Business Approach Research Articles

The economic and financial performance of biogas production: a retrospective analysis of the French case

Purpose While numerous studies have focused on the economic impact of technical changes made to anaerobic digestion plants, there is limited understanding of the overall economic and financial performance of the biogas production units. This study aims to analyse the economic and financial performance of the biogas production sector over a 5-year period using various accounting indicators. Design/methodology/approach The research is based on an examination of financial data of French biogas units over a five-year period (2015–2019). Following a research protocol detailed in the study, 334 units were studied: 192 projects run by farmers, 83 projects run by industrial companies and 59 run by a mixed partnership (farmers, local authorities, and industry). Findings This study reveals that biogas production is performing well both economically and financially, but the performance varies depending on the type of producer: farmers better perform from an economic point of view, while industrialists are looking for financial profitability. Farmers exploit their competitive advantage based on waste disposal. Industrialists offset this disadvantage by a better ability to raise funds to negotiate payment terms and interest rates. Originality/value The originality of the study lies in its business approach. It completes the energy efficiency one which is more usual in energy sector management publications. Additionally, the study spans a five-year period, providing a longitudinal perspective of companies’ economic and financial performance. Furthermore, the data is sourced from reliable government sources.

Business Analytics in Customer Lifetime Value: An Overview Analysis

ABSTRACTIn customer‐oriented systems, customer lifetime value (CLV) has been of significant importance for academia and marketing practitioners, especially within the scope of analytical modeling. CLV is a critical approach to managing and organizing a company's profitability. With the vast availability of consumer data, business analytics (BA) tools and approaches, alongside CLV models, have been applied to gain deeper insights into customer behaviors and decision‐making processes. Despite the recognized importance of CLV, there is a noticeable gap in comprehensive analyses and reviews of BA techniques applied to CLV. This study aims to fill this gap by conducting a thorough survey of the state‐of‐the‐art investigations on CLV models integrated with BA approaches, thereby contributing to a research agenda in this field. The review methodology consists of three main steps: identification of relevant studies, creating a coding plan, and ensuring coding reliability. First, relevant studies were identified using predefined keywords. Next, a coding plan—one of the study's significant contributions—was developed to evaluate these studies comprehensively. Finally, the coding plan's reliability was tested by three experts before being applied to the selected studies. Additionally, specific evaluation criteria in the coding plan were implemented to introduce new insights. This study presents exciting and valuable results from various perspectives, providing a crucial reference for academic researchers and marketing practitioners interested in the intersection of BA and CLV.

AI in customer feedback integration: A data-driven framework for enhancing business strategy

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into customer feedback systems has emerged as a transformative approach for businesses seeking to enhance their strategies and maintain a competitive edge. This review presents a data-driven framework that leverages AI to analyze, interpret, and act upon customer feedback, providing actionable insights for business decision-making. AI techniques such as natural language processing (NLP), machine learning (ML), and sentiment analysis allow companies to automate the feedback collection process and analyze vast amounts of data from diverse sources, including surveys, reviews, social media, and customer support interactions. The proposed framework facilitates real-time feedback analysis, enabling businesses to identify trends, customer preferences, and potential pain points more efficiently. By integrating AI with existing customer relationship management (CRM) systems, businesses can automate the categorization and prioritization of feedback, allowing for timely responses and more effective problem-solving. Furthermore, predictive analytics tools within the framework can forecast customer needs, allowing businesses to tailor products and services to meet evolving expectations. This framework also supports continuous improvement by enabling businesses to track the impact of changes implemented based on customer feedback. Additionally, AI’s ability to personalize the customer experience by recognizing patterns and individual preferences plays a crucial role in increasing customer satisfaction and loyalty. The data-driven insights generated through AI integration can guide businesses in refining their marketing, product development, and customer service strategies, leading to improved operational efficiency and better alignment with customer expectations. In conclusion, the integration of AI into customer feedback mechanisms represents a significant advancement for data-driven business strategy development. This framework not only enhances feedback accuracy and speed but also empowers businesses to deliver more personalized and customer-centric solutions.

