Competitive Pressures Research Articles

THE INFLUENCE OF EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE HUMAN RESOURCE INFORMATION SYSTEM IN GHANA. AN EMPIRICAL STUDY IN THE UPPER WEST REGION MMDA’S

The study examines the relationship between the external factors (government policy, external support and competitive pressure) and the implementation of the HRIS (acceptance and effectiveness). The study assessed the level of acceptability of each variable in the study. The study was a quantitative study which centers on question-based survey. The study used purposive sampling technique and a sample of 187 line managers of the eleven (11) MMDAs in the Upper West Region of Ghana were selected.  The unit of analysis was at the individual level where opinions of the line managers were sought to assess the relationship between the individual characteristics and the implementation the HRIS. The unit of measurement was likert scale. SPSS was used to carry out the analysis of this study. Bivariate correlation was used to establish one-on-one relationship between variables operationalized in this study. The findings revealed that Competitive Pressure and External Support had a moderate level of acceptance whereas Government Policies have a low level of acceptance as factors that affect the implementation of the HRIS. The study revealed that, government policies, external support, competitive pressure had correlation with the acceptance of the HRIS. Lastly, it concluded that government colicies, competitive pressure had correlation with the effectiveness of the HRIS whereas external support had no correlation with the effectiveness of the HRIS. The study recommended Ghana's government to create sound regulations that will facilitate the HRIS adoption and implementation.
 Keywords: Human Resource Information System, Environmental Factors, Implementation, Government Policy, External Support, Competitive Advantage, Acceptance, Effectiveness.

Service Quality Management: A Literature Reviews

Service quality management (SQM) is a critical aspect of organizational success in service-based industries, as it directly influences customer satisfaction, loyalty, and financial performance. This literature review aims to synthesize existing research on SQM to provide insights into its conceptualization, measurement, determinants, and strategies for improvement. Drawing on a comprehensive review of academic articles, books, and industry reports, this paper examines the evolution of SQM frameworks and models, including seminal models such as SERVQUAL and SERVPERF, and explores the multidimensional nature of service quality. The review identifies key dimensions of service quality, including tangibles, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy, and evaluates various measurement and assessment tools used to capture these dimensions. Additionally, the literature review delves into the determinants of service quality, both internal (e.g., organizational culture, employee training) and external (e.g., customer expectations, competitive pressures), highlighting their impact on service quality outcomes. Furthermore, the review discusses best practices and strategies for improving service quality, such as continuous improvement initiatives, customer relationship management (CRM) systems, service recovery mechanisms, and employee empowerment programs. It also examines challenges faced by organizations in managing service quality, such as globalization, technological advancements, and changing customer preferences, and proposes areas for future research to address these challenges. Overall, this literature review contributes to a deeper understanding of SQM by synthesizing existing knowledge, identifying gaps in the literature, and offering practical insights for organizations seeking to enhance service quality and achieve sustainable competitive advantage.

Beyond populism and into the state: The political economy of national-conservatism

This article argues that the crises of neoliberal globalisation since the 2000s have given rise to a new transnational political family that we call ‘national-conservatism’. Through a critical examination of the literature on the Global Right and the role of the state under globalisation, we contend that national-conservatism acts as an innovative model for acquiring and exerting power from the right today, characterised by an endorsement of the state’s economic role, an emphasis on traditional values and hierarchies such as religion, and a proactive, occasionally confrontational stance in foreign policy. Consequently, the paradigm of national-conservatism prompts the division of transnational neoliberalism into discrete national domains. These domains function as havens where the neoliberal elite is shielded both from foreign competitive pressures and radical demands of respective national societies. Crucially, national-conservatism garners legitimacy for this new order through its commitment to revitalising traditional, hierarchical models of national sovereignty.

