Business Environment Research Articles

The design and operationalization of the teacher competence management framework: The method and practical tools to identify and close teacher competence gaps for the teaching of 21st century skills

The aim of the Framework for Teacher Competence Management is to provide school leadership with an empirically tested protocol on how to determine teachers’ professional development needs for teaching 21st century skills. Both quantitative and qualitative research methods were applied to collect and analyze data through three cycles of design-based implementation research over a period of three years, from 2017 to 2019, and by collaborating with staff from 15 schools. The Framework for Teacher Competence Management was developed through adapting a competence management model from the business environment to the school setting. The framework includes three steps: Competence identification, assessment and development; school developmental goals and education reform priorities; and the action and information flows between teachers and school leadership team members. The Framework for Teacher Competence Management has been operationalized through the design and validation of a method to identify teachers’ professional development needs and competence assessment tools, such as performance level descriptors, knowledge tests, and self-assessment questionnaires. The research outlines significant differences in teacher performance within a single school, emphasizing the necessity of gathering school-based evidence for planning more personalized professional development solutions to address professional development needs for different teacher groups.

Investigating the key success factors within business models that facilitate long‐term value creation for sustainability‐focused start‐ups

AbstractStart‐ups navigate complex challenges in today's business environment, requiring a delicate balance of economic, environmental, and social objectives for long‐term success. This study investigates the pivotal factors within business models that drive sustained value creation for sustainability‐focused start‐ups. Through a comprehensive literature review encompassing environmental, social, and performance dimensions, we identify resilience as a primary component of sustainable decision‐making, supported by adaptability and convenience. Emphasizing resilience and adaptability in decision‐making processes enables sustainable start‐ups to maintain competitive advantages while pursuing sustainability goals. We advocate for a collaborative decision‐making approach focused on long‐term value creation through sustainability measures, providing a framework for developing or refining sustainable business models. Future research may further explore the identified success factors within sustainable start‐ups.

Assessing the impact of innovative strategies on entrepreneurial growth and business development

Changes in the global business environment prompt the significance of innovative approaches in encouraging entrepreneurship and fresh ventures. Innovation is emerging as a critical success factor due to its ability to contribute to the growth, efficiency of production, and competitiveness of enterprises. This study aims to analyse the impact of innovative approaches on entrepreneurship and new ventures. The methodology used in this study is comprehensive and mainly employs systemic and structural-functional methods, as well as analysis and synthesis. This approach helps to illustrate the intricate network of connections between various factors that impact the effectiveness of innovative approaches for entrepreneurship development. The study proves that innovative approaches have a significant impact on productivity and entrepreneurship development, particularly for new enterprises, which benefit from the ability to quickly enter the market. These approaches facilitate the introduction of the latest technologies, process optimization, and digital solutions. The findings indicate that innovation enhances the competitiveness of new businesses and attracts investment. Risk management and adaptability are crucial for new businesses in a dynamic business environment. The ability to respond quickly to changes in technology, market conditions, and consumer preferences is vital for the development of entrepreneurship and new businesses. New businesses that effectively mitigate risks and respond dynamically to change have a better chance of maintaining their competitive advantage and sustainability. This task necessitates adaptable planning, vigilant monitoring of the external environment, and the capacity to modify strategies in response to changes.

Adopting Learner-Centred Pedagogy to Develop Business Studies Learners' Problem-Solving and Creative Thinking Skills in Selected Schools in South Africa

The need for problem-solving and creative thinking skills to be taught well in business studies classrooms can never be overemphasised due to the complexity of the problems and challenges faced by businesses in the 21st-century business environment. Teachers are, therefore, required to adopt pedagogies that would enable learners to acquire problem-solving and creative thinking skills to operate effectively in the new business environment. This study investigates business studies teachers' adoption of learner-centred pedagogy to nurture learners' problem-solving and creative thinking skills. This qualitative study is positioned within the interpretive paradigm. An exploratory case study was employed as a research design. Progressive Learning Theory was adopted as the lens of the study. Semi-structured interviews and classroom observations were used to collect data from six business studies teachers who were sampled purposefully from six secondary schools in KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa. The raw data was analysed thematically. It was found that most teachers managed to adopt learner-centred pedagogy and learning activities that promoted the acquisition of problem-solving and creative thinking skills. The study concluded that business studies teachers are now embracing learner-centred pedagogy in their classrooms, and they understand the importance of teaching learners to equip them with skills that are demanded by the 21st-century business environment. Despite these findings, it is still recommended that workshops and short learning courses be offered to teachers to equip them with pedagogical skills that would help them to engrain and sustain learner-centred pedagogy in their instructional practices.

