Competitive Advantage Research Articles

Robot adoption and firm export: Evidence from China

Whether the robot adoption can lead to a new competitive advantage in international trade has become an urgent problem for firms that export from China. Using matching data from the International Federation of Robotics (IFR) Database and the China Industrial Enterprises Database and China Customs Database for 2011 to 2013, this study examines the impact of robot adoption on firm export and its mechanism. We find that the robot adoption significantly promotes firm export, including the value and intensity of firm export, mainly owing to an improvement in firm productivity. This effect remains robust after using instrumental variable to account for endogenous factors and replacing core explanatory variables. Heterogeneity analysis shows that, first, robot adoption plays a greater role in promoting firm export by foreign enterprises and private enterprises than by state-owned enterprises. Second, robot adoption has a stronger effect on labor-intensive industries than on non-labor-intensive industries. Third, with the increase of firm scale, innovation and human capital, the promoting effect of robot adoption on firm export increases. Our research provides empirical evidence on the positive impact of robot adoption on firm export and sheds light on how to maintain the competitiveness of manufacturing firms in China.

Research on quantitative measurement algorithm for e-commerce customer loyalty based on deep learning algorithm

Traditional algorithms cannot fully explore the potential patterns behind big data, lack personalized customer analysis, and cannot provide personalized services and suggestions for different types of customers. This article employs the Bi LSTM (Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory) model to accurately capture the complex features and patterns of customer behavior, thereby improving the measurement accuracy of customer loyalty. Collect data on customer behavior, browsing history, and search behavior, and preprocess the collected data. Organize customer behavior data into a time series dataset in chronological order, and divide it into weekly windows to extract feature information from the data. Construct a bidirectional LSTM model while considering the forward and backward information of the sequence data, in order to more comprehensively capture the contextual relationships in the sequence data and quantify customer loyalty. The experimental results show that the average accuracy of Bi LSTM in predicting average customer loyalty is 97.1%. And it can effectively improve the prediction effect of repeat purchase rate. The application of Bi LSTM can accurately quantify customer loyalty in e-commerce, provide reference for enterprise decision-making, formulate corresponding marketing strategies and customer management plans, and improve customer loyalty and competitive advantages.

Effect of Forensic Accounting on Fraud Detection and Prevention in Nigeria Deposit Money Bank: A Case Study of First Bank Plc

Financial Fraud in Nigeria's banking sector has escalated dramatically, exhibiting a worrying increase over the past decade and posing significant financial and reputational risks to the banks. Early detection and prevention of fraud is essential for banks to protect their financial integrity, customer relationships, and competitive advantage in an increasingly complex and vulnerable financial landscape. Therefore, this study examined the effect of forensic accounting on the detection and prevention of fraud in Nigerian deposit money banks. Survey methodology was employed with the use of a self-prepared questionnaire. Two Hundred copies of the questionnaire were distributed to the selected (200) staff of First Bank Nigeria Plc. The questionnaire gathered data about the forensic accounting role, forensic accounting application/adoption, forensic accounting litigation, forensic accounting investigation, and forensic accountants’ investigation skills. The data obtained from the questionnaires were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 23. Data were analyzed based on descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. While descriptive statistics embedded frequency distribution of data which includes frequency rate, mean, standard deviation, and response percentage, inferential statistics represents the regression analysis result of the study. Results revealed that forensic accounting plays a significant role in fraud detection and prevention in First Bank Nigeria Plc. Findings also showed that forensic accounting is effective and efficient in fraud detection and prevention in First Bank Nigeria Plc in terms of forensic accounting application/adoption, forensic accounting litigation, forensic accounting investigation, and forensic accountants’ skills.

