Competitive Business Environment Research Articles

Strategic Agility and Performance of Pay Television Industry in Kenya.

The Pay TV market in Kenya operates in a highly competitive business environment, which in turn calls for aggressiveness and more efficient ways of keeping the business afloat. Advancement in technology also comes with several options for Pay TV customers such as online streaming which poses more threat to the market. This research seeks to assess the influence of strategic agility on the performance of the Kenyan Pay TV industry using Multichoice Kenya Limited as the case study. The objectives of this study were to establish the influence of leadership agility, determine the influence cultural agility, assess the influence of business agility, and to determine the influence of career agility on organizational performance in the Kenyan Pay TV industry. The study is of great significance to the government of Kenya since the improved performance of the Pay TV companies can generate more revenue for the government in form of taxes and license fees. New and existing Pay TV companies may also benefit from this study by employing agile strategies for competitive advantage as well as getting more information on how to handle uncertain situations in the business environment. Additionally, academicians who may want to research more on strategic agility may benefit by accessing more information from this study. The concept of strategic agility has not been sufficiently researched especially on the variables such as leadership agility, cultural agility, business agility, career agility and how they influence organizational performance. This research was anchored on four theories namely; The Great Man Theory, Theory of Change, Theory of Constraints, and the Broaden and Build Theory. The reviewed literature on these theories indicates that there is a positive influence of strategic agility on organizational performance. This is a cross-sectional study which involves 60 employees with managerial roles. Descriptive design was used in this study adopting qualitative and quantitative methods. Data collection was done through closed and open-ended questionnaires, keeping a register of questionnaire distribution and feedback collection. A pilot study was carried out to determine the accuracy, clarity and relevance of the study questionnaire. Data analysis was carried using SPSS (V29) and multiple regression analysis. The study found that leadership agility, cultural agility business agility and career agility all have a significant effect on the performance of Pay TV firms in Kenya. The top leadership of firms in Pay TV industry should establish cross-cultural collaboration initiatives to encourage knowledge-sharing and teamwork among employees from different cultural backgrounds, foster a culture that encourages and rewards agile leadership behaviors, such as risk-taking and experimentation and encourage leaders to seek mentorship and coaching to enhance their agility capabilities, should invest in technology and infrastructure that support flexibility and adaptability in responding to market changes and also develop cross-functional teams that can quickly adapt to changing business requirements and address emerging challenges, implement career development plans and pathways that align with the organization's strategic objectives and employees' career aspiration and encourage a growth mindset among employees.

EXAMINING THE IMPACT OF PRODUCT QUALITY ON CUSTOMER SATISFACTION, LOYALTY, AND REPEAT PURCHASE BEHAVIOR

In today's highly competitive business environment, providing high-quality products is no longer a luxury but a necessity for organizations seeking to build strong customer relationships and to promote sustainable growth. This paper investigates the central role of product quality on customer satisfaction, loyalty, and repeat purchase behavior. By examining the impact of different aspects of product quality on these key indicators, this study aims to provide valuable insights for companies looking to improve customer relationships and achieve long-term success. The results of this study are expected to highlight the significant influence of product quality on customer satisfaction, loyalty, and repeat purchase behavior, factors such as performance, Reliability, durability and perceived quality appear to be key factors in these results. Key Words: Product Quality, Customer Satisfaction, Loyalty, Repeat Purchase

ENHANCING CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE THROUGH CROSS–FUNCTIONALCOLLABORATION

In today’s highly competitive business environment, delivering exceptional customer experienceisessentialforsustainingsuccessandbuildingbrandloyalty.Inthisstudy,welook at how cross-functional collaboration plays a key role in delivering superior customer experiences, specifically for Rane Corporation, one of the industry leaders in automotive.Bylookingatthe collaborative efforts across various departments such as Marketing, Sales, Product Development, and Customer Service, we can better understand the strategies, challenges and outcomes of aligning internal functions fordeliveringseamless customer experience. Ourkey findings highlight the importance of culture of collaboration, which breaks down silos and promotes communication and knowledge sharing between departments. Rane Corporation’s success in delivering customer satisfaction can be attributed to its cross-functional teams approach, where diverse expertise is brought together to address customer needs in a holistic manner. In addition, the study highlights the importance of technology in facilitating cross- functional collaboration, as it allows for real-time information sharing and analysis to enable betterdecision-making.Thesamplesizeis160.Thetoolsusedarenon-parametrictest(U-test, H-test, Chi-square, Correlation, Run test). Key Words—Cross functional collaboration, organizational analysis, customer experience

