Competitive Priorities Research Articles

Customer Requirement Importance Determination Method Based on Uncertain Language Information Entropy

To reflect the uncertainty of the objective environment in an effective way, a customer demand selection method based on information entropy of uncertain language is proposed. First, the customer representative uses uncertain language variables to represent the competitiveness of the company’s products and those of its competitors. Secondly, the method of information entropy was used to determine the competitive priority of each customer demand item. Finally, taking the improvement of the PE crusher as an example, the practicability and reliability of the proposed method are illustrated.

From order-qualifier to order-winner? Mapping the e-retailing competitive priorities

From order-qualifier to order-winner? Mapping the e-retailing competitive priorities

Species richness responds to buffer effectiveness and competitive priorities in simulations of alpine microrefugia

AbstractAimMicrorefugia on alpine slopes may allow species to persist in a warming climate. How plant species richness could respond to of the effectiveness of climatic buffering, defined as the difference in climate change in a microrefugium in comparison to that of an open alpine slope as mediated by competitive priority effects, is explored.LocationAlpine habitat anywhere.TaxonVascular plants.MethodsA simple spatially explicit model of plant species with adaptations across a climatic gradient simulates reproduction, dispersal, and mortality through climatic change. The effectiveness of microrefugia in buffering climate change and levels of competitive priority effects are included as factors that alter demographic rates in an experimental framework. Spatial patterns of microrefugia and differences in dispersal are also simulated. Differences in mean species richness were analysed.ResultsThe number of species conserved, relative to an instantaneous equilibrium calculation with the same climatic change, decreases with inclusion of a period of change (transient vs. instantaneous, equilibrium change) and further with competitive priority effects. In these simulations, the number of species conserved does not simply increase with buffer effectiveness, as hypothesized, but instead is bimodal.Main ConclusionsThe dip in number of species conserved in the middle range of buffer effectiveness occurs because barriers develop. These are temporal ecological traps, wherein species adapted to the middle of a climatic gradient become extinct, because their colonization of microrefugia is blocked by an extinction debt of resident species. The inertia that allows these demographic consequences is increased by competitive priorities. The highest levels of buffering and resulting inertia will not be ubiquitous but the bimodal pattern indicates that assessments of the role of microrefugia need to recognize the temporal species‐environment and species‐species interactions that will change the number of species conserved versus extinctions.

The role of total quality management (TQM) in achieving competitive priorities in Yemeni pharmaceutical manufacturing companies

The role of total quality management (TQM) in achieving competitive priorities in Yemeni pharmaceutical manufacturing companies

Towards Multi-user Access Fairness in Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface Assisted Wireless Networks

Reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) provides additional physical channels to existing wireless network infrastructure and has attracted intensive research attention to enhance the communication capacity and extend additional user accommodation. Existing RIS researches mainly focus on optimizing the physical-layer channel utilization, and have yet to consider the multi-user fairness of the medium access process when involving the RIS channel. This article shows that RIS can lead to severely unbalanced access opportunities among RIS-assisted users and others from the experimental analysis. Specifically, we demonstrate that due to the capture effect and unbalanced receiving rate of management frames, RIS-assisted users can have unfair competitive priorities to normal users without RIS resources. To overcome such unfair access issues, we propose a novel antiunfair algorithm that allows equal access opportunities for all kinds of users in a RIS-assisted network. Specifically, we optimize the management frames' modulation and coding scheme (MCS) selections to fight against unexpected bias to balance the access opportunities. We have conducted an experimental evaluation with a practical RIS system showing that the proposed antiunfair algorithm can significantly alleviate the fairness problem without compromising the network performance.

Competitive priorities and engagement: can they be a source of satisfaction? Customer-centered model

Purpose This study aims to investigate and test the impact of competitive priorities, in terms of quality, speed, dependability, flexibility, cost and patient engagement, on patient satisfaction with healthcare services. It considers patients’ rather than managers’ points of view to collect responses about competitive priorities.Design/methodology/approach This research employed a cross-sectional survey design to analyze a sample of customers through an empirical study of 488 patients in Qatar’s healthcare service context.Findings The confirmatory factor analysis results show that competitive priorities and engagement positively and significantly impact patient satisfaction.Research limitations/implications Researchers can use this methodology to explore the role of competitive priorities in different service contexts and sectors. The researchers conducted the study in Qatar; therefore, the results are not generalizable to all healthcare sectors. However, regardless of geographic location, the research approach can be used in healthcare.Practical implications Managers can employ the developed scales to diagnose competitive priorities and improve customer service experiences.Originality/value The paper is original as it suggests using competitive priorities as a measurement tool for predicting patient satisfaction compared to prior research that mostly measured competitive priorities based on internal perspectives (managers’ perspectives). Further, this paper is original because it depends on the external perspective (customers’ perspective) for the competitive priorities for measuring patient satisfaction.

