Competition Issues Research Articles

Unveiling the Nexus of Distribution Personalization and Content Decentralization: Exploring Brand Recall among Gen Z in Region III, Philippines

The study emphasized the pivotal role of distribution personalization, mediated by content decentralization, in influencing brand recall among Gen Z consumers, highlighting the importance of advanced data analytics, optimized distribution channels, user-generated content incorporation, and user-centric storytelling for effective brand engagement in the modern market. This research studied the effects of distribution personalization and content decentralization on brand recall among Gen-Z, focusing on causal relationship and the issue of attention competition. It used Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling to analyze 385 responses from Region III, Philippines Gen Z participants. The results indicate that personalized distribution has direct influence on brand recall through an ability to remember brand features amid consumer attention competition. Content decentralization partially mediates this effect, suggesting challenges in maintaining consistent brand identity across diverse platforms. The research underscores the importance of distribution personalization in brand recall, highlighting how content decentralization and variety of content across platforms can dilute brand consistency and hinder Gen Z's brand recall. These suggest centralizing content from a single source to ensure uniformity in branding while also using advanced analytics for targeted personalization. The study recommends optimizing distribution channels and incorporating user-centric storytelling to enhance brand association. Researchers need to continuously analyze consumer trends and feedback to refine distribution personalization strategies and stay responsive to changing market conditions. Content decentralization makes it difficult to reach and engage with the entire audience effectively, as they may be spread out across numerous channels, thus future researchers may look into this aspect.

Competition concerns with foundation models: a new feast for big tech?

ABSTRACT The paper explores how Generative AI intersects with Competition Law, focusing on Foundation Models (FMs) and Large Language Models (LLMs). It examines industry dynamics and identifies key competition issues like entry barriers, tying, leveraging, and acquisitions. It highlights the supply chain's importance and looks at how FMs are integrated into search software, chatbots, and productivity tools, particularly noting entry barriers such as computing power and data collection. It suggests that FMs might require new approaches to market delineation, possibly creating a separate relevant market for data. The paper also discusses various cases pertaining to tying and leveraging and highlights the difficulty in proving tying due to the blurred lines between traditional search engines and AI chatbots. It illustrates how competition assessments for acquisitions may require changes due to data being a highly flexible commodity for the industry. The paper concludes by calling for increased scrutiny and regulation for the industry.

On the Association of Attitudes Towards NATO and Weapon Deliveries for Ukraine with Vote Intentions in Germany

ABSTRACT Studies have shown that foreign policy events can sway voting intentions. While initial analyses have explored Germany’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and its foreign policy implications, public perspectives on this matter remain relatively unexplored, despite visible consequences like soaring energy and food prices, and concerns about escalating the war. To address this gap, the article delves into how Germans’ attitudes towards NATO’s role in the Russian invasion and the supply of weapons to Ukraine impact their voting intentions. Drawing on GLES data, our research reveals that rejecting further weapons deliveries significantly increases support for the radical-right AfD. Conversely, endorsement of such deliveries sees increased support for the Greens, FDP, and CDU/CSU. No significant effects are observed for the SPD and the Left Party. Notably, attitudes towards NATO and weapons play a role in the likelihood of supporting a new party associated with former Left Party politician, Sahra Wagenknecht. Crucially, these effects persist even when considering socio-demographic and ideological factors, underscoring the pivotal role of these issues in shaping party competition.