Industrial Basic Capacity Research: Theory and Measurement

This paper establishes a theoretical framework for understanding the connotations of industrial basic capacity. It employs models from economic growth theory to derive indices for assessing industrial basic capacity and exploring the economic correlations among its influencing factors. Additionally, it measures the industrial basic capacity indices of 17 subsectors across 9 major industrial countries from 2000 to 2020 using OECD data. The findings reveal that from 2000 to 2020, the Chinese manufacturing industry has surpassed the United States, becoming the global leader. Specifically, within the 17 subsectors, 9 are globally ranked first, with 7 nearing advanced levels, and only 1 facing relative backwardness. Chinese manufacturing industry’s enhanced basic capacity is attributed to advantages in cost competitiveness and scale. However, significant disparities persist in technological input and industrial linkages with advanced nations. The decline in basic capacity among developed countries stems primarily from diminished value chain profitability due to inadequate investment. Sustainable improvement in industry basic capacity necessitates concurrent advancements in value chain profitability, fixed asset investment, technological levels, industrial linkages, and market scale. Overreliance on cost advantages or advanced technology poses substitution risks. Moreover, this paper underscores the limitations of exclusively relying on current data to assess global industrial basic capacity, advocating for a greater historical perspective. To strengthen the Chinese manufacturing industrial basic capacity within the global value chain, the Chinese manufacturing industry must enhance technological inputs, reduce the operational costs of enterprises, and elevate the degree of openness.

Research on the Impact of Digital Transformation on Enterprise ESG Performance: Based On the Perspective of Enterprise Dynamic Capability

At a time when more attentions are paid to green environmental protection at home and abroad, enterprises need more driving forces to do ESG practices. Digital transformation with the help of digital technology, this new quality productivity provides enterprises with a new way of thinking and power to enhance ESG performance. Explore whether digital transformation can enable ESG performance of enterprises, so as to provide certain practical significance for enterprises to firmly carry out digital transformation, improve ESG performance of enterprises, and obtain new sustainable competitive advantages of enterprises. This paper focuses on the empirical study of the relationship between digital transformation and ESG performance of Shanghai-Shenzhen A-share listed multinational enterprises from 2011 to 2022, and explores the mechanism of digital transformation affecting ESG performance from the perspective of dynamic capabilities of enterprises. The results show that the degree of digital transformation has a positive relationship with ESG performance. Based on the research conclusions, the following suggestions are put forward: At the government level, the government should provide strong policy guidance and resource support for the promotion of digital transformation, solve difficulties and dredge blocked points. Continue to deepen the understanding of ESG concept, expand the influence of ESG, guide enterprises to take the initiative to practice ESG concept, cope with the voice of foreign countries in the ESG field, and support the acceleration of the construction of ESG rating system with unique Chinese characteristics. At the enterprise level, enterprises should integrate digital transformation into corporate strategy and management activities, actively seize the opportunities of digital development to achieve green transformation, improve the quality of internal control, and lay a good foundation for sustainable development of enterprises.

Leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance psychological capital in learning organizations: a viewpoint

Purpose This viewpoint article presents perspectives on the intersection of AI and the diverse elements of Psychological Capital (PsyCap) and is a foundation for discussion on this juncture. It also exhibits the advantages of integrating AI and PsyCap in learning organizations and the challenges and future directions associated with the same. Design/methodology/approach The article exhibits the juncture of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Psychological Capital (PsyCap) in context to learning organizations. It also highlights the various AI tools that can be used to manage diverse PsyCap attributes in learning organizations. The approach is to present a starting point for discussion on the intersection of the two concepts and how learning organizations can leverage them to create sustained competitive advantage. Findings Artificial Intelligence Systems can be used to enhance self-efficacy, promote optimism, cultivate hope and build resilience in learning organizations. A strategic approach with continued evaluation of AI tools is the key. However, challenges like privacy and unethical issues, biasness and management of human- AI intervention have to be taken into consideration for effective integration of AI tools and Psychological Capital. Originality/value The research in the domain of Artificial Intelligence and related technologies is not a new phenomenon. However, there is a possibility to understand that AI is not a competitor to human ingenuity but a facilitator to it. Through this article an effort is made to ignite the conversation on the topic and it can be a starting point for future research on the integration of the two perspectives.