The importance of supply chain integration in the performance nexus: A case from developing country

Effective supply chain management (SCM) hinges on seamless integration among stakeholders, a concept extensively explored in literature. This involves efficient coordination, collaboration, and swift information sharing to align everyone toward common goals, ultimately reducing costs and inefficiencies. Integration enhances communication decision-making and standardizes processes, reducing errors and waste. Organizations must continually assess and monitor integration processes, emphasizing effective communication and collaboration in areas such as vendor management, procurement, and distribution. Success in SCM depends on vigilant monitoring and assessment of integration strategies, ensuring optimized outcomes. The study conducted a quantitative data analysis with survey questionnaires. The study found that for sustainable supply chains, it is essential to consider the competitive priorities of networked firms, industry type, and stakeholder collaboration. Different industries require varying levels of supply chain integration, necessitating exploration of integration-related topics for a comprehensive understanding. Sustainable supply chains depend on member collaboration, ethical practices, and a balance of economic and environmental considerations. Specifically, the agricultural food sector's focus on sustainability drives the demand for better integration. The lack of integration results in inefficiencies, higher costs, and a lack of collaboration, preventing the realization of potential benefits. Current research aims to explore the reliability of adopting SCM integration methods in the Asian agricultural food industry. This research explored the practical aspects of integrating supply chains in this sector that was neglected in the Asian agricultural food industries, hindering efficiency and cost reduction.

An Active Learning Exercise for Teaching Process Strategy Alignment and Process Improvement

Abstract This hands-on active learning exercise uses an origami activity to teach students how to (1) achieve competitive priorities through process design and (2) monitor and evaluate process performance for potential improvement. Students are expected to explore current work processes for areas of improvement by focusing on process structure and resource management in process design and evaluation. Through the activity, students are exposed to linking process design with competitive priorities and challenged to evaluate their process for potential improvement. We provide several extensions of the activity that can be utilized to further its pedagogical utility.

Suraj Kumar: balancing career, family, and self

Learning outcomes This case study is best suited for courses in career management, stress management, work–life management or science of well-being in organization behavior (OB) or human resources management (HRM). This case study is targeted at the MBA or executive development programs. The learning outcomes of this case study are as follows: to analyze the challenges in balancing Suraj Kumar’s (the protagonist) work–life balance situation and identifying the main causes of such a conflict. What are some strategies that could be used to address these issues? To develop a plan to balance work responsibilities with family and personal life. What specific actions could he take to achieve this balance? To design a training program for employees that addresses work–life balance issues. What topics would you cover in the training, and what methods would you use to deliver the content? To create a proposal for a flexible work arrangement program that an organization could offer to its employees. What would be the benefits of this program, and how would it be implemented and managed? To develop a business case for why an organization should prioritize work–life balance for its employees. What are the potential benefits of doing so, and how can the organization measure the impact of its efforts? Case overview/synopsis This case study discusses conflicts due to competitive priorities that people face in balancing the pressures, roles and responsibilities between their professional life (careers) and their personal life, and the trade-offs that they make across these multiple aspects of their lives. This case study revolves around Suraj Kumar, a successful consultant, who was offered a promotion as the executive director for the social sector. This promotion would require extensive travel and time away from his family. Kumar was struggling to balance his work responsibilities with his family life and his involvement with the Smile and Shine Foundation, which supports the education of children from economically weaker sections of society. He was reflecting on his past and present and trying to figure out how to prioritize his commitments while also achieving his personal and professional goals. Complexity academic level This research has shown that a case discussion and role-play can be effective for a less experienced audience. Instructors can provide multiple perspectives to stimulate reflection and debate. For executive MBA or executive development programs, a self-reflection exercise is recommended. Participants in these programs may have personal experience dealing with or may know others who have dealt with work–life balance issues, making self-reflection a valuable tool. Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 6: Human resource management.

