Business Networks Research Articles

Peran BUMDes (Badan Usaha Milik Desa) Untuk Pemulihan Ekonomi Masyarakat Desa

In Law No. 6 of 2014, the establishment of Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDes) is intended to encourage or accommodate all activities to increase community income, both those that develop according to local customs and culture, as well as economic activities that are submitted to be managed by the community through programs or local government programs projects. As a village business, the establishment of BUMDes is expected to be able to take advantage of all the potential of the village community, both in terms of economy, natural resources and human resources. The establishment of BUMDes in villages is able to absorb village workers, open up productive economic business opportunities, build business networks, improve the welfare of rural communities, and have a contribution to PADes (Village Original Income). BUMDes S is one of the important economic forces owned by the village in the midst of the entry of various national and international business forces. Even during the pandemic and post-covid-19 pandemic, BUMDes is one of the institutions in the village that plays an important role in supporting the economic recovery of rural communities. BUMDES is expected to be the "base of the people's economy" and strengthen village government finances through productive economic business activities for rural communities and contribute to economic recovery of rural communities.

From a traditional university to the development of the metaverse: network and target effects

Digital and information technologies are driving changes in traditional business models. Depending on the level of immersion in the digital environment, they are transformed into other formats: from offline business with a "digital shadow" to the creation of platforms and metaverse based on them. The study deals with the economic and target effects arising from the transition of a traditional university to the network business model of an educational metaverse. The concept of network economy and the theory of business models served as a methodological basis; general scientific research methods were used in the paper. Substantive changes in the business model of the university are clarified, the key differences of the educational metaverse are highlighted. The economic efficiency of the metaverse is achieved through the realization of network benefits, which, in turn, transforms the opportunities for achieving its mission as target efficiency.

Securing Blockchain-Based Supply Chain Management: Textual Data Encryption and Access Control

A supply chain (SC) encompasses a network of businesses, individuals, events, data, and resources orchestrating the movement of goods or services from suppliers to customers. Leveraging a blockchain-based platform, smart contracts play a pivotal role in aligning business logic and tracking progress within supply chain activities. Employing two distinct ledgers, namely Hyperledger and Ethereum, introduces challenges in handling the escalating volume of data and addressing the technical expertise gap related to supply chain management (SCM) tools in blockchain technology. Within the domain of blockchain-based SCM, the growing volume of data activities introduces challenges in the efficient regulation of data flow and the assurance of privacy. To tackle these challenges, a straightforward approach is recommended to manage data growth and thwart unauthorized entries or spam attempts within blockchain ledgers. The proposed technique focuses on validating hashes to ensure blockchain integrity. Emphasizing the authentication of sensitive data on the blockchain to bolster SCM, this approach compels applications to shoulder increased accountability. The suggested technique involves converting all data into textual format, implementing code encryption, and establishing permission-based access control. This strategy aims to address inherent weaknesses in blockchain within SCM. The results demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed technique in providing security and privacy for various types of data within SCM. Overall, the approach enhances the robustness of blockchain-based SCM, offering a comprehensive solution to navigate evolving challenges in data management and privacy assurance.

Turnaround Strategies and Performance of Kenya Planters Cooperative Union in Nairobi County, Kenya

This study sought to establish the influence of turnaround strategies on performance of Kenya Planters Cooperative Union. The specific objectives guiding the study were to assess the influence of restructuring strategy, reorganization strategy, repositioning strategy and diversification strategy on performance of Kenya Planters Cooperative Union. The resource-based view theory, contingency theory, institutional theory, and balanced scorecard theory all served as the study's guiding theories. The research design used for this study was a descriptive survey. The study's target population comprised all 815 people who work for the organization. A desired sample size of 268 respondents was reached by proportionate stratified sampling technique. With the aid of semi-structured questionnaires, primary data was gathered. To evaluate quantitative data, descriptive statistics such as mean and standard deviation were used. In the inquiry, two inferential statistics were used: correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis. The study found that Kenya Planters Cooperative Union's performance was positively and significantly impacted by restructuring strategy, reorganization strategy, repositioning strategy, and diversification strategy. The analysis found that the organization can reduce operating costs for the business and retail network by implementing a restructuring approach. The organization can respond to the financial challenges and pressures it is now experiencing by reorganizing. Based on the study findings, it is recommended that Kenya Planters Cooperative Union should evaluate its strengths and weaknesses by looking at how well and how poorly the current organizational structure accomplishes business goals.