The Nexus of Quality Management and Construction Organisations' Performance in Urban Ghana: The Moderating Effect of Information Technology Integration

Effective quality management strategies improve and sustain organisations' competitiveness in the current business environment by incorporating information technology. The primary aim of this research is to investigate the moderating influence of information technology on the connection between quality management strategies and the performance of construction firms in Accra, Ghana. The study utilized a sample of 255 construction firms in the Accra- Metropolis. The data collected underwent analysis using inferential and descriptive statistics. The results indicated a favorable impact of quality management strategies on the performance of construction companies. Furthermore, a positive correlation was found between the integration of information technology (IT) and the performance of construction firms. Nevertheless, there was an insignificant correlation of the moderator (information technology integration) on the link between quality management strategies and the performance of construction companies. This could be attributed to the absence of skills and expertise, as well as the absence of a modernized information technology system that integrates communication and quality management processes in construction organizations in Ghana. Subsequent studies should concentrate on the barriers to integrating IT into quality management processes in construction firms in developing nations.

Integration of Emerging Technologies AI and ML into Strategic Supply Chain Planning Processes to Enhance Decision-Making and Agility

Purpose: The aim of this research was to discuss the use of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and big data analytics as fundamental pillars of strategic supply chain management, for better decision-making, more precise forecasting, and higher supply chain agility. Methodology: The paper reviewed existing literature and industry reports to get an in-depth insight into the modern supply chain planning environment, the problems that it faces, and the efficiency of traditional techniques. It then analyzed the opportunities of utilization of AI, ML and big data analytics as well as the certain technologies or techniques that could be utilized, such as the predictive/prescriptive analytics, digital twins and blockchain. Findings: The study concluded that the traditional supply chain planning processes are becoming more and more out of style and inefficient, taking into account the business environment that are constantly changing, global supply chains, and technological advancements. It emphasized the risks to long-term performance associated to relying too much on the past practices and a call for action for progressive modernization of supply chain planning mechanisms. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The report pointed to innovative ways such as AI, ML, and big data analytics for the integration into the supply chain operations for increasing the productivity, resilience and competitiveness. Moreover, it promoted the increase of budgeting on the talent side in order to obtain an appropriate use of technology and to explore new paths in the market.

Relevance of classical management concepts in the contemporary era – a case study of Fayol’s principles

Purpose This hypothetical case study aims to revisit the classical model given by Henri Fayol whereby he put forward a set of 14 principles to guide managers in decision-making across organizations. The case study showcases the dilemma in which the top manager of an automobile company finds himself when some of the very basic principles – on which the whole discipline of management is founded – are ignored. It will also serve as an aid for faculty members in B-Schools to teach students the significance of basic management principles postulated many years back which stand relevant even in contemporary times.Design/methodology/approach This case study is based on a hypothetical scenario in the corporate world. Different incidents in a fictitious automobile manufacturing firm are presented and the corresponding principles given by Henri Fayol are inferred.Findings This case study highlights that decision-making gets complicated if fundamental principles of management are not complied with. The decision taken during each and every situation which has been discussed in this case study is contrary to the correct course of action as propounded by Fayol. Modern-day managers must acknowledge the relevance and importance of these principles for achieving success in business.Originality/value This case study underscores that even in this volatile business environment where most of the management practices are technology-driven, we cannot disregard the most elementary rules of management. The managers working at different levels in the organizational hierarchy may be guided to make the right decisions in situations similar to the ones described.

Supply chain collaboration, agility and firm performance: a case of manufacturing SMEs in India

PurposeThe dynamic business environment and intense competition have mandated agility in operations for manufacturing firms. Effective inter-organizational collaboration can make operations more agile. This paper develops an interpretive model to explore the effect of supply chain collaboration (SCC) on supply chain agility (SCA) and, subsequently, on business performance.Design/methodology/approachA hierarchical model that illustrates the relationship between SCC, SCA and firm performance components is developed using total interpretative structural modeling (TISM). Also, statistical validation of the model has been performed.FindingsThe results indicate that the vision and alertness of the firm on the strategic front promote collaboration between supply chain partners. This creates operational agility, helping the firm to absorb fluctuations in demand, thereby enhancing business performance.Research limitations/implicationsThe opinion of most respondents was considered to develop the TISM framework over the fuzzy one, which necessitates a significantly more extensive data set. However, multiple discussions with participants can eliminate the prejudice of the majority approach. Also, the paper's development and validation were restricted to Indian manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The model can potentially be evaluated in large organizations to provide further insights.Originality/valueThe study blends the factors of SCC and SCA in a novel way to explain their combined impact on business performance. The TISM model addresses the “why” of theory development in addition to the “what” and “how” of it. Using triangulation in combination with the interpretative tool, this study additionally offers methodological value.