Determinants of blockchain technology adoption in small and medium hospitality and tourism enterprises

ABSTRACT This study examines the determinants of blockchain technology adoption in small and medium hospitality and tourism enterprises. This study also investigates the moderating effect of technology optimism. Results from a sample of 550 enterprises indicate that technological factors (i.e., relative advantage and compatibility), organizational factors (i.e., top management support, organizational readiness, and employee blockchain technology knowledge), and environmental factors (i.e., competitive pressure, customer pressure, and government support) positively affect intention to adopt blockchain technology. These relationships are moderated by technology optimism. Interestingly, perceived complexity and adoption cost are insignificant determinants of blockchain technology adoption. This study contributes to the literature by explaining the underlying mechanism and boundary conditions (i.e., managers’ technology optimism) under which technological, organizational, and environmental factors predict the adoption of blockchain technology among small and medium hospitality and tourism enterprises. Moreover, the findings provide implications for hospitality and tourism managers in adopting and implementing blockchain technologies.

Patient Engagement with Conversational Agents in Health Applications 2016–2022: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Clinicians and patients seeking electronic health applications face challenges in selecting effective solutions due to a high market failure rate. Conversational agent applications (“chatbots”) show promise in increasing healthcare user engagement by creating bonds between the applications and users. It is unclear if chatbots improve patient adherence or if past trends to include chatbots in electronic health applications were due to technology hype dynamics and competitive pressure to innovate. We conducted a systematic literature review using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses methodology on health chatbot randomized control trials. The goal of this review was to identify if user engagement indicators are published in eHealth chatbot studies. A meta-analysis examined patient clinical trial retention of chatbot apps. The results showed no chatbot arm patient retention effect. The small number of studies suggests a need for ongoing eHealth chatbot research, especially given the claims regarding their effectiveness made outside the scientific literatures.

Evolutionary adaptation to steady or changing environments affects competitive outcomes in marine phytoplankton

AbstractThe interplay of phytoplankton competition and adaptation affects how phytoplankton, and ultimately marine ecosystems, respond to global warming. However, current ecosystem models that are run under global warming scenarios do not include both processes simultaneously. To fill this gap, we developed an innovative ecosystem model for the Baltic Sea that simulates competition between three phytoplankton functional groups and allows for adaptation to changing temperatures. As adaptation can be affected by the resuspension of dormant resting cells from the sediment, we explicitly implemented this mechanism. We found that resuspension tends to slow down adaptation, and that competition and adaptation influence each other. The outcome of the competition‐adaptation interplay depends on environmental conditions. In a steady environment, competition drives adaptation to individual temperature niches to reduce competition pressure. In a changing environment, adaptation allows inferior competitors to mitigate the dominance of preadapted superior competitors. Our results demonstrate that by neglecting adaptation, models can systematically overestimate warming‐related changes in taxa dominance. Ecosystem models should include both competition and adaptation to accurately simulate phytoplankton responses to global warming. Our model is ideally suited to integrate emerging evolutionary data based on long‐term data series (e.g., from sediment archives) to further improve projections of future ecosystem change.

Examining the Influence of Artificial Intelligence Implementation in HRM Practices Using T-O-E Model

Given the swift progress of artificial intelligence in contemporary economies, HR managers are also adopting artificial intelligence tools to perform many HR tasks, from human resource planning to employee quitting. This research employs the TOE (Technology–Organization–Environment) model and incorporates the trust factor to propose a methodology for investigating artificial intelligence (AI) adoption in HRM. A structured questionnaire was used to survey 615 ITeS companies. Data analysis was performed using partial least squares structural equation modelling. The findings of this research indicate that factors such as cost-effectiveness, relative advantage, organization size, top management support, HR readiness, competitive pressure, vendor support, and the trust of HR managers are considered to have a positive impact on AI adoption in managing human resources. The utilization of AI in HRM has been cumbersome by conflicting results stemming from security and privacy concerns and the complexity of the technology involved. It is also found that factors such as reliability and credibility have a positive effect on the trust of HR managers. This article aims to provide valuable insights to senior executives, HR managers, experts, researchers, AI designers, developers, and marketers by strengthening their understanding of the impact of AI in managing human resources.

