Business Partners Research Articles

Network Integration as a Tool for Sustainable Business Development

Business enterprises are required to adopt new economic models and business strategies in line with global trends such as the green agenda, the shortening of innovation cycles, digitalization (networking platforms) and socio-economic security. The models of network integrations (clusters, industrial symbioses, innovation ecosystems, etc.) are developing faster than other business models. Networking allows businesses to synergetically, based on the principles of collaboration, trust and self-organization, increase intellectual, innovative, social, and environmental values, which leads to economic growth and sustainable development. Through networking integration, the business performance of all participants in multi-company projects can be improved, regardless of their size and activities. The purpose of this study is to develop a methodological framework for assessing the synergistic effect and the level of collaborative maturity of participants in network industrial integration. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis and evaluation of network business integration efficiency. The authors’ methodology is based on the AHP hierarchy method, expert evaluation and Harrington’s level of desirability. The methodology is validated on Russian industrial integrations: industrial cluster of Nizhny Novgorod region; pipeline valve manufacturing cluster; South Ural industrial cluster producing spare parts and assembly units for roadbuilding, construction and agricultural vehicles. The results show that the level of collaborative maturity of business partners and the synergies from network integration effect the sustainability of business development. Recommendations for businesses are provided to improve their network integration and collaborative maturity. Furthermore, the findings allow the authors to define directions for further research, considering the interests of the business community, regional authorities, and financial institutions, and provide a framework for researchers to investigate the link between industrial network integration and economic growth.

A privacy-preserving federated learning approach for airline upgrade optimization

PurposeA key issue of making upgrade decisions is to match the most relevant upgrade offers to the right customers at the right time. To optimize upgrade strategies and profitability, companies seek to break “data silos” between themselves and other business partners for a more holistic view of customers' consumption experiences. However, multi-source data fusion may lead to potential privacy leakage. To overcome these two challenges in data silos and privacy protection, this study introduced a privacy-preserving federated learning (FL) approach and explained the process of using FL in modeling airline passengers’ willingness to pay for upgrade offers. Design/methodology/approachFederated learning is a new confidential computing technique that allows companies to train a model cooperatively by exchanging model parameters instead of the actual raw data, which might include customers' privacy sensitive information. Using a case study of a Chinese airline company, this study demonstrated how FL-based upgrade models using multi-source data can be developed to improve the accuracy of predicting customers' willingness to pay for upgrades while preserving customers’ personal data privacy. FindingsComparing with traditional unilateral model using single-source data, the federated logistic regression and SecureBoost models demonstrate better model performance. This indicates that the proposed FL approach can enhance the accuracy of modeling airline passengers' willingness to pay for upgrade offers while preserving passengers’ data privacy. The findings also show that the FL-based models generally took longer running time than the traditional unilateral model due to the design of FL approach in ensuring data privacy. OriginalityThis study contributes to the literature of upgrade optimization by introducing the new FL approach for developing machining learning models to predict customers’ reaction to upgrade offers. Although we focus on the airline industry in our case study, the proposed FL approach can be applied to other industries with a similar issue of upgrade optimization such as hotels or cruise lines, and car rental.

Cognitive Model Based on The Dl Random Forest Method for Profi t Forecasting and Fuzzy Algorithm for Assessing Company Sustainability in Conditions of Uncertainty

The article is devoted to the problem of supporting management decision-making on choosing a strategic partner whose activities would be effective and sustainable. During the study, based on the results of the work of enterprises in the domestic confectionery industry, a dataset was generated, which was subsequently used for the deep learning model DL-model "Random Forest" in order to calculate the predicted values of the net profi t of enterprises in the industry. Assessing companies for the purpose of selecting a strategic partner, using models such as: deep learning model "Random Forest" (DL Random Forest), VaR, Z-Altman, Hurwitz matrix, Fuzzy algorithm in modern conditions has great practical significance. The relevance of the study lies in the fact that in conditions of increasing market uncertainty, approaches to ensuring the sustainable development of an organization based on AI systems are increasingly being used. The scientific novelty lies in the fact that the study used a set of models that made it possible to assess the actual sustainability of companies and, based on the calculated forecast values of net profi t, as well as business efficiency indicators ROE and ROS, to make a decision on the choice of potential business partners. During the study the following were developed: a VaR model, which made it possible to obtain an assessment of fi nancial risk, a Z-Altman model for assessing the risk of bankruptcy of an enterprise. In addition, based on the calculated parameters of the regression equation, a Hurwitz matrix was formed, which made it possible to draw a conclusion about the sustainability of each enterprise as a system. The use of the Fuzzy algorithm made it possible to obtain a decision on choosing a partner enterprise.