Supplier pro-relational opportunism: Antecedents and effects on cooperative buyer-supplier relationships

ABSTRACT Purpose Pro-relational opportunism (PRO) is of growing concern in today’s business environment. The premise of this study is to investigate the issues that remain relatively underexplored in previous research – antecedents of supplier PRO and how supplier PRO affects the trust and commitment of brand firms. Methodology Three scenario-based experiments were applied to test the hypotheses. In Studies 1a and 1b, we used a 1 × 2 (Study 1a – inter-organizational identification: low versus high; Study 1b – supplier dependence: low versus high) between-subjects design. Participants were asked to evaluate their ethical philosophies after reading the scenarios. We ran a regression analysis to test for the main and interactive effects of inter-organizational identification, supplier dependence, and ethical philosophy on supplier PRO. Study 2 used a 1 × 2 (supplier PRO: PRO acting versus non-PRO acting) between-subjects design. The bootstrapping method using PROCESS was applied to run a mediation analysis. Findings This study finds that inter-organizational identification, supplier dependence, and managers’ ethical philosophy (utilitarianism and relativism) may increase suppliers’ PRO behavior. Utilitarianism and relativism positively moderate the effects of inter-organizational identification and supplier dependence on supplier PRO. Supplier PRO has both a direct and negative impact on the brand firm’s commitment and an indirect effect mediated by trust. Research implications This study provides insight into drivers and outcomes of supplier PRO based on the relationships with brand firms. Influences of inter-organizational determinants are dependent on individual factors. This research extends the supply chain opportunism literature beyond the typically dyadic perspective. Practical implications Brand firms should be cautioned that strong inter-organizational identification may promote supplier PRO. In addition, brand firms should encourage dependent suppliers to find ethical ways to promote alternative attractiveness. In seeking to avoid damage to the trust and commitment of brand firms, suppliers need to establish systems and norms to help managers develop correct ethical philosophies and understand the harm of PRO behavior. Originality/value/contribution This research may be the first to examine the antecedents of supplier PRO and its boundary conditions in multi-level settings (i.e. inter-organizational and individual levels). Moreover, this study deepens our understanding of opportunism by further developing the consequences of PRO.

The Relevance of Human Resources Management to Today's Business Environment

In today's economic phenomenon around a dynamic and competitive business landscape, the role of Human Resources Management (HRM) has evolved significantly to meet the evolving needs and challenges faced by organizations. I will explore the relevance of HRM in the contemporary business environment, highlighting its critical importance in driving organizational success and sustainability. The research begins by discussing the shifting paradigms in HRM, emphasizing the transition from traditional personnel management to strategic HRM. It examines how HRM functions such as recruitment, training, performance management, and employee relations have evolved to align with organizational objectives and foster a culture of innovation and agility. The research delves deeply into the strategic role of HRM in talent acquisition and retention, acknowledging the pivotal role of human capital in achieving competitive advantage. It discusses how HRM practices such as talent sourcing, succession planning, and diversity management contribute to building a skilled and diverse workforce that drives organizational growth and innovation. The research explores the significance of HRM in fostering employee engagement and motivation. It highlights the importance of creating a supportive work environment, promoting work-life balance, and recognizing employee contributions to enhance productivity and job satisfaction. It also examines the role of HRM in managing organizational change and fostering adaptability in the face of disruptive technologies and market shifts. It discusses how HRM practices such as change management, leadership development, and organizational culture alignment facilitate successful transformation initiatives and ensure organizational resilience. The analysis concludes by emphasizing the strategic imperative for organizations to invest in HRM practices that prioritize employee well-being, talent development, Work-Life balances and organizational effectiveness.

Why underserved business students show a lack of interest in developing sought-after STEM skills

Why underserved business students show a lack of interest in developing sought-after STEM skills

Roleplay: A Tool for Engaging English Language Learners

This article examines the advantages of incorporating roleplay into academic environments, with a specific emphasis on its ability to improve communication and promote the acquisition of vocabulary among students. The study explores the design concerns and assessment methodologies used in roleplay exercises in academic settings, emphasising their efficacy in fostering critical thinking, argumentation skills, and a profound comprehension of course material. The study investigates the impact of roleplay activities on learners' readiness for real-life business interactions, acquisition of negotiation skills, and improvement of professional communication in business environments.