Exploring network typology and their role in immigrant entrepreneurship: insights from South Africa

Purpose This study aims to explore network typology and the role of networks in immigrant entrepreneurs’ (IEs) business operations in South Africa (SA). Design/methodology/approach In-depth interviews were carried out with 25 IEs operating their business ventures in SA, selected via the purposive sampling method. Findings The findings indicated that IEs in SA use social networks most often, with minimal use of international business networks. In addition, the findings showed that IE networks’ key roles include providing them with access to referrals and resource provision. However, whilst resource provision emerged as a significant role, finance appeared as the main resource provided by networks. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this original paper provided theoretical and empirical contributions to research on network typology and its role for IEs. Thus, the study extended the current literature on the intersection of IEs and their networking behaviours.

A matheuristic applied to clustering rural properties and allocating plants for biogas generation

Establishing partnerships among agro-industrial properties and selecting ideal locations for biogas plants are crucial challenges in large-scale biogas production and can influence both operational efficiency and waste management. In this context, this research proposes a new matheuristic that addresses the problems of defining a group of properties and an optimal number of groups and identifies the best allocation to the biogas plant. The group properties were defined by hierarchical and K-means cluster algorithms. The best location for the biogas plant was determined by the proposed multiobjective mathematical model. The best cluster number was decided by two strategies: (1) one that selected the closest non-dominated solutions to the ideal solution (M1) and (2) one that favored the most environmentally friendly solution (M2). The matheuristic was tested using three real databases, which yielded strategic clusters with an average daily biogas production of 544.93 m³/day (M1 and M2) for DataBase 1, 1635,156.00 m³/day (M1) and 403,497.50 m³/day (M2) for DataBase 2, and 318,662.50 m³/day (M1) and 20,479.58 m³/day (M2) for DataBase 3. This research provides an opportunity to add value to agro-industrial properties by achieving energy security and developing new business networks.

Biodiversity Offset Mechanisms and Compensation for Loss from Exceptional to Popular: Rediscovering Environmental Law

The use of compensatory mechanisms for biodiversity conservation, also known as biodiversity offsets, has increased significantly in recent decades. The Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework mentions them as an innovative scheme in support of substantially and progressively increasing the level of financial resources for biodiversity conservation. This article traces the origin of compensatory mechanisms in international environmental law and their development in transnational biodiversity governance. The article points to the shifts in the application of the biodiversity offsets: from the context of wetlands to other habitats and ecosystems; from its use in intergovernmental conventions to an increasing number of transnational (business) networks; and from an instrument of last resort to a source of additional funding for biodiversity conservation. In the evolution, compensatory mechanisms have been decoupled from their original purpose as an exceptional mitigation measure and a strong focus of environmental law on the preventive function. The increased rhetoric of commitment to no net loss, net gain, restoration, and the mitigation hierarchy has not been matched by an improved status of wetlands and other ecosystems. The processes within the biodiversity conventions (Ramsar and CBD) have accepted an ongoing destruction of nature and limited the role of environmental law to minimizing harmful impacts on nature and consolidating the decline, rather than shaping socio-ecological outcomes. An ambiguous position about the spread of compensatory mechanisms has been part and parcel of this; biodiversity conventions have neither endorsed nor distanced themselves from the application, promotion, and justification of compensatory mechanisms. To maintain the integrity of environmental law, the rules that prevent biodiversity loss need to be emphasised and enforced.

Role of supply chain management in improving competitive advantage of Indonesian small and medium enterprises

Global competition has forced companies, including small and medium enterprises (SMEs), to improve their competitive advantage. Supply chain management practices are the ways to improve the competitive advantage, particularly in the global competition context. However, there is still doubt SMEs can compete globally, considering they face limited resources, skilled workforce, and business networks. Therefore, this study aims to examine the influence of supply chain management practices, covering cross-functional integration, partnership, responsiveness, and resilience. Moreover, this study has examined which practices dominate in improving competitive advantage. The quantitative study involved 445 SMEs located in East Java, Indonesia. The respondents are supervisors or higher levels and work in departments related to supply chain management, as they can provide the relevant information and possess complete knowledge of management practices. The data were collected via a questionnaire designed with a five-point Likert scale. The responses were analyzed using SmartPLS software 4.0. The results show that cross-function integration improves supply chain partnership, responsiveness, and resilience (β = 0.705, 0.382, 0.324; t-value = 25.177, 6.697, 5.783). Supply chain partnerships affect supply chain responsiveness, resilience, and competitive advantage (β = 0.327, 0.257, 0.249; t-value = 5.933, 4.536, 5.651). Moreover, supply chain responsiveness improves supply chain resilience and competitive advantage (β = 0.285, 0.106; t-value = 5.690, 2.099). Supply chain resilience improves competitive advantage (β = 0.435 and t-value = 8.987). SMEs can enhance their competitive advantage by integrating their internal cross-functional integration and adopting supply chain partnership, responsiveness, and resilience. Acknowledgments The authors would like to thank DIKTI 2023 and Research and Community Outreach Petra Christian University for providing the grant to fund this research.

