Competitive Advantage Research Articles

The Influence of Green Strategic Management, Strategic Flexibility, Entrepreneurial Orientation on Sustainable Competitive Advantage, and Moderation of Disruptive Technology in Book Publishers in Central Jawa

Purpose: This study investigates the influence of Green Strategic Management (GSM), Strategic Flexibility (SF), and Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO) on Sustainable Competitive Advantage (SCA) in the book publishing industry of Central Java, with Disruptive Technology (DT) acting as a moderating factor. Theoretical Reference: The research is grounded in Resource-Based View (RBV), Dynamic Capabilities Theory, and Disruptive Innovation Theory. These frameworks explore how GSM, SF, and EO create a competitive advantage while disruptive technologies impact their relationships. Method: The study utilized survey data collected from 242 book publishers in Central Java, determined using Slovin's formula for sample size calculation. The data were analyzed using the Partial Least Squares (PLS) method to assess the studied variables' direct and moderating effects. Results and Discussion: The findings indicate that GSM, SF, and EO positively and significantly influence SCA. Furthermore, DT positively moderates the relationship between GSM and EO but does not moderate the relationship between SF and EO. This suggests combining green strategies and entrepreneurial actions can enhance competitive advantages due to technological disruptions. Research Implications: The study suggests that book publishers adopting GSM, SF, and EO will achieve better competitive performance, particularly when leveraging disruptive technologies. The practical implications include guiding publishers in developing adaptive strategies to meet sustainability and technological challenges. Originality/Value: This research provides novel insights into the role of GSM, SF, and EO in sustaining competitive advantage within the context of the rapidly evolving publishing industry and how disruptive technologies can further amplify or limit these effects.

Digital technologies and social sustainability in the digital transformation age: a systematic analysis and research agenda

Purpose This paper aims to systematically review the constructive effects of digital transformation (DT) on social sustainability, examining its impact across democracy and governance, social cohesion, quality of life, equality and diversity. It emphasizes the need for appropriate frameworks that incorporate DT strategies in organizational practices to improve social sustainability. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review was carried out through Web of Science and Scopus databases to identify the distinctive papers that explored the impact of DT on social sustainability. It analyzes how various digital technologies, like Internet of Things, cloud computing and mobile computing, can be strategically embedded in organizational practices to optimize social sustainability outcomes. Findings This study reveals that although DT significantly enhances operational capabilities and consumer experiences, its integration into social sustainability practices is often overlooked. It proposes a novel framework that aligns digital capabilities with sustainability goals, aiming to enrich organizational performance and societal welfare. This paper identifies dynamic capabilities as crucial for sustaining competitive advantage in a digitally transformed business landscape. Research limitations/implications The primary limitation is the reliance on secondary data, which may not fully capture the rapid advancements in DT. Future research should focus on empirical studies to validate the proposed framework and explore the dynamic capabilities required for integrating DT in social sustainability practices. Originality/value This study extends the discourse on DT by linking it explicitly with social sustainability, presenting a structured analysis that highlights the need for strategic integration of digital technologies within organizational sustainability practices. It fills a gap in the literature by proposing a comprehensive framework for organizations to follow, thereby contributing to the theoretical and practical understanding of DT’s role in enhancing social sustainability.

Mechanism for developing brand equity of higher education institutes using intangible resources: a serial-multiple mediation analysis

