Business Functions Research Articles

Saving Concepts in Supply Chain Management: A Study on Inventory and Transportation Costs

Supply chain is a systematic and strategic coordination of the traditional business function to across business function within supply chain for the purpose of improving the long-term performance of the business. The objective of the paper is to understand the saving concepts are used in operational path to achieve optimization in term of cost saving. Business nowadays going towards to minimizing the operational in order to compete with others The purpose is to achieve the minimization in inventory routing problem (IRP) with cost minimization consists inventory and transportation costs focus on the single warehouse with multiple customers. The operational costs can be reduced by solving the inventory management and transportation process for vehicle to replenish the inventory. In this paper, a mathematical model was developed and simulated by using an optimization software package to achieve the optimization. The findings show that the optimization can be achieved by reducing the movement of the vehicle To conclude, the bigger the vehicle’s capacity, much capacity can add and less routes taken by the vehicle to supply the inventory to the customers.

The Impact of Customer-Reported Cybersecurity Breaches on Key Supplier Innovations and Relationship Disruption

ABSTRACT Cybersecurity breaches (CBs) negatively influence the breached firms’ business functions, including their innovative investments. Recent research documents a spillover effect of CBs into supply chain firm performance. We extend this research and investigate the impact of customers’ CBs on suppliers’ innovative investments and the disruption of supplier-customer relationships. We find a significant negative association between customers’ reported CBs and suppliers’ innovative investments in the subsequent year. In addition, we find customer-reported CBs increase the likelihood of supplier-customer relationship disruption in the subsequent year. Our study contributes to the broader understanding of the negative impacts of CBs not only on the breached firm’s financial performance but also on key supplier innovation decisions. Data Availability: Data are available from the public sources cited in the text. JEL Classifications: L14; L29; M49; O30.

Microservice extraction using graph deep clustering based on dual view fusion

With the increasing scale of software, traditional monolithic architecture applications are challenging to maintain and scale on cloud platforms. Many companies increasingly adopt microservices architecture as a more flexible choice. However, microservice migration is still challenging due to the lack of higher-quality microservice extraction methods. Traditional microservice extraction methods cannot effectively combine the structural dependency and business functions of monolithic applications; thus, their performance warrants improvement. This paper proposes a graph deep clustering method based on dual view fusion (GDC-DVF) for microservice extraction. GDC-DVF constructs a graph of invocation relationships between classes, which is the structural dependency view, using the runtime trace data of a monolithic application. Then the business function view is constructed by the random walk algorithm and uniform random sampling using the structural dependency view. Next, the fused node feature embedding representations of the two views are learned using a graph encoder based on a graph attention adaptive residual network. Clustering is performed on the fused feature embedding representations to obtain microservice extraction proposals. GDC-DVF is tested on four open-source monolithic applications and achieves better performance compared with comparison methods. Experimental results show that GDC-DVF can extract high-quality microservice collections and validate the effectiveness and scalability of the graph neural network (GNN) for microservice extraction problems.

