Business Competencies Research Articles

Competitive advantage, strategic management practices, and business sustainability: Inputs to business competency framework

Competitive advantage, strategic management practices, and business sustainability: Inputs to business competency framework

Exporting Competence: A Theoretical Framework


 The development of human capital has become an indispensable factor to achieve and maintain the competitiveness and sustainability of a firm. This paper presents the construct of exporting competence and the methodological proposal for international trade companies to identify business competencies that are effectively put into practice by managers at different organizational levels. Particularly in territories with a challenging business ecosystem, such as some states in Mexico, the skill set that executives bring to firms have played an essential role to consolidate the firm’s exporting activity. Therefore, identifying and developing specific exporting competencies will enhance a firm’s export performance, while leading to development with a sustainable approach. First, a general introduction is given in the topic of Mexico and Michoacan’s competitiveness. Second, a literature review for competencies is given. Third, the construct of exporting competence is presented. The paper concludes with specific recommendations to consider in further initiatives and research in this field.

Guest Editorial: New Perspectives on Technology and Innovation Management to Strengthen the Development of Healthcare Organizations and Ecosystems

Recently, healthcare organizations have continually put tremendous efforts to raise medical treatment standard as well as improve customer satisfaction and strengthen their business competence. The underlying reasons generally depends on the inadequate planning, inappropriate procurement, poorly organized and managed healthcare technical services, and a shortage of skilled personnel. Moreover, the mismanagement of physical assets impacts on the quality, efficiency, and sustainability of health services at all levels.

From Musicians to Entrepreneurs: The Effect of Business, Music, Creative and Digital Competencies

From Musicians to Entrepreneurs: The Effect of Business, Music, Creative and Digital Competencies

창업자의 글로벌 역량이 기업의 글로벌 역량에 미치는 영향에 대한 연구

This study aims to explore the relationship between global entrepreneurial competencies and perceptions of the entrepreneurial ecosystem (government support, investment environment), and how they influence global business competencies. To achieve this goal, the study reviewed existing research and theories from both domestic and international sources on topics such as global entrepreneurial competencies, entrepreneurial ecosystem perceptions, and business competencies. Based on this review, the study developed a research framework and hypotheses. To validate the research model, a survey was conducted among entrepreneurs of domestic companies planning to enter or already operating in international markets. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS 23.0 for empirical verification. Summarizing the results of the empirical analysis in this study, the following key findings emerged: Global entrepreneurial competencies were found to significantly influence perceptions of the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Furthermore, perceptions of the entrepreneurial ecosystem were found to have a significant impact on global business competencies. Specifically, it was analyzed that global entrepreneurial competencies have a significant impact on global business competencies through the mediating effect of perceptions of the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Additionally, the study examined the factors of entrepreneurial competencies that influence global business competencies. Among these factors, entrepreneurial mindset was found to have no significant influence on global business competencies. On the other hand, internationalization experience, internationalization intention, and vision were validated as factors that contribute to global business competencies in that order. Therefore, for domestic companies to successfully enter global markets, this study suggests that entrepreneurs' internationalization experience plays a crucial role in shaping their internationalization intention and vision. It also emphasizes the importance of perceiving a stable government support environment and investment environment to enhance the global business competencies of companies.

Analyzing, Prioritizing, and Presenting the Model of Core Competencies of Education Managers

Background: Today, with the advancement of science and technology, societies are becoming more complex and specialized. Therefore, knowledge should be considered the foundation of the development and social welfare of countries.
 Objectives: The present study aimed to examine the role of three managerial skills in designing the competence model of education managers of Islamic Azad Universities in Khorasan Razavi.
 Methods: This research is applied in terms of purpose and exploratory mix (qualitative-quantitative) in terms of method. The measurement instrument in the qualitative part was a semi-structured interview, and in the quantitative part, it consisted of a researcher-made questionnaire. The statistical population included 951 employees of the Islamic Azad University of Razavi Khorasan, of which 274 were randomly selected. For data analysis, the Delphi technique was employed in the qualitative part, and the structural equation modeling method of SPSS22 and AMOS26 software was used in the quantitative part.
 Results: It was found that 75% of managers’ competence depends on the dimensions of managerial skills (technical, human, perceptual). These dimensions can explain and predict the competence of education managers, including individual characteristics, organizational factors, entrepreneurial competence, business competence, leadership, decision-making, and cooperation.
 Conclusions: According to the results of this study, it is required to develop a long-term and operational strategic roadmap and program with a paradigmatic approach and a local and regional view.