PurposeThis study aims to build a comprehensive model for developing higher education institutes (HEIs) brand equity by examining the impact of HEIs intangible resources, brand management aspects, attachment strength and student’s contemporary citizenship behavior (CCB).Design/methodology/approachData were gathered through a self-administered questionnaire from Indian students and alumni (n = 703). The study examines the proposed comprehensive model through serial and multiple mediation analysis.FindingsThe study unfolded “service quality? brand image? attachment strength? word-of-mouth? brand equity” as the most significant path to develop HEI’s brand equity.Research limitations/implicationsThis study pioneers an empirically validated mechanism for developing brand equity in HEIs, addressing gaps identified by previous studies and offering a theoretical framework that elucidates how HEIs can leverage intangible resources through strategic brand management to foster attachment and influence positive student behaviors, thereby contributing to the development of HEI brand equity.Practical implicationsHEIs need to understand that relying solely on tangible aspects leads to short-lived effects. To maintain a lasting competitive advantage, HEIs should focus on crafting a rich historical narrative, retaining talented faculty and staff and earning respect from the public to build a lasting reputation.Originality/valueThis study develops the mechanism for developing brand equity of HEIs using its valuable, rare and inimitable intangible resources. Along with the introduction of novel constructs like competence, heritage and word-of-mouth to existing study, the proposed conceptual model is premised on the theory of self-congruence, social-exchange theory and CCB.

Pioneering excellence: How women’s transformative leadership drives business excellence, and financial sustainability

This study delves into the dynamic realm of women’s transformative leadership and its influence on the business excellence and financial sustainability of the Development and Consulting Services Institute DCSI at Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University PNU, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Focusing on six strategic business excellence factors: Governance and Policies, Digital Transformation, Human Capital, Project Attraction and Management, Houses of Expertise, and Corporate Social Responsibility CSR, the research aims to explain the positive impact of women’s transformative leadership on these critical dimensions. Data was primarily obtained through an exhaustive review of their achievement, annual reports, and thorough document analysis. Additionally, interviews were conducted with the Institute’s Dean and her team to corroborate and delve deeper into the information gathered from secondary data resources. Employing the Data-Driven VRIO (Value, Rarity, Imitability, and Organization) Framework, the study highlights the Institute’s core competencies and competitive advantages, offering insights into how these factors contribute to its long-term business sustainability. The study reveals a positive correlation between women’s transformative leadership and enhanced business excellence and financial sustainability. This research contributes valuable insights to the ongoing dialogue on leadership dynamics, emphasizing women’s pivotal role in leading institutions toward success and offering a fresh perspective on women leadership in a distinct context.

ADEQUATE ASSESSMENT OF COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES THROUGH PORTER’S DIAMOND. APPLICATION TO BULGARIAN NON-FERROUS METALLURGY

The topics of competitive advantages and competitive strategies of the enterprise in the wine sector are becoming more and more relevant these days, given the fact that most enterprises operate under conditions of high competition and minimal amount of resources. Competitive advantages and competitive strategies are precisely one of the main processes that make the enterprise profitable, successful and profitable. The main objective of the present paper is to examine the importance of competitive advantages and competitive strategies for the metallurgical enterprise. An adequate assessment of competitive advantages through Porter’s Diamond Model involves analyzing the four key elements - factor conditions, demand conditions, related and supporting industries, and firm strategy, structure, and rivalry - along with the roles of government and chance. Applying this model to Bulgarian non-ferrous metallurgy, which includes industries producing metals like aluminum, copper, zinc, and lead, can help to assess the competitive position of the sector in the global and European markets. The main research methods used in the development are content analysis, comparison method, intuitive and systematic approach, analysis and synthesis method.

Supply Chain Management and Marketing Integration for Competitive Advantage

Purpose: To explore the effect of the integration of supply chain management and marketing on the competitive advantage of enterprises. Approach/Methodology/Design: The relationship between supply chain management and marketing, the importance of integration and strategy were expounded through theoretical analysis, and the actual cases of Apple and Amazon were analyzed. Findings: It is found that supply chain management and marketing are closely related and interact with each other, and integration can improve customer satisfaction, reduce costs, improve enterprise efficiency and enhance innovation ability. Cases such as Brazil Company show the positive effects of integration, but there are also cases where relevant advantages are not fully utilized. Practical Implications: TIt helps enterprises, government, academia and other parties to understand the importance and application of the integration of supply chain management and marketing in enhancing competitiveness and achieving sustainable development.. Originality/value: Put forward relevant theories and strategies for the integration of supply chain management and marketing, provide new ideas and methods for enterprise operation, and verify its effectiveness and practical significance through actual case analysis.