СТРУКТУРНЕ ЗАБЕЗПЕЧЕННЯ РОЗВИТКУ СИСТЕМ КЛАСТЕРНОГО ПАРТНЕРСТВА В УМОВАХ СТАЛОГО РОЗВИТКУ НАЦІОНАЛЬНОЇ ЕКОНОМІКИ

The article examines the structural forms of cluster groups and special approaches to the formation of cluster partnership systems in the conditions of sustainable development of the national economy. The scientific works of foreign and domestic scientists regarding the structural forms of cluster groups were studied, which made it possible to identify joint approaches to their formation. The methodical and normative approaches to the classification of the structure of the subjects of cluster groups were revealed, which allowed to obtain a deeper understanding of the classification of the structure of the subjects of cluster partnership systems. A comparative analysis of single forms of integrated business structures and cluster partnership by business functions was carried out. A scheme of relationships in the system of cluster partnership in the national economy in conditions of sustainable development based on integration, quasi-integration and spatial localization wasproposed. Thus, after researching various structural forms of interaction of business entities with different integration potential, trends in the formation and development of cluster partnership systems of the national economy in the conditions of sustainable development, which are determined by the cyclicality of world economic development and the level of development of the country, as well as the pace of technology changes, were revealed and the nature of changes in production. The structuring of the characteristic features and parameters of the organizational and legal forms of management as a basis for building cluster partnership systems, which allows to perform organizational and functional forecasting in economic sectors, to choose the optimal form of cooperation of various degrees of integration depending on the purpose, available potential, spheres of activity, degree of integration, production orientation, the need for organizational autonomy, state regulation of activity in accordance with the specifics of the legal status provided for by the legislation of Ukraine.

Gamification as a Catalyst for Business Engagement: Insights from Case Studies and Technological Innovations

This paper provides an in-depth examination of the effectiveness of gamification techniques across various business functions, illustrating its transformative potential in today's competitive landscape. Gamification, defined as the integration of game-like elements—such as points, levels, rewards, and challenges—into non-gaming contexts, has gained significant traction as a tool for boosting engagement, motivation, and productivity among employees and customers alike. This study employs a comprehensive mixed-methods approach, drawing on qualitative interviews, extensive literature reviews, and detailed case study analyses to uncover the nuanced ways in which gamification strategies are applied within diverse industries. The findings aim to provide actionable insights into the mechanics of successful gamification implementations and offer a framework for organizations seeking to leverage these techniques to improve key business metrics. Furthermore, this paper explores the role of emerging technologies—specifically Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Artificial Intelligence (AI)—in enhancing the gamification experience, pushing the boundaries of user interaction, personalization, and immersive engagement. The implications of this research highlight how gamification, when thoughtfully and ethically implemented, can become a powerful component of an organization’s strategy to foster sustainable engagement, support behavior change, and drive long-term productivity.

The Evidence of a Thai Restaurant's Mass Customization Implementation for Firm Survival During the Pandemic Crisis

To survive in any crisis, business owners and executives must be able to adapt and change in all aspects of business functions, especially in the marketing function. The aim of the study is to investigate an efficient marketing strategy to provide the implementation for firms' survival. To explore the advantages and how to manage a mass customization strategy in the restaurant business during a pandemic period. The authors conducted the research by selecting restaurants that have proven successful and exploring the key success management factors for further proof. The results show that the moderator, customer collaboration management, of the restaurant sector has a positive impact on the relationship between consumption experience and customer satisfaction through customer engagement. Additionally, the result indicates that the strategic and process implications during a crisis must be tailored to the sub-stages.

The Golden Age of the Big Data Audit: Agile Practices and Innovations for E-Commerce, Post-Quantum Cryptography, Psychosocial Hazards, Artificial Intelligence Algorithm Audits, and Deepfakes

Since the audit of the Parthenon in the 5th century, the audit has remained unchanged, focusing backward on financial statements. Global regulatory pressures are mounting for audit professionals and public accounting firms to make structural changes. In the 21st century, a new type of audit, the EPSAC value audit, is emerging, focusing on non-financial information, including operational data from company business functions and processes, and big external data, including social media. In addition, EPSAC focuses on the critical engagement areas of e-commerce, post-quantum cryptography, psychosocial hazards, artificial intelligence and machine learning, and tackling deepfakes. While a talent shortage of subject matter experts exists, auditors can use artificial intelligence knowledge bases to deliver the value audit. Such knowledge bases extend to the key EPSAC domains of cybersecurity and ESG, creating proxies for virtual team members. For example, industry 5.0, combining A.I. and IoT innovations, requires auditors to augment their skill sets with knowledge bases beyond traditional financial expertise to effectively navigate the complexities of the changing business environment, enhance the quality of audits, and provide valuable insights and assurance to stakeholders.