Agreements on Release of Contractual Liability of Entrepreneurs in Russia and China

This article is devoted to a comparative analysis of the provisions of the civil codes of the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China regulating the conclusion of agreements on the release or limitation of civil liability. In the context of active trade and economic cooperation between Russia and China, the issues of proper fulfillment of contractual obligations by each of these partners are placed at the forefront of the negotiations. However, the parties may, by means of an agreement between them, provide for cases of exemption from liability in order to minimize their risks from entrepreneurial activity. The authors of this article explore the legal nature and conditions for the conclusion of such agreements, as well as examine the essence of agreements on the release or limitation of liability for an intentional breach of obligation or as a result of gross negligence. A comparative analysis of the provisions of Russian and Chinese civil law leads the authors to conclude that there is a significant similarity in the legal regulation of agreements on exemption from liability for breach of contractual obligations due to the influence of European civil law In addition, the limits of establishing contractual conditions regarding limitations and exemption from liability in accordance with the principle of freedom of contract are examined. Furthermore, the article discusses the recent changes and modifications to the civil laws of Russia and China. These improvements can be used by business partners of the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China who are engaged in trade and economic cooperation with these countries when concluding and executing agreements. The results of this study can also be used to study the problems surrounding exemptions from civil liability in contractual obligations in order to further improve the legislation.

Challenges and opportunities of next generation therapeutics: A compound management perspective

In recent years, pharmaceutical research has increased its interest in novel drug modalities beyond small molecules to overcome therapeutic limitations and find more effective cures.Compound Management teams globally are adapting their processes and equipment to handle such “new modalities” with the same quality and speed as small molecule research.Here, we share our approach in supporting next-generation therapeutics by introducing solutions for multi-solvent workflows in Compound Management at AstraZeneca.From sample submission to assay-ready plate generation, we describe the challenges faced and process improvements introduced so far.Collaborating with our business partners, we are pioneering new best practices and laying solid foundations for future research to bring new efficacious drugs into the clinics.

Technology innovation to improve SMEs sustainability

Purpose This study aims to analyze the determinants of small and medium enterprise (SME) sustainability through online marketing technology innovation. Design/methodology/approach The study was conducted through a survey in Siak Regency and Dumai City, Riau Province, Indonesia. The study population is small entrepreneurs doing online marketing. The determination of this survey area is by considering: the use of online marketing technology in this area is relatively more developed than other regions; Siak Regency and Dumai City are very prospective to be used as small business development areas based on online marketing; and the sample was determined by purposive random sampling with the criteria of small entrepreneurs who have tried to do online marketing for at least six months. Based on these criteria, there are 301 small entrepreneurs who conduct online marketing as a sample. Findings The sustainability of SMEs is directly and indirectly influenced by government support, human resource quality, innovation costs, economic conditions and business partners through online marketing technology innovations. Online marketing strategy through targeting, segmentation and positioning marketing strategies. Implementation of online marketing technology innovation models: increased government support; improvement of human resources; provision of innovation cost allocation; government policies in maintaining economic stability; and increase in business partners. Research limitations/implications Limited access to data can limit the interpretation of correlations between the variables studied. This limitation is because the available data is limited to certain periods and certain geographical regions. In addition, research time constraints limit the ability to conduct more in-depth interviews and obtain additional data relevant to the topic being studied. Practical implications Practical implications: 1) Targeting marketing strategy is a staged strategy to select a target market. The target market for SME products is intermediary consumers (agents) and end consumers; 2) Segmenting marketing strategy is a stage strategy to determine market segments. The market segment of SME products is based on consumer characteristics, namely, the local market and markets outside the region. SME product market segments based on consumer response characteristics, namely, market segments based on product benefits and consumer loyalty; 3) Positioning marketing strategy is a strategy for the development stage of each product detail placement and the development of a 4P mix strategy, namely, product, price, place and promotion. Social implications The implementation of this research policy is: increased government support in facilitating online marketing; increased human resources in online marketing; provision of cost allocation of innovation in online marketing; government policy in maintaining economic stability; and increased business partners in online marketing. Model implementation requires mentoring and training through cooperation with business partners. Originality/value The sustainability of SMEs requires online marketing technology innovation. These findings can help provide an alternative solution to the weak resources of SMEs. With the discovery of the determining factor for the sustainability of SMEs, it can accelerate the SME digitalization program.