Adopting Artificial Intelligence Technology for Network Operations in Digital Transformation

This study aims to define factors that affect Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology introduction to network operations and analyze the relative importance of such factors. Based on this analysis of critical factors, a rational decision-making framework is suggested to promote network operations with AI technology. As affecting factors were derived based on related previous studies, the study model was designed to consist of 22 attribute factors under 6 key factors: relative advantage, compatibility, top management support, organizational readiness, competitive pressure, and cooperative relation. The questionnaire was designed and analyzed using the Delphi method and Analytics Hierarchy Process (AHP) method based on the Technology–Organization–Environment (TOE) framework. To collect data, a survey was conducted among 30 experts in network operations and AI. The importance of attribute factors was in the order of ‘goals and strategies’, ‘commitment of resources’, ‘leadership competency’, ‘financial readiness’, and ‘technology readiness’. As the importance of factors was analyzed comparatively between the demander group and provider group, organizational factors were important in the demander group. In contrast, technological factors were important in the provider group. In conclusion, there was a difference in perspectives between demanders and providers regarding adopting AI technology to network operations.

Niche partitioning and individual specialisation in resources and space use of sympatric fur seals at their range margin.

Ecological theory predicts niche partitioning between high-level predators living in sympatry as a mechanism to minimise the selective pressure of competition. Accordingly, male Australian fur seals Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus and New Zealand fur seals A. forsteri that live in sympatry should exhibit partitioning in their broad niches (in habitat and trophic dimensions) in order to coexist. However, at the northern end of their distributions in Australia, both are recolonising their historic range after a long absence due to over-exploitation, and their small population sizes suggest competition should be weak and may allow overlap in niche space. We found some niche overlap, yet clear partitioning in diet trophic level (δ15N values from vibrissae), spatial niche space (horizontal and vertical telemetry data) and circadian activity patterns (timing of dives) between males of each species, suggesting competition may remain an active driver of niche partitioning amongst individuals even in small, peripheral populations. Consistent with individual specialisation theory, broad niches of populations were associated with high levels of individual specialisation for both species, despite putative low competition. Specialists in isotopic space were not necessarily specialists in spatial niche space, further emphasising their diverse individual strategies for niche partitioning. Males of each species displayed distinct foraging modes, with Australian fur seals primarily benthic and New Zealand fur seals primarily epipelagic, though unexpectedly high individual specialisation for New Zealand fur seals might suggest marginal populations provide exceptions to the pattern generally observed amongst other fur seals.

Factors Influencing Income Smoothing Practice Among Manufacturing Firms in Kenya

This research aims to assess the factors influencing income smoothing practices among manufacturing firms in Kenya. Income smoothing, a financial management strategy used by organizations, intentionally manipulates reported earnings to achieve stable and predictable financial performance. This practice, driven by management incentives and regulatory frameworks, impacts decision-making processes and stakeholder perceptions. This study examines income smoothing practices among manufacturing firms in Kenya and recognizes the unique challenges they face, including fluctuating raw material costs and evolving regulatory environments. Based on theoretical frameworks such as agency theory and signaling theory as well as empirical findings, the factors that influence income smoothing behavior are examined. The most important influencing factors include regulatory frameworks, management incentives, industry competition and economic conditions. The study shows that during economic volatility, companies tend to adopt income smoothing measures to increase stakeholder confidence, while regulatory changes such as the introduction of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) increase transparency and reduce income smoothing. In addition to the compensation structures for executives, competitive pressure and access to capital markets also shape income smoothing practices. Understanding these influencing factors provides insights into the dynamics of income smoothing and its impact on financial transparency and decision-making in the manufacturing sector in Kenya.

Assessing the Relationship between Tree Growth, Crown Size, and Neighboring Tree Species Diversity in Mixed Coniferous and Broad Forests Using Crown Size Competition Indices

Competition among trees for limited resources (e.g., sunlight, water, and nutrients) impacts their growth differently. Crown plays a crucial role in resource access for trees. However, uncertainties persist regarding crown size differences, tree growth, and tree competition levels between coniferous and broadleaf trees in mixed-age forests. We conducted a study on 3008 live trees across 28 plots in Hunan Province to measure individual crown size and tree growth increment. Introducing a new metric, the Crown Size Competition Index (CSCI), we assessed competition pressure among coniferous and broadleaf species in mixed-age forests. We examined the correlation between competition indices and tree growth increment while also investigating the influence of neighboring species diversity on tree competition. Our results revealed a significant negative correlation between the tree growth of Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook.(CL) and Phoebe bournei (Hemsl.) Yang (PB) and the competition index. Increased competitive pressure on the focal tree corresponded to a decline in the growth of focal tree volume, with a more pronounced impact observed in PB compared to CL. The diversity of neighboring species contributed to variations in competition for the focal tree, with broadleaved species (PB) exerting a greater influence on the focal tree than coniferous species (CL). These findings underscore the competitive potential of PB in mature coniferous stands and advocate for the restoration of stratified mixes in CL broadleaf forests. Furthermore, our findings support the management strategies for the valuable tree species PB.