Establishing alternative grain networks: A comparison of case experiences in South Tyrol, Italy, and Colorado, United States

Alternative grain networks (AGNs) are micro-systems that supplement conventional food pro­duction and distribution systems, emphasizing high quality food and leveraging regional, socio-cultural, and socio-economic values. In this multiple case study analysis we compare two AGNs, Regiokorn in South Tyrol, Italy, and the Colorado Grain Chain (CGC) in the U.S., using qualitative and comparative analysis to explore the indicators of geographical proximity, cultural homogeneity, commercial viability, and community involvement. Regiokorn and the CGC differ in various ways in these operational dimensions as well as in their organizational setups, the former as a pure business network and the latter including consumer mem­bers. Our findings highlight how these two differ­ent organizational structures can be leveraged to achieve similar outcomes, and provide valuable insights for other AGNs in finding their own paths.

Sustainable Development, Networks, Financial Inclusion, and Market Competitiveness: A Holistic View of Indonesian MSMEs

This research aims to analyze the influence of financial inclusion policies, network features and sustainable development strategies on the performance and market competitiveness of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Indonesia. The research was conducted using a quantitative approach involving 325 MSMEs from various industrial sectors. The analytical method used is Partial Least Squares (PLS) in Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to test the correlation between variables. The research results show that there is a significant positive correlation between market competitiveness, financial inclusion, network features, sustainable development practices and the performance of MSME companies. The conclusion is that sustainable development practices, involvement in business networks, and access to financial services have a significant positive impact on market competitiveness and performance of MSME companies. The implication of these findings is the importance of integrating sustainability programs, encouraging business collaboration, and expanding financial inclusion to support sustainable growth and competitiveness of MSMEs in Indonesia. Keywords: Market Competitiveness, Network Characteristics, Financial Inclusion, Sustainable Development, MSMEs This research aims to analyze the influence of financial inclusion policies, network features and sustainable development strategies on the performance and market competitiveness of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Indonesia. The research was conducted using a quantitative approach involving 325 MSMEs from various industrial sectors. The analytical method used is Partial Least Squares (PLS) in Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to test the correlation between variables. The research results show that there is a significant positive correlation between market competitiveness, financial inclusion, network features, sustainable development practices and the performance of MSME companies. The conclusion is that sustainable development practices, involvement in business networks, and access to financial services have a significant positive impact on market competitiveness and performance of MSME companies. The implication of these findings is the importance of integrating sustainability programs, encouraging business collaboration, and expanding financial inclusion to support sustainable growth and competitiveness of MSMEs in Indonesia. Keywords: Market Competitiveness, Network Characteristics, Financial Inclusion, Sustainable Development, MSMEs

Memulai Bisnis Itu Mudah Melalui Digital

This training activity is motivated by the recognition that the involvement of youth is crucial for competitiveness on both national and international levels. Therefore, there is a need for attractive programs that can develop the potential of young people, such as digital marketing training. In fact, many Indonesian nationals studying in Saudi Arabia are not yet familiar with the latest concepts of digital marketing, thus unable to maximize business potential. Based on this motivation, the Digital Marketing Export training aims to: (i) Enhance digital marketing skills for young generations; (ii) Create quality and creative human resources as a foundation for entrepreneurship; (iii) Build business networks and foster young exporters. For participants, this activity is expected to broaden their insights in maximizing digital marketing for developing start-up businesses. For IAI Tazkia, this activity is anticipated to enhance its branding in entrepreneurship and digital marketing knowledge with Islamic values. It is also hoped that this activity will strengthen the collaboration between IAI Tazkia and the Indonesian Student Association (PPMI) in Saudi Arabia in developing digitally-based entrepreneurship potentials. Through this collaboration, it is also expected to introduce IAI Tazkia widely to Indonesian nationals in Saudi Arabia, consequently enhancing IAI Tazkia's image in Saudi Arabia. For business practitioners, this activity is expected to improve their understanding of initiating and developing businesses using appropriate business model prototypes and marketing tools, thus fostering young entrepreneurs who can effectively utilize digital technology.