Exploring the co-creation-innovativeness paradox: distance as an ecosystem characteristic of university spin-offs

Through empirical investigations into university spin-offs (USOs), we discovered innovativeness benefits derived from maintaining both academia and business partners at a distance. Distance should not be misconstrued as isolation; rather, it emphasises specific attributes where partners are maintained at arm’s length, affecting co-creation. Consequently, this paper explores how distance impacts the co-creation and innovativeness of USOs. It presents a longitudinal case study of a Swedish USO and conceptualises various types of distances, including actor-type, industry, supply-chain, geographical and knowledge-related distances. We explore the interplay between these different distance types as antecedents to USOs’ innovativeness and co-creation activities. The paper contributes to the existing literature by introducing the concept of distance as a critical characteristic affecting innovativeness and co-creation. By delineating various types of distances, it refines previous research on the characteristics of firm connections within university and business ecosystems.

The Challenges of a Purchase by the Berlin Papyrus Collection in 1926

Abstract Where do Arabic papyri come from? The article shifts the question to “How did the Arabic papyri reach modern institutions, and why do we know so little about their provenance”? In an exemplary way, the purchase of 142 texts from Maurice Nahman in Cairo by the Berlin Papyrus collection in 1926, which is exceptionally well documented, will be discussed here. The collection was then headed by Wilhelm Schubart, who was assisted in this purchase by Adolf Grohmann and Ludwig Borchardt. It turns out that several of the steps from the findspot to the museum were settled on the margin of legal norms, which meant that the actors had an interest to disguise business partners and archeological contexts. For this reason, most acquisitions cannot be traced back to the original findspot. If we intend to reconstruct groups of related documents, it will probably be easier to analyze internal features, like the mentioned persons and the style of handwriting. Museum archives can then complement this information.

Women Entrepreneur’s Perspective towards Sustainable Entrepreneurship in the Apparel Sector of Saudi Arabia

Sustainable entrepreneurship has recently started to receive global attention, underscoring the need to understand the perspective of women entrepreneurs working in the apparel sector in Saudi Arabia. The present study focuses on exploring sustainable entrepreneurship with specific regards to the experiences of female entrepreneurs and sustainable activities within the sector. This study used a qualitative approach, conducting semi-structured interviews of 30 female entrepreneurs in Saudi Arabia’s apparel industry. Thematic analysis was employed to understand sustainable entrepreneurship behavior and its causes. The descriptive findings reveal a strong correlation between advanced degrees and professional membership held by the participants, implying higher qualifications and membership with professional bodies result in work with more extensive and established fashion ventures involving on average 10 employees and five business partners. It was also found that female entrepreneurs in Saudi Arabia employed sustainable strategies based on their beliefs and customer needs and preferences. However, they faced issues of tradition and prejudice against women. This study further identified four critical categories of sustainable entrepreneurship drivers: gender dynamics (GDs), social norms (SNs), access to resources, and sustainable entrepreneurship practices. This study offers valuable recommendations to policymakers, actors, and women entrepreneurs striving to develop sustainable practices in the industry.