Exploring the Link between Organisational Performance Pressures and the Factors that Compromise Ethical Leadership

Purpose: This research paper explores the link between threat-appraised organizational performance pressure and factors that compromise ethical leadership. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study uses a qualitative approach, using a rank-type Delphi method and administered questionnaires to 40 academic and practitioner experts and 10 organisational leaders. The collected data was analysed through qualitative comparative analysis (QCA). Results: The findings provide empirical evidence of the detrimental impact of threat-appraised performance pressure on ethical leadership behaviour. Four themes are identified as top-ranked organisational performance pressures and factors compromising ethical leadership: market share growth pressure, pressure to present positive financial statements, pressure to achieve greater efficiency, and competitive pressure linked to several factors that compromise ethical leadership. Practical Implications: This research has practical implications for academics, ethics practitioners, policymakers, and organizations, emphasising the importance of mitigating the negative consequences of performance pressures on ethical decision-making. The research supports the development of effective measures, training programs, and ethical frameworks to navigate ethical challenges posed by performance pressures, contributing to long-term success and sustainability. Originality/Value This research contributes novel insights to the field of ethical leadership by exploring the relationship between organisational performance pressures and factors compromising ethical leadership. It fills a significant gap in empirical evidence and advances our understanding of how performance pressures can impact ethical leadership behaviour. The rigorous methodology, comprehensive analysis, and practical implications make it valuable for academics, researchers, practitioners, and policymakers. Keywords: ethical leadership, performance pressure, qualitative comparative analysis, Delphi method, dishonesty, unfairness, low moral judgement, lack of accountability

Competition Behind Competition: State-Sponsored Awards, Political Tournaments, and Corporate Participation in Poverty Alleviation in China

Research has thus far suggested mixed effects of awards on the behavior of nonwinning firms. We draw from research on interorganizational spillover to study under what conditions state-sponsored awards motivate nonwinning firms to increase their efforts. We contend that, when government officials—an important institutional agent—are under competitive pressure from their own rivals to pursue the state goal, they are more motivated to promote the awards and trigger peer emulation, resulting in interorganizational spillover following the bestowal of awards. In turn, nonwinning firms with a greater need for government-controlled resources are more responsive to the spillover effect promoted by local officials. We test our theory with government awards to firms in China’s state-initiated poverty alleviation program. Analysis of Chinese publicly listed firms from 2016 to 2019 shows that following antipoverty award announcements, nonwinning firms improved their poverty alleviation effort more when their local government officials faced stronger competitive pressure in poverty reduction from their own close-rival officials. Notably, such spillover effects did not occur when local officials faced low competitive pressure. Our study contributes to research on interorganizational spillover and awards as well as how the state can encourage firms to tackle grand challenges.

Effects of Bipolaris yamadae strain HXDC-1-2 as a bioherbicide against Echinochloa crus-galli in rice and dry fields.