Resilience as a Key Factor in the Success of Women-Led Entrepreneurship: A Systematic Literature Review

Resilience in female entrepreneurship emerges as a critical component that significantly influences the achievement and capacity to overcome challenges inherent in the creation and management of businesses. To address this topic, the present article focused on conducting a systematic review of the scientific literature to examine how resilience stands as a determining factor enabling female entrepreneurs to navigate obstacles and achieve success in their ventures. In line with this objective, a bibliographic methodology was implemented that included synthesizing information from various databases, including Scopus, Web of Science, and SciELO. The results reveal a scarcity of publications on this particular topic, thus highlighting the importance of addressing these gaps in the literature. This approach is essential for gaining a more holistic understanding of the relationship between resilience and female entrepreneurship in various contexts. In this sense, the 152 articles analyzed during the research constitute a valuable starting point for future investigations, evidencing the need to delve deeper into the analysis of resilience in the context of female entrepreneurship. Identifying and understanding these gaps in the scientific literature not only enriches the existing knowledge but also guides new research directions that contribute to the advancement and consolidation of this field of study. Consequently, resilience in female entrepreneurship not only acts as a driver for overcoming challenges but also plays a crucial role in building a more equitable and diverse business environment. The scientific evidence found during the systematic literature review is considered an essential component of promoting gender equality and diversity in the business sphere. In the abovementioned review, the relevance of factors such as resilience, self-efficacy, and support networks in the realm of female entrepreneurship is highlighted. These studies provide valuable perspectives that not only enrich existing knowledge but can also guide the development of policies and practices aimed at creating a more inclusive and equitable environment for female entrepreneurs. The interconnection between these elements underscores the importance of considering not only individual resilience but also the impact of external factors and support in fostering a more favorable business ecosystem for women. Received: 17 January 2024 / Accepted: 8 April 2024 / Published: 5 May 2024

Resilient Supply Chain Management in Manufacturing Sector - A Qualitative Study

This study acknowledges that today’s business environment is dynamic and prone to unanticipated changes. The study aims to understand the implications of such disruptions in the supply chain especially in manufacturing sector. The main goal is to understand the challenges faced and the versatile practices followed to stay resistant to such dynamic environment. The study also focuses on the new practices businesses adopt to form resilient supply chain. Qualitative approach was done to capture the rich essence of the subject matter. The study used focus groups and in-depth interviews as techniques and interviewed members from different nodal points of a supply chain including manufacturers, logistic service providers and mid players in logistics. As a result, it was found out that Multinational companies are well equipped, and they have much better mitigation plans while small scale and mid-scale players need to work more on resiliency instead of just surviving the situations.

High-performance work systems and organizational ambidexterity: the mediating role of knowledge management systems—evidence from the Egyptian public-telecommunication sector

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the mediating role of the quality-based knowledge management systems (KMSs) in explaining the relationships between AMO-based high-performance work systems (HPWSs) and organizational ambidexterity (OA).Design/methodology/approachUsing cross-sectional survey, the authors collected data from 277 employees working at the Egyptian public-telecommunication sector and analyzed the hypothesized model using the partial least square structural equation modeling technique. Interviews were conducted with 39 key positions and mirrored against the quantitative data. The qualitative data were analyzed using the thematic analysis technique.FindingsThe authors found that the HPWSs dimensions (i.e., ability and opportunity-enhancing practices) explain the OA level. The HPWSs dimensions (i.e., ability, motivation, and opportunity-enhancing practices) have a significant positive effect on the KMSs quality. The KMSs (i.e., system, service, and information quality) have a significant positive effect on OA and mediate the relationship between HPWSs and OA.Originality/valueThis study is among the first to add significant information on how the quality-based KMSs (as mediator) explain the complex relationship between HPWSs dimensions and OA.Research limitations/implicationsLimited attention was paid to investigating the OA enablers. This study bridges the aforementioned research gap by providing in-depth explanations on how the working systems atmosphere emphasizing ability, motivation, and opportunity-enhancing practices alongside the quality-based KMSs enable OA.Practical/managerial implicationThe findings provide the decision makers in public-telecom sector with a clear guideline for achieving ambidexterity in turbulent business environment.

