Competitive Advantage Research Articles

A new conceptual model for consumer willingness to pay premium prices for sustainable products

Purpose The purpose of this study is to develop an integrated conceptual framework to better understand the psychological pathways connecting consumer perceptions to purchasing intentions for premium sustainable products. Design/methodology/approach The study develops a conceptual model that theorizes relationships between consumer perceptions of a firm’s innovation, competitive advantage, sustainable practices and stakeholder orientation. It proposes that stakeholder orientation mediates the effects of these perceptions on consumers’ willingness to purchase premium sustainable products. Additionally, lifestyle is hypothesized as a moderator. The model advances knowledge through eight testable propositions. Findings The conceptual framework specifies indirect, mediated and moderated relationships that have not been fully captured by past literature. It theorizes that perceptions of a firm’s innovation, competitive advantage from sustainable practices and stakeholder orientation indirectly influence purchase willingness through the mediating role of stakeholder orientation. Lifestyle is proposed to moderate these relationships. Originality/value This conceptual model offers insights for cultivating consumer perceptions that strengthen a firm’s stakeholder image and endorsement of premium sustainable products. Its validated theoretical lens and propositions can provide strategic guidance for addressing the challenges of higher price points for sustainable products through capturing psychological drivers of values-based decision-making. Future empirical assessment is recommended to validate the specified relationships in the model.

A pyocin-like T6SS effector mediates bacterial competition in Yersinia pseudotuberculosis.

Within the realm of Gram-negative bacteria, bacteriocins are secreted almost everywhere, and the most representative are colicin and pyocin, which are secreted by Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, respectively. Signal peptides at the amino terminus of bacteriocins or ABC transporters can secrete bacteriocins, which then enter bacteria through cell membrane receptors and exert toxicity. In general, the bactericidal spectrum is usually narrow, killing only the kin or closely related species. Our previous research indicates that YPK_0952 is an effector of the third Type VI secretion system (T6SS-3) in Yersinia pseudotuberculosis. Next, we sought to determine its identity and characterize its toxicity. We found that YPK_0952 (a pyocin-like effector) can achieve intra-species and inter-species competitive advantages through both contact-dependent and contact-independent mechanisms mediated by the T6SS-3 while enhancing the intestinal colonization capacity of Y. pseudotuberculosis. We further identified YPK_0952 as a DNase dependent on Mg2+, Ni2+, Mn2+, and Co2+ bivalent metal ions, and the homologous immune protein YPK_0953 can inhibit its activity. In summary, YPK_0952 exerts toxicity by degrading nucleic acids from competing cells, and YPK_0953 prevents self-attack in Y. pseudotuberculosis.IMPORTANCEBacteriocins secreted by Gram-negative bacteria generally enter cells through specific interactions on the cell surface, resulting in a narrow bactericidal spectrum. First, we identified a new pyocin-like effector protein, YPK_0952, in the third Type VI secretion system (T6SS-3) of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis. YPK_0952 is secreted by T6SS-3 and can exert DNase activity through contact-dependent and contact-independent entry into nearby cells of the same and other species (e.g., Escherichia coli) to help Y. pseudotuberculosis to exert a competitive advantage and promote intestinal colonization. This discovery lays the foundation for an in-depth study of the different effector protein types within the T6SS and their complexity in competing interactions. At the same time, this study provides a new development for the toolbox of toxin/immune pairs for studying Gram-negative bacteriocin translocation.

Affecting and Success factors to implement Total Quality Management in Industries

Total quality management (TQM) is an integrated management philosophy aimed at continuously improving the quality of products and processes to achieve better customer satisfaction. It has been accepted by managers and quality practitioners as a change management quality approach and plays a vital role in the development of management practices. TQM is an approach to improve effectiveness, flexibility, and competitiveness of a business to meet customers' requirements, as a source of sustainable competitive advantage, as a source of attaining excellence, creating a right first-time attitude, acquiring efficient business solutions, and delighting customers and suppliers [2].. Key Words: TQM, Dimensions, implementation, tools and techniques

The Influence of It Governance and It Capability on The Performance of Private Higher Education Institutions: The Mediation Role of Performance Management Systems

This study examines the effect of information technology (IT) governance and IT capability on the organizational performance of private Higher Education Institutions (HEI) with a performance management system as a mediating variable. This quantitative study uses primary data from questionnaires distributed to respondents online. Respondents in this study were 270 management and IT management of private universities on the island of Sumatra. This study used a sample of 90 private HEIs. Furthermore, the data was processed using Partial Least Square (PLS) technique. The results are that the performance management system partially mediates IT governance with organizational performance, while IT capability mediates fully with organizational performance. IT capabilities can encourage organizational performance through a good performance management system. Theoretically, it contributes to implementing technological resources mobilized in the performance management system to improve college performance. College management should consider developing technology and performance measurement systems to achieve sustainable competitive advantage.