Barnyardgrass (Weed Science Society of America recommended) or Barnyard grass (Britannica recommended) (Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) P. Beauv.) is one of the most problematic and dominant weeds in world agricultural systems, especially in paddy fields, where tillering and grain yield can be reduced by 50-70% because of its competitive pressure. The frequent use of chemical herbicides to control E. crus-galli has led to the evolution of herbicide resistance. Developing bioherbicides using pathogenic fungi to control E. crus-galli could be an alternative option. In a previous study we showed that a strain of Bipolaris yamadae (HXDC-1-2) was promising in controlling gramineous weeds. Here we present a study that evaluated this fungus as a mycoherbicide against E. crus-galli in greenhouse and paddy fields, characterized mycelium growth and conidial production, and examined the infection development. The median effective dose (ED50) and 90% effective dose (ED90) values of microcapsulated B. yamadae strain HXDC-1-2 on E. crus-galli in the greenhouse were 7.17 × 102 and 9.35 × 103 conidia mL-1, respectively. Conidial germination, mycelial growth, and attachment formation occurred on E. crus-galli leaves within 1 to 6 h. The hyphae directly invaded cells and stomata, primarily from the appressorium on the epidermis, and necrotic lesions were observed on the leaf surface within 20 to 24 h. Applied to E. crus-galli plants at 1 × 105 conidia mL-1, the fungus reduced the weed's fresh weight of 75%. B. yamadae strain HXDC-1-2 has the potential to be developed as a bioherbicide against E. crus-galli plants, especially in rice fields. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Examining the Influence of Marketing Mix on Retailer Brand Awareness: A Focus on Detergent Products

The research seeks to examine how the components of the marketing mix affect brand awareness within the detergent industry, with a specific focus on 233 retail outlets situated across Chennai, Sivakasi, and Tuticorin. Utilizing a structured questionnaire, data was collected on brand awareness of detergentsamong these retailers. The primary objective is to analyze brand awareness levels while identifying factors influencing detergent awareness. Factors such as product, price, promotion, service, and distribution channels are examined. Retailer perceptions towards various detergent brands, notably Surfexcel and Matic Liquid, were assessed. Matic Liquid emerged with the highest sales volume among detergent products. Statistical tools including Chi-square, weighted average, and Multiple Regression were employedfor analysis. The research underscores the significance of understanding retailer perspectives in the context of intensifying market competition and evolving technology. Theoretical frameworks and analytical methodologies are elucidated to provide a comprehensive understanding of the business environment. The study also delves into strategies for overcoming competitive challenges faced by Surfexcel in the dynamic detergent market. Statistical software SPSS facilitated data analysis, incorporating tests like Chi-square, weighted average, and Multiple Regressions. In summary, the research presents insights into brand awareness dynamics among retailers, delineating key factors influencing brand perception in the detergent industry. The findings inform strategic decisions aimed at enhancing market presence and mitigating competitive pressures.

Competitive pressure from peers, firm sizes and firms' risk-taking behaviours: machine learning evidence

PurposeThis study aims to investigate how firms of different sizes respond to competitive pressure from peers.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs machine learning techniques to measure competitive pressure based on management discussion and analysis (MD&A) documents and then utilises the constructed pressure indicator to explore the relationship between competitive pressure and corporate risk-taking behaviours amongst firms of different sizes.FindingsWe find that firm sizes are positively associated with their risk-taking behaviours when firms respond to competitive pressure. Large firms are inclined to exhibit a high level of risk-taking behaviours, whereas small firms tend to make conservative decisions. Regional growth potential and institutional ownership moderate the relationships.Originality/valueUtilising text mining techniques, this study constructs a novel quantitative indicator to measure competitive pressure perceived by focal firms and demonstrates the heterogeneous behaviour of firms of different sizes in response to competitive pressure from peers, advancing research on competitive market pressures.

Discussion on Improving the Level of Enterprise Business Administration Under the New Economic Environment

In the ever-evolving landscape of the new economy, businesses are confronted with numerous challenges and opportunities. This article examines three key aspects: technological innovation, market competition, and regulatory updates, and their impact on enterprise business administration. Firstly, technological innovation drives digital transformation, necessitating the active application of technologies such as artificial intelligence and big data to enhance efficiency. Secondly, intensifying market competition, coupled with the rise of new industries and global competitive pressures, calls for enterprises to expand their talent pool and strengthen management and innovation. Lastly, the continuous update of laws and regulations requires businesses to establish robust risk management systems, enhance compliance awareness, and ensure legal operations. In conclusion, by comprehensively addressing challenges in technology, market dynamics, and legal compliance, businesses can enhance their business administration levels to meet the demands of the evolving new economic environment.