STRATEGY OF SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT BASED ON COMMUNITY (STUDY OF TODAY'S MODERN COFFEE SHOP BUSINESS ACTORS)

This study explores the sustainable community-based business approach adopted by modern coffee shops in Kendari City to boost community participation and foster customer loyalty. Through qualitative research, including case studies and in-depth interviews with business owners, employees, and community members, the findings indicate that involving the community in innovation and business adaptation strengthens customer relationships and enhances business sustainability. By engaging the community, coffee shops are able to create a sense of ownership, resulting in higher customer retention and greater brand loyalty. The approach also proves effective in addressing operational challenges such as fluctuating demand and supply disruptions by leveraging community-driven solutions. Furthermore, the adoption of sustainable practices, such as sourcing local ingredients, minimizing waste, and utilizing eco-friendly packaging, increases operational resilience and attracts environmentally conscious customers. This business model aligns with local policies promoting the sustainability of MSMEs and offers a replicable framework for other small businesses in similar contexts. Ultimately, the combination of community engagement and sustainable practices not only generates economic benefits but also builds social capital, ensuring long-term business resilience and contributing to local economic growth.

Assessing Private Equity Involvement in Ophthalmology: Parallels with the Past, Concerns for the Future

PurposeTo discuss the history and current state of private equity in ophthalmology and explore potential implications for ophthalmology practices, physicians, and patients. DesignPerspective. MethodsReview of selected articles in ophthalmology and non-ophthalmology medical literature and commentary based on the authors’ experiences. ResultsInvestment in ophthalmology appeals to private equity firms because of high procedural volumes, fragmented private practices, opportunities for real estate ownership, and an aging population in need of eye care. As a result, acquisition of private practices by large private equity companies has swelled since 2015. Metropolitan areas and practices that possess ambulatory surgical centers or a high proportion of retina surgeons receive the greatest investment. However, little objective data exists regarding the benefits of this trend. Initial research suggests that private equity ownership may negatively impact patient care through greater costs, shorter appointments, and fewer Medicare/Medicaid patients seen. Skeptics of private equity also highlight concerns that include financial risk falling primarily on the acquired practice itself, a short-term business approach that rewards profit maximization, and the erosion of physician autonomy. Furthermore, young ophthalmologists express reservations about working for private equity firms. 78% of trainees indicated they would not consider employment by a private equity owned practice and 81.4% of vitreoretinal fellows voiced concerns about autonomy and job security. Proposed legislation aimed at limiting private equity acquisitions is currently under review at the statewide level, adding additional uncertainty to the future of private equity involvement in ophthalmology. ConclusionAlthough investment by private equity offers potential financial rewards and operational improvements for practices, it also raises significant concerns reminiscent of those experienced by physician practice management companies in the 1990s. Nonanecdotal data is needed to assess the benefits and future of private equity involvement in ophthalmology.

Critical barriers to adopt sustainable manufacturing practices in medium-sized ready-made garment manufacturing enterprises and their mitigation strategies

This study delves into the critical barriers hindering sustainable manufacturing practices in medium-sized ready-made garments manufacturing enterprises. Initially, barriers were identified through a literature review and expert opinions. Then, the fuzzy Delphi Method and expert consensus were used to prioritize the critical barriers. Finally, based on the insights from a focus group discussion and the supported literature, strategies to mitigate the identified critical barriers were formulated. In this study, the initial barriers identified encompassed various dimensions. The top three critical barriers were identified as higher prices of sustainable products, limited supplier commitment, and lack of access to information. Strategies to address these critical barriers include adopting collaborative business approaches, incorporating sustainability standards, investing in technology, implementing sustainable manufacturing techniques, and integrating green supply chain management practices. Overall, by focusing on these strategies, medium-sized garment manufacturing enterprises can enhance their sustainability efforts and gain economic, environmental, and social benefits.