Influence of Corporate Digital Responsibility on Financial Performance: The Mediating Role of Firm Reputation

ABSTRACTThis study examines the mediating role of firm reputation in the relationship between corporate digital responsibility (CDR) and financial performance in an emerging market, Ethiopia. An online cross‐sectional survey was used to collect data from 126 agricultural, manufacturing, and service firms. The study used partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS‐SEM) to analyze the hypothesized relationship. Our findings reveal that the impact of CDR on financial performance is indirect only as firm reputation plays a full, complementary mediation role in the CDR—financial performance nexus. This implies that firms could leverage CDR as a competitive “inducing” strategy to enhance their firm reputation, which, in turn, can boost their financial prospects. Our study significantly contributes to the business ethics and digital economy literature by offering a pioneering empirical validation of the CDR phenomenon in an emerging context, thus extending the signaling and stakeholder theories to digitalization and reputation management domains. The findings offer managers fresh insight into the potential impact of a CDR strategy on firm reputation and financial performance, showing that firms can leverage CDR as a loss prevention strategy to gain a competitive advantage. Policymakers are therefore urged to promote soft‐law regimes and policies on CDR to motivate companies to leverage it as a competitive tool.

The Impact of Marketing Mix And Perceived Value on Customer Decision-Making for Community Enterprise Products and Sustainable Development in Singburi Province, Thailand

Objective: Thailand’s 13th National Economic and Social Development Plan (2023–2027) aims to drive sustainable economic growth. This study aims to (1) analyze the current distribution channels for community enterprise products in the Sra Jang sub-district of Singburi Province, (2) improve and expand these distribution channels, and (3) promote the sustainable development of community enterprises in the region. Method: The research population includes potential consumers of local community products across Thailand, selected using convenience sampling. Participants were chosen from various regions, including tourist destinations and general locations , resulting in 400 respondents. To address incomplete data, an additional 50 participants were included, making a final sample of 450. The Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), which recommend a sample size between 200 and 400.Data was gathered using a validated questionnaire, pre-tested with 40 participants, yielding reliability values between 0.7 and 1.00. The questionnaire was reviewed by an academic advisor and deemed suitable .Descriptive statistics summarized demographics, while SEM tested hypotheses and examined complex relationships, with model fit evaluated using indices like CFI and RMSEA . Results: the model’s Goodness of Fit Indices (CMIN/df = 3.466, GFI = 0.956, RMSEA = 0.079) demonstrated consistency with empirical data. Path analysis revealed that the Marketing Mix directly impacts Perceived Value with a coefficient of 0.560 and influences Customer Decision-Making both directly (coefficient of 0.382) and indirectly through Perceived Value (coefficient of 0.280), for a total effect of 0.661. Perceived Value also directly impacts Customer Decision-Making with a coefficient of 0.501. Contribution: Based on these findings, businesses should prioritize optimizing their Marketing Mix strategies to enhance Perceived Value and improve Customer Decision-Making , focusing on product quality, pricing, distribution, and promotion. Emphasizing perceived value and refining strategies through data analytics can help maintain a competitive advantage and strengthen customer decision-making pathways.

The role of systematic training and advanced training of specialists in the formation of sustainable profits and competitive advantages of manufacturing companies

The role of systematic training and advanced training of specialists in the formation of sustainable profits and competitive advantages of manufacturing companies

An innovation potential and organizational performance: an integrative role of company’s dynamic capabilities

AbstractThe restaurant business plays a crucial role in the food economy and, like many industries, faces numerous challenges due to the rapid pace of change, driven by consumer trends and shifting demographics. In response to the pressure on businesses to adapt to these changing circumstances, new restaurant concepts, organizational structures and technologies have emerged in the hope of finding methods that are more agile during unpredictable times. The development of dynamic capabilities is a critical issue for both academics and practitioners, as it can enhance competitive advantages and improve organizational performance. The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of dynamic capabilities on innovative potential and organizational performance. Through a literature review and the dynamic capability view, a theoretical model is proposed. This model was validated using the PLS-SEM technique, based on responses from 143 restaurants across eight of the largest Russian cities. The results indicate that dynamic capabilities related to the value proposition serve as a complete mediator in the relationship between a company's innovative potential and its performance in a highly volatile context. The proposed theoretical model is both unique and effective, demonstrating high explanatory power. This study enriches the existing literature on dynamic capabilities by addressing empirical research gaps and elucidating the mechanisms through which dynamic capabilities influence organizational performance.