Innovation Reefs (I-Reef): Innovation Ecosystems Focused on Regional Sustainable Development

The creation of successful innovation ecosystems, like Silicon Valley, is challenging due to significant cultural, infrastructural, and resource differences between regions. In this context, the Innovation Reef (I-Reef) model emerges as a promising alternative, offering an approach for regions with limited resources to develop successful innovation ecosystems based on cooperation and mutual benefit among participants. This model has great potential to promote regional development, especially due to its focus on retaining and sharing the value generated. However, the role of I-Reef in sustainable regional development still needs to be further explored. Thus, the objective of this study is to deepen the theoretical understanding of the I-Reef model by analyzing its contribution to sustainable development. To achieve this, a comparison was made between I-Reef and established models such as business, innovation, knowledge, and entrepreneurial ecosystems. A systematic literature review conducted on Scopus found 704 articles published in the last three decades. The purpose was to identify the similarities and differences between the models of innovation business ecosystem models. The results show that there is alignment between I-Reef and the different ecosystems on several points. A central aspect of I-Reef is that it relies on a strong network of mutually beneficial relationships, much more oriented to sustainable development than the other models, which is a key factor in generating competitive advantage and development for the region. This characteristic is either not addressed or not placed at the core of the ecosystems discussed in the literature. For future research, empirical studies and validation of the I-Reef model with experts are suggested, as this theoretical study lays the foundation for more in-depth analyses.

Environmental management and its effect on innovation and export performance: Empirical research in Chinese manufacturing companies

This study investigates the role of Chinese manufacturing firms in implementing Environmental Management Systems (EMS) to understand how these practices impact export performance and the mediating and moderating effects of innovation. Using structural equation modeling on data from 226 Chinese manufacturing businesses, our findings indicate that EMS indirectly enhances export performance through innovation. This research provides significant contributions to general management by integrating EMS and innovation within the strategic framework of manufacturing firms, offering insights for enhancing competitive advantage and sustainability in global markets. The findings also present practical implications for managers to leverage EMS and innovation for improved business outcomes and sustainable practices.

High-Involvement Human Resource Management Practices and Employee Resilience: The Mediating Role of Employee Technology Adaptation—A Case Study of South Sumatra

In the post-COVID-19 era, the need for a resilient workforce to maintain a competitive advantage has become increasingly critical. Despite advancements, there is a research gap in understanding how employee resilience is influenced by high-involvement human resource management practices and employee technology adaptation. This study addresses this gap by developing and empirically testing a mediation model linking to employee technology adaptation and resilience. Theoretical frameworks include the resource-based view, human co-adaptation, and positive organizational behavior. A cross-sectional survey of 322 employees from small and medium enterprises in South Sumatra was conducted. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the mediating role of employee technology adaptation in the relationship between high-involvement human resource management practices and employee resilience. The results indicate that high-involvement human resource management practices positively affects both technology adaptation and resilience. Employee technology adaptation partially mediates this relationship. The findings offer practical insights for human resource managers, suggesting that fostering technology adaptation through high-involvement human resource management practices can enhance employee resilience. This study concludes with a discussion on the theoretical and practical implications contributing to the development of small and medium enterprises in the digital era post COVID-19.

