89.7% to 60.6%, p-trend<0.001). Conclusion: US prehospital advanced airway management practices have shifted, with marked increases in SGA and decreases in ETI attempts. These observations have critical implications for EMS care, training and system planning.

Social responsibility of the state as an anti-crisis component of public administration

The article examines the multifactorial issue of social responsibility, investigates the phenomenon of social responsibility of the state, and determines the role and place of social responsibility in overco ming crisis situations. It is established that in a broad sense, the social responsibility of the state is a system of effective management of the territory, including economic, political, social, security, cultural and environmental measures, in order to increase and maintain the standard of living of the population, which would satisfy the majority of citizens. At the same time, it should be about ensuring sustainable development and prospects for further improvement. It was determined that social responsibility is defined by a dynamic value system, which is characteristic of individuals, social communities and society in general, state and local authorities and their representatives. The emergence of social responsibility is directly related to social values that determine the activity and behavior of all participants in social processes. Based on this, it can be stated that the social responsibility of the state is realized as a manifestation of the will of each individual.
 It has been proven that in modern conditions, the key factor for overcoming crisis situations and ensuring the effective development of the state is a stable and society-oriented government, which in its activity covers both the needs of citizens and advanced management practices. In the conditions of a difficult economic, political, social and demographic situation in Ukraine, the social responsibility of the state should become one of the components of a unifying national idea that will help overcome the systemic crisis that affects all spheres of social life. It began to play an especially important role during a full-scale war, when the issue of the survival of the state depends on interaction and mutual trust between the authorities and citizens. It has been proven that for modern Ukraine the focus of actions of public authorities, private and public sector on protection of state interests and support of the economy should become characteristic. A similar vector of development of Ukrainian society contributes to complex development, when the process of formation of common values is accompanied by support from all participants in power-social relations.

Gastroschisis in Sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review of the prevalence, management practices, and associated outcomes.

Gastroschisis is a congenital defect of the anterior abdominal wall characterized by a periumbilical abdominal wall defect with associated bowel protrusion. Limitations in the diagnosis and management of gastroschisis in Sub-Saharan African countries contribute to the high mortality rate. Few studies have been published despite its significant contribution to neonatal mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa. This review study explores the prevalence of gastroschisis, likewise the management and clinical outcomes. Full-text articles reporting the prevalence, management, and associated outcomes of gastroschisis in Sub-Saharan Africa were included. Data were extracted from databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and Ajol following a systematic search. The study was reported following the PRISMA-ScR guideline. A total of ten articles which included studies conducted from 1999 to 2022 fulfilled the criteria. The prevalence of gastroschisis varied widely, ranging from 0.026 to 1.75 with an overall mortality rate of 62.48%. Young maternal age is strongly associated with the incidence of gastroschisis. The study showed a slight male preponderance with a M: F ratio of 1.12:1. Staged closure with silos is the preferred method of management, it is explicitly linked to improved clinical outcomes. The prevalence rate and associated mortality of gastroschisis remain alarmingly high in most of the studies. There is a need for advanced diagnostic and management practices as well as increased awareness of gastroschisis to reduce mortality and improve survival outcomes.

Challenges and countermeasures of urban water systems against climate change: a perspective from China

Urban water systems are facing various challenges against climate change, impacting cities’ security and their sustainable development. Specifically, there are three major challenges: submersion risk of coastal cities as glaciers melt and sea level rises, more and severe urban flooding caused by extreme weather like intensified storm surge and heavy precipitation, and regional water resource patterns challenged by alteration of spatial distribution of precipitation. Regarding this, two strategies including proactive adaptation and positive mitigation were proposed in this article to realize the reconstruction and optimization of urban water systems, to enhance their resilience, and eventually increase their adaptability and coping ability to climate change. The proactive adaptation strategy consists of 1) construction of sponge cities to accommodate the increased regular rainfall and to balance the alterations of spatial redistribution of precipitation; 2) reconstruction of excess stormwater discharge and detention system to increase capability for extreme precipitation events based on flood risk assessment under future climate change; 3) deployment of forward-looking, ecological, and integrated measures to improve coastal protection capability against inundation risks caused by climate change and sea level rise. The positive mitigation strategy is to employ the systematic concept in planning and design and to adopt advanced applicable energy-saving technologies, processes, and management practices, aiming at reduction in flux of urban water systems, reinforcement in energy conservation and carbon reduction in both water supply systems and wastewater treatment systems, and thus a reduction of greenhouse gas emission from urban water systems.

First results of the growth disorders related twinning programme Partners4Growth implemented at the tertiary university pediatric endocrinology clinics in Bulgaria.