Does Intellectual Capital Affect The Directorate General Of Taxes Organisational Performance?

Intellectual capital is one of the important capital assets that every private and public sector organization should properly manage. Intellectual capital refers to individuals' knowledge, skills, and innovations within an organization. It can create a competitive advantage and improve organizational performance when managed effectively. Optimal management of intellectual capital is particularly important in the public sector, as it can strengthen institutional capacity to deliver more efficient and effective public services, ultimately increasing citizen satisfaction. With the development of literature studies related to intellectual capital, it is found that testing conducted in the public sector is still limited. This research examines intellectual capital's influence on the performance of the public sector organization, specifically the Directorate General of Taxes. This research uses the Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling analysis technique based on primary data sourced from an online questionnaire survey of employees of the Directorate General of Taxes from various levels of positions at Tax Service Offices in the DKI Jakarta area and its surroundings and a sample of 52 observations was obtained. The research concludes that public structural and relational capital positively impact organizational performance. Meanwhile, public human capital does not influence organizational performance. This study is expected to contribute to developing theory and practice not only to intellectual capital as an intangible asset but also to human resource management, organizational infrastructure, and external relations in the context of public services. In addition, the findings of this study can serve as a basis for formulating policies and actions that can improve the effectiveness and efficiency of public institutions, as well as encourage further discussion regarding the management of intellectual capital to achieve more sustainable public sector organizational goals.

Technical support as a catalyst for innovation and special project success in oil and gas

In the dynamic landscape of the oil and gas industry, technical support emerges as a pivotal force driving innovation and ensuring the success of special projects. This paper explores the multifaceted role of technical support in this sector, shedding light on its significance in maintaining operational efficiency, safety, and fostering innovation. Amidst the ever-evolving challenges faced by the industry, from fluctuating market demands to stringent regulatory requirements, technical support stands as a cornerstone in navigating complexities and driving progress. Drawing from real-world examples and industry insights, the paper elucidates the challenges and opportunities encountered in fostering innovation within the oil and gas sector. It highlights the critical role of technical support in identifying technological gaps, spearheading research and development initiatives, and facilitating the implementation of innovative solutions. Moreover, the paper delves into the realm of special projects, exploring their importance in driving strategic growth and competitive advantage. It examines the challenges inherent in executing special projects and underscores the indispensable role of technical support in mitigating risks and ensuring successful outcomes. Through a comprehensive analysis of best practices and case studies, the paper elucidates strategies for leveraging technical support as a catalyst for innovation and special project success in oil and gas. It emphasizes the importance of integrating technical support into innovation initiatives, fostering collaboration across multidisciplinary teams, and investing in advanced technologies and expertise. Ultimately, the paper underscores the transformative potential of technical support in shaping the future of oil and gas operations, driving sustainable growth, and fostering resilience in an ever-changing landscape. Keywords:  Technical Support, Catalyst for Innovation, Special Project Success, Oil and Gas.

Project Management Competencies in AI-Driven Environments: A Qualitative Assessment

The objective of this paper is to provide an evaluation of project management skills and competence in AI-driven environments as an essential scope due to their pivotal role in producing effective outcomes in the fast-paced world of rapidly evolving technology. This study employs a cross-sectional research design and qualitative survey methodology to examine project management in the context of AI integration. The study involved a broad base, which includes players from various sectors like technology, finance, health, and manufacturing, so its findings and recommendations are all-encompassing. This study achieves this by utilizing datasets obtained from industry-leading AI companies, academic research institutions, and governmental agencies. These datasets comprise project management metrics, AI implementation case studies, and surveys conducted among project managers and stakeholders in AI-driven industries in addition to literature sources, using sophisticated statistical techniques. The findings show and present the changes that the practice of project management faces in the era of AI and provide the most helpful guidance for project managers, stakeholders, and organisations that strive to cope with this dynamic and changing environment. The research result shows that by emphasising skill-based development programmes, cultivating an innovation- friendly culture, and adopting AI-driven technologies, organisations can be at the forefront of technological growth, gaining a competitive advantage in the highly dynamic business environment. The research shows that in the future, the enhanced use of AI technologies will keep changing the project management landscape. This research strengthens the theoretical underpinnings of project management in AI-powered projects and ensures the enhancement of project management's actual efficacy in response to technological advancements. This will aid project managers deliver the most important skills necessary for effective project management in AI-driven environments.