КРЕАТИВНИЙ МЕНЕДЖМЕНТ В СИСТЕМІ СТРАТЕГІЧНОГО УПРАВЛІННЯ ЗМІНАМИ ТА РОЗВИТКОМ КОНКУРЕНТОСПРОМОЖНОСТІ ПІДПРИЄМСТВА

The article examines the essence and components of creative management in the system of strategic management of changes and development of the enterprise's competitiveness. The works of Ukrainian and foreign scientists devoted to the issues of creativity, competitiveness and strategic management of changes and development, considered by them from the point of view of philosophical, psychological, pedagogical, sociological, economic and strategic analysis, were studied and analyzed. A clear interaction of concepts such as "competitiveness", "creative management", "strategic management of changes and development" was determined. The most common criteria for strategic management of changes and development of the enterprise's competitiveness within the framework of creative management are highlighted. Accordingly, similarly to the criteria of creative management, the main criteria of strategic management of changes and development of the enterprise's competitiveness within the framework of creative management were defined. The division of competitiveness factors into external and internal was carried out, in relation to the strategic management of changes and development of the enterprise's competitiveness. The main indicators of the enterprise's activity and the components of creative management are proposed, which will form its system of strategic management of changes and development of competitiveness, which should include the following creative components, such as: intelligence and knowledge; experience and communications; creative abilities of employees; willingness to experiment; motives and incentives; critical thinking and self-assessment. They are related to the performance indicators of the enterprise, namely: financial indicators; staff productivity; new business models; corporate culture; innovation management; competitive advantages and strategies. The scheme of creative management in the system of strategic management of changes and development of competitiveness of the enterprise was formed, which will include the main indicators of the effectiveness of its activity, the constituent elements of creative management and strategic management of changes and development of competitiveness.

A Competitive Newsvendor Problem with Product Substitution under the Carbon Cap-and-Trade System

This study investigates the competitive issues of the newsvendor problem with product substitution under the carbon cap-and-trade system. Building on existing research, this paper introduces the carbon cap-and-trade system under uncertain market demand and considers that the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) can choose to procure raw materials from the contract manufacturer (CM), with both final products being substitutable. Furthermore, we explore the different substitution relationships between OEM and CM products under both pure competitive and co-opetitive modes. For this problem, decision models are developed for various scenarios, and optimal solutions satisfying given conditions are provided. We find that in one-way substitution, under pure competition, an increase in the OEM’s (or CM’s) green investment and substitution rate only leads to an increase in OEM’s (or CM’s) yields, while an increase in the OEM’s (or CM’s) green investment does not necessarily reduce CM’s (or OEM’s) yields. In the co-opetitive mode, an increase in the substitution rate and green investments of both manufacturers may lead to an increase in the yields of both manufacturers. Furthermore, an increase in carbon trading prices does not necessarily inhibit the manufacturer’s yields. Moreover, we find that under the same competition mode, under certain conditions, two-way substitution between OEM and CM can bring better profits to both manufacturers and the entire supply chain. When the two modes are in the same substitution scenario, and the CM cannot substitute for the OEM, the optimal decisions and total supply chain profits of the two modes are equal. Finally, through numerical analysis, we find that neither mode is necessarily optimal when CM can substitute for OEM. Additionally, it is observed that when the same mode is in different substitution scenarios, total supply chain profits may be enhanced in the presence of product substitution.

Identifying the Factors of Export Competitiveness for Agricultural Products

Recently, agriculture exports have been receiving a lot of attention from academicians, researchers, governments, and policymakers. However, India’s agri-products competitiveness is generally low, and the economic significance of agriculture has been declining over the years. This compels undertaking studies on the export competitiveness of agri-products. The purpose of this study is to explore the critical factors of India’s agri-product export competitiveness. The competitiveness research has put less than adequate attention on the agriculture sector as compared to other constituents of the economy, such as industries and services. Overall, the present study has successfully identified the key factors that affect India’s agri-products export competitiveness in the global market. Indian agriculture has a huge export potential in the world market, and this can be fully exploited if competitiveness issues are addressed properly. Therefore, by identifying the abovementioned influencing factors, this study may offer very useful insight to farmers, exporters, and the government on how to strengthen India’s agricultural exports in the global market. Further, the framework of the study also lays the foundation for undertaking econometric-aided empirical research on export competitiveness of selected agri-products or the entire agriculture sector.

Where has everyone gone? Depopulation and voting behaviour in Spain

AbstractIn many European countries, people increasingly leave rural or small municipalities to live and work in urban or metropolitan environments. Although previous work on the ‘left behind’ places has examined the relationship between the rural–urban divide and vote choice, less is known about how depopulation affects electoral behaviour. Is there a relationship between experiencing a loss in population and support for the different parties? We investigate this question by examining the Spanish case, a country where the topic of depopulation has become a salient issue in political competition. Using a newly compiled dataset, we also explore whether the relationship between depopulation and electoral returns is moderated by municipality size, local compositional changes, the loss of public services and changes in amenities. Our findings show that depopulated municipalities give higher support to the main Conservative party, mainly in small municipalities. Yet, municipalities on the brink of disappearance are more likely to give larger support to the far‐right. Results overall show that the effect of depopulation seems to be driven by compositional changes, and not as a result of losing public services or a deterioration of the vibrancy of the town. Our findings have important implications for our understanding of the relationship between internal migration and electoral behaviour.