Competitive Priorities as Operations Management Strategy Enablers

This paper discusses the importance of applying competitive priorities that include cost, quality, time, and flexibility as the basis for a company’s operating strategy. Some examples of successful companies applying these types of competitive priorities will be explained. However, there is no specific recipe that companies should follow in choosing the right competitive priorities, as each individual company has a different competitive strategy and resource approach. In fact, there is no guarantee that selecting specific competitive priorities will maintain the company’s position in the marketplace, because selection requires a critical and continuous process across the company's conditions. In a dynamic business environment, companies should focus on strategic flexibility and innovation capabilities as additional tools to current competitive priorities. Finally, the role of the company’s management is crucial, as it can carefully define the objectives of the competitive priorities and the improvement of the applied innovation strategy.

Managerial Competences and Competitive Priority Telecommunication organizations in Jordan

Managerial Competences and Competitive Priority Telecommunication organizations in Jordan

Systematic Literature Review in Reshoring Strategies 4.0

Background: With global changes in markets and government regulations, most organizations, which previously opted for offshore production, began to return to their country of origin—a process called reshoring. The new strategies for locating units and business models, which involve decisions to outsource production and organizational capacity, now face a new context of Industry 4.0, a market for technologies with the potential to transform entire supply chains in addition to directly influencing organizational aspects with innovative solutions and resource efficiency. Methods: This systematic literature review (SLR) found 43 articles relating to reshoring and Industry 4.0; there was an increase in publications in the last few years. We divided the studies according to 9 aspects: market uncertainties and labor supply; support for managerial decision making; competitive priorities analysis (costs and efficiency); business strategies; information knowledge and collaboration management; political, social and economic changes; risk security and privacy management; supply chain management; and investment market and private equity funds. Results: This article presents a content analysis of articles in the field of administration, focusing on location strategies, technology adoption, and organizational changes. The study identifies key aspects such as research quality, publication trends, regional focus, and strategy topics. The findings emphasize the importance of research objectives and problem-solving for managerial decision-making and highlight the need for further exploration in the literature. Conclusions: Reshoring, Industry 4.0, and location strategies are relevant topics for global management. The supply chain plays a role in decision-making for location and technology adoption, suggesting the need for more research in supply chain management.

A Method for Formulating a Manufacturing Strategy Using Fuzzy DEMATEL and Fuzzy VIKOR

The purpose of this paper is to propose a quantitative method for formulating a manufacturing strategy. It is based on the accepted framework for manufacturing strategy formation containing competitive priorities and manufacturing decisions. The existing literature shows a limited number of papers using quantitative methods for modeling the framework. The proposed method utilizes a combination of three multi-criteria decision making methods (MCDM) to formulate the strategy. They are the fuzzy version of DEMATEL, VIKOR, and AHP. The proposed method supports managers in generating action plans for manufacturing that are aligned with the company’s overall strategy. It also produces a ranking of the plans, so managers can focus on those that are most important for achieving the company’s goals. The contribution of the proposed method is that it captures the priorities and the complex relationships among the factors affecting the manufacturing strategy. From a practical point of view, its value is the support provided for managers in formulating manufacture. It was applied in one company, where managers stated that they found the resulting strategy useful in terms of supporting the company’s objectives.

The Influence of Digital Maturity, Competitive Priorities and Decision-making Styles on the Acceptance of Digital Technologies in Micro and Small Organizations

The subject of this research is to determine the level of digital technology acceptancein micro and small organizations. There is a lack of research in the existing literaturethat would move away from existing models and theories and explain the reasons fordigital technology acceptance by micro and small organizations. It was noticed thatresearch on the intention to accept digital technologies in micro and small organizationsneeds to focus on moderating factors, the influence of which has been neglected inexisting research.For this reason, a model for digital technology acceptance by micro and smallorganizations was created, which explored the effect of moderating factors andencompassed the key characteristics of micro and small organizations. The effect ofperceived financial risk, perceived security risk, perceived loss of time, perceivedgovernment pressure, and the level of knowledge of decision-makers on the intentionto accept digital technologies are examined. As well the relationship between externalpressure (market participants' pressure and crisis circumstances) and the level ofknowledge of decision-makers in organizations was explored.The focus of the research is to explore the moderating effect of the organization's digitalmaturity and competitive priorities on the relationship of factors (perceived securityrisk, perceived loss of time, perceived government pressure) and intent to accept digitaltechnologies. The moderating effect of the decision-makers decision-making style onthe relationship between external pressure (market participants' pressure and crisiscircumstances) and the level of knowledge of decision-makers are explored as well.