Collaborative Planning in Non-Hierarchical Networks—An Intelligent Negotiation-Based Framework

In today’s competing business market, companies are constantly challenged to dynamically adapt to customer expectations by diminishing the time response that goes from the beginning of the business opportunity to the satisfaction of the customer need. Simultaneously, there is increased recognition of the advantages that companies obtain in focusing on their core business and seeking other competencies through partnerships with other partners by forming collaborative networks. These new collaborative organizational structures require a new set of methods and tools to support the management of manufacturing processes across the entire supply chain. The present paper addresses the collaborative production planning problem in networks of non-hierarchical, decentralized, and independent companies. By proposing a collaborative planning intelligent framework composed of a web-based set of methods, tools, and technologies, the present study intends to provide network stakeholders with the necessary means to responsively and efficiently address each one of the market business opportunities. Through this new holistic framework, the managers of the networked companies can address the challenges posed during collaborative network formation and supply chain production planning.

The Role of Entrepreneurial Competencies: Successful Key Smes a Literature Review

Purpose: SMEs have been shown in various previous studies to contribute significantly to GDP and survive in different economic conditions. However, entrepreneurs must possess key competencies to be competitive and stay in the long run. This paper aims to describe the role of entrepreneurial competencies in SMEs success through a literature review. Theoretical framework: This study provides a summary of the literature on entrepreneurial competence topics which include knowledge, attitudes and skills which are the basis for effective business performance, potential for success in work, creating a business environment to increase entrepreneurial will. The important role of entrepreneurial competence is part of the literature review providing a strong basis for further research Desain/metodologi/approach: By conducting a literature review and analyzing empirical data, we seek to deepen our understanding of entrepreneurial competence and identify its key role in the success of SMEs. Finding: Our findings suggest that entrepreneurial competencies, including business skills, management, human relations, conceptual understanding, and attitude, are crucial to the success of SMEs. Developing these competencies can lead to more competitive and sustainable SMEs businesses, ultimately contributing to national economic growth. Research, Practical & Social implications: This study contributes to a better understanding of the important role of entrepreneurial competence in achieving maximum performance in an effort to develop entrepreneurial attitudes and behavior skills which form the basis of economic growth and become the main competence for developing employability in society. Originality/value: The added value of this study serves as a guide on how important the role of entrepreneurial competence is in achieving entrepreneurial success. Continuous improvement of entrepreneurial competence in business is urgently needed to achieve maximum performance for SMEs in Indonesia so that they can grow and develop as pillars of economic growth.

Evaluation of Corporate Social Responsibility and Core Competitiveness Based on GA-SVM Model

Abstract The author proposes a model evaluation based on the GA-SVM model to better understand the evaluation of the company’s relationship and core competitiveness. The system index is reduced by relative gray analysis, the support vector machine model is optimized by a genetic algorithm, and the specific algorithm steps are introduced. Select models from the top 100 enterprises in China’s construction industry in 2020 published by China Construction Industry Market, using relative gray to reduce the measure, and then use the genetic algorithm support vector machine (GA-SVM) model for the training model to achieve the evaluation of the core competencies of the target construction technique business. The experimental results show that the relative error of prediction of the GA-SVM(Genetic algorithm-support vector machine) model for the evaluation of the competitive core of the business is not more than 5, which meets the should be made of accurate predictions. Therefore, choosing the Gaussian radial basis kernel function (RBF) as the kernel function of the GA-SVM intelligent evaluation model is good. It proves that the GA-SVM model can analyze the relationship between the role and the important competition.