Analysis of Home-based Business Development Using a Green Business Approach to Increase Family Income

Analysis of Home-based Business Development Using a Green Business Approach to Increase Family Income

How to deploy the PSS towards a circular economy in housing? A multiple-case study

Transitioning to a circular housing economy necessitates innovative business models informed by Circular Economy (CE) principles. Yet, a business viewpoint is almost absent from the current circular housing discourse. Of various applicable business approaches, the Product-Service System (PSS) has frequently been put forward due to its resource reduction capacity. Nonetheless, its practical application within the realm of circular housing remains an uncharted territory. To address this knowledge gap, this study employed a multiple-case study, investigating the practices of five frontrunners in the field through interviews and document analysis. The findings informed an empirically grounded framework of 14 guiding principles that provide actionable knowledge for deploying the PSS for a CE in housing across the value proposition, value creation and delivery, and value capture components of the business model concept. Additionally, the findings highlighted the role of intermediary-led collaborative value networks as catalysts for PSS and CE implementation in housing. Beyond these theoretical contributions, the findings and framework presented herein can serve as a dependable point of reference for practitioners in their quest to explore and capture the potential of the PSS towards a CE in housing.

Cybersecurity in the Age of IoT: Business Strategies for Managing Emerging Threats

The quick spread of the Internet of Things (IoT) has essentially changed industries by linking devices, systems, and data. This expansion has, in turn, generated exceptional cybersecurity vulnerabilities, which introduces an urgent requirement for detailed security solutions. This paper analyzes new cybersecurity risks present in the IoT ecosystem and looks into successful business approaches for managing these threats. Using a thorough assessment of current literature, practical case studies, and extensive data analysis, the study discovers essential weaknesses in IoT devices, networks, and infrastructure. The method used collects information from latest incidents related to IoT breaches and evaluates several business strategies designed to meet these challenges. Findings imply that using advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in monitoring, in conjunction with collaborative cybersecurity frameworks, strongly enhances the security of the IoT. The originality of this research is in its thorough review of the evolving threat landscape and its practical recommendations for enterprises to advance their Internet of Things security position in a quickly changing environment.

Business Agility in Technology Companies

Agile approaches have been used in the software business for many years. However, the agile approaches can bring a lot of velocity to many other business areas. Many authors have reported that using agile business approaches instead of conventional business approaches has addressed the needs of productivity in the current era. For successful implementation of the agile business concept in a company, the maturity for using this approach should be evaluated. This paper presents the results of a survey which was carried out regarding agile business issues in the light of maturity. Specifically, the ability of companies to adopt agile approaches was assessed based on the five-level maturity model of which level 5 shows the highest maturity. The results show that most companies are mainly at level three regarding open innovation and business agility. It is recommended that companies should also focus on the actions required at levels four and five. Because of the content of levels four and five, we suggest that company strategies should be aligned with agile strategies based on the agile business concept. We also argue that corporate change management skills are needed to realize levels four and/or five.

Sustainability risk in insurance companies: A machine learning analysis

AbstractSustainable development constitutes a global challenge today, and the sustainable development goals (Agenda 2030) will probably set the course for the coming decades. This paper discusses sustainability in insurance companies by combining two aspects: a social approach (the environmental impact) and a business approach (the prediction of claims due to climate change). Our objective is to analyse the impact of physical risk in a home insurance portfolio and to measure in economic terms the effect of climate change in the future, by applying machine learning methodologies. Two data sources are used: a Spanish insurance portfolio with 31,998 policies and claims from 2017 to 2022, and daily meteorological variables from 290 Spanish weather stations from 2000 to 2022. Two climate scenarios are considered: RCP 4.5 (medium impact) and RCP 8.5 (high impact). On average for the period 2023–2052, the results reveal that claims will increase by 105% for the 4.5 scenario and by 129% for the 8.5 scenario. Our paper makes a clear contribution to sustainability by analysing climate risks and their impact on an insurance portfolio. It shows the grave consequences of climate change for the insurance sector's solvency and the political implications for the financial system in general.

Этические ценности в культуре современных предпринимателей

Philosophical thought has always stimulated humanity to reflect on values, goals, and the meaning of exist-ence. In the modern business world, philosophy is transforming into new forms of aspiration alongside finan-cial success to achieve social, environmental, and ethical goals. Realization of one’s place in society and re-sponsibility to society has become the basis for the emergence of entrepreneurial culture. In this article, the author examines the ability of ethical values to influence the mindset of modern businessmen; analyzes and studies the decision-making strategies of successful entrepreneurs who adhere to certain philosophical ideas; explores the relationship between the beliefs of individuals and their implementation of innovative business approaches; investigates ways in which entrepreneurs address ethical dilemmas and overcome complex situa-tions using philosophical ideas. As a result of the study, the extent to which the study of ethical values influ-ences successful business management in the modern world is assessed.