Legal Transformation of Trading Businesses into Individual Limited Companies for Indonesian Micro and Small Enterprises

This study discusses the transformation from a Trading Business (UD) to an Individual Limited Company (PT Perorangan) as an effort to empower micro and small enterprises in Indonesia. In the context of corporate law, this transformation provides a strong legal basis and good corporate governance, enabling a Trading Business to obtain legal entity status as well as broader access to funding sources and legal protection. Utilizing a normative legal research approach, this study analyzes related legislation and assesses its impact on the sustainability of micro and small enterprises. The findings indicate that this transformation not only enhances legal certainty but also offers opportunities for companies to grow more professionally and sustainably. Moreover, the obligation to report financial documents digitally increases transparency and trust among business partners. The findings of this study are expected to make a significant contribution to the literature on empowering small businesses and encourage the government to continue supporting the transformation of Trading Businesses into Individual Limited Companies as part of an inclusive economic development strategy.

Analysis Of Factors Influencing The Decision Of Sugarcane Farmers To Use The Services Of Financial Institutions Savings And Loan Cooperatives Independent Business Partners In Semboro Jember District

Analysis Of Factors Influencing The Decision Of Sugarcane Farmers To Use The Services Of Financial Institutions Savings And Loan Cooperatives Independent Business Partners In Semboro Jember District

The influence of stakeholder theory and Islamic faith on employee perception of CSR

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the influences of employee perception of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the Readymade Garment Industry (RMG). The RMG industry in Bangladesh has faced constant criticism of their working practices, and following some fatal incidents, the industry was faced with external pressures of implementing CSR practices and policies. Manufacturers invested and initiated CSR in their business and marketing strategy to survive in the global competition. Employees are internal stakeholders that help to implement and disseminate strategies successfully; however, there is not enough knowledge in the area of employee perception of CSR. Design/methodology/approach The paper is an exploratory study using the quantitative data collection method. In total, 128 responses have been collected from participants who are employees of garment factories in Bangladesh to understand their perception of CSR. Regression analysis has been conducted to ascertain the relationships between the factors that influence employee perception. Theories of stakeholder management, organizational citizenship behaviour, social exchange theory and employee engagement have been used to analyse the factors that influence employee perception. Findings The findings show that the factors that influence perception of CSR are not confined to the stakeholder’s initiatives but are significantly dependent on the employees’ direct involvement, engagement and personal values as a beneficiary and an executioner. In addition to the stakeholder’s initiatives that are a key deliverable to the marketing strategy, the employees are influenced by their personal beliefs and practices that can be associated with influences of religion, culture and the wider social landscape. Research limitations/implications The data is limited to a small number of factories located near the capital, Dhaka, this is a small sample compared to the 4,000 factories in Bangladesh. Further research can be conducted based on a larger data set, which could represent a wider range of employee perspectives from different factories relating to size, product category and geographical location. The study does not expand on the factors that influence employee perception specifically. Practical implications The findings of the study can help the employers understand that the organization’s priority and participation are not the only factors that influence the employee’s perceptions. The employees’ assessment of the stakeholder’s intentions of CSR, which are reflected in the organization’s priority, shapes employee perceptions that are influenced by their personal values and beliefs. The awareness of the factors that influence the employees will enable organizations to motivate them and deliver on expectations of the business partners. Social implications It is the practices aimed at the employees that enhance their engagement in CSR that enable them to reciprocate and influence their perception of the organization’s fair and genuine motives. The effectiveness of this aids the macro-marketing aspects of managing social concerns and the impact of businesses. Originality/value The data collected is primary data from employees of garment manufacturers. The hypothesized framework is developed by the authors, and the outcomes of the factors that influence the employee perception of CSR are escalated from the analysis conducted by the authors.