Процессуальность и относительность как аспекты методологии исследования национальной конкурентоспособности

In the discourse surrounding national competitiveness, there exists a need for a comprehensive methodology that transcends conventional approaches. This article proposes an authorial methodology for studying issues of national competitiveness, based on the analysis of criticism directed towards the productivity-based approach and the factor-based approach to assessing national competitiveness. The methodology delineates two aspects: procedural and relative, each characterizing distinct dimensions of a state’s competitive standing in the global economic landscape. The procedural aspect pertains to the degree of state involvement and its role in global economic processes, while the relative aspect is associated with a state's capacity to convert internal and attracted resources into tangible achievements within the structure of the global economy and world trade. Despite potential discrepancies between the two aspects, they are deeply interrelated, forming a cohesive framework for understanding and assessing national competitiveness. In conclusion, this article underscores the importance of adopting a multifaceted approach to studying national competitiveness. By recognizing the procedural and relative dimensions, researchers can gain deeper insights into the complexities of global economic dynamics and inform policy decisions accordingly. Future research endeavors should explore empirical applications of the proposed methodology across diverse national contexts. Additionally, comparative studies could shed light on the differential impacts of procedural and relative factors on national competitiveness outcomes.

Strategic implications of carbon pricing on global environmental sustainability and economic development: A conceptual framework

This study critically evaluates the strategic implications of carbon pricing mechanisms on global environmental sustainability and economic development. Employing a systematic literature review and content analysis, the research synthesizes recent findings from peer-reviewed articles, reports, and policy documents published between 2010 and 2024. The study's objectives include analyzing the effectiveness of carbon pricing in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, assessing its economic impacts, exploring environmental benefits, and understanding the role of international cooperation in enhancing the efficacy of carbon pricing policies. The methodology hinges on a structured search strategy, applying rigorous inclusion and exclusion criteria to ensure the relevance and quality of the literature reviewed. The analysis reveals that carbon pricing, encompassing both carbon taxes and cap-and-trade systems, serves as a pivotal tool for mitigating climate change while fostering economic growth and structural transformation. Key findings highlight the potential of carbon pricing to drive innovation in green technologies, the importance of addressing social equity concerns, and the critical role of international policy coordination in mitigating cross-border carbon leakage and competitiveness issues. The study concludes that carbon pricing mechanisms, when effectively designed and equitably implemented, can align environmental sustainability with economic development goals. Recommendations for policymakers emphasize the need for comprehensive strategies that integrate carbon pricing with broader economic and environmental policies, underscore the importance of international cooperation, and advocate for continued research to refine carbon pricing models and strategies. This research contributes to the ongoing discourse on carbon pricing, offering insights into its potential as a cornerstone of global climate governance and sustainable economic policy. Keywords: Carbon Pricing Mechanisms, Environmental Sustainability, Economic Development, International Cooperation.

Local economic development strategies in a medium-sized city on the European periphery: a path to become an economic center of Eastern Central Europe importance

Large cities are becoming increasingly valuable in the spatial structure of globalized economies. Although these centers vary significantly regarding population, economic structure, and income conditions, they—compared to their surroundings—generally show a higher productivity level, a higher rate of employment, higher education, and higher innovation performance. However, this metropolization and concentration of the economy in large cities made the development of cities regarded as medium-sized on an international scale an issue of competitiveness in Europe, characterized by dense town networks, a small number of metropolises, and a significant weight of medium- and small-sized towns. However, one of the main preconditions for achieving success in this competition is to form a comprehensive and complex concept with a significant emphasis on economic development. Therefore, the aim of our study is to analyze the local economic development strategies for the last three decades, as elaborated in Debrecen. In the framework of our empirical analysis, we examined how different mainstream concepts appear in local development strategies and which development objectives are determined by the local strategies. Furthermore, we also aimed to identify possible changes in ideas about city roles by referring to the organization of economic space.