Sustainable Competitive Decline Analysis of Small Medium Wood Crafts Industry in Bali

The development of production and export of wood crafts in Bali yearly tends to remain the same. This phenomenon shows a decline in the sustainable competitiveness of woodcraft SMEs in Bali. This study analyzes the variables that affect the competitiveness of woodcraft SMEs in Bali, including the role of the Government, HR competence, marketing performance, social environment, digitalization techno­logy, and production performance. Data were collected by observation and interview methods and then analyzed with the subject of the study being MSME actors in Bali Province by determining the sample using probability sampling—data analysis using Partial Least Square Path Modeling (PLS-PM). The study results indicate that the role of government, implementation of corporate social responsibility, contextual factors, and business competence affect the competitiveness of the wood craft industry in Bali.

Advocating Community Economic Resilience Framework in Kemadang Food Barn, Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta: Accentuating the Social Capital Perspective

Agriculture is claimed as Indonesia’s strategic pillar sector. The existence of a community-based enterprise with a traditional business model is often seen as a weakness, while social capital is a strength to thrive. However, a well-managed conventional business model can become one of the foundations of a sustainable livelihood. This community service program wass carried out with the Artha Mandiri Group, which is domiciled in Kemadang Village, Gunungkidul, Special Region of Yogyakarta. This program aimed to increase the economic resilience of group members by empowering and growing business capabilities with their social capital as their fundamental strength. The empowerment method used in this program was Participatory Action Learning and Action Research (PALAR), which is considered an effective tool for strategically transforming paradigms. This method focused on a balance between progressive, collaborative practice accompanied by an action research foundation. The 6-month program has resulted in collaborative business competency learning practice for group members, emphasizing different processing methods to produce business line diversification. This group made flour from land-owned rice paddy harvests with the same quality as commercially produced. This achievement can also have an impact on business cost efficiency.

The Implementation of Expectation-Confirmation Model (ECM) in Analyzing the Relationship Between Gamification and Continuance Use Intention in Online Travel Industry

Online Travel Agent or abbreviated as OTA is one form of technological development in the tourism industry. Competence in the OTA business is getting tougher, along with that each OTA provides different services. One of the trends to increase user loyalty is by implementing the concept of gamification into the system. This study aims to determine the gamification factors that have an influence on continuance use intention in OTA users. This research uses a quantitative approach with 300 respondents taken using purposive sampling. The data was analyzed using PLS-SEM with SmartPLS. The research model used is taken from the modified Expectation-Confirmation Model (ECM). The results of this study found that two out of twelve hypotheses were rejected. Based on the ten accepted hypotheses, it can be concluded that novelty, trendiness and intimacy of gamification have a positive influence on continuance use intention through hedonic value and utilitarian value variables.

Can Entrepreneurship Education and Personality Encourage Students to Become Entrepreneurs?

ABSTRACT Entrepreneurs are business people who remarkably contribute to the country's economic growth. The growing intention and interest in entrepreneurship will create new jobs, innovative products, and services. Entrepreneurial intent is essential in motivating students to pursue careers as entrepreneurs in their professional lives. This study aims to understand students' entrepreneurial intentions by analyzing the influence of entrepreneurship education and personality. Moreover, the conceptual framework built in this study used the theory of planned behavior (TPB) integrated with entrepreneurship education and individual personality. Data were collected using purposive sampling of students of the undergraduate entrepreneurship program. The structural equations were tested using WarpPLS software. The findings revealed that education regarding entrepreneurship and personality impacts subjective norms and attitudes. Furthermore, all the elements of the theory of planned behavior influence entrepreneurial intention. As a result, entrepreneurship education programs should cover management courses to improve business competency and develop positive emotions toward entrepreneurship.