A Quantitative Study of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System and it’s Applications

Abstract: Enterprise Resource coming up with (ERP) system consists of various sets of business functions in company or organization. Only if these results offer an integrated solution to the requirement of a company, these systems square measure in high demand by all organizations. The replete potential of those systems will solely be complete as long as they are enforced with success. However, the implementation method is expensive and time ingesting and therefore needs careful projecting and organization. If with success enforced, ERP systems offer several advantages to those organizations that adopt them. By examining the prevailing literature on this subject, this report focuses on how ERP systems may be with success enforced in organization and also the vital success factors. The knowledge provided during this research could also be want to guide organizations within the implementation of ERP systems.

Digital business transformation as an element of crisis management

The relevance of the problem of developing effective anti-crisis strategies in conditions of increasing uncertainty and unpredictability of internal and external environment of enterprises is substantiated. The necessity of formation of active anti-crisis strategy in connection with frequent crises in activity of entrepreneurial structures is studied. It has been established that the crisis on the one hand is a destructive process that threatens the stable existence of entrepreneurial structures, and on the other it is constructive - since it forms the prerequisites for their transition to a qualitatively different level of development. It is proposed to use the tools of digital business transformation as an element of crisis management. The possibilities of applying digital business transformation in different business areas have been investigated. The following areas of digital business transformation are defined: business functions, business processes, business models, business assets, business culture, business ecosystem. It has been determined that digital technologies allow to obtain significant advantages for small and medium-sized businesses, among which it should be noted: improving business operations, stimulating innovation and ensuring the growth of enterprises, changing existing and developing new business models, expanding marketing opportunities. It is substantiated that digital transformation is simultaneously aimed at improving existing business processes and creating competitive advantages by changing and creating new business processes within the enterprise.

Building threat resilience into ecosystem strategy

PurposeAs businesses in a wide range of industries increasingly adopt digital ecosystems, the benefits include opening up new and untapped customer segments and channels, enabling access to new and untapped talent pools and expanding previously unexplored modes of innovation. Ecosystems – defined as digitally enabled networks that enhance value propositions by linking business functions, suppliers, distributors, partners, customers and other stakeholders – are now an engine that drives performance. Multiple studies confirm that value creation and competitive advantage are increasingly tied to organizations’ ability to engage partners and stakeholders. IBM Institute of Business Value’s most recent research has found that revenue growth of ecosystem leaders outpaces others by a five-to-one ratio.Design/methodology/approachYet despite these notable successes there is also a dark side to digital ecosystem engagement. Large ecosystems have become a central to business strategy while little attention has been paid to the potential for cyber threats. Increased openness of business operations can result in greater risk.FindingsSecurity must graduate into a central enabler of business transformation. If businesses do not fundamentally rethink their security equation, ecosystems and the trust on which they are built, which often take years and billions of investment dollars to build, can be squandered in minutes by ever-growing security threats.Practical implicationsLarge ecosystems have become a central to business strategy while little attention has been paid to the potential for cyber threats.Originality/valueMature, risk-mitigated ecosystems are starting to resemble a mature supply chain, where some risks are precluded by design, some partners are favored based on established trust criteria and remaining risks are explicitly managed transactionally as part of the partner relationship.

Визуализация данных как стратегический инструмент в оценке эффективности экономической деятельности компании в конкурентной среде

In a rapidly changing digital environment, companies face the challenge of quickly and efficiently developing economic solutions. Making effective economic decisions directly affects the competitiveness of the company in the market. This article raises the problem of assessing the efficiency of an enterprise’s economic activity associated with the study and elaboration of a large amount of data. Working with a large array of data and then analyzing them allows companies to get a detailed idea of how their business functions and what factors can influence its success. This approach is based on the use of mathematical and statistical methods, as well as on the use of special software tools that allow you to efficiently process and analyze large amounts of data. At the same time, the results of data analysis can be presented in the form of graphical reports that help to make more informed decisions based on the facts of the dynamics of development and contribute to improving the economic efficiency of the company. A graphical report refers to the presentation of data in a visual format with the designation of medians and exceptions. In this article, the methods of system analysis and synthesis, the method of induction, content analysis of scientific literature and statistical reviews on the subject under study were applied. With the development of the process of digitalization of the organization’s activities, data analysis has become simply a necessary tool in the process of developing and making cost-effective decisions. In the article, the authors substantiate the strategic importance of the use of data analysis in economics, entrepreneurship and business.