Diversification Strategy and Sustainable Competitive Advantage in Cement Manufacturing Companies in Kenya

Manufacturing companies are currently opting to various strategies to deal with such emerging competitive issues. Through sustainable competitive advantage attained by adoption of the right corporate strategies, companies can enjoy better returns, large market share and attract well-trained employees The objective of the study was to establish contribution of diversification strategy on sustainable competitive advantage in cement manufacturing companies in Kenya. The study employed a descriptive research design. The target population were all the six cement manufacturing companies in Kenya. Census sampling approach was adopted to encompass all the six cement manufacturing companies. A proportionate sample of 108 respondents was chosen as a representative of the whole. From the correlation analysis results, the research variable, Diversification Strategy, had a positive influence on sustainable competitive advantage in cement manufacturing companies in Kenya. From the regression analysis results, a coefficient of correlation of 0.770 was obtained indicating that diversification strategy had a positive effect on sustainable competitive advantage in the cement manufacturing companies. The study recommended that management should assess the strategy’s suitability considering company’s structure, culture, and policies, as well as the overall targeted goals, before implementing it. The study recommended that adequate strategic planning be done professionally, and that regular monitoring be done periodically to guarantee they do not deviate from the plans. The study also recommended that cement manufacturers should adhere strictly to the rules set forth, and the relevant ministries should make sure that all businesses do the same.

Effectiveness study of recrystallisation method in pharmaceutical salt production from processed salt with zero waste concept

Indonesia's vast archipelago offers abundant seawater resources, holding the potential for salt production. Salt, a vital commodity in human life, typically contains sodium chloride and impurities like Ca2+, Mg2+, SO42−, and K+. Pharmaceutical salt is an industrial category adhering to pharmacopoeial standards regarding sodium chloride levels and impurity content, ensuring quality for drug preparations in Indonesia. Prior research indicates that recrystallisation, specifically evaporation crystallisation, enhances salt quality by increasing NaCl content. Chemical precipitating agents like NaOH and Na2CO3 can be introduced to improve salt purity further. This study aims to identify optimal conditions for pharmaceutical salt production from processed salt raw materials, considering crystallisation time, stirring speed, chemical additives (NaOH and Na2CO3), and double crystallisation stages. The method commences with pre-treatment, involving salt dissolution in distilled water to saturation, with the addition of precipitating agents as per designated variables. Precipitates formed from precipitating agents (NaOH and Na2CO3) are isolated through filtration. The filtrate undergoes evaporation crystallisation at 103 °C, varying between single and double crystallisation. Salt crystals are separated, dried, and weighed to calculate yield. Pharmaceutical salt is analysed for water content, NaCl, and impurities (Ca2+, Mg2+, SO42−, and K+). The optimal conditions for pharmaceutical salt production were double crystallisation with a 20 % excess of chemicals (NaOH and Na2CO3), 100 min of crystallisation time, and a stirring speed of 600 rpm. This yielded a 15 % NaCl content of 99.87 %, Mg2+ at 0 ppm, Ca2+ at 69.6 ppm, SO42− at 366 ppm, K+ at 370 ppm, and water content at 0.166 %. Notably, the pharmaceutical salt production process generates no waste, as byproducts like Mg(OH)2 and CaCO3 can be recycled and hold commercial value. However, it is essential to re-evaluate raw materials and technologies to address the market's high cost and competitiveness issues.

Advantages and disadvantages of video conferencing and direct interaction: a conceptual framework for evaluating hybrid work models

Purpose This study aims to analyse the differences between professional interaction mediated by video conferencing and direct professional interaction. The research identifies diverging interests of office workers for the purpose of addressing work ethical and business ethical issues of professional collaboration, competition, and power in future hybrid work models. Design/methodology/approach Based on 28 qualitative interviews conducted between November 2020 and June 2021, and through the theoretical lens of phenomenology, the study develops explanatory hypotheses conceptualising four basic intentions of professional interaction and their corresponding preferences for video conferences and working on site. Findings The four intentions developed on the basis of the interviews are: the need for physical proximity; the challenge of collective creativity; the will to influence; and control of communication. This conceptual framework qualifies a moral ambivalence of professional interaction. The authors identify a connectivity paradox of professional interaction where the personal dimension remains unarticulated for the purpose of maintaining professionality. This tacit human connectivity is intertwined with latent power relations. This plasticity of both connectivity and power in direct interaction can be diminished by transferring the interaction to video conferencing. Originality/value The application of phenomenology to a collection of qualitative interviews has enabled the identification of underlying intention structures and the system in which they affect each other. This research identifies conflicts of interests between workers relative to their different self-perceived abilities to persevere in competitive professional interaction. It is therefore able to address consequences of future hybrid work models at an existential and societal level.