The effect of market orientation and technology orientation on industry 4.0 technologies and market performance: Role of innovation capability

Today, businesses are facing increasing demands from the customers and strong competitive pressure. Firms must continuously deliver value and satisfy customer demands to survive and maintain growth in the market. In this regard, organizations are implementing Industry 4.0 (I4) technologies to satisfy customer requirements, deliver value and sustain in the market. This study examines how strategic orientations (market and technology orientation) influence firms to adopt I4 technologies, and how I4 technologies can help to deliver customer value and improve firm performance. To this end, the study posits that adoption of I4 technologies develops innovation capability, which can lead to desired performance outcomes (innovation and market performance). The proposed model is examined using survey responses from 154 US industrial firms. Findings show that market and technology orientation have significant effect on adoption of I4 technologies, and partial mediation effect of technology orientation between market orientation and adoption of I4 technologies. Further, I4 technologies help to build innovation capability, which improves performance outcomes. The study provides implications for managers in industrial firms with regard to understanding the key facets of I4 technologies.

How Can Small and Medium-Sized Manufacturing Enterprises Improve Green Innovation Performance through Innovation Ecosystems?

Under the fierce business competition and sustainable development pressure, the pattern of enterprise innovation has gradually changed from independent innovation to cooperative innovation. As a collection of multi-type innovation actors, the innovation ecosystem provides opportunities and platforms for cooperative innovation among government–industry–university–research institutions. While the present studies on innovation ecosystems are mostly from the perspective of the system level, few studies pay attention to the innovation mechanism of small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises (SMMEs) in the innovation ecosystem. Therefore, this study takes SMMEs embedded in innovation ecosystems as research objects and explores the factors affecting green innovation. We constructed a theoretical model to explain the effect of innovation eco-embeddedness on green innovation performance based on ecosystem theory and network embeddedness theory; we then collected 363 samples of SMMEs in China through surveys and further tested the data empirically. The results show that the innovation eco-embeddedness (IEE) of SMMEs has a positive effect on their green innovation performance (GIP), and their green value co-creation practices (GVCCPs) partially mediate the relationship between IEE and GIP. Moreover, ecological norms (ENs) in the innovation ecosystem not only positively moderate the impact of IEE on GVCCPs but also positively moderate the mediating role of GVCCPs. This study enriches the relevant research on innovation ecosystems from the perspective of non-core enterprises and provides a theoretical basis and practical reference for SMMEs to implement green innovation practices and realize growth through innovation ecosystems.

Effectiveness of glyphosate potassium 660 g/L herbicide in controlling weeds at productive tea plants (Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze)

Tea ranks among Indonesia's prominent export commodities, and international market competition necessitates the cultivation of tea plants with maximum efficiency to sustain production levels. An eminent challenge in preserving the productivity of tea plants is the pervasive growth of weeds, which engender competitive pressures on tea plants, consequently diminishing crop yields. This research was conducted during January to May, 2023 to test the effectiveness of Glyphosate Potassium 660 g/L herbicide in controlling various types of weeds in tea plantations. Glyphosate potassium herbicide works by inhibiting the 5-enolpiruvil-shikimat-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS) enzyme which plays a role in the formation of aromatic amino acids in plants. The research was conducted at the PTPN VIII Rancabali tea plantation, Bandung Regency, West Java Province, Indonesia. The experimental design used was a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with seven treatments and four replications, resulting in 28 experimental plots. Treatments included the application of Glyphosate Potassium 660 g/L herbicide with doses of 0.75 L/ha, 1.125 L/ha, 1.5 L/ha, 1.875 L/ha, 2.25 L/ha, manual weeding, and control (without treatment). The results showed that the herbicide with Glyphosate Potassium 660 g/L active ingredient at doses ranging from 0.75 L/ha to 2.25 L/ha was effective to control broadleaf weeds such as Ageratum conyzoides, Bidens pilosa, Galinsoga parviflora, and Diodia sarmentosa, grassy weeds such as Setaria plicata and Axonopus compressus and other weeds (Drymaria cordata, Synedrella nodyflora, Erechtithes valerianifolia and Clidemia hirta) until the observation at 12 Weeks After Application (WAA) without causing phytotoxicity on the tea plants.