Employer Brand Building for Effective Talent Management

In today's increasingly competitive and complex business environment, organizations are placing greater emphasis on meeting their talent management needs. Attracting and retaining the right talent has become paramount, leading organizations to develop and project a brand image that reflects their values and philosophy. This process, known as employer branding, draws on principles from marketing and branding literature to position the organization as an employer of choice. Employer branding not only helps attract experienced employees but also serves as an enabler for internal brand building efforts within the organization. By creating a positive and compelling brand image, organizations can cultivate brand ambassadors who further enhance the organization's reputation as an employer of choice. Successfully managing employer branding requires a comprehensive approach and the commitment of all stakeholders within the organization. When executed effectively, employer branding can have a significant impact on talent management outcomes. This paper reviews existing literature to understand the influence of employer branding on talent management, explores strategies for branding organizations, and examines how global organizations leverage effective branding to attract and retain top talent.

Role of Emergent Technologies in Entrepreneurial Firms

New technologies are one of the most obvious parts of the emotional change of culture in developing or developed countries. These emergent technologies offer enormous opportunities for the entrepreneurial firms interested in searching for a competing lead in business as well as pose challenges to the firms. The emergent technologies can go a long way in helping the organisations to tap the newly emerging markets with high potential. The present study aims at identifying the role of emergent technologies in influencing the survival and expansion of the business. The study has compiled the reviews of various scholars on the usage of the latest technologies by the firms to achieve a competitive edge. This is a descriptive study and makes use of the secondary data. The findings of the study suggest that technologies, such as AI, robotics and drones, 3D Printing, serverless computing, block chain and so forth have been most important technologies for the firms, as they have completely changed their traditional way of organisation functioning. These technologies enable effective and efficient decision-making and promote the growth and development of the firms. The study makes a value addition to the existing literature on the role of emergent and futuristic technologies in enabling the entrepreneurial firms to pave their way towards sustainable growth in the competitive business environment through ingenious business solutions.

A comprehensive analysis of knowledge management role in developing business performance

There is a lack of information about KM's comprehensive influence on total corporate success, even with the field's relevance in modern business settings increasingly acknowledged. To overcome this gap, this research explores the complexities of KM and how they affect the performance of organizations. Knowledge Management (KM) has become one of the most well-known contemporary leadership strategies. A rigorous strategy was used to conduct a thorough examination of the relationship between KM techniques and company performance. The research uses a combination of qualitative and quantitative methodologies, such as instances, questionnaires, and data analysis to provide a comprehensive comprehension of the topic. The results show how KM contributes in many ways to corporate effectiveness. Determine the essential KM techniques that have a substantial influence on a range of organizational success factors, such as decision-making and innovation as well as operational effectiveness. For companies seeking to maximize their KM tactics for improved performance, the findings provide insightful information. The study findings have practical relevance for firms seeking to improve overall performance in today's competitive and dynamic business environment by strengthening their KM activities.

Assessing the Effect of Compensation Packages, Work-Life Balance Policies, and Career Development Opportunities on Employee Retention: A Case Study of MSME Employee

In today's competitive business environment, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) face significant challenges in attracting and retaining top talent. This study examines the impact of compensation packages, work-life balance policies, and career development opportunities on employee retention within MSMEs. Using a quantitative research design and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), data from 300 respondents were analyzed to explore the relationships between these factors. The findings reveal significant positive relationships between compensation packages, work-life balance policies, career development opportunities, and employee retention. These results highlight the importance of strategic investments in human capital and the creation of conducive work environments to foster employee loyalty and commitment within MSMEs.