Empowering Mosque Cooperatives for Development of The Ummah

The poverty rate in Malaysia is still worrisome despite being at low rate. Various solutions have been made, including the movement of mosque cooperatives as the multi-function business centre to help and empower the community within via several solutions, such as provide financing, investment centre and halal food centre for Muslims. However, there is a number of community members that are being left out from enjoying the benefits and aids provided, and their lives are getting worse financially, especially during the pandemic of Covid-19. This article aims to examine the role of mosque cooperatives in economic empowerment of the ummah. The roles will be examined from the perspectives of business networking, and the information and governance systems of the mosque cooperatives. The study adopted the FGD with the key players related to mosque cooperatives, including authorities. The data collected was analysed using NVIVO. The results of the discussion were categorised into four main themes; acceptance, initiatives, action plans and key players. The participants agreed with the role of mosque cooperatives in empowering the ummah via various initiatives that have been taken place. Despite that, the problems arising within the mosque cooperatives have been identified and a few action plans have been discussed to rectify the arising matters together with the involvement of key players for the success of mosque cooperatives. The integration of cooperatives through mosques is a powerful tool in empowering the economic resilience of the community. The involvement of regulators, religious leaders and the community around the mosque towards the empowerment of the community within, especially the poor can help in organizing their lives better. The economic empowerment via mosque cooperatives is an initiative based on the local community around the mosque, thus mosque is not only a worship centre, but also a center for community’s economic empowerment.

WOMEN AS A STRATEGIC GROUP: WOMEN'S STRATEGY IN POLITICAL NETWORKS THROUGH THE ECONOMIC AREA

Abstract Women’s participation in economic field and politic is often viewed in a dichotomous manner, where the economy is referred as "low politics." Women’s participation in economic organization is also seen as non-strategiv activism, which interpreted as activities that are distant or excluded from electoral politics and has less influence on the decision-making process. This research aims to challenge the argument and suggests that women's roles in the economy are indeed interconnected with the political sector. The study argues that women use their institutional capital as members of IWAPI to build relationships and political networks, where the appropriation of interests which means securing access to specific resources is the main goal. This research utilizes the Strategic Group theory from Evans Dieter-Evers and finds that women affiliated with IWAPI adopt personal and corporate appropriation modes in pursuing their interests. Personal appropriation is closely related to strengthening political networks through political parties to drive institutional change, while corporate appropriation is carried out by IWAPI members through expanding business networks and forming resource alliances. Furthermore, women can be categorized as a strategic group with business types and often employ cooperative strategies with other strategic groups. IWAPI is ultimately referred to as an organization formed by strategic groups of women for the appropriation of specific interests. Keywords: Women, strategic groups, agency, appropriation of interests

Perancangan Jaringan Rantai Pasok Dan Sistem Informasi Pemasaran Pada Program Sistem Ekonomi Jaringan Usaha Koperasi Untuk Kerjasama Usaha Koperasi

Cooperatives are an opportunity for economic actors to continue to develop with business activities carried out in groups to achieve common goals among fellow cooperative members, so strategic planning in the form of a design for a Government Program, especially in the Cooperative Sector, is a form of consideration and input for developing a resource. The resources owned by cooperatives in Bandung City by providing digital trade, from the Cooperative Business Network Economic System Program, abbreviated as SEJUK, with the aim of creating business cooperation between cooperatives in Bandung City. Information collection and management carried out in the form of interviews, literature studies, design carried out using quantitative research methods, marketing information system design based on Unified Modeling Leangues (UML) and supply chain planning based on Value Stream Mapping (VSM). From the design results, it is clear that supply chain network design and marketing information systems are connected in managing cooperatives to carry out goods procurement and business promotion activities by utilizing marketing information systems to provide digital trade channels for cooperatives participating in the SEJUK Program. so that the impact given by participating in the SEJUK Program needs to be improved and enhanced in the future in providing a forum for cooperatives to carry out business collaboration through the SEJUK Program

Business expansion strategy of two-sided platform considering technology R & D effect and congestion effect

PurposeA new model for two-sided platforms is presented, incorporating both the original business and an expanded (new) business. Previous studies have neglected the impact of technology R & D on the new business aspect of two-sided platforms. This study addresses this gap by examining the technology R & D effect on the new business while also considering the congestion effect on the original business. It investigates the optimal pricing and user scales for both the original and new businesses. Additionally, the profits of the original business, the new business, and the overall two-sided platform are analyzed.Design/methodology/approachPrevious studies have overlooked the technology R & D effect on the new business aspect of two-sided platforms. Therefore, this study focuses on examining the technology R & D effect on the new business. Additionally, the congestion effect on the original business is considered. To determine the optimal prices for both sides of the original and new businesses, a game sequence model is introduced.FindingsThe optimal price on the service buyers (defined b side) of new business increases only with regard to technology R & D effect on b side of new business increasing. The optimal price on b side of new business is equal to half of the b-side R & D effect. The optimal profit of original business decreases with regard to the technology R & D effect of new business and cross-market network effect on the services provider (defined s side) between original business and new business increasing, respectively. To gain optimal profit of two-sided platform, the two-sided platform adopts some strategies to improve the congestion.Originality/valueA new two-sided platform model is stated, in which the technology R & D effect is embraced. The expanded business scenario of two-sided platform is considered, that is, the two-sided platform has one business firstly and a new business is developed or improved of two-sided platform. To solve the prices strategy of original business and new business, a game sequence of the original business and new business is presented.