A novel extension of Pythagorean fuzzy MULTIMOORA approach for new product development

This study explores how to enhance the decision-making processes in the phases of idea generation or alternative selection during the new product development (NPD) process. NPD is acknowledged as the central function of businesses in an increasingly competitive marketplace. In the current era, the highly uncertain and rapidly changing market environment makes the NPD extremely vague and complex. To be able to find a suitable solution to this complexity, the proposed research aims to categorize the decision points in the process of NPD regarding software development and identify the fuzziness elements affecting the process. The goal of a decision-making process is to prioritize several alternatives with respect to some required objectives and to select the best among them. Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) may support reaching a consensus judgment with the collective assessment of Decision Makers (DMs). We introduce a novel evaluation approach for this problem. The proposed approach employs a MULTIMOORA (Multi-objective Optimization by Ratio Analysis plus the Full Multiplicative Form) MCDM technique under Pythagorean Fuzzy Sets (PFSs) objective world environment to cope with an ambiguous environment using Group Decision Making (GDM) setting to shape the decisions. The PFSs have demonstrated their advantages in dealing with vagueness and uncertainty over crisp, fuzzy, or intuitionistic fuzzy sets. Therefore, PFSs can represent the DMs’ judgments and preferences in a better structure, ensuring enhanced decision-making in a group consensus. A case study on gaming software and app development is presented to validate the functionality of the proposed method. The results are compared and assessed with the help of a sensitivity analysis. This research makes a real contribution to the literature by proposing a novel evaluation method to rate and select NPD (gaming software and apps) to deal with the inexactness and vagueness associated with the criteria and alternatives.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN THE SECURITY SYSTEM OF ENTERPRISE

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming a number of business functions, including enterprise security systems. Recent years have seen an increase in the use of AI in security systems to detect and mitigate security threats. The purpose of this study is to investigate the use of AI in enterprise security systems. The study aims to identify the novelties in the application of AI to enterprise security systems, the research voids in the existing literature, and the benefits of AI to enterprise security systems. Existing research on the applicability of AI in enterprise security systems will be analyzed through a literature review methodology. The study will shed light on the use of artificial intelligence in enterprise security systems and its future implications.

Reimagining design science and behavioral science AIS research through a business activity lens

In this paper, we present a novel approach for reimagining the scope and impact of design science and behavioral science accounting information systems (AIS) research. We do so by first explicitly considering the broad impact of accounting on business functions. The proliferation of information technology throughout the organization coupled with the blurring of the lines between “accounting” and “business” activities has spawned a world where (technology-enabled) accounting has truly become the language of (technology-driven) business. Leveraging the International Standards Organization model of the phases of business activity, we highlight how utilization of information systems artifacts in each business activity phase yields a broad array of AIS research questions. Second, we encourage design science and behavioral science AIS research to work synergistically, such that the outputs of each paradigm inform the research conducted in the other paradigm. We suggest that a more purposeful integration of design science and behavioral science AIS research over time can improve the rigor and relevance of AIS research to advance knowledge in the field, amplify the impact of AIS research for our colleagues in both accounting and information systems, and improve the practical applicability of the research findings.