Overcoming one-sidedness in cadre personnel management: Developing a competency framework for China’s central state-owned enterprise executives

China’s central state-owned enterprises (SOEs) are politically and economically significant, and executives play a crucial role in determining their performance. In a competitive business environment, the selection and competencies of central SOE executives are crucial. This study aims to identify the competencies required to operate central SOEs and develops a competency framework for their executives. Through qualitative studies (face-to-face interviews and Delphi method) and two quantitative studies, we identify four dimensions—self-development, interpersonal, positional and organizational development—comprising 12 factors and 45 competencies, and use these to construct a competency framework. The competencies identified include some previously identified, but also unique competencies that are specific to the Chinese context. The proposed framework is valuable for understanding and improving managerial practices in central SOEs, and will help in the selection and development of executives. It also provides insights for central SOEs, and for individuals considering career and competency development.

Driving Business Growth from Research to Innovation in The Deployment of Business Intelligence

This research evaluates a company's development and performance based on its intelligence and BI utilization. A study using quantitative poll data from numerous firms examines the relationship between leveraging business knowledge, promoting innovation, and important performance metrics. The findings demonstrate that BI adoption and receptivity to new ideas improve corporate development. Companies that invest heavily in business intelligence (BI) programmes and foster innovation generally outperform their rivals in sales, earnings, and market share. Creative thinking and business knowledge are crucial to corporate success, according to the findings. These gives workers’ suggestions on how to work faster and more creatively. More research, sector-specific analysis, and continuing studies are needed to determine how innovation culture and BI adoption effect firm performance. Finally, this research adds to what is already known about how BI adoption and innovation culture effect firm performance in today's competitive business environment.

Spiritual Leadership and Intrinsic Motivation: The Roles of Supervisors' Developmental Feedback and Supportive Organizational Culture

Organizational survival in today's dynamic and competitive business environment requires a holistic leadership approach that can intrinsically motivate employees to experience deeper meaning in their work beyond exchanging their labor for payment and fringe benefits. Anchored on self-determination theory, this study examines how spiritual leadership relates to employees' intrinsic motivation. Specifically, the study proposes a theoretical model in which supervisors' developmental feedback mediates this relationship, whereas supportive organizational culture moderates it. Using a sample of 448 employees from the financial sector in Kenya, results indicated that spiritual leadership, directly and indirectly, influenced intrinsic motivation, partially through supervisors' developmental feedback. Further, the results indicate that supportive organizational culture moderates the relationship between spiritual leadership and intrinsic motivation, such that the relationship is stronger when supportive organizational culture is high rather than low. Implications of these findings and recommendations for future research are offered.

Leadership Development Strategies in Organizations: The Role of Human Resource Management in Improving Effectiveness and Productivity

Effective human resource management strategies are key to sustainable business growth in a rapidly changing and competitive business environment. For organizations wishing to remain relevant and competitive in the global marketplace, the importance of leveraging innovation, environmental sustainability, and ethics and social responsibility in human resource management is of great concern. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to determine how the implementation of human resource management strategies that focus on innovation, sustainability, and ethics can help organizations achieve sustainable growth. This research was conducted using a descriptive-analytical approach by collecting data through literature review and content analysis of various relevant sources. The findings of this study revealed that HRM strategies based on innovation and sustainability help organizations to maximize human resource potential and create productive and sustainable work environments. In addition, the application of ethics and social responsibility in HR decision-making is a key pillar in creating an organizational culture of integrity. Organizations can achieve sustainable growth and sustainability by implementing this strategic approach.

PERSONNEL CERTIFICATION AS A COMPANY DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY

The purpose of this article is to explore how personnel certification serves as a strategic tool for organisational development. It examines the importance of certifying employees as a means of enhancing organisational capability and competitiveness. By examining the role of certification in improving employee skills and knowledge, the article sheds light on its impact on organisational performance and growth. It also discusses how certified personnel contribute to building a skilled workforce, fostering innovation and meeting industry standards. Overall, the article highlights the importance of personnel certification as a proactive approach to advancing organisational development goals. The object of the study is the process of personnel certification and its impact on the company's development. Methodology. The use of an integrated method helps to eliminate formalism and subjectivity in personnel certification, increase openness and objectivity in the assessment, and stabilise the social and psychological climate in the team. When applying this method, a prerequisite is the unconditional support of the first manager, who should lead the personnel certification and implement its results through the HR services. Without it, certification will be formal and will not yield positive results. The comprehensive method of personnel evaluation integrates various assessment techniques to provide a holistic understanding of an individual's skills, competencies and performance within an organisation. It takes into account multiple factors such as job performance, behavioural characteristics and growth potential, allowing for a thorough analysis of an employee's contribution to the organisation. The comprehensive method of personnel evaluation is based on the use of groups of methods: descriptive method (biographical method; method of oral and written assessments, method of group discussions, method of standards, matrix method and method of free and compulsory choice of assessment situations); combined methods are methods based on the descriptive principle, but formalised with the help of conventional quantitative indicators (sum of scores method, method of specified groupings, testing). Research results. Evaluating personnel performance helps to attract and retain highly skilled and motivated employees, while analysing the effectiveness of recruitment strategies and methods will help to attract talented employees. Practical implications. The use of personnel evaluation methods will allow to understand how personnel certification contributes to creating a positive working environment and increasing the level of employee satisfaction; to study the impact of personnel certification strategies on the company's reputation among employees; to formulate specific recommendations for practical managers and personnel specialists for the successful implementation of personnel certification strategy; to develop strategic solutions aimed at increasing the competitiveness and stability of the company. Value/Originality. Personnel certification helps to improve internal and external communication, which contributes to a more effective exchange of information and helps to maintain unity among employees; it allows companies to adapt to changes in the labour market, creating attractive conditions for employees in new conditions. In general, effective personnel certification is determined by the ability not only to attract but also to retain talented employees, thus contributing to the sustainable development of the company in a competitive business environment.

IMPACT OF EMPLOYEE SKILL DEVELOPMENT PRACTICES ON EMPLOYEES JOB SATISFACTION AT (THE AEC ASSOCIATES)

This master thesis of Strategic Human Resource (HR) Management, focusing on Impact Of Employee Skill Development Practices On Employees Job Satisfaction. This research explores the relationship between employee skill development practices and job satisfaction within the context of “THE AEC ASSOCIATES” Noida, a leading organization in its industry. In today's competitive business environment, organizations recognize the significance of investing in their employees' skill development to faster a talented and motivated workforce. Likewise, employee job satisfaction remains a crucial determinant of organizational performance and employee well-being. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews, to examine the existing skill development practices at THE AEC ASSOCIATES Noida and assess their impact on employee job satisfaction. Quantitative data analysis includes descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and regression analysis, while qualitative data from interviews is analyzed thematically. Findings indicate a positive correlation between effective skill development practices and employee job satisfaction. Employees who perceive their organization's investment in their skill development positively exhibit higher levels of job satisfaction. The study also uncovers key factors influencing employee satisfaction, including the availability of training programs, career advancement opportunities, and supportive organizational culture. The research offers practical implications for HR practitioners and organizational leaders, suggesting recommendations for enhancing employee skill development practices to improve job satisfaction. By understanding the dynamics of skill development and job satisfaction, organizations like THE AEC ASSOCIATES, Noida can optimize their talent management strategies to foster a culture of growth, engagement, and fulfillment, thereby positioning themselves for sustained success in a dynamic business landscape.

Digital transformation as a catalyst for business model innovation: A critical review of impact and implementation strategies

In today's fast-paced and highly competitive business environment, digital transformation has emerged as a crucial driver of organizational success. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the intersection between digital transformation and business model innovation, examining the impact and implementation strategies associated with this transformative process. The study begins by elucidating the concept of digital transformation and its significance in reshaping traditional business models. It explores how advancements in digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and the Internet of Things, have revolutionized various aspects of business operations, including customer engagement, operational efficiency, and revenue generation. Furthermore, the paper critically evaluates the impact of digital transformation on business model innovation, emphasizing the need for organizations to adapt and evolve in response to changing market dynamics and consumer preferences. Through a systematic analysis of relevant literature and case studies, the study highlights the key drivers, challenges, and opportunities inherent in leveraging digital technologies to drive business model innovation. Moreover, the paper examines different implementation strategies adopted by organizations to effectively integrate digital transformation initiatives into their existing business models. It discusses the importance of strategic planning, organizational culture, and leadership commitment in driving successful digital transformation initiatives. Overall, this critical review contributes to a deeper understanding of the role of digital transformation as a catalyst for business model innovation. It provides valuable insights for practitioners, policymakers, and researchers seeking to navigate the complex landscape of digital disruption and capitalize on emerging opportunities for organizational growth and competitiveness.