Sun, Soil, and Sustainability: Opportunities and Challenges of Agri-Voltaic Systems in India

The rise in green energies attempts to fulfil worldwide energy needs while substituting fossil fuels. It does, however, necessitate a vast amount of land. On the other hand, food security is jeopardized by the effects of climate change as well as an expanding population, particularly in India. As India strives for net-zero emissions by 2050, the integration of photovoltaics (PV) with agriculture has unlocked an emerging field known as agrivoltaics (AV). Agrivoltaics not only provides a long-term solution to the issue of land competition, but it also increases agricultural yields, conserves water resources, and lowers greenhouse gas emissions. To evaluate the elements influencing the efficiency of AV, studies on revolutionary technologies connected to solar systems and the latest generation of photovoltaics are examined. This paper looks at agrivoltaics as a climate-conscious farming option with its advantages and disadvantages in India. This article also reviews AV plant designs and how varied intervals, altitude, and density affect shadowing.

Navigating the digital marketplace: Analyzing competition issues in Indian E-commerce under the Competition Act, 2000

Navigating the digital marketplace: Analyzing competition issues in Indian E-commerce under the Competition Act, 2000

RESEARCH STREAMS IN THE DOMAIN OF OMNICHANNEL IN MARKETING MANAGEMENT: BIBLIOMETRIC REVIEW

Omnichannel is viewed as a new approach to the company’s marketing activity in an integrated environment that combines online and offline channels. For now, the omnichannel environment is actively transforming. The article has outlined the extant areas of omnichannel research in marketing management to form a whole view of omnichannel. To achieve this goal, a bibliometric performance analysis provided by the SCOPUS database, scientific mapping utilizing the VOSviewer program, and exploring the most cited papers have been conducted. Based on a study of 1125 documents regarding omnichannel within the 2013–2023 period, the bibliometric field of omnichannel research has been conducted and visualized, including total documents produced, subject areas, most productive sources, most impactful authors, top relevant institution affiliations, production of papers by country, thematic clustering, and review of the most cited articles. The scientific interest in the omnichannel issue appeared in 2013, and since then it has been steadily increasing maintaining “Business, Management and Accounting” as the top position. The majority of docs were published in the USA, China, and India. There has not been identified a strong concentration of publications at any university as well as the most productive source. Six high-ranking thematic clusters have been identified, i.e. managing sales online and offline, dimension of marketing and marketing strategy, commerce, retailing, customer experience and satisfaction. The earliest topic is related to commerce, and the latest one is connected to customer satisfaction. The issues of competition in the omnichannel environment, impact of the omnichannel on retail operations, metrics for monitoring omnichannel marketing, creating a positive service experience, and logistics as an off-topic have been highlighted in the most cited articles. The obtained results allow substantiating the modern agenda of omnichannel issues and the most priority areas of its research, to determine the sources of its scientific and methodological support on the way to further development.

Black Soldier Meal in Feed Could Adversely Affect Organic Broiler Meat Quality When Used for the Total or Half Replacement of Diet Proteins

Organic poultry sector needs high-quality proteins sources to meet specific requirements. The EU’s organic regulation forbids synthetic amino acids; therefore, soybean, with its balanced essential amino acid content, has become the most used protein source, though much of it is imported from non-EU countries, with sustainability and crop competition issues; therefore, it should be substituted with a high-protein-value alternative such as insect meal. In this study, 900 Aviagen Savanna broilers were fed with three different organic diets: soybean only (S100), 50% black soldier fly larvae meal (BSL) and 50% soybean (BSL50), and 100% BSL only (BSL100). Broiler performance, welfare, and fatty acids (FA) were analyzed. BSL50 and BSL100 negatively affected growth, while only BSL100 worsened all of the market-related performances. Meat showed a significant increase in saturated FA (SFA) (p < 0.000) and a corresponding decrease in polyunsaturated FA (PUFA), in BSL50 and BSL100, but α-linolenic acid was not affected by BSL50 treatment (p < 0.000). The SFA increase could represent a negative aspect for human health (e.g., cardiovascular diseases), but, as reported by other authors, medium chain SFA, (i.e., lauric acid), may show beneficial effects as well (i.e., antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties).