Sources of sustainable competitive advantage and direction of development: a study on pharmaceutical SMEs

To cope, preserve market position, and achieve sustainable competitive advantage (SCA), companies should put operations strategy into action systematically and coherently. In this vein, the purpose of this study is to evaluate small and medium-sized (SME) pharmaceutical firms in southern Vietnam considering their current strategic orientation, development path, and sustanability of competitive advantage. The method used in this research is Sense and Respond (S&R), supported with combination of different tools. The data has been gathered from six companies utilizing two questionnaires: “Manufacturing strategy index (MSI)” and “S&R”. The results show that, all case companies act as Analyzer both in the past and in the future when employing operations strategy. In all case companies, quality found to be the most important competitive priority in the past and future, and the main source of competitive advantage. Furthermore, spearhead technology and knowledge (T&K) found to be the main source of risk in operations strategy and SCA. The Weak Market Test demonstrates that the research results are consistent with the actual situations of the case companies. The research concludes that S&R method works well in evaluating the operative SCA of pharmaceutical SMEs.

Interactive Marketing Practices and Market Performance in Soft Drinks Industry: An Empirical Study on Competitive Advantage As a Mediator

Purpose: To what extent does competitive advantage mediate the relationship between interactive marketing practices and market performance? In attempt to respond to this question, this study was conducted with the aim of examining the mediating role of competitive advantage on the interactive marketing practices market performance relationship in the soft drink industry context.
 Methodology: A cross-sectional research design was taken on a sample of 322 soft drink manufacturing enterprises in the city of Kigali. The unit of inquiry for the quantitative study were the sales, accounting, finance, marketing and communication managers whereas chief executive officers were the unit of inquiry for the qualitative study. The study used both questionnaire and interview guide to collect data. Path analysis, MedGraph v3.xlsm and Hierarchical regression were used to test the model.
 Findings: Study findings show that performance of soft drink enterprises is positively associated with interactive marketing practices. It was observed in this study also that competitive advantage partially mediates this relationship. Practically the four conditions for mediation were met as suggested by Baron and Kenny, (1986). Firstly, we observe that there was a significant direct effect of Interactive marketing practices on market performance (=.270; p<.05). Secondly, Interactive marketing practices and competitive advantage have a significant relationship (=.400; p<.05), and thirdly, the observed coefficient of the mediator (competitive advantage) is significant as seen in the regression model 3 (=.396; p<.05). It is observed, finally, that the absolute effect of Interactive marketing practices on market performance is smaller in regression model 3 (=.157; p<.05) than in regression model 2 (=.270; p<.05).This confirm the mediation effects of competitive advantage. Further still a ratio index of 41.9% was observed an indication that competitive advantage reduces the relationship between interactive marketing practices and performance by 41.9% in Kigali city soft drink enterprises. 
 Recommendations: In line with this confirmed mediation effects, managers are reminded to allocate sufficient resources to customer intimacy, product leadership and operational excellence as specific competitive priorities if they are to attain better market performance results. The study is of a theoretical importance as it empirically confirm the mediating role of competitive advantage in the interactive marketing practices-market performance relationship in a soft drink industry context. The imperative for practitioners to sufficiently attend to operational efficiency, customer intimacy and product leadership is reiterated on in this study.

Resilience in global supply chains: analysis of responses, recovery actions and strategic changes triggered by major disruptions

PurposeAre major and frequent disruptions transforming global supply chains? This study aims to investigate how multinational companies (MNCs) are responding to the phenomenon of accumulated major disruptions in recent years and plausible new paradigm of unstable conditions and environmental uncertainty from a supply chain resilience (SCRES) perspective.Design/methodology/approachFollowing an inductive interpretivist approach based on interpretive phenomenology, this study gathers insights from ten MNCs supply chain managers and international consultants who participated as key informants via semi-structured interviews, sharing their experience of the phenomenon. Additionally, secondary sources such as press releases, media articles and industry reports were used for data collection.FindingsFindings include five categories of recovery actions, i.e. levelling, rationing, buffering, bridging and boundary redefining, key strategic changes in competitive priorities, internal organisation and coordination structures, and a hierarchy between SCRES characteristics, integrated in an empirically derived conceptual framework connecting these constructs. This contributes to middle-range theories within SCRES body of knowledge. The authors also identify a set of areas for future SCRES research.Practical implicationsFindings can support MNCs’ supply chain professionals in designing and managing resilient global supply chains, based on learnings from the recent highly disruptive environment, particularly, regarding recovery actions and resilience-building strategic changes contributing to agility and robustness in global supply chains.Originality/valueNon-positivist interpretive and inductive works are scarce in SCRES research. By adopting this novel approach for this field, the authors broadened the categorisation of responses used in previous works and identified prominent strategic changes and SCRES characteristics and relations among constructs, thus bringing conceptual clarity to SCRES research within the context of the study.