تنمية القيادات الاقتصادية الديناميكية ودورها في تحقيق الميزة التنافسية

The current study aims to focus on developing dynamic economic leaders and defining their role in achieving competitive advantage for contemporary organizations. The study focuses on explaining the concept and importance of developing dynamic economic leaders, and its role in achieving competitive advantage in light of the contemporary world characterized by rapid economic changes and challenges. This study seeks to develop a framework that explains the relationship between developing dynamic economic leaders and achieving competitive advantage in a highly competitive business environment in the contemporary world. The study adopts the descriptive and analytical approach in addressing the theme through a review of theoretical literature and previous studies that dealt with the concept of dynamic economic leadership and its various dimensions, and the concept of competitive advantage and its components in the contemporary business environment. The researchers concluded that there is a close relationship between developing dynamic economic leaders and achieving competitive advantage in these organizations. It became clear to the researchers the importance of the relationship between the two concepts through the role that the development of dynamic economic leadership can play in serving the organization’s goals in the field of achieving and sustaining its competitive advantage. The study concluded its theoretical framework by drawing a set of conclusions and presenting a set of recommendations that would strengthen the relationship between developing dynamic economic leaders and serving the competitive advantage of organizations in the contemporary competitive business world.

EVALUATING THE IMPACT OF DEPRECIATION ON THE PROFITABILITY: UK FASHION COMPANIES

This study investigates the sophisticated dynamics of depreciation and its influence on the profitability of fashion companies in the United Kingdom. The UK's fashion industry has gained substantial growth recently and witnessed escalated sales in both new and used apparel. However, the fashion industry faces sustainability challenges due to the predominantly resulting rapid expansion of the fashion sector. In this competitive business environment, understanding the role of depreciation in shaping profitability becomes pivotal. Examining data collected from 17 UK-based fashion companies spanning the 2018 to 2022 period, this research precisely analyses how depreciation influences key financial indicators: return on assets, return on equity, and operational profit. The methodological approach involves the application of quantile regression analysis, and it offers an in-depth exploration of the relationship between depreciation and these vital financial variables. The findings of this study reveal that there is no statistically significant relationship between depreciation and return on equity or return on assets within the purview of UK fashion companies. However, a positive and statistically significant relationship exists between the depreciation and operating profit. This positive relationship potentially arises from various factors such as enhanced asset utilization, long-term investments, involvement in capital-intensive industries, sustained revenue growth, and improvements in asset quality. These findings have significant implications for stakeholders within the UK fashion industry. While depreciation may not strongly influence return on equity or return on assets, its correlation with operational profit reveals a nuanced aspect of financial performance within these companies.

The Impact of Employees’ Health and Well-being on Job Performance

In today's competitive business environment, companies are constantly seeking strategies to enhance employee performance. Despite various efforts, a crucial aspect often overlooked is the direct impact of employees' physical and mental health on their productivity and overall contribution to the organization. The World Health Organization emphasizes that mental and physical well-being are inseparable, and both are essential for an individual's ability to handle stress, work efficiently, and contribute positively to their workplace. When employees are healthy and mentally sound, their motivation, focus, and job satisfaction naturally increase, leading to fewer sick days and enhanced job performance. Additionally, companies that prioritize their employees' well-being often report better job satisfaction and improved overall performance. This paper delves into the research highlighting the significant effects of employee health and well-being on job performance, advocating for a long-term approach that balances work and life for sustained organizational success and employee satisfaction.