Analisis Strategi Komunikasi Bisnis pada Warkop Royal Silangkitang Kabupaten Labuhan Batu Selatan

This study examines the business communication strategy used by Warkop Royal and the inhibiting factors of Warkop Royal's business communication strategy. To obtain the results of this study, a qualitative descriptive research method was used, then direct interviews were conducted with various sources needed in this study. The results of this study indicate that the communication strategy used by Warkop Royal is to greet consumers with polite language, promote by word of mouth, strategic location, collaboration with local businesses, and maintain the quality of food and beverages. The inhibiting factors of Warkop Royal's business communication strategy are not yet optimal in using social media, lack of training for employees, cultural and language barriers, economic conditions, and tight competition. While the SWOT theory used by Warkop Royal is that they always greet consumers with polite language, Strategy (SO) Using formal but relaxed language. Strategy (WO) Carrying out a more inclusive and adaptive approach. Strategy (ST) Providing polite and friendly language. Strategy (WT) Developing a business approach based on a deep understanding of the local market. When associated with the AIDDA Theory, Warkop Royal's business communication strategy is very promising.

ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT IN THE CONTEXT OF AN EMERGING INCLUSIVE ECONOMY

The article substantiates the necessity for enterprises to adapt to modern challenges and opportunities associated with the development of an inclusive economy. It analyzes contemporary trends and key issues impacting the functioning of enterprises in this context. The research delves into the critical aspects of managing enterprise development, including strategic planning, organizational changes, and innovative business approaches. Emphasis is placed on the importance of a systemic approach to solving these problems, which involves the active participation of the state, business, and civil society. The key aspects of managing enterprise development in the context of an inclusive economy are explored. In particular, strategic planning plays a crucial role in determining priority development areas, setting goals, and tasks that meet the requirements of an inclusive economy. A comprehensive set of measures aimed at enhancing the efficiency of enterprise development management in the context of an inclusive economy is proposed. The need for enterprises to adapt to the evolving landscape of an inclusive economy is becoming increasingly imperative. The dynamics of the modern economic environment, characterized by rapid technological advancements, globalization, and shifting consumer preferences, necessitate that businesses not only seek profitability but also contribute to social and environmental well-being. This dual focus on financial performance and societal impact is essential for achieving sustainable growth and maintaining competitive advantage. Training and skill development are critical components of an inclusive economy. Enterprises must invest in continuous learning and professional development programs to enhance the capabilities of their workforce. Professional development programs should focus on upskilling and reskilling employees, enabling them to adapt to new technologies and market demands. Collaboration with educational institutions can bridge the gap between academia and industry, ensuring that graduates possess the skills required by the labor market. Enterprises should encourage employees to engage in continuous education and provide access to online courses, workshops, and seminars.

How rigid business approaches paved the way for inclusive business practices: A case study of innovative milk trading practices aligned with pastoralists

How rigid business approaches paved the way for inclusive business practices: A case study of innovative milk trading practices aligned with pastoralists

Ecosystem Approaches in International Business Non-Equity Collaborations and Partnerships in Evolving Global Cities

This qualitative literature review explores ecosystem approaches in international business, focusing on non-equity collaborations and partnerships within evolving global cities. Global cities serve as critical nodes for multinational enterprises (MNEs), facilitating strategic interactions and innovation through diverse collaborations with local firms and stakeholders. The review synthesizes current research to highlight how such collaborations enhance MNEs' competitive advantage by leveraging local knowledge, resources, and market access. Key findings illustrate the role of global city ecosystems in fostering innovation, operational efficiency, and sustainable development for MNEs. However, challenges such as regulatory complexities and institutional misalignments constrain effective collaboration, necessitating adaptive governance and strategic alignment among stakeholders. Future research directions include integrating quantitative analyses to complement qualitative insights, exploring diverse geographic and sectoral contexts, and advancing digital and sustainable strategies within global city ecosystems.