Analisis Pengaruh Bauran Pemasaran terhadap Keputusan Pembelian Konsumen pada Produk Sayuran Organik (Studi Kasus Super Indo Q Square Bogor)

Super Indo Q Square in Bogor Regency is one of the Super Indo branches, a retail company established since 1997. To maintain competitive advantage, the company employs a marketing mix strategy encompassing price, product, promotion, location, people, process, and physical evidence. This study aims to examine the impact of this marketing mix on consumer purchasing decisions and satisfaction levels. The research method employed accidental sampling with 100 respondents, gathering both primary and secondary data through questionnaires, observations, interviews, and literature reviews. Data analysis utilized Multiple Linear Regression, Importance Performance Analysis (IPA), and Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI). The results indicate that (1) Price, product, location, people, process, and physical evidence significantly influence consumer purchasing decisions. (2) The level of customer satisfaction at Super Indo Q Square Bogor reached 83,82%, It shows a high level of satisfaction and the results of the total level of conformity obtained from all dimensions of 93%, meaning that the conformity value is still insufficient to reach 100%.

Compact size and wideband 4 × 4 MIMO antenna for 5G NR networks

Abstract In this paper, a crescent-shaped four-port MIMO is proposed to deploy in 5 G wireless network coverage with the advantages of wide bandwidth. The MIMO antenna is printed on an RO4003 substrate (ε r = 3.55) with a thickness of 0.203 mm and a rectangular slot in the ground plane to obtain the desired performance. The antenna is duplicated two times in an orthogonal arrangement to achieve 4 ports MIMO antenna for capacity improvement purposes. The antenna satisfies an impedance bandwidth of 20 GHz (20.5–40.5 GHz) with an isolation of ≥22 dB. Furthermore, the suggested 4-port MIMO antenna is fabricated and tested to validate the simulated outcomes, and good consistency between results is achieved in terms of scattering parameters, radiation patterns, gain, and diversity parameters. The presented 4-port MIMO antenna is considered a good candidate for future 5 G NR networks due to its competitive advantages.

Strategic management of employee churn: Leveraging machine learning for sustainable development and competitive advantage in emerging markets

AbstractEmployee churn or attrition presents significant challenges, especially in emerging markets, where it can disrupt business operations and inflate recruitment costs. This research leverages machine learning techniques to predict employee churn, focusing on developing sustainable and inclusive retention strategies that enhance business competitiveness. By analyzing a range of predictive algorithms and key variables associated with churn, the study identifies the most effective models for predicting attrition. A comprehensive exploratory data analysis was conducted using an indigenous machine learning model, offering practical insights for human resource management in emerging markets. The findings align with the sustainable development goals (SDGs), promoting decent work, and economic growth. This study contributes to business strategy by proposing data‐driven solutions for workforce stability and sustainable development.

The Effect of Corporate Social Responsibility Characteristics on Employee Green Behavior: A Moral Emotions Perspective

Shaping green employees is a source of sustainable competitive advantage for enterprises. However, previous studies have lacked consideration of the moral aspects of employee green behavior (EGB), thus ignoring the mechanism of employee moral psychology, especially the important impact of moral emotions on EGB. Based on the affective events theory, we built a moderated mediation model to test how corporate social responsibility characteristics (CSRCs) affect EGB and to explore the role of organizational pride (OP) and the environmental passion climate (EPC) in this process. SPSS25.0 and Mplus8.0 were used to analyze data from 267 valid questionnaires. The results show that CSRCs' positive effect required EGB and OP to play a mediating role in the relationship between them. In addition, EPC had a negative moderating effect on the effect of OP on required EGB. These results expand the theoretical territory of EGB from the perspective of moral emotions. In practice, the results provide a moral motivation for cultivating employees’ ecological literacy and stimulating EGB as well as management strategies for organizational environmental protection practice and green sustainable development.