Entrepreneurial Competence and Small and medium enterprises’ Profitability: A Case of sunflower oil processing enterprises in Tanzania

Determine the influence of entrepreneurial competence on SMEs’ profitability focusing on personal, interpersonal and business competencies on SMEs’ profitability. A cross-sectional research design whereby data were collected at once from 102 randomly selected sunflower oil processing firms in Dodoma region in Tanzania. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data. The study’s findings reveal that personal, interpersonal and business competencies had a positive significant influence on the profitability of SMEs (p<0.05). Integration of personal, interpersonal, and business competence influences profitability of sunflower processing firms. Involvements of personal, interpersonal, and business competencies influence the profitability of SMEs (sunflower processing firms).

Organizational Inertia, Digital Capabilities, Digital Transformation, and Firm Competencies

Research Aims: This research aims to look at the impact of organizational inertia on digital capabilities and digital transformation to optimise firm competencies. Design/Methodology/Approach: The dataset was produced through a quantitative survey of 125 Indonesian businesses using the Structural Equation Model (SEM) to analyse the data. Research Findings: The results of this study indicate that digital capabilities and digital transformation indirectly impact business competencies due to organizational inertia. While organizational inertia affects digital capabilities but not digital transformation, the latter affects both a firm's skills. Theoretical Contribution/Originality: This study contributes to the literatures on organizational behaviour and strategic management by investigating the impact of organizational inertia on the achievement of digital transformation and its impact on firm competencies. Managerial Implication in the South East Asian context: The research findings embrace digital transformation practices by enhancing firms' digital capabilities, particularly in digital transformation response, digital opportunity identification, innovative digital technology product development, acquisition, and mastery of cutting-edge digital technologies. Research Limitation &amp; Implications: The findings of this study reflect the conditions of numerous enterprises operating in several industry sectors in Indonesia during the chaotic post-COVID-19 pandemic period. Furthermore, the survey respondents represent a diverse range of businesses at varying stages of digital transformation implementation. Keywords: Inertia, Digital Capabilities, Digital Transformation, Firm Competencies

FACTORS AFFECTING REPURCHASE INTENTION ON LAZADA IN DKI JAKARTA

&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;The purpose of this research is to identify and analyze the effect of trust, perceived risk, reference group, behavior control awareness, usefulness and convenient and business competency to repurchase intention on Lazada consumers in DKI Jakarta. The form of research used is descriptive research and causality research, in which variables are measured by 5 point likert scale. This research used data collected by questionnaires with non-probability sampling technique and purposive sampling method and used 102 respondents. Processed with statistic program and statistical method is multiple regression. The results on this research indicate that the variables of trust, reference group, behavior control awareness and business competency have a positive effect to repurchase intention, which is supported in previous studies. But, the variables perceived risk and usefulness and convenient have no effect to repurchase intention.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Is Digital Transformation Vital for Business in Thailand 4.0 Era: An Exploratory Study

Purpose: Digital Transformation has gradually become a significant phenomenon in boosting the economies of many developing countries as well as a trend of businesses in the 21st-century in various aspects. This study explores the importance of pursuing digital transformation for businesses under Thailand 4.0 economic model toward innovation and creativity. Methodology: Using qualitative approach, this study explores the role of digital transformation under Thailand 4.0 era, and the strategies that businesses should pursue for implementing digital transformation. Findings: The findings identify Management/ Executives vision, Business Resources, and Business Competencies as the three key factors required for the successful implementation of digital transformation in businesses. Practical implications: There is a need to fully align the perceptions of practitioners who have expertise on different digital technologies for digital business transformation or digital enterprise solutions in Thailand. Originality: The findings provide useful insights on key factors, strategies, and the common practice associated with the adoption and successful implementation of digital transformation.