Early diagnosis of childhood growth disorders, their timely and proper treatment are important for better outcomes.The aim of the present study was to assess the results of the first 18months of the growth disorders related twinning programme "Partners4Growth" implemented at all tertiary university pediatric endocrinology clinics in Bulgaria. In 2019, Partners4Growth started operation at 7 centres (4 experienced and 3 twin centres) with the main aim of aligning their practices in the shortest possible time. Education of twin centres' personnel was organized, equipment and methods for growth evaluation and follow-up were standardized. The approach was tested initially at one centre. At baseline and at the 18th month a questionnaire concerning diagnosis and management of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) requiring disorders was applied. A total of 104 new patients were diagnosed compared to 30 in the previous year. Of those, 91 started rhGH treatment- 65 (64 %) GH deficient, 12 (12 %) Turner syndrome, 7 (7 %) Prader-Willi syndrome patients, and 7 (7 %) born small for gestational age without postnatal catch-up, representing 35.8 % of all currently rhGH treated Bulgarian children. A better geographical coverage and more advanced diagnostic and management practices were achieved. Partners4Growth facilitated the alignment of the tertiary pediatric endocrinology centres competences thus leading to an improved diagnosis and treatment of growth disorders as well as better patients' access. For its short existence, the Programme increased significantly the number of new patients in the difficult times of COVID-19 pandemic thus justifying its continuation.

Instance Segmentation of Shrimp Based on Contrastive Learning

Shrimp farming has traditionally served as a crucial source of seafood and revenue for coastal countries. However, with the rapid development of society, conventional small-scale manual shrimp farming can no longer meet the increasing demand for rapid growth. As a result, it is imperative to continuously develop automation technology for efficient large-scale shrimp farming. Smart shrimp farming represents an innovative application of advanced technologies and management practices in shrimp aquaculture to expand the scale of production. Nonetheless, the use of these new technologies is not without difficulties, including the scarcity of public datasets and the high cost of labeling. In this paper, we focus on the application of advanced computer vision techniques to shrimp farming. To achieve this objective, we first establish a high-quality shrimp dataset for training various deep learning models. Subsequently, we propose a method that combines unsupervised learning with downstream instance segmentation tasks to mitigate reliance on large training datasets. Our experiments demonstrate that the method involving contrastive learning outperforms the direct fine-tuning of an instance segmentation model for shrimp in instance segmentation tasks. Furthermore, the concepts presented in this paper can extend to other fields that utilize computer vision technologies.

Optimizing Agronomic, Environmental, Health and Economic Performances in Summer Maize Production through Fertilizer Nitrogen Management Strategies.

Although nitrogen (N) fertilizer application plays an essential role in improving crop productivity, an inappropriate management can result in negative impacts on environment and human health. To break this dilemma, a 12-year field experiment (2008-2019) with five N application rates was conducted on the North China Plain (NCP) to evaluate the integrated impacts of optimizing N management (Opt. N, 160 kg N ha-1 on average) on agronomic, environmental, health, and economic performances of summer maize production. Over the 12-year study, the Opt. N treatment achieved the maximal average grain yield (10.6 Mg ha-1) and grain protein yield (793 kg ha-1) among five N treatments. The life cycle assessment methodology was applied to determine the negative impacts on environmental and human health, and both of them increased with the N rate. Compared with the farmers' conventional N rate (250 kg N ha-1), the Opt. N treatment reduced acidification, eutrophication, global warming, and energy depletion potentials by 29%, 42%, 35%, and 18%, respectively, and reduced the health impact by 32% per Mg of grain yield or grain protein yield produced. Both the Opt. N and Opt. N*50-70% treatments resulted in high private profitability (2038 USD ha-1), ecosystem economic benefit (1811 USD ha-1), and integrated compensation benefit (17,548 USD ha-1). This study demonstrates the potential benefits of long-term optimizing of N management to maintain high maize yields and grain quality, to reduce various environmental impacts and health impacts, and to enhance economic benefits. These benefits can be further enhanced when Opt. N was combined with advanced agronomic management practices. The results also suggest that reducing the optimal N rate from 160 to 145 kg N ha-1 is achievable to further reduce the negative impacts while maintaining high crop productivity. In conclusion, optimizing the N management is essential to promote sustainable summer maize production on the NCP.