Recent Research Advances and Challenges in Supply Chain Resilience Management

This paper explores recent research advances and challenges in supply chain resilience management, aiming to provide a comprehensive overview of current supply chain resilience theory and practice. Firstly, this paper defines the core concepts of supply chain resilience management and describes related theories, including supply chain risk management theory, dynamic capability theory and complexity theory. Next, the paper discusses in detail the latest research progress in supply chain resilience management, analysing it from strategic perspectives, technical support and digital development, enterprise case studies, and indicator systems. Supply chain vulnerability, complexity and uncertainty brought about by globalisation, challenges brought about by technological development and problems in business management are explored. In response to these challenges, the paper proposes future research directions, including dynamic capability enhancement, application of artificial intelligence and machine learning, integrated risk management, cross-industry comparative studies, and sustainable development. Ultimately, the paper summarises the key findings and proposes strategies to address them, such as risk assessment, information transparency, supplier optimisation, inventory management and technological innovation. Through these measures, companies can improve the resilience of their supply chains, ensure that they maintain stable operations in complex and uncertain environments, and achieve long-term competitive advantage.

Career Development Practices and Employee Performance in Murang’a Water and Sanitation Company Limited in Kenya

Career development encompasses a range of practices designed to enhance employees' skills, knowledge, and competencies, enabling them to progress in their careers. As organizations strive for competitive advantage in a rapidly changing labour market, fostering employee growth has become a strategic priority. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of career development practices on employee performance in Murang'a Water and Sanitation Company Limited in Kenya. The study had a target population of 150 employees working in MUWASCO. The researcher employed a census sampling technique and used self-administered questionnaires in data collection. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 22, which involved both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study found that career management, planning, and counselling significantly influenced employee performance, with career counselling emerging as the most effective practice at MUWASCO. Regression analysis indicated that changes in career development practices would impact employee performance. The study concluded that there is a positive and statistically significant relationship between career development practices and employee performance. The findings indicate that effective career development initiatives lead to increased employee engagement, motivation, and job satisfaction, all of which contribute to enhanced performance. Therefore, it is recommended that MUWASCO invest more resources in skills development, offer incentives to encourage participation in development programs, establish clear career guidance policies, and organize regular seminars, mentorship programs, and conferences. Additionally, adopting a variety of career development practices, such as job rotation, career progression ladders, job enrichment, and succession planning, could help achieve optimal performance.

Enhancing Tourism Villages Through VRIN Resources and Local Endorsement: A Resource-Based View on Achieving Sdgs in Rural Development

Objective: This study aims to analyze the influence of local endorsement on VRIN resources as part of the resource-based view (RBV) framework, which together with non-VRIN resources influences competitive advantage and then BUMDes performance. Theoretical Framework: The RBV framework is often used to look at resources that influence a company's competitive advantage, which then affects business performance. In this study, the adoption of psychological empowerment as part of the Rural Empowerment through Tourism Scale is used to measure citizen involvement in the form of local endorsement. Method: The study used a quantitative approach with purposive sampling to obtain 657 research respondents according to the established criteria. Online questionnaires were used to be distributed to various BUMDes in Indonesia. Results and Discussion: The results of the study show the influence of local endorsement on VRIN resources, which then also affects competitive advantage. Competitive advantage affects BUMDes performance. The results of the study also show that non-VRIN resources do not affect competitive advantage. These results emphasize community involvement in generating competitive advantage for BUMDes-managed tourist villages. Research Implications: The results of the study show the importance of focusing on intangible assets to develop tourist villages. Building local endorsement is a way to encourage local communities to be involved in managing tourist villages through BUMDes. Originality/Value: The adoption of the psychological empowerment concept from RETS provides a new direction in the context of developing competitive advantages in tourist villages, especially from the perspective of local communities.