Cross-scale modeling of microencapsulated self-healing composite with multiphase medium and their damage competition behavior

Constructing a high-fidelity cross-scale numerical model is the primary challenge in the multiscale analysis of multiphase medium composites.The Discrete Element Method is used in this study to build a three-medium multiscale numerical model. Further, the dynamic damage problem of microcapsules and the damage competition issues are investigated. The results indicate that (1) The damage evolution process, the location of maximum damage, and the final damage pattern of microcapsule embedded in the matrix and exposed to the ideal environment differed considerably. (2) The effect of microcapsule volume fraction on the mechanical strength of the matrix in self-healing composites is not linearly negatively correlated, but instead, there is a non-linear relationship, which is highly dependent on the strength ratio of the microcapsule to the matrix. (3) In self-healing composites, damage competition between the microcapsules and the matrix has a decisive influence on triggering the self-healing mechanism. (4) To obtain a better self-healing effect, the microcapsule volume fraction should not exceed 1.5 %, and the mechanical strength pre-maintenance should not be more than 95 % of the failure strength. The multiphase medium & multiscale analysis method proposed in this study also provides a new approach for visualizing the progressive dynamic damage problem in self-healing composites.

The role of exchange rate systems in enhancing the competitiveness of the Egyptian economy for the period 1990-2019

The issue of competitiveness is of increasing importance with the expansion of the scope of economic globalization and the emergence of modern theories of international trade. Achieving export competitiveness has become a goal pursued by all countries. The importance of research in explaining the competitiveness of the Egyptian economy in the international market and the role of this in developing the country’s merchandise exports in light of the intensity of competition is complemented by the importance of research in explaining the competitiveness of the Egyptian economy. Among the global economies, as for the research problem, it stems from the extent of the impact of building a competitive Egyptian economy and the role it plays in enhancing its commodity sources. The research hypothesis focused on several hypotheses, including: Does Egypt have the capabilities to build competitive premiums, and is it possible for Egyptian commodity exports or to deal with the exports of other countries in the international market in While the research aimed to demonstrate the possibility of building a competitive economy in light of existing capabilities, the research methodology relied on shifting from the deductive approach in analyzing the theoretical side of the research to the inductive approach that aims to estimate the efficiency of the Egyptian economy and the possibility of creating a competitive advantage for it through statistical data and analysis of this data and indicators. Egyptian economic competition and its impact on merchandise exports to Egypt. The research concluded with the standard analysis of this data. As for the limits of the research, the research relied on temporal and spatial boundaries. The temporal boundaries were represented by covering the period between the years 1990 and 2019. As for the spatial boundaries, the research focused on Egypt. As for the structure of the research, it was It consists of three sections. The first section focused on the theoretical and conceptual framework of competitiveness and exchange rate systems. The second section only dealt with the development of exchange rate systems in Egypt, while the research concluded in the third section, which focused on the econometric analysis of the data under study.

الاقتصاد الريعي وأثره على القدرة التنافسية للصادرات السلعية في الاقتصاد العراقي للمدّة (2004-2021)

The issue of competitiveness occupies wide interest in international economies, especially with the developments represented by globalization and global economic integration, as well as policies of openness and market liberalization. Because the concept of competitiveness goes beyond the state’s ability to produce goods and services that compete in the world to the challenges that enable the state to produce goods and services and offer them in local and international markets. Thus, competitiveness as a concept is linked to export capabilities, the global trade climate, and the state’s ability to access global markets. The respiratory capabilities of any country are linked to the extent of production capabilities and the nature of goods and services that can be exported, and in the Iraqi economy, in which the oil sector dominates the largest proportion of its exports, and this growing proportion of oil exports affects the competitive capabilities of commodity exports significantly, meaning that the competitive capabilities of commodity exports in the Iraqi economy are dependent on Its development and increasing proportions in the oil sector and its export rates. Hence the topic of research came: the rentier economy and its impact on the competitiveness of commodity exports for the period (2004-2021) in the Iraqi economy