Influence of Competitive Priorities Strategy on Organizational Performance of Cement Manufacturing Firms in Kenya

Purpose: The study sought to assess the influence of competitive priorities strategy on organizational performance of cement manufacturing firms in Kenya.
 Methodology: The study adopted the positivism research philosophy and the concurrent triangulation research design. The target population consisted of eight cement production companies located in the counties of Kisumu, Nairobi, Mombasa, Machakos, Nakuru, and Kajiado were the subject of the study. The study purposely excluded Savannah Cement Limited from the main study since it had been “temporarily” shut down at the time of data collection due to financial and ownership wrangles. Census sampling method and proportional stratified random sampling were used to select 365 employees which included 37 managers, 322 non-managers and 6 CEOs. Both primary and secondary sources were used to gather data for this study, and both quantitative and qualitative data gathering techniques were employed. The qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis technique (Hsieh & Shannon, 2015), while the quantitative data was analyzed using MS Excel 2016 and IBM's SPSS version 28.
 Findings: the study results indicated that competitive priorities strategies is an operational strategy that is often utilized by the cement manufacturing firms to improve their organizational performance. This was supported by the high level of agreement in all statement by most of the respondents. The study also concluded that competitive priorities strategies had a positive and significant relationship with organizational performance of cement manufacturing firms in Kenya. The regression results led to the rejection of the null hypothesis, thus adopting the alternative hypothesis; competitive priorities strategy has a significant influence on organizational performance of cement manufacturing firms in Kenya.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The theory used in this study advocated for the need of cement manufacturing firms in Kenya, to focus on identifying strategic resources that are critical for success and improved performance of the industry. Hence, the theory will also be applicable to other studies with such related research topics. The study recommended that the management of cement manufacturing firms in Kenya should invest more in automated systems especially in production and delivery so as to increase their production, operational and supply-chain efficiency. They should also invest in better training programs so as to equip their employees with the necessary skills needed to improve their work efficiency. Moreover, policymakers should also formulate better policies to enhance the competitiveness between manufacturing firms in Kenya.

The impact of airline business models on excess capacity

AbstractCould airlines manage their excess capacity? This is a timely question, considering the likely growth in demand in the post‐pandemic period. As capacity reflects competitive priorities, business models can account for excess capacity. This study examines the impact of business models on excess capacity. The results show that capacity utilization decreased by 7%, although technical efficiency increased by 6%. As excess capacity differs across business models, airlines adopting the full‐service airline business model have higher capacity utilization than their competitors. This can be explained by the actions taken by full‐service airlines after the 2008 financial crisis.

Role of Vocational Education and Training in Empowering Aatmanirbhar Bharat - A Study of Industrial Training Institute in Assam State of North East India

A Nation’s real success depends on its skilled work force. The skilled workforce gives an added advantage for running the wheel of the manufacturing and service operations. In order to focus more on competitive priorities, organizations give more emphasis on skilled workforce and thus skill development. Skill development has been considered one of the critical aspects for job creation in India. Hence Government of India has been working on long term strategic plans for skill development of Indian youth from rural and urban areas for their employment and empowerment. Without the required opportunities the challenges of unemployment in the country will never get resolved. Post-independence there were establishment of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), thus ITIs are one of the pioneering steps towards ensuring a steady flow of skilled workers in different trades for the industry. At present there is around 14,886 affiliated ITIs which are active in India catering 143 number of technical and non-technical trades accrediting post- secondary unemployed youths to secure a decent job and also empowering them for self-reliant. In 2018, employability among Industrial Training Institutes graduates across India was about 29.46 percent, a drastic decrease from 42.22 percent in 2017. In the North Eastern state of Assam the situation is grimmer. In Govt. ITIs of Assam student admission has been drastically reduced primarily effecting MSME sector of the state which is contributing significantly in the economic and social development of the state by generating large employment opportunities and fostering entrepreneurship. Due to shortage of skilled workforce in Assam