PENGARUH ENTREPRENEURIAL MARKETING TERHADAP PENINGKATAN COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE UMKM

This study aims to analyze the effect of implementing the seven dimensions of entrepreneurial marketing on increasing the competitive advantage of MSMEs in Sampang Regency. This quantitative research uses a purposive sampling technique, and the sample size collected was 155 MSMEs. The results of this study revealed that four dimensions of entrepreneurial marketing—customer intensity, innovativeness, resource leveraging, and value creation—partially have a significant effect on competitive advantage. While proactiveness, opportunity focus, and calculated risk-taking partially have no significant effect on competitive advantage. However, simultaneously, the seven dimensions of entrepreneurial marketing have a significant effect on the competitive advantage of MSMEs in Sampang Regency. This research is limited to Sampang Regency, so the results may not be generalizable to other regions. Therefore, further research is recommended to involve a larger and more diverse sample, such as MSMEs throughout Madura, and consider using different dimensions of the entrepreneurial marketing concept as variables. Keywords: Entrepreneurial Marketing; Competitive Advantage; MSME

Marketing Innovation, Digital Marketing and Competitive Advantage as Determination of MSMEs Performance

Small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) have significant potential to enhance the well-being of individuals by reducing poverty, promoting income equality, and serving as a source of foreign exchange for the nation. Despite their significance, MSMEs commonly encounter challenges like innovation, technology utilization, and competition while building their business, all of which can influence their performance. This study aims to investigate how marketing innovation, digital marketing, and competitive advantage influence MSMEs performance in Yogyakarta. The study targets MSMEs owners and managers involved in marketing and business operations, with a sample size of 456 to ensure representative and valid results. To test the hypotheses, the researchers used SmartPLS version 4. The findings reveal a significant relationship between competitive advantage and MSMEs business performance. Digital marketing also shows a significant effect on business performance. Conversely, marketing innovation does not significantly impact MSMEs performance.

Evaluating Strategies for Cost Reduction in Supply Chain Management Relating to Exports and Imports

This study explores different approaches to supply chain management cost reduction, with an emphasis on imports and exports. As the economy becomes more globalized, controlling supply chain expenses is essential to preserving profitability and competitive advantage. According to the study, procurement, transportation, inventory control, and technology integration are important areas where cost reductions can be made. Highlighting the main cost drivers in international trade, the paper starts with a review of the body of research on supply chain cost management. After that, it looks at particular tactics like utilizing economies of scale, transport route optimization, and shipment consolidation. The potential of technology to simplify processes and cut expenses is examined, including the use of automation, supply chain management software, and block chain technology for transparency. For an organization to keep a competitive edge in a globalized economy, effective supply chain management is essential. Exports and imports are the main focus of the current research paper, which provides a thorough assessment of various cost-cutting strategies in supply chain management. Transportation optimization, inventory management, supplier collaboration, technology integration, process improvement, regulatory compliance, sustainability, risk management, and continuous improvement are all topics covered in this study in an effort to give a comprehensive overview of effective cost-reduction strategies.

