Competitive Advantage Research Articles

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.

Towards circular economy: A IoT enabled framework for circular supply chain integration

Nowadays, the Internet of Things (IoT) has evolved beyond mere buzzword status, emerging as a pivotal force that can confer a competitive advantage in the market. By facilitating seamless communication between objects and the internet, IoT catalyzes unprecedented connectivity between machines and objects. An inherent advantage lies in its capacity to facilitate real-time information sharing, enabling efficient management of vital aspects within the realm of supply chain management, including inventory, products, and orders. Therefore, this study investigates the impact of IoT on supply chain performance, with a specific focus on the mediating role of interconnected systems in the dynamics of supply and demand, and the performance of supply chain firms within a sustainable circular economy context. A survey involving 268 manufacturers forms the basis of quantitative data analysis. Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was employed to test the relationships between latent and construct factors. The results highlight the significant influence of IoT capabilities on both supply chain performance and the integration of internet-enabled supply and demand processes. Concurrently, the study reveals a reciprocal positive effect, as supply and demand integration within internet-enabled supply chains contributes to enhanced supply chain performance. Moreover, the integration of internet-enabled supply and demand processes emerges as a crucial mediator, amplifying the relationship between IoT capabilities and supply chain performance. This study provides valuable insights for managers, researchers, and policymakers, fostering a deeper understanding of the vital role that IoT plays in cultivating and enhancing superior supply chain management practices and overall performance. The study highlights the significant benefits of IoT in enhancing supply chain performance through improved real-time tracking, inventory management, and resource optimization. It also emphasizes the crucial role of integrating internet-enabled supply and demand processes as a mediator, boosting overall supply chain efficiency and responsiveness.

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.

Comparative and Competitive Advantages of Palm Oil in International Markets

This research aims to (1) Analyze the competitiveness of Indonesian cocoa butter exports in international markets based on comparative advantages. (2) Analyzing the competitiveness of Indonesian cocoa butter exports in the international market based on competitive advantages. The competitiveness of palm oil is analyzed in two ways: comparative advantage analysis and competitive advantage analysis. The approaches used in comparative advantage analysis are RCA, RSCA, and Product Mapping (RSCA and TBI). Meanwhile, the competitive advantage analysis uses the ECI approach. The competitiveness of Indonesian palm oil exports has a comparative advantage (RCA 54.15); based on Product Mapping analysis, Indonesian palm oil is in Group C, which means it has export specialization and has a comparative advantage. The ompetitiveness of Indonesian palm oil exports shows a competitive advantage or an upward trend; the value shows more than one (ECI 1.01).

Co-operative forest owner associations - harmonized values for sustainable development?

Sustainable development is an important concept for competitive advantage for all types of organisations and is often implemented by a top-down strategic approach. Forest owner associations are based on the co-operative idea and are therefore expected to include key stakeholders such as members in strategic decisions. A challenge is to incorporate strategic sustainability management in an organisation. It refers to considering organisational objectives, maintaining relations with key stakeholders and keeping the organisational identity. This study aimed to explore how forest owner associations position themselves for sustainable development. A qualitative case study based on semi-structured interviews, (including five employees and eleven members) and sustainability reports suggests that sustainable development is integrated to different extents in forest owner associations in Sweden. A strategic approach is deemed necessary for a dynamic incorporation of sustainable development that is structured and leads to the improvement of responsible practice in the organisation. This study highlights the importance of considering sustainability strategies and co-operative identity in the process of implementing sustainability management in forest co-operatives. Further research could focus on corporate strategies for sustainable development with an extended longitudinal perspective.

Understanding the best practices of cradle to cradle in furnishings, carpet, and textile industries–A case studies analysis and conceptual model

Cradle to Cradle (C2C) is a shift in the furnishing, carpet, and textile industries, aiming to minimize environmental impact through closed-loop production. This study explores the best practices for C2C implementation using deductive qualitative coding. Case studies of H&M, Levi’®, DESSO, and Herman Miller reveal challenges such as high initial costs, limited C2C material availability, and scalability of closed-loop recycling. However, the study identifies C2C adoption best practices: prioritizing safe materials, research and development investment, closed-loop systems, stakeholder education, and supportive policies as keys to overcoming challenges and achieving circularity. Theoretically, the study connects C2C strategy with real-world critical industry sector implementation in furnishings, carpets, and textiles and identifies best practices and challenges for C2C success in these industries. Practically, the study offers actionable recommendations for manufacturing companies and policymakers to implement C2C principles, reducing their environmental footprint, gaining a competitive advantage, and contributing to a more sustainable future.