Can the Inclusiveness of Foreign Capital Improve Corporate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Performance? Evidence from China

Foreign direct investment (FDI) has become an important factor influencing corporate operational strategies, yet the impact of its inclusiveness on corporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance remains unclear. In this study, the correlation of city-level FDI inclusiveness with corporate-level ESG performance was investigated based on data from 1258 Chinese A-share listed companies between 2011 and 2021. The effects of FDI inclusiveness on corporate ESG performance and its underlying mechanisms were investigated. The findings indicate that an increase in FDI inclusiveness significantly improves corporate ESG performance. Additionally, the moderating role of corporate competitive advantage and urban entrepreneurial vitality was analyzed, and the findings indicate that an increase in urban FDI inclusiveness significantly improves corporate ESG performance. Managerial green attention and corporate innovation capability play intermediary roles in the overall impact, with the total impact being positively moderated by investor attention. Furthermore, the influence of FDI inclusiveness on corporate ESG performance exhibits significant heterogeneity resulting from variations in digital policies, environmental policies, and ownership structures.

Enhancing Project Performance Through Quality (Toyyib) Dimensions: An Empirical Study in Jordan's Construction Industry

This study investigates the impact of key project quality (Toyyib) dimensions—Feasibility, Conformity, Durability, and Serviceability on project performance within Jordan's construction industry. Drawing from existing literature, the study highlights the critical link between quality management practices and enhanced project outcomes. Utilizing a quantitative research methodology and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), data collected from 204 managers within Jordan’s construction firms reveal a significant positive relationship between effective quality management and improved project performance. The findings underscore the importance of comprehensive quality audits and robust quality control mechanisms in minimizing delays, reducing costs, and achieving project objectives. This research contributes to both theoretical perspectives and practical applications in construction management, advocating for the integration of systematic quality dimensions to drive competitive advantage and sustainable project success.

Enhancing pricing strategies in the aftermarket sector with machine learning

PurposeThis research explores the application of machine learning to optimize pricing strategies in the aftermarket sector, particularly focusing on parts with no assigned values and the detection of outliers. The study emphasizes the need to incorporate technical features to improve pricing accuracy and decision-making.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology involves data collection from web scraping and backend sources, followed by data preprocessing, feature engineering and model selection to capture the technical attributes of parts. A Random Forest Regressor model is chosen and trained to predict prices, achieving a 76.14% accuracy rate.FindingsThe model demonstrates accurate price prediction for parts with no assigned values while remaining within an acceptable price range. Additionally, outliers representing extreme pricing scenarios are successfully identified and predicted within the acceptable range.Originality/valueThis research bridges the gap between industry practice and academic research by demonstrating the effectiveness of machine learning for aftermarket pricing optimization. It offers an approach to address the challenges of pricing parts without assigned values and identifying outliers, potentially leading to increased revenue, sharper pricing tactics and a competitive advantage for aftermarket companies.

The alteration of interspecific interaction responded to various relative sowing time in wheat/maize intercropping

IntroductionAn interspecific interaction is an important reason for the yield advantage of interspecific cropping compared with sole cropping, and the relative sowing time of species is an important factor affecting interspecific competitiveness. Our purpose was to explore the effects of different relative sowing times on the interspecific competition-recovery phenomenon in wheat and maize intercropping systems.MethodsThree planting methods (wheat/maize intercropping, wheat and maize sole cropping) and different relative sowing times of wheat were used to carry out field experiments over two years. Sequential harvest of subplots was performed between 3 and 6 times, and the biomass data were fitted to logistic growth model.ResultsDelaying the sowing time of wheat reduced the wheat yield, biomass and nutrient acquisition and increased those of maize, but wheat still had an intercropping advantage during the co-growth period. At the same time, the nutrient acquisition of maize was still inhibited, but its recovery growth advanced. Changing the relative sowing time of wheat significantly changed the maximum instantaneous growth rates of wheat and maize. Delaying the relative sowing time of wheat significantly reduced its maximum instantaneous growth rate, while enhancing that of maize, leading to a balanced mutual benefit.ConclusionsDelaying the sowing time of wheat to the same sowing time as maize will change wheat/maize intercropping from asymmetrical interspecific facilitation to symmetrical interspecific facilitation. However, in this case, intercropped wheat still had an interspecific competitive advantage in the co-growth stage, and intercropped maize still underwent a competition-recovery process.