Writing of Business Ethnography: Reflections on Fieldwork and Theory

The writing of business ethnography has expanded from the study of small social units such as factories to the discussion of transnational markets, transnational business networks and global finance in under the context of globalization. A holistic anthropological perspective and use of ethnography research have played important roles in the development of business anthropology. The research tradition and orientation of anthropology not only determine research perspectives and approaches in business ethnography, they also influence the theoretical construction of business anthropology. The study of business ethnography in China provides not only local interpretations of the theory and practice of business anthropology, but also opportunities to reflect on the use of ethnography for such studies.

Public Libraries as Incubators for Social Inclusion and Entrepreneurship for Achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) : A Progressive Transformation

This research aims to explore the role of public libraries as incubators of social inclusion and entrepreneurship in supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study employed a qualitative approach with a case study method, focusing on public libraries in Karanganyar Regency, Central Java, Indonesia, that have implemented social inclusion and entrepreneurship programs. The data were collected through in-depth interviews with librarians, program participants, and relevant stakeholders, as well as direct observation and program document analysis. The data analysis followed the framework proposed by Miles and Huberman, which involves a systematic approach to qualitative data analysis, including data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing/verification. The results showed that libraries functioning as entrepreneurship incubators can effectively provide platforms for business training, technology access, and network development. These programs enhanced individual's skills and knowledge and drived local economic growth by creating new businesses and increasing employment opportunities. Additionally, library social inclusion initiatives boost community participation and engagement, strengthen social cohesion, and reduce inequality. The research concludes that public libraries in Karanganyar Regency have significant potential as agents of social change by integrating social inclusion and entrepreneurship programs. To optimize this role, adequate policy support, enhanced librarian competencies, and collaboration with various stakeholders are necessary. Thus, libraries can significantly contribute to achieving the SDGs, particularly in quality education, decent work and economic growth, reduced inequalities, and partnerships for the goals.

Business Networking, Innovation, and Firm Competitiveness: The Case of Handicraft Industry in Indonesia

Business Networking, Innovation, and Firm Competitiveness: The Case of Handicraft Industry in Indonesia

Global solar photovoltaic industry network dynamics 2007–2023. Inter-organizational relationships as a source of competitive advantage?

Aiming a cleaner production in course of fighting the ongoing global warming, solar photovoltaic (PV) together with wind and hydro energy, indicate the most important industry segments in the transformation from fossils to renewable energy sources. During the last two decades, the solar PV industry experienced decisive changes of its global business network configurations where Chinese firms comparatively have gained competitive advantages. According to the business network theory, inter-organizational relationships indicate important vehicles for exchanging valuable resources such as advanced technology and privileged market knowledge aiming to gain leading industry positions.Based on a sample of globally leading solar PV manufacturers originated in Canada, China, Germany, South Korea, and the United States of America we conduct a detailed analysis and provide insights into solar PV industry upstream and downstream network dynamics examined for the period 2007–2023. We found that Chinese firms have focused more on upstream industry network relationships compared to their Western counterparts.Thus, we emphasize on the importance of building competitive regional solar PV industry networks instead of relying only on government subsidies which often come along with rather short-term effects.

Opportunity for informal business networking to reshape the institutional capacity of community in housing revitalization projects: learning from Bandung and Surakarta, Indonesia

ABSTRACT Growing enthusiasm for collaborative planning and housing revitalization projects has instigated change in the institutional arena from government to multi-stakeholder domains for more democratic and sustainable outcomes. However, several projects, especially at the community level, failed to strengthen community power and voice, resulting in short-term community-driven activities. Amidst growing academic concerns over the efficacy of collaborative planning in housing revitalization projects and community empowerment, this paper presents two case studies from Indonesia – Laweyan (Surakarta) and Cibangkong (Bandung) – as counter-examples. The discussion is centred on the institutional capacity of urban poor communities, which has been historically perceived as weak and passive, to contribute ideas and initiatives in sustaining collaborative planning practices despite decreasing support from the government. The findings suggest that the relational resources, maintained through informal business networking within the poor community led by community leaders, are critical in reshaping their institutional capacity.