Total Quality Management as Competitive Advantage for the Internal Strategy and Policy of Greek Special Education School Units

Total Quality Management as Competitive Advantage for the Internal Strategy and Policy of Greek Special Education School Units

Linking stakeholders need and sustainable business performance: Unleashing the power of shared value creation for competitive advantage—Study on selected banks in Ethiopia

AbstractIntegrating social and environmental considerations into business strategies has become imperative for companies seeking competitive advantage in today's dynamic and complex business environment. This study explored the effect of Shared Value Creation Practices on Competitive Advantage within banks. The study focused on how banks can achieve competitive advantage by creating shared value that addresses business goals and social needs. Data were collected from 463 customers of selected commercial banks in Ethiopia. The self‐administrative questionnaire was given to the customers selected by convenience sampling method. The study used the Structural Equation Model to test relationship between variables. The Study findings reveal that Shared Value Creation Practices significantly enhance banks' competitive advantage. The study suggests that banks can strategically leverage Shared Value Creation practices to gain a sustained advantage in a competitive market. Banks should continuously innovate and adapt strategies to address evolving stakeholders' needs. The banks should consider shared value creation integral to their strategic planning.

Enhancement of Indonesia’s blue economy sector through innovation and competitive advantage based on Resource-Based View theory

Indonesia’s blue economy holds immense potential due to the marine ecosystem and maritime area, encompassing the marine fisheries sector, marine tourism, and fisheries influencing the market. Despite this significant potential, these resources have not been optimally utilized to boost economic growth. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the competitive advantage of the Blue Economy sector by enhancing the outcomes of the tourism, processing, and sales of fisheries in Indonesia through the Resource-Based View (RBV) theory. The Resource-Based View theory explains the formulation and creation of competitive advantages by utilizing tangible and intangible resources such as innovation, strategy, capability, and culture. This study employs a quantitative method through an online survey with a total of 319 respondents working in the Blue Economy sector, including fisheries, marine product sellers, and marine tourism. The analytical methodology uses Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with SMART PLS to assess the determination of competitive advantage. The findings of this study show that capabilities, operational capabilities, response capabilities, technological capabilities, innovation culture, innovation strategy, and strategic alignment significantly influence competitive advantage. Moreover, the competitive advantage in the blue economy sector is most influenced by innovation strategy with a beta of 0.375. This suggests that enhancing innovation strategies can positively impact Indonesia’s fisheries industry, as evidenced by fisheries tourism being the largest tourism sector in Indonesia, competing with international tourism. Additionally, Indonesia’s fisheries sector is a major contributor to exports. Acknowledgment The authors would like to thank all the stakeholders, including entrepreneurs, government officials, and academics, for their willingness to provide in-depth information on maritime matters in North Sulawesi and other assistance essential for the success of this study.

Entrepreneurial Competencies, Innovation Enablers, and Sustainable Competitive Advantage among Micro Firms across Cultures: A Comparative Study of Canada and Malaysia

Entrepreneurial Competencies, Innovation Enablers, and Sustainable Competitive Advantage among Micro Firms across Cultures: A Comparative Study of Canada and Malaysia

Beyond Survival: How Does Organisational Support Mediate between Intrapreneurial Strategies and Performance of Public Universities in Kenya?

Intrapreneurship is critical for public universities as it helps the universities obtain a competitive advantage. For intrapreneurship to thrive, it should be inculcated in the public university culture, mission, obligations and goals. Studies posit that management support, reward systems, social relationships, knowledge-sharing and work discretion spur intrapreneurial activities in an organisation. It is against this backdrop that this study sought to establish the mediating effect of organisational support on the relationship between intrapreneurial strategies and the performance of public universities in Kenya. The research was guided by the resource dependency theory and utilised a positivist philosophy. A combination of descriptive and explanatory research designs was used. The unit of analysis was 20 public universities, and the unit of observation was 400 participants. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect primary data. With the help of SPSS Version 23, quantitative data was analysed, using descriptive and inferential statistics. Qualitative data was analysed using content analysis and the findings were expressed guided by the objectives of the study. Multiple regression models were used to test the association between variables, and the results obtained were presented using figures and tables. A statistically significant (β-0.760, p=0.000<0.05) and partially mediating influence of organisational support on the relationship between intrapreneurial strategies and the performance of public universities in Kenya, was observed. The study concluded that organisational support mediates the relationship between intrapreneurial strategies and the performance of public universities in Kenya. Therefore, the study recommends that public university vice-chancellors create an enabling environment for the adoption of intrapreneurial strategies.