Impact of Social Media Marketing on Brand Loyalty, through the mediating role of customer experience: An Applied Study in the Egyptian Private Hospitals

Social media marketing has developed rapidly in the world's contemporary highly competitive business environment in order to gain patient loyalty and competitive advantage by providing prompt services. For research scholars and practitioners, the marketing strategy that incorporates technological advancements has taken center stage. Effective communication and interaction between stakeholders are crucial to the success of a business, and social media platforms provide the venue for such communication and interaction. Thus, the benefits and risks of scientific communication on social media during COVID-19 are understood, and social media may be employed in such emergency scenarios. The purpose of this research is to empirically investigate the impact of social media marketing on brand loyalty with mediation role of customer experience in the Egyptian private hospitals. A questionnaire tool was employed to gather required data from a convienacne sample of 416 Customer of Egyptian private hospitals and structural equation modelling technique (SEM) was utilized for analysis using Spss 28 & AMOS26 software. The main conclusions drawn from this study are the direct effect between social media marketing and Brand Loyalty is statistically significant, the direct effect between Social Media Marketing and customer experience is statistically significant. The direct effect between customer experience and brand loyalty is statistically significant. Finally, the study found that there is partial mediation effect of the customer experience between the relationship of social media marketing and brand loyalty in the Egyptian private hospitals.

Developing soft skills in the business classrooms of industrial engineering students in Brazil

PurposeIn today’s highly competitive global business environment, there is a growing demand for professionals who possess well-developed soft skills. Such abilities include flexibility, effective communication and other skills. Soft skills are personal attributes and qualities that are more closely related to the emotional side of human beings. Individuals must cultivate and hone soft skills during their undergraduate studies. These skills, also known as interpersonal or non-technical skills, are essential to complement hard skills and pave the way for a thriving career trajectory. Soft skills are developed over the course of one’s career and are indispensable in establishing a strong, professional presence in the corporate or academic realm. The field of engineering is no exception in this regard, and the business approach during the engineering course is of significant relevance. By acquiring soft skills, engineering graduates will become competitive and adaptable professionals capable of handling the current and future challenges of the job market. The purpose of this study is to investigate the soft skills that students perceive as being better developed during their business classrooms in the engineering course and identify areas for improvement in the business education process.Design/methodology/approachThe research method consisted in four different phases from variables identification to statistical analyses. Then, as part of this approach a structured questionnaire was administered at the end of the engineering course, where students rated their perception of the degree of development of each of the soft skills covered in the course on a scale of zero to ten. The collected data were analysed using multivariate analysis techniques, including factorial analysis.FindingsThe results of the study demonstrate that the set of skills acquired by individuals in business classrooms pursuing a degree in industrial engineering is in high demand by potential employers. Such skills are deemed essential for the successful operation of businesses in modern-day industries. The findings of this research validate the significant role that industrial engineering students play in fulfilling the requirements of the job market and pave the way to meaningful insights on how to approach this topic during the business education process in engineering courses.Practical implicationsThe findings bring about significant insights for national educational councils and ministries, universities and educational stakeholders in the process of updating, rethinking and implementing new curricula criteria in higher education, particularly in the Latin American context.Originality/valueThis paper enriches the literature by assessing the development of soft skills of engineering students in the Latin American context. The research reinforces the importance of developing soft skills aligned with those required for the context of current and future labour markets.

Developing Employees’ Critical Thinking Skills in Malta

Critical thinking is considered one of the most significant competencies that employees need to develop in order for them to contribute to an organisation’s success and productivity. The lack of professional development opportunities aimed at enhancing the critical thinking capacity of employees might be deleterious for organisations seeking to capitalise on this competence as a means of remaining innovative. By means of a conceptual case study of Thinkerly – a business-to-business (B2B) firm offering critical thinking training solutions in Malta – this article considers the firm’s business idea, target customer segment, and competitive external business environment. The hypothetical business proposal analyses the internal and external factors affecting the firm’s performance and evaluates the positioning, strategy and competitive advantage of the bespoke training firm. The primary objective of the conceptual case study is to indicate the main considerations a B2B company needs to take when developing critical thinking training in a specific context. To illustrate how any such proposal is likely to have its limitations, two of the models utilised in the design of Thinkerly’s proposal are subjected to critique.