Responses of Fine Root Traits and Soil Nitrogen to Fertilization Methods and Nitrogen Application Amounts in a Poplar Plantation

Inappropriate fertilization management practices have led to low timber production in intensive plantation systems in China. Thus, optimized conventional or advanced fertilization management practices are needed. We aimed to quantify whether optimized furrow fertilization (FF) is comparable to advanced drip fertigation (DF) and to make recommendations regarding fertilization management strategies for poplar plantations. A completely randomized block design experiment with two fertilization methods (DF and FF) and four N application amounts (F0: 0, F1: 68, F2: 113, and F3: 158 kg N·ha−1·yr−1) was carried out on a Populus × euramericana cv. ‘Guariento’ plantation. Fine root biomass density (FRBD), fine root length density (FRLD), specific root length (SRL), soil total nitrogen (STN), soil inorganic nitrogen (SIN), soil ammonium (NH4+-N) and nitrate nitrogen (NO3−-N) were measured. The productivity increment was calculated based on tree surveys. The results showed that FRBD and FRLD decreased with the soil depth, and more than 86% was distributed within the 40 cm soil depth. FRBD, FRLD, productivity increment and soil N increased with an increasing amount of N application. DF treatments achieved 117%, 94% and 10% higher FRBD, FRLD and productivity increments, respectively, than did FF treatments. The averages of STN, SIN, NH4+-N and NO3−-N under FF were higher than those under DF, leading to higher concentrations of residual NO3−-N in deep soil. Beneficial management practices for fine root growth were evaluated in the following order: water coupled with N > only N ≥ only water > control. FRBD was positively correlated with the productivity increment. Therefore, fine root extension to increase soil resource absorption yields greater productivity under DF treatments. Drip fertilization is recommended as a better fertilization method to greatly promote the growth of fine roots, as well as productivity and residual lower soil N for poplar plantations.

Managerial foreign experience and corporate risk-taking: Evidence from China

This study investigates the relationship between managerial foreign experience and corporate risk-taking. We find that foreign experienced managers in Chinese firms are positively associated with corporate risk-taking and that this mainly exists in private firms rather than in state owned enterprises (SOEs). In privately owned firms, the degree of corporate internationalization and operating leverage are potential channels through which foreign experienced managers affect corporate risk-taking. Moreover, the positive association is more pronounced for managers' practical, rather than educational foreign experience and for managers who gain their foreign experience from countries or regions with advanced management practices and better corporate governance. Short-term visits overseas has no impact on corporate risk-taking. Additionally, the relationship is more persistent among private firms with better corporate governance and those operating in weak local economy. Finally, we find evidence that the risk-taking behaviour from foreign experienced managers is an important mechanism for companies to enhance their value.

Development Trends of Management Consulting

In the modern reality, due to the development of business and the need for enhancing its efficiency, we see that the demand for consulting services is growing permanently. Most important is the management consulting, which has become a mainstream practice in such sectors of the national economy such as industry, transportation, building and construction, services and the state and the private agencies. Moreover, Management consulting is in fact an assistance to the managers for increasing the efficiency of the entity’s operations offered by the independent experts highly qualified in a particular sector of industry. Consulting services rendered through the specialized companies and agencies are a widespread practice throughout the world. In fact they have grown into an independent industry. One more trend pertaining to such industry is its ever growing scope that results in a growing demand and consequently, its further development. Such growing demand for the consulting services is explained by the fact that managements of companies try to master and promptly introduce new management practices, advanced ideas, new equipment and technologies with the aim to increase profits and ultimately make their companies more competitive in an ever growing market conditions. Key words: management consulting, advanced management practices, outsourcing, scope of services, keeping confidentiality.

Environmental microbiology going computational-Predictive ecology and unpredicted discoveries.

Environmental microbiology going computational-Predictive ecology and unpredicted discoveries.

Optimizing nitrogen fertilizer use for more grain and less pollution

Optimal nitrogen (N) management is critical for efficient crop production and agricultural pollution control. Approximate 210–220 kg ha −1 N fertilizer was applied in millions of small plots through broadcasting way in China, resulting in over and loss of N fertilizers. However, it is difficult to implement advanced management practices on smallholder farms due to a lack of knowledge. Here, using 35,502 on-farm fertilization experiments, we demonstrated that smallholders in China could actually produce more grain with less N fertilizer use only through optimizing N application rate. The yields of wheat, maize and rice were shown to increase between 10% and 19% while N application rates were reduced by 15–19%. These changes resulted in an increase in N use efficiency (NUE) by 32–46% and a reduction in N surplus by 40% without actually changing farmers’ operational practices. By reducing N application rates in line with official recommendations would not only save fertilizer cost while increasing crop yield, but also at the same time reduce environmental N pollution in China. Beyond of optimizing N application rate, improved management practices were required to produce more grain with less pollution, which would need about 11.8 billion US dollars for the implementation and reducing N loss reduction by 1.75 million tons to the environment. • Optimizing N fertilizer rate was estimated based on 35,502 field experiments nationally. • Optimizing N rate increased NUE by 32–46% with 40% lower N surplus. • Environmental N loss was predicted to be reduced by 5.06 million t by optimizing N rate. • Best management strategies could result in 1.75 million tons N loss reduction.