Influence of different semiarid zones of Hidalgo in wild xoconostle prickly pear morphometry

The transcendence of wild xoconostle prickly pear species -wild or cultivated in semi arid zones- dates to its Mexican origin, historical, gastronomic, cultural and medicinal customs and potentially a product of interest for rural areas due to its demand in regional and international markets. A few studies have been carried out on climate influence and arid conditions on fruit quality and no regulations exist, which allows more competitive advantages in the market. The objective of this study was to know the impact of different characteristics of arid zones, specially on morphometric differentiation in wild xoconostle prickly pear species. The study was performed in three cardinal points, Northeastern, Southern and Western of Mezquital Valley, Hidalgo, Mexico. A total of 1,000 fruits were collected, 25 and 10 per location with four replications. The morphometric variables evaluated were fruit shape and weight, equatorial and longitudinal diameter, shell thickness, areole density, developed seed number, fruit surface color uniformity, juiciness and pulp color. Three main xoconostle variants were found geographically and identified according to the region. In the northeast, Opuntia matudae (cv. Blanco) predominates in spherical prickly pear shape; in the West, a greater O. matudae (cv. Cuaresmeño) abundance is observed with predominant characteristics from elongated to ovoid shapes; in the South, more predominant O. joconostle (burrona type) is observed with a typical elliptical fruit shape. The morphometric characteristics in fruit showed significant differences among sites (P ? 0.01); O. joconostle had higher values in quantitative variables, unlike O. matudae Blanco and Cuaresmeño. The semi-arid zone impact in Valle del Mezquital have influenced the morphometric characterization of wild xoconostle prickly pear species.

The New Power Couple: Artificial Intelligence and Renewable Energy

Achieving net-zero emissions is one of the most challenging goals of our time, requiring large-scale integration of renewable energy (RE) into national energy supply chains. This demands new competencies for firms to preserve their competitive advantages in rapidly evolving market environments, often called dynamic capabilities. A promising technology for integrating, scaling, and diffusing renewable energy within energy supply chains is artificial intelligence. However, the literature on AI-renewable energy supply chains is still in its early stages and often lacks broader theoretical development or managerial insights. In response, we introduce a theoretical framework to identify and develop AI-based dynamic capabilities in renewable energy supply chains through a case study approach. Supply chain predictability and optimization, key components of sensing and seizing capabilities, are crucial for developing effective renewable energy supply chains. Our study provides valuable insights also for practitioners aiming to establish AI-driven renewable energy supply chains.

تأثير استخدام الذكاء الاصطناعي في المتاجر الإلكترونية على المستهلكين

The study examines the impact of using artificial intelligence in e-stores on consumer behavior. The study highlights the importance of artificial intelligence in improving the online shopping experience, by providing personalized recommendations and analyzing purchasing patterns to better meet consumer needs. Artificial intelligence techniques such as natural language processing, deep learning, and augmented reality are used to provide a distinctive experience that contributes to increasing customer loyalty and raising conversion rates. The study indicates that artificial intelligence can automate many tasks, such as inventory management and order processing, which contributes to reducing costs and improving operational efficiency. Artificial intelligence also plays an important role in enhancing e-commerce security, as it can detect fraud and protect personal data. The study included the impact of AI-supported shopping practices on customers’ functional, financial, social, and emotional values. The results of previous studies reviewed indicate the positive impact of artificial intelligence on the efficiency of marketing methods, and raising the competitive advantage of e-stores by improving the mental image and increasing profitability.

A Literature Review of Indoor Air Quality: Sources, Health Effects, and Mitigation Strategies

Sustainable marketing has become an essential component for businesses aiming to meet growing consumer demand for environmental responsibility. This paper explores how companies can align their brand values with sustainability efforts to foster long-term customer loyalty and market competitiveness. It examines key sustainable marketing strategies, including eco-friendly product design, transparent communication, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. The study emphasizes the importance of authenticity, as consumers are increasingly wary of "greenwashing" tactics and seek brands that genuinely prioritize environmental stewardship. Case studies from various industries demonstrate successful integration of sustainability into brand identity, resulting in enhanced brand reputation, consumer trust, and business growth. The findings highlight the need for a comprehensive approach that includes stakeholder engagement, sustainable supply chains, and marketing campaigns that educate consumers on eco-friendly choices. By aligning brand values with consumer expectations for environmental responsibility, companies can create a competitive advantage while contributing to global sustainability efforts.