Revolutionizing Supply Chain : The Synergy of Warehouse Management and Data Analytics

This article examines the transformative impact of integrating data analytics with warehouse management in modern supply chains. It explores how this synergy is revolutionizing inventory management, order fulfillment, and customer service across industries. The article discusses key elements of effective warehouse management, including optimal space utilization, efficient inventory control, and timely order processing. It then delves into how data analytics elevates these functions through inventory optimization, real-time monitoring, and predictive analytics. Case studies from e-commerce and manufacturing sectors illustrate real-world applications and benefits. Finally, the competitive advantages gained through enhanced operational efficiency, cost reduction, and improved service levels are analyzed, highlighting the critical role of this integration in shaping the future of supply chain management.

The Symphony of HRM, Ethical Climate, and Dynamic Capability in Competitive Advantage

This study investigates how human resource management (HRM) practices influence competitive advantage in Nigerian private schools amidst ethical, market, and technological challenges. The research proposes that effective HRM practices — recruitment, training, compensation, and performance appraisal— foster a strong ethical climate and dynamic capability, ultimately leading to a competitive advantage (CA). Analysing data from 465 staff members of private schools in Nigeria, the findings reveal that HRM practices, notably recruitment and selection, training and development, and performance appraisal, directly impact CA. While dynamic capability influences CA, it also plays a mediating role between training and CA. This study provides quantitative evidence for the strategic value of HRM in this context, offering insights for cultivating high-performing workforces and achieving sustainable success in a competitive landscape.

On Relations Between the Index of Innovation and the B2c E-commerce Index (a Regressive Analysis), Using a Quality Management Holistic Approach, as Well as Descriptive Statistics for Western Balkans

Purpose – My goal in conducting this study is to clarify and present the relationship and strong connections between the innovation index and the B2C E-Commerce index worldwide, as a response to the new normalcy, because innovation and B2C E-commerce issues, as well as quality and quality management, have been subject to an increasing interest all over the world, and the position of Western Balkan countries for innovation index and B2C E-commerce index, using descriptive and interdisciplinary methods. Design/methodology/approach – The article used exploratory research based on correlation and regression analysis to discover relationships between innovation and the B2C E-commerce index, using data supplemented by the Global Innovation Index and the B2C E-commerce index. The study technique consisted of gathering data and information regarding the global innovation index and B2C E-commerce index as well as explaining the recently launched ISO 56000 family of standards, handling a correlation and a regressive analysis for relations between the innovation index and the B2C E-commerce index, which resulted in the main conclusion of this study that statistically verified relations between the innovation and the B2C E-commerce are strong, so ISO standards in general, and ISO 56000 standards family application in particular, is required in the time of B2C E-commerce, achieving competitive advantage. In terms of descriptive statistics, a comparison between the Western Balkans and the rest of the globe has been conducted. Findings – Because innovation is covered by the ISO 56000 standard, this research gives statistical insights into the relationships between innovation and the B2C E-commerce index. It indicates that to get a competitive edge, successful business organizations should invest in innovation, B2C E-commerce, and quality management. The main recommendation is that the use of ISO standards in general, and the ISO 56000 family of standards in particular, helps companies strengthen their commitment to their clients by improving innovation and B2C E-commerce activities, processes, and procedures, and economies worldwide to gain a competitive advantage. The study's descriptive data on Western Balkan economies reveal that a significant effort is still required for EU integration. Research limitations/implications – Because of the selected study technique, the research results may necessitate more examination; consequently, researchers are urged to investigate the presented propositions further. Practical implications – The study discusses the implications of developing a strong tool that combines innovation, B2C E-commerce, and quality control to gain a competitive edge. Originality/value – This work addresses for the first time, using correlation and regression analysis, a recognized need to investigate how innovation, B2C E-commerce, and the ISO 56000 family of standards are significantly connected, as well as descriptive data for a region (the Western Balkans). Article Type – Research paper.