Diffusing Environmental Management Practices within the Firm: The Role of Information Provision

Why are some firms more successful in adopting profitable environmental management practices than others? A key role of corporate managers is to encourage subsidiaries to adopt innovative practices. We examine the conditions under which corporate managers use information provision to encourage subsidiaries to adopt advanced environmental management practices. Focusing on the distribution of expertise across subsidiaries, we propose that corporate managers are more likely to elect an information provision strategy when subsidiaries (i) possess moderate levels of related expertise, (ii) exhibit significant heterogeneity in this expertise, and (iii) are more diversified and less concentrated. We study the diffusion of pollution prevention practices by firms in the information and communication technology sector in the United States and find empirical support for our four hypotheses. These findings promote a greater understanding of which firms adopt advanced environmental management practices and when firms adopt information provision strategies to encourage knowledge transfer within the organization.

A Farm-to-Fork Quantitative Microbial Exposure Assessment of β-Lactam-Resistant Escherichia coli among U.S. Beef Consumers.

Integrated quantitative descriptions of the transmission of β-lactam-resistant Escherichia coli (BR-EC) from commercial beef products to consumers are not available. Here, a quantitative microbial exposure assessment model was established to simulate the fate of BR-EC in a farm-to-fork continuum and provide an estimate of BR-EC exposure among beef consumers in the U.S. The model compared the per-serving exposures from the consumption of intact beef cuts, non-intact beef cuts, and ground beef. Additionally, scenario analysis was performed to evaluate the relative contribution of antibiotic use during beef cattle production to the level of human exposure to BR-EC. The model predicted mean numbers of BR-EC of 1.7 × 10−4, 8.7 × 10−4, and 6.9 × 10−1 CFU/serving for intact beef cuts, non-intact beef cuts, and ground beef, respectively, at the time of consumption. Sensitivity analyses using the baseline model suggested that factors related to sectors along the supply chain, i.e., feedlots, processing plants, retailers, and consumers, were all important for controlling human exposure to BR-EC. Interventions at the processing and post-processing stages are expected to be most effective. Simulation results showed that a decrease in antibiotic use among beef cattle might be associated with a reduction in exposure to BR-EC from beef consumption. However, the absolute reduction was moderate, indicating that the effectiveness of restricting antibiotic use as a standalone strategy for mitigating human exposure to BR-EC through beef consumption is still uncertain. Good cooking and hygiene practices at home and advanced safety management practices in the beef processing and post-processing continuum are more powerful approaches for reducing human exposure to antibiotic-resistant bacteria in beef products.

Profitability and efficiency of pig production in Tamil Nadu

The present study was conducted to explore the cost and returns, profitability in pig (Swine) farming and to analyze the various factors affecting pig production and their level of efficiency in pig production. For the study, a sample of 45 swine farms was purposively selected by a simple random sampling procedure in the North-eastern zone of Tamil Nadu. The data were collected by personal interview method with the help of a pre-tested questionnaire pertaining to the year 2013–2014. The results revealed that minimum cost of production and maximum net return per farm per year from the pig rearing was noticed in large farms. Overall benefit-cost ratio was 1.46, which revealed profitable nature of swine farms in the study area. The results of cobb-douglas production function revealed that the variables, feed, and veterinary care were significant and positively influence the pork production. Allocative efficiency analysis showed that the resource feed was over-utilized and veterinary care was under-utilized. Technical efficiency was calculated using stochastic frontier production function and mean technical efficiency was identified as 76.37% and hence 23.63% of their technical abilities were not realized. Multiple regression was used to identify the factors influencing farm specific technical efficiency and profitability. Thus, the efficiency in pig production in the study area could be achieved through efficient extension programs about advanced scientific management practices for optimum utilization of resources.

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it? Indian manufacturing SMEs’ quest for strategic flexibility

Research suggests that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in India are hesitant to adopt the leading management practices. This exacerbates their competitive disadvantage against larger firms in a highly competitive and rapidly evolving marketplace. Indian SMEs’ reluctance to embrace advanced management practices may be explained by their satisficing business behaviors. In other words, Indian SMEs are highly likely to continue with business as usual - a customary of deficient modus of operandi, and refuse to search for optimal solutions and practices. We argue that overcoming satisficing biases may require Indian SMEs to strive for strategic flexibility that allow for prompt adjustments in value creation activities. A higher strategic flexibility allows SMEs in the manufacturing sector to rapidly adjust product range, variety, innovativeness, and speed of development to capitalize on new opportunities and minimize the negative impact of changing market conditions. This may allow SMEs to overcome competitive disadvantages and compete effectively against larger firms in the market. We argue that SMEs seeking to obtain strategic flexibility must focus on information quality and supply chain integration. We assess the proposed model using a sample of 100 top SME managers operating in India.