COIL Method in Economic Higher Education: The Stakeholders’ Perspective

COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning) is an innovative teaching method that allows students to experience international cooperation and develop intercultural skills using digital technologies. This online teaching method became popular recently based on the experience gained by higher education institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic. COIL is an effective and convenient teaching method that provides students with the experience of „internationalisation at home.” The COIL engages students, teachers, and business partners. As those groups have different educational needs and expectations, the question arises as to what extent this teaching method can address those needs. Therefore, the main objective of this paper is to identify the main benefits and limitations of the COIL method in economic higher education based on the empirical survey results. The survey was conducted after the successful COIL implementation in 2023/2024 in several courses at the University of Economics in Katowice, Poland. The COIL method was applied in the form of three different models and was organised in cooperation with partners from several European universities. In particular, the COIL method was applied within a course devoted to Digitalisation and Sustainability, aiming at developing projects on business plans for start-ups using innovative technologies to enhance sustainable development. The paper presents the COIL concept, course objectives, and learning outcomes, as well as an assessment of the COIL method from the perspectives of students, teachers, and business experts. The main findings suggest that all students appreciate the advantages of COIL: the possibility to gain international experience, improve communication and intercultural skills, and learn the basics of project management. They also signalled some challenges related to international teamwork. However, teachers, in general, are satisfied with the quality of outcomes of students’ cooperation, although applying the COIL method requires lots of administrative work and developing new skills. Similarly, business partners highly assessed the benefits of the COIL method for students in terms of their future professional careers.

Dilemmas of Proximity: Motives Influencing Portuguese Firms’ Internationalization to Morocco

This study aims to identify Portuguese firms’ motives for internationalizing to Morocco. To achieve this objective, we used a mixed-method (quantitative and qualitative) approach, obtaining data from a questionnaire survey and interviewees from Portuguese enterprises involved in this internationalization process. From exploratory factor analysis (EFA), firms’ reasons for entering the Moroccan market were categorized into five dimensions: (a) Price and Business Infrastructure, (b) Regional Hub and Business Environment, (c) Financial Incentives and Raw Material, (d) Skilled Labour Force and (e) Weak Competition and International Business Partners. The study shows that the factors/dimensions identified are associated both with firms’ resources and capacities and with the characteristics that sometimes define the entrepreneur–manager’s perceptions. In addition, our study provides inside knowledge of this topic through small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) managers’ views on key aspects of their presence in Morocco, which leads to a more robust portrayal of this type of process.

COIL method in economic higher education – the stakeholders’ perspective

COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning) is an innovative teaching method that allows students to experience international cooperation and develop intercultural skills using digital technologies. This online teaching method became popular recently based on the experience gained by higher education institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic. COIL is an effective and convenient teaching method that provides students with the experience of „internationalisation at home.” The COIL engages students, teachers, and business partners. As those groups have different educational needs and expectations, the question arises as to what extent this teaching method can address those needs. Therefore, the main objective of this paper is to identify the main benefits and limitations of the COIL method in economic higher education based on the empirical survey results. The survey was conducted after the successful COIL implementation in 2023/2024 in several courses at the University of Economics in Katowice, Poland. The COIL method was applied in the form of three different models and was organised in cooperation with partners from several European universities. In particular, the COIL method was applied within a course devoted to Digitalisation and Sustainability, aiming at developing projects on business plans for start-ups using innovative technologies to enhance sustainable development. The paper presents the COIL concept, course objectives, and learning outcomes, as well as an assessment of the COIL method from the perspectives of students, teachers, and business experts. The main findings suggest that all students appreciate the advantages of COIL: the possibility to gain international experience, improve communication and intercultural skills, and learn the basics of project management. They also signalled some challenges related to international teamwork. However, teachers, in general, are satisfied with the quality of outcomes of students’ cooperation, although applying the COIL method requires lots of administrative work and developing new skills. Similarly, business partners highly assessed the benefits of the COIL method for students in terms of their future professional careers.

Business partnership, women empowerment and support to women living with HIV/AIDS in Kabale, Uganda

Business partnership, women empowerment and support to women living with HIV/AIDS in Kabale, Uganda

Implementasi Knowledge Management pada Perancangan Website Panduan Perusahaan menggunakan Framework Laravel

Onboarding is crucial to help new employees quickly adapt, understand their tasks, and become productive. This research addresses onboarding issues in the IT Service & Business Partner department of PT. Pupuk Kalimantan Timur, particularly for Non-Organic Workers (TKNO), which are currently unstructured and inefficient. The proposed solution is implementing knowledge management through a Laravel-based guide website that provides clear and structured guidelines, enabling self-learning and access to information anytime. Two phases from the 10-step knowledge management roadmap are used to complete the research: infrastructure evaluation, and knowledge management design & development analysis. The prototyping method was used in system development, including problem identification, implementation, testing, and evaluation. Results show that this website improves orientation efficiency and facilitates information delivery. BlackBox testing confirms all features function as expected, making this system likely to facilitate onboarding and knowledge transfer within the company.