Internal determinants of financial performance among listed food supermarkets in the South African economy

This study aims to examine the internal determinants of financial performance of food supermarkets listed on the South African stock exchange. Food supermarkets play an integral role in socio-economic development of the country. The study employed an econometric approach utilizing fixed effect panel data. Drawing information from audited financial statements, data were gathered from four major listed food supermarkets in South Africa covering the period from 1994 to 2022, resulting in a total of 116 observations over 29 years. The robust longitudinal statistics obtained from balanced data revealed a significant positive correlation between equity financing, size of corporate governance, and current debt with financial performance, as measured by sales revenue at 0.0000, 0.054, and 0.000 significance levels, respectively. The findings indicate that as these variables increase, the financial performance of the studied food supermarkets (Shoprite, Woolworths, Spar, and Pick n Pay) also increases. Conversely, a negative and significant relationship is noted between company age, current assets, and financial performance at significance levels of 0.007 and 0.002, respectively. This suggests that as these variables increase, financial performance will decrease. As per the research findings, it is imperative for supermarkets to uphold a well-rounded blend of equity and debt and adopt inventive business approaches as they mature to improve financial outcomes. Therefore, the study proposes a framework focusing on internal factors that impact the financial performance of listed food supermarkets in South Africa.

Resilience in supply chain risk management in disruptive world: rerouting research directions during and after pandemic

AbstractThe pandemic and a series of subsequent disruptive events fully exposed the vulnerability of supply chains. Research in the field of resilience in supply chain risk management has recorded significant interest across a wide range of academic disciplines. Therefore, there is a need to synthesize, categorize and explain existing and newly emerging research directions, which may represent relevant platforms for developing supply chain concepts in the future. This study addresses this need by providing a bibliometric review of published papers on resilience in supply chain risk management. By analyzing more than 2500 published papers through bibliometric and machine-learning-based methods, we identified ten topics related to risk and resilience of supply chains: Pandemic impacts of food supply chain; Practices for capability and performance; Supplier-related modeling and optimization; System security and critical infrastructure; Production changes; IT in manufacturing process; Sustainability in global economy; Management and business approach; Modeling and design of complex networks; Operational strategies for risk mitigation. By analyzing articles published since 2020, we also identified a change in the direction of research dedicated to supply chain risk and resilience; we identified three other topics that were not recognized as distinct topics prior to 2020—Operational management; strategy; Sustainable production. The results of this study help in understanding the change in the direction of research in the area of risk and resilience of supply chains and thus provide up-to-date information for further research in this dynamically developing area.

A decision-making framework for determinants of an organisation’s readiness for smart warehouse

Demanding, competitive business dynamics drive organisations to continually evaluate and adopt automation in their structural setups, particularly warehouses, for growth and profitability. Industry 4.0 technologies are revolutionising warehouse operations, resulting in cost savings, increased efficiency, and a more environmentally friendly approach for businesses. The readiness of organisations to adopt these technologies is evaluated with the help of hard and soft determinants selected through a theoretical framework of Technology–Organisation-Environment (TOE). In this study, a unique method is used that combines the Modified Delphi method, content validity for scale validation, expert opinion consensus tests for agreement, ranking determinants using the Best Worst Method (BWM), and rank validation through sensitivity analysis for warehousing industry experts and organisations. Warehouse service providers who convert their warehouses into smart modes to serve fast-moving consumer goods companies in Tier-2 cities are chosen for the structural framework. Results present the role of the ‘operational efficiency of technology’, ‘top management’, ‘employee’s education’, and ‘technical background’ as the most effective driving determinants. This research provides valuable information to researchers and managers trying to upgrade their warehouse into a smart warehouse.

The Impact of Data-Driven Decision Making on the Annual Net Sales Revenue and Stock Price of Amazon: A Study from 2004 to 2022

In the rapidly changing world of e-commerce, data-driven decision making now stands out as a critical approach for businesses that seek to excel better and stand out among the crowd of competitors. This paper covers the results of data-driven decision making on Amazon's annual net sales revenue over the years 2004 through 2022. Amazon is a multi-billion dollar company that operates in the online retail space as one of the largest encompassing platforms in the world. Through both secondary data taken from Yahoo Finance and Statista, this investigation accomplishes a longitudinal analysis to find out the connection between approaches and financial data, which is, Amazon's data-driven approaches and its net sales revenue and stock price. This study reveals a data-reliant decision-making and thatch towards e-commerce business in light of the contemporary progress of automated analytics on business strategies.