ELECTRONIC COMMERCE AND SUSTAINABILITY OF SMEs IN ANAMBRA STATE

The study examined the relationship between electronic commerce and the sustainability of SMEs in Anambra state. The objective of the study was to ascertain the relationship between electronic commerce and sustainability of SMEs in Anambra State. Three specific objectives, research questions, and hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The study adopted the descriptive survey design which sought to ascertain the effect of online customer service on service quality; between e-payment services on business accountability; between multi-channel marketing strategy on competitive advantage and order delivery on business competency of SMEs in Anambra state. The total population of the study was 260 and also served as the sample size. The purposive random sampling technique was used in selecting the SMEs currently operating in Anambra State. The structured questionnaire was used to elicit vital information from the respondents, and this was structured on a five-point Likert scale. The data collected were analyzed using tabular presentations based on cumulative frequencies, mean and standard deviations analysis for each research question. The Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient through the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS ver.23) was used in testing the various hypotheses. Based on the findings, the study showed that customer service affected service quality of SMEs in Anambra State. The second hypothesis revealed that e-payment services affected business accountability of SMEs in Anambra state. The third hypothesis also revealed that multi-channel marketing strategy affected competitive advantage and also order delivery influenced business competency of SMEs in Anambra state. The study concluded that electronic commerce had a significant relationship on the sustainability SMEs in Anambra State. The study recommended among others, that SMEs in Anambra state should embrace various forms of e-commerce to ensure better survival and sustainability in the industry. State governmental agencies, policymakers, e-marketing experts, supply chain specialists should make necessary arrangements to assist SMEs who desire to deploy e-commerce systems especially online customer service so as to strengthen their ability to render quality service. Also, operators and staff of various SMEs within the state and the country at large were advised to engage more effective multichannel marketing strategies to further enhance their competitive performance within the industry. They should embrace dynamism in their operations both in serving their customers and also in strengthening their business capabilities.

Developing a National Consensus of the Physiotherapy Entry-Level Business and Practice Management Core Curriculum Competencies: A Delphi Study

Purpose: Physiotherapists need to develop strong business acumen to make informed decisions, drive positive outcomes, and thrive in their practice. Competencies in these areas are partially reflected in the Competency Profile for Physiotherapists in Canada, however, there is little consistency in how these are applied across academic institutions. The purpose of this study was to develop a set of foundational entry-to-practice (ETP) competencies related to business and practice management (BPM), that can prepare physiotherapy students for work in all Canadian healthcare service sectors upon graduation. Method: We undertook a modified Delphi study. An online call for participants was circulated via the Canadian Physiotherapy Association’s Private Practice and Leadership Divisions, Canadian provincial and territorial physiotherapy regulators, and 15 Canadian university physiotherapy programs. Individuals in the profession with known expertise in management and/or business were also invited to participate. Results: Two rounds of the Delphi were necessary to reach consensus. Forty-one participants were included in the first round of Delphi including academics, regulators, registered physiotherapists, and senior students. Twenty-one (51%) participated in round 2 of the study. Sixty-six ETP BPM foundational curriculum competencies, within nine domains, competencies reached consensus (via the Delphi process). Conclusions: Consideration of the ETP competencies in the areas of business and practice management derived with this national Delphi process may enhance and harmonize the physiotherapy curricula across Canada.

Maximization of Contractor Business Competencies Resulting from Project Team Competencies

Under the current circumstances of highly competitive business operations, contractors should allocate their resources to develop the project team competencies, then leading to the improvement of the contractors’ business competencies. A question is how the contractors’ limited resources should be allocated to develop the project team competencies and thus maximize the contractor's business competencies. A literature review shows that few research works have addressed this question, showing a knowledge gap that should be filled. Therefore, this research aimed to answer this question by developing a linear programming model that suggests optimal resource allocation to improve the project team competencies. A survey case study in the Thai construction industry was used to illustrate the model application. The results of the model application show that the optimal proportion of resource allocation to develop the project team competencies should be as follows: physical health (32.80%), communication (16.30%), knowledge (15.60%), decision-making (10.60%), relationship management (9.80%), systematic construction work (9.80%), and systematic management (5.20%). These results can be used as a suggestion for the contractors’ optimal resource allocation to develop their project team competencies and maximize contractor business competencies.