Risk-Based Cybersecurity Compliance Assessment System (RC2AS)

Cybersecurity attacks are still causing significant threats to individuals and organizations, affecting almost all aspects of life. Therefore, many countries worldwide try to overcome this by introducing and applying cybersecurity regularity frameworks to maintain organizations’ information and digital resources. Saudi Arabia has taken practical steps in this direction by developing the essential cybersecurity control (ECC) as a national cybersecurity regulation reference. Generally, the compliance assessment processes of different international cybersecurity standards and controls (ISO2700x, PCI, and NIST) are generic for all organizations with different scopes, business functionality, and criticality level, where the overall compliance score is absent with no consideration of the security control risk. Therefore, to address all of these shortcomings, this research takes the ECC as a baseline to build a comprehensive and customized risk-based cybersecurity compliance assessment system (RC2AS). ECC has been chosen because it is well-defined and inspired by many international standards. Another motive for this choice is the limited related works that have deeply studied ECC. RC2AS is developed to be compatible with the current ECC tool. It offers an offline self-assessment tool that helps the organization expedite the assessment process, identify current weaknesses, and provide better planning to enhance its level based on its priorities. Additionally, RC2AS proposes four methods to calculate the overall compliance score with ECC. Several scenarios are conducted to assess these methods and compare their performance. The goal is to reflect the accurate compliance score of an organization while considering its domain, needs, resources, and risk level of its security controls. Finally, the outputs of the assessment process are displayed through rich dashboards that comprehensively present the organization’s cybersecurity maturity and suggest an improvement plan for its level of compliance.

Is critical thinking a future skill for business success: science mapping and literature review

PurposeThis article aims to review critical thinking (CT) as a future skill in business.Design/methodology/approachThe study employed two research methods: science mapping analysis based on bibliometric keyword co-occurrence data and systematic literature review following PRISMA guidelines. The application of two distinctive research methods meant that we could obtain a broad picture thematic overview as well as a detailed, fine-grained insight into the content of CT business research.FindingsResearch in CT in business studies is dominated by themes related to education, university and learning that far outweigh CT business application, which focuses on three research axes. These are specific business functions (e.g. accounting, marketing, human resources and identifying business opportunities), certain skills used in business (e.g. decision-making and creativity) and other business-related topics (including ethics, stakeholder relations and individual employee performance).Practical implicationsThe article identifies new research gaps related to the link between CT and business performance, a firm’s ability to innovate and company characteristics. Moreover, the article highlights that CT positively influences business decision-making under the influence of cognitive biases and heuristics.Originality/valueThe article provides the first literature review on CT in business research. It uses a novel method of science mapping analysis to show unbiased algorithmic-based insight into the structure of the research, followed by a systematic literature review.

Navigating the socio-technical impacts of purchasing digitalisation: A multiple-case study

The wave of digitalisation is impacting companies at multiple levels. Beside the most researched impacts on manufacturing, also other business functions are subjected to the change. Among them, purchasing is expected to greatly benefit from digitalisation, if properly managed. This research analyses the digitalisation of the purchasing process, in terms of how and why it happens, and the co-evolution which is triggered on the social dimension. A multiple-case study approach is adopted, analysing eight companies from industries characterized by different digital intensity levels but all at a relatively advanced stage of digitalisation of the purchasing department. The results show how different technological innovation approaches (i.e., automation and/or augmentation) impact the evolution of the purchasing department's social dimension in terms of autonomy, job enlargement, competences, internal and external collaboration. A new framework describing how automation and augmentation impact on purchasing social dimension, as well as purchasing efficiency and effectiveness, is proposed as main theoretical contribution. The study combines the socio-technical systems perspective with the automation-augmentation paradox and describe the strong relationship between purchasing departments' social and technical dimensions, offering managers insights on handling a purchasing digitalisation process, simultaneously managing the technical and social dimensions impacted along the process.