Craft MSE Performance in Batu City: The Impact of Ecopreneurship, Digital Marketing, and Artistic Orientation through Competitive Advantage

This research aims to determine the influence of artistic orientation, digital marketing, and ecopreneurship on the performance of craft MSEs in Batu City through competitive advantage. The population used in this research is craft business actors in Batu City. This sample determination was carried out using the Non-Probability Sampling type. The sampling method in this research uses Simple Random Sampling by considering that all SME craft business actors have the same opportunity to answer the researcher's questionnaire, and uses snowball sampling with a sample size of 92 respondents. The data collection model is uses questionnaire, and using the SEM-PLS approach analysis method. The results of this research found that: (1) Artistic orientation has a positive and significant effect on MSEs Performance, (2) Digital marketing has a negative and significant effect on MSEs Performance, (3) Ecopreneurship has a positive and significant effect on MSEs Performance, (4) Artistic orientation has an effect positive and significant influence on Competitive Advantage, (5) Digital marketing has no significant influence on Competitive Advantage, (6) Ecopreneurship has a positive and significant influence on Competitive Advantage, (7) Competitive Advantage has a positive and significant influence on MSE Performance, (8) Competitive advantage mediates the influence of artistic orientation on MSE performance, (9) Competitive advantage does not mediate the influence of digital marketing on MSE performance, (10) Competitive advantage mediates the influence of ecopreneurship on MSE performance.

Knowledge management and fashion retail performance: the moderating role of product complexity

PurposeThis study explores the role of knowledge management capabilities (KMCs) in enhancing competitive advantage and organisational performance in fashion retailing. Employing the resource-based view (RBV) and knowledge-based view (KBV) perspectives, it investigates the interplay between managing knowledge effectively and fashion products’ complexity. The goal is to provide new insights into optimising KMC for greater agility and success in the fashion retail industry.Design/methodology/approachThe study analysed survey data from 322 US fashion retail professionals using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM).Findings The results revealed that knowledge infrastructure capability enhanced both competitive advantage and organisational performance significantly. In contrast, knowledge process capability did not significantly affect competitive advantage, it improved organisational performance. Importantly, product complexity moderated the relationship between competitive advantage and organisational performance negatively.Practical implications This study underscores the necessity for retailers in the fashion industry to enhance their KMC to bolster competitive advantage and organisational performance, while it also acknowledges product complexity’s effect on these strategies. These insights offer actionable guidance for industry leaders to optimise knowledge management to navigate the rapidly evolving retail landscape.Originality/value This research offers novel insights into the interplay of product complexity and KMC in fashion retail and highlights the unique effects on competitive advantage and organisational performance valuable for both academia and industry.

“Customer engagement and advertising : Looking forward and backward”

This report presents the interaction between consumer strategy and advertising, examines the history and future projections of advertising practices. . Technological advances, cultural shifts, and changes in consumer preferences have led to changes in consumer engagement and advertising. By analyzing backwards from the previous period, from daily media to digital platforms, important information about good ideas, problems encountered and lessons are written down. The future direction of advertising includes technologies such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality and experience. Expected changes in consumer behavior,regulatory environment and new business opportunities are explored to provide businesses and marketers with a positive outlook. Advise clients on collaboration and advertising strategies in a complex and competitive market. Methodology/Design: The researcher conducted interviews using a qualitative method to gather information about the Customer engagement and advertising: looking forward and backward. Through these interviews, the study aims to identify current challenges and opportunities, using evidence to inform future recommendations. Research: Research shows that the advertisements are structured in a way that it engages the customer with considering and analysing traditional trends and future success. Research participant highlighted the issues, trends, solutions of customer’s engagement and advertising also with navigating the old traditional strategies and future ones. This report also shows the values that are added through advertisements and ultimately results in increased sales for the business Value/Value: The report provides values such as information, innovation, change, ethics, sustainability,longterm relationships, competitive advantage and customer satisfaction for businesses to improve their customer engagement and advertising strategies. focused approach to advertising and customer engagement. By understanding and meeting the needs and preferences of your target audience, businesses cancreate effective and relevant marketing plans.