The Role of Expectancy Theory in the Organizational Management Process in Innovative Entrepreneurial Enterprises

The expectancy theory, originally put forth by psychologist Viktor Frankl, is a psychological framework that offers insights into human motivation and conduct. This theory suggests that the amount of effort individuals exert is directly influenced by their anticipation of particular outcomes and the degree to which those outcomes are personally appealing. Essentially, individuals adjust their behavior based on their assessment of the effort required to achieve specific outcomes and the value they attach to those outcomes. Within the realm of innovative entrepreneurship, organizational management faces a range of challenges. Among these, the rapidly evolving business environment stands out, necessitating constant adaptability and proactive planning. Additionally, attracting and maintaining talent is crucial, as the success of any enterprise heavily relies on its ability to recruit and retain key individuals. Furthermore, the establishment of an organizational culture has a profound impact on employee satisfaction, loyalty, and their capacity for innovation. Resource management also plays a pivotal role, particularly in the efficient allocation of funds, time, and technological resources. Lastly, competitive market forces and the need for strategic adjustments are realities that innovative entrepreneurial ventures must navigate, demanding continuous strategic realignment to maintain competitiveness. Against this backdrop of complexity and dynamism, the application of expectancy theory offers valuable insights for organizational management. By understanding and applying this theory, innovative entrepreneurial ventures can more effectively stimulate employee motivation, refine incentive systems, enhance goal management, and foster employee growth and engagement. To a certain extent, these functions can assist enterprises in overcoming various challenges in organizational management processes, thereby bolstering overall organizational performance.

Project Management Competencies in AI-Driven Environments: A Qualitative Assessment

The objective of this paper is to provide an evaluation of project management skills and competence in AI-driven environments as an essential scope due to their pivotal role in producing effective outcomes in the fast-paced world of rapidly evolving technology. This study employs a cross-sectional research design and qualitative survey methodology to examine project management in the context of AI integration. The study involved a broad base, which includes players from various sectors like technology, finance, health, and manufacturing, so its findings and recommendations are all-encompassing. This study achieves this by utilizing datasets obtained from industry-leading AI companies, academic research institutions, and governmental agencies. These datasets comprise project management metrics, AI implementation case studies, and surveys conducted among project managers and stakeholders in AI-driven industries in addition to literature sources, using sophisticated statistical techniques. The findings show and present the changes that the practice of project management faces in the era of AI and provide the most helpful guidance for project managers, stakeholders, and organisations that strive to cope with this dynamic and changing environment. The research result shows that by emphasising skill-based development programmes, cultivating an innovation- friendly culture, and adopting AI-driven technologies, organisations can be at the forefront of technological growth, gaining a competitive advantage in the highly dynamic business environment. The research shows that in the future, the enhanced use of AI technologies will keep changing the project management landscape. This research strengthens the theoretical underpinnings of project management in AI-powered projects and ensures the enhancement of project management's actual efficacy in response to technological advancements. This will aid project managers deliver the most important skills necessary for effective project management in AI-driven environments.

Euro area banks' asset‐liability dependency and unconventional monetary policy over the years 2013–2021: Does size matter?

AbstractFocusing on a sample of euro area commercial banks, we investigate the evolution of the asset‐liability dependency over the years 2013–2021, characterized by the introduction of monetary, supervisory and institutional policy measures that shaped a business environment never experienced before. We find that large banks show a stronger asset‐liability dependency than small banks, and that the linkages between the two sides of the balance sheet experience a general upward trend over time for both groups of intermediaries. We report evidence of the presence of two transmission channels of the unconventional monetary policy, namely, the direct pass‐through and the portfolio rebalancing.

MAXIMIZING INNOVATION: ANALYZING THE INFLUENCE OF TECHNOLOGY PARTNERSHIP PORTFOLIOS ON FIRM PERFORMANCE

Innovation is a cornerstone of competitive advantage in today's dynamic business environment, and firms often collaborate with external partners to enhance their innovation capabilities. This study examines the influence of technology partnership portfolios on firm innovation performance. Drawing on data from a diverse sample of firms across industries, we analyze the composition and dynamics of technology partnership portfolios and their impact on various dimensions of innovation performance, including product innovation, process innovation, and overall firm competitiveness. Our findings shed light on the strategic importance of managing technology partnerships effectively to maximize innovation outcomes and sustain long-term competitive advantage.

Entrepreneurship For Sustainable Development in Nigeria

The study observes that entrepreneurship in Nigeria is constrained by the challenges inherent in the business environment, thereby impacting negatively on the sustainable development of the country. These challenges range from limited access to capital or credit and inadequate or epileptic power (electricity) supply among others to adequately run businesses. Entrepreneurship as it were is the greatest potential to contribute significantly to the sustainable development of any nation, and most especially Nigeria. It is the contention of this study on the one hand that entrepreneurs themselves should operate within the legitimate business environment that is guided by rules and regulations, while the government on the other hand, should provide a conducive business environment through appropriate policies and regulations for businesses to thrive. By this, we believe entrepreneurship will be a catalyst for the sustainable development of the country.