Managing Information Technology Risks to Achieve Business Goals: A Case of Pharmaceutical Company

Extant literature has shown that sectoral characteristics play a critical role in business value creation through information technology (IT). Therefore, managing IT and its associated risks needs to consider specific industrial traits to understand the distinct business nature and regulations that shape IT-enabled business value creation. This study presents an in-depth analysis of business goals, IT processes, and IT risks in the case of a pharmaceutical company through which appropriate controls are designed to ensure business value creation through IT. Drawing on a case study of a pharmaceutical company in Indonesia, we found that managing IT risks in the pharmaceutical industry entails two main objectives: 1) ensuring compliance with external laws and regulations as well as internal policies, 2) supporting the optimization of business functions, processes, and costs. Throughout one year of engagement during the project, this study identified ten risks associated with the operation of business processes. Risks are dominated by moderate levels given the current state of controls and appetite, most of which emerge from the company’s existing internal processes. Internal actors are involved in all risks, with most events occurring due to laws and regulations. Further, the study designs and elaborates IT risk controls by drawing from COBIT 5 Seven Enablers. Overall, IT risk management through cascading processes of analysis ensures the alignment of IT risk controls with achieving business goals in the pharmaceutical industry.

Leveraging on intra- and inter-organizational collaboration in Industry 4.0 adoption for knowledge creation and innovation

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the impact of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies on knowledge creation for innovation purposes by assessing the relationships among the variety of I4.0 technologies adopted (breadth I4.0), the penetration of these technologies within the firm’s value chain activities (depth I4.0) and the mediating role of both internal (inter-functional (IF)) and external [with knowledge-intensive business services (KIBS)] collaborations in this process.Design/methodology/approachThe study employed a quantitative research design. By administering a survey to entrepreneurs, chief operation officers or managers in charge of the operational and technological processes of Italian manufacturing firms, the authors collected 137 useful questionnaires. To test this study's theoretical framework and hypotheses, the authors ran regression and mediation analyses.FindingsFirst, the results highlight the positive link between breadth I4.0 and depth I4.0. Moreover, the results show the key role played by increased collaboration among the firm’s business functions and by relationships with KIBS in creating knowledge to innovate processes and products when I4.0 technologies are adopted.Research limitations/implicationsThe variety of I4.0 technologies adopted enables a firm to use such technologies in various value chain activities. However, the penetration of I4.0 into the firm’s value chain activities (depth I4.0) does not per se directly imply the production of new knowledge, for which a firm needs internal collaboration among different business functions, in particular with the production area, or collaboration with external partners that favor I4.0 implementation, such as KIBS.Practical implicationsTo achieve innovation goals by creating new knowledge, especially in the manufacturing industries, firms should encourage internal and external collaboration when I4.0 technologies are adopted. Moreover, policy makers should not only consider fiscal incentives for the adoption of such technologies, but also encourage the building of networks between adopting firms and external actors.Originality/valueThe study is one of the first attempt that provides empirical evidence of how I4.0 enables the creation of knowledge to innovate processes and products, highlighting the relevance of collaboration both within the company and with external partners.

Dampak Socio-Ekonomi Standarisasi Jaminan Produk Halal Pada Usaha Mikro Dan Kecil

This article aims to describe the social and economic impacts of implementing the Halal Product Guarantee for micro and small business groups in Purwokerto. JPH is a halal quality standard implemented by the government for goods and services distributed on the national market to provide protection to consumers who are generally Muslim. As a halal standard, JPH implements a quality system in several models according to the characteristics of the product to be guaranteed. It is in this process that micro and small business groups experience obstacles, especially at the institutional and management levels which then lead to a tendency to respond to indifference, indifference and apathy. The research uses a descriptive approach and qualitative data obtained from micro and small business groups in Purwokerto, Central Java. The analysis is based on a political economy perspective that focuses more on exploring political considerations for economic policies. The results of the study show that the response of indifference, indifference and apathy of the micro and small business groups towards JPH is not in terms of halal substance, but in technical procedures and financing. The main argument is that first, JPH is the government's obligation as part of consumer protection, so everything that arises from the management process is not the responsibility of the goods/services provider. Second, micro and small businesses do not have adequate capital capacity to strengthen their institutions. The function of micro and small businesses in the context of development is more on increasing the economic participation of citizens. Because of that, JPH is positioned as an intervention that must be carried out by the government.