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

Coupling interface constructions of flower-like structure MoSe2–NiWSe2 for efficient oxygen evolution reaction and urea oxidation reaction

Because of its low thermodynamic voltage, the electrocatalytic urea oxidation reaction (UOR) is an effective way to replace the sluggish oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and address the issue of urea-rich water pollution. Herein, we have synthesized MoSe2–NiWSe2 with spherical nanoflower structure consisting of MoSe2 nanosheets and NiWSe2 nanosheets crisscrossed longitudinally and transversely. The results show that the prepared MoSe2–NiWSe2 has a significant competitive advantage in the UOR and OER. With 10 mA cm−2, a mere 200 mV overpotential was required, indicating high OER catalytic activity. MoSe2–NiWSe2-driven UOR might operate at a comparatively low potential of 1.36 V (10 mA cm−2). The overpotential did not significantly alter after 40 h of continuous operation, suggesting it possesses high UOR stability. A built-in electric field that aids in controlling the adsorption and oriented distribution of urea molecules and thus promotes the oxidative properties of water and urea forms at the interface of MoSe2 and NiWSe2, where the difference in electronegativity between the elements Mo and Ni induces self-driven charge transfer and interfacial coupling effects. This work offers a method for creating catalysts that produce more oxygen and clean up urea-rich water contamination.

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.

Growing success with sustainability: The influence of green HRM, innovation, and competitive advantage on environmental performance in the manufacturing industry

President Xi set a long-term mitigation target of carbon neutrality by 2060 in September 2020 to cut carbon emissions and improve environmental performance. As a result, the current study aims to investigate how green human resource management and green innovation affect environmental performance in pursuit of the ultimate objective of carbon neutrality. Furthermore, the research considers the potential mediating effect of a green competitive advantage to clarify the mechanisms by which GHRM and green innovation impact environmental performance. Data from 278 employees in the manufacturing industry of Heilongjiang Province were collected through a questionnaire, for which we used a quantitative random sampling technique. The study employed the Smart PLS-4 structural equation modeling technique and revealed that all three factors significantly influenced environmental performance: green HRM, innovation, and competitive advantage. Resource-based view (RBV) theory served as the theoretical foundation for the study. The study uniquely contributes to the literature on GHRM, green innovation, competitive advantage, and environmental performance.

Local Wisdom and Government’s Role in Strengthening the Sustainable Competitive Advantage of Creative Industries

The competitive advantage of the Creative Industry is an important strategy to succeed in a highly competitive global business market. The Indonesian creative industry is a strategic industry characterised by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). However, these enterprises face challenges, such as low entrepreneurial orientation, low digital literation to access the global market, limited capital, lack of digital payment methods, and a focus on conventional marketing activities rather than implementing Entrepreneurial Marketing (EM). The previous research proposed that Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO) and Entrepreneurial Marketing (EM) could increase competitive advantage due to the moderating role of local wisdom culture and the government’s role. Therefore, this research aims to analyse the moderating role of local wisdom culture and the government’s role in the effect of EO and EM on sustainable competitive advantage development. The quantitative research design employed a self-administered survey distributed to 400 top and middle managers within the superior and priority subsectors of the creative industry. The survey targeted four provinces in Indonesia known for their high contributions to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP > 9%), based on the ‘Purposive Sampling’ method. The results of the SEM analysis, based on 330 usable data points, show that Local Wisdom and Government’s Role significantly mediate the relationship between Sustainable Competitive Advantage and Sustainable Business Performance. The research results imply that it is necessary to empower the government's role in providing information technology infrastructure to facilitate the creative industry’s access to the global marketplace and encourage the use of digital payment methods for the rapid development of sustainable competitive advantage. Theoretical contributions extend to Dynamic Capability Theory by integrating Resources Advantage Theory and Resources Base View Theory, including the moderating role of Local Wisdom and Government’s Role, and examining the relationship of EO and EM with sustainable competitive advantage.

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.

Innovative insights into dry fermented sausages flavor: Unraveling the impact of varied lactobacillus genera-driven fermentation

This study was to evaluate the impact of different genera of Lactobacillus on the flavor of fermented dry sausages. LAB counts and pH analyses showed that heterofermentative LAB (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Latilactobacillus sakei) showed greater growth capacity and competitive advantage in dry fermented sausage compared to homofermentative LAB (Latilactobacillus curvatus). This led to the production of higher levels of free amino acids and free fatty acids. This further contributed to the production of flavor substances and enhanced overall sensory acceptability. Specifically, sausages fermented with L. plantarum YR07 exhibited a fruity, fermented flavor due to the presence of 2,3-butanediol, 1-octen-3-ol, 3-methyl-butanal and ethyl lactate. The sausages fermented by L. sakei L48 exhibited a fatty, creamy, fermented flavor, likely due to the presence of hexanal, propanal, and acetoin. In conclusion, L. plantarum YR07 and L. sakei L48 are promising starter cultures to enhance the flavor characteristics of dry sausages.