Plasmid-Borne Biosynthetic Gene Clusters within a Permanently Stratified Marine Water Column

Plasmids are mobile genetic elements known to carry secondary metabolic genes that affect the fitness and survival of microbes in the environment. Well-studied cases of plasmid-encoded secondary metabolic genes in marine habitats include toxin/antitoxin and antibiotic biosynthesis/resistance genes. Here, we examine metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) from the permanently-stratified water column of the Cariaco Basin for integrated plasmids that encode biosynthetic gene clusters of secondary metabolites (smBGCs). We identify 16 plasmid-borne smBGCs in MAGs associated primarily with Planctomycetota and Pseudomonadota that encode terpene-synthesizing genes, and genes for production of ribosomal and non-ribosomal peptides. These identified genes encode for secondary metabolites that are mainly antimicrobial agents, and hence, their uptake via plasmids may increase the competitive advantage of those host taxa that acquire them. The ecological and evolutionary significance of smBGCs carried by prokaryotes in oxygen-depleted water columns is yet to be fully elucidated.

Diagnosing the Organizational Climate of Junior High Schools in Taiwan

The study aims to prioritize critical climate components for school improvement. A psychometrically validated instrument named the Chinese “Organizational Climate Diagnostic Instrument for Junior High Schools” (OCDI-JH) was used to diagnose climate factors through expert judgments and fuzzy DEMATEL-based ANP. Results of the study identified the six factors clustered under the two dimensions of ‘Safety' (D1) or ‘Academic emphasis' (D2) should be given particular attention for school effectiveness. The established climate diagnosis appraisal computed by fuzzy DEMATEL-based ANP can be extended to other school regions for systematically developing school climate based on contextually specific needs and concerns. Future research studies are expected to provide incremental and value-added contributions to the competitive advantages of Taiwan's junior high school education.

The cumulative impact of temperature and nitrogen availability on the potential nitrogen fixation and extracellular polymeric substances secretion by Dolichospermum

Nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria not only cause severe blooms but also play an important role in the nitrogen input processes of lakes. The production of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and the ability to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere provide nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria with a competitive advantage over other organisms. Temperature and nitrogen availability are key environmental factors in regulating the growth of cyanobacteria. In this study, Dolichospermum (formerly known as Anabaena) was cultivated at three different temperatures (10°C, 20°C, and 30°C) to examine the impact of temperature and nitrogen availability on nitrogen fixation capacity and the release of EPS. Initially, confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and the quantification of heterocysts at different temperatures revealed that lower temperatures (10°C) hindered the differentiation of heterocysts under nitrogen-deprived conditions. Additionally, while heterocysts inhibited the photosynthetic activity of Dolichospermum, the secretion of EPS was notably affected by nitrogen limitation, particularly at 30°C. Finally, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to measure the expression of nitrogen-utilizing genes (ntcA and nifH) and EPS synthesis-related genes (wzb and wzc). The results indicated that under nitrogen-deprived conditions, the expression of each gene was upregulated, and there was a significant correlation between the upregulation of nitrogen-utilizing and EPS synthesis genes (P < 0.05). Our findings suggested that Dolichospermum responded to temperature variation by affecting the formation of heterocysts, impacting its potential nitrogen fixation capacity. Furthermore, the quantity of EPS released was more influenced by nitrogen availability than temperature. This research enhances our comprehension of interconnections between nitrogen deprivation and EPS production under the different temperatures.

Mediating Role of Human Resource Management System on the Relationship between Transformational Leadership and Competitive Advantage of Manufacturing Firms in Kenya

Mediating Role of Human Resource Management System on the Relationship between Transformational Leadership and Competitive Advantage of Manufacturing Firms in Kenya

Research on the competitiveness of the Arctic transportation route under the belt and road initiative

AbstractWith the continuous improvement of the navigation environment of the Arctic routes, the commercialization potential of the Arctic routes is enhanced, which brings new challenges to the Suez Canal route and the China–Europe railway Express. In addition, geopolitical factors such as the Russia–Ukraine conflict and the Red Sea crisis have also brought some impact on the Eurasian transport pattern. In this context, the future trade and transportation between China and Europe will take on a new pattern. In order to study the transport competition pattern between China and Europe under the opening of the Arctic routes, this article takes into account the time‐value cost of goods and geopolitical factors, constructs a logit competition model, and quantitatively investigates the competitiveness of the Arctic route and the traditional routes of the “Belt and Road Initiative” using major international transportation hub cities in China. The results show that the types of cargo and the level of freight are important factors affecting the competitiveness of Arctic routes. Under the influence of geopolitics, the competitive advantage of the Arctic routes are highlighted.