Self-Presentational Communication in Context Digital Realities of Modern Society

Introduction. In the age of the digital economy and hyper-competition, self-presentation communication as a type of self-promotion, as the ability to present oneself to a communication partner, employer, business partner or target audience, is considered by experts as a key skill of the 21st century. It is also considered as one of the significant factors of competition both in the modern highly competitive labor market and in the consumer market, both global and local. The article discusses the theoretical foundations of self-presentational communication in its historical retrospective, traditions, innovations and development trends in the conditions of new realities.Methodology and sources. The methodology of philosophical, sociological and interdisciplinary approaches is used. The article uses the following sources: specialized literature from domestic and foreign authors, scientific research, publications and websites that allow one to explore the specifics of digital self-presentation, its new formats and current practices.Results and discussion. Digital society is a society whose distinctive feature is the electronic-digital method of receiving, storing and distributing information, as well as the electronic-digital mediation of social relations and communicative interaction. One of the ways of such interaction is digital self-presentation, which combines the traditions of this content and innovations caused by the development of new technologies.Conclusion. Self-presentational communication, like the entire communicative component of modern society, including the «human-AI» interface, is carried out in three spatial dimensions: real/offline/Physics, virtual/online/Digital, as well as in their interaction offline online/Phygital. In each dimension, self-presentational communication has its own specifics and could can be considered both as a separate phenomenon and in the process of continuity and development.

The level of Emotional Value and Customer Trust Assessment of State-Owned Enterprise Bank Customer of Kebayoran Baru South Jakarta

Purpose: The rapid development of economy in Indonesia has given a positive influence to the services sectors including State-Owned Enterprise banking, everyone will need banks as their business partners. Customers’ trust is a great asset for banks. The long-term relationship of customer-banks depends on the presence of customers’ trust on the banks. The significance of this phenomenon in banking industry becomes more critical where banks have to know their individual customers as well as contextual factors that influence on customers’ emotional value and customers trust.Design/methodology: This study aims to measure the level of customers emotional value and customers’ trust. 400 customers from any state-owned enterprise bank in Kebayoran Baru - South Jakarta were selected to form the sampling frame.Findings: The results show that both emotional value and customer trust is at a good level. All products, services and product features are able to create the emotional value expected by customers. All employees, products and facilities provided by bank are able to create consumers trust in the bank.Practical implications: The empirical implication of this research is to determine the conditions and the level of emotional value and customer trust in state-owned enterprise bank.Originality/Value: All companies in the banking industry must increase their awareness of the importance of providing value related to the emotional side of customers and also the importance of maintaining customer trust. The contribution of this research focuses on efforts to attract customer through their emotional value and trust.Keywors: Emotional Value, Customer Trust, State-Owned Enterprise Bank.

How and Why does a Business-to-Business Firm's Corporate Social Responsibility Disclosure Impact its Dependence on its Major Customers and Major Suppliers?

Prior research has documented that a firm's disclosure of corporate social responsibility (CSR) makes it a more attractive business partner, boosting its sales. The authors extend this finding to business-to-business (B2B) firms. Using a regulatory change in China as a quasi-natural experiment, they demonstrate that a firm's disclosure of its CSR lowers by 2.1% the firm's dependence (for sales revenue) on its major customers but raises by 3.7% its dependence (for purchases) on its major suppliers. They further show that the firm's production efficiency (marketing efficiency) is a mechanism underlying the effect of CSR disclosure on dependence on major customers (suppliers). Next, they demonstrate that the CSR report's emphasis on the firm's supply chain partners weakens (strengthens) the effect on dependence on major customers (suppliers). The findings contribute to the multidisciplinary evidence on the B2B value of CSR disclosure, and the operations and marketing literature streams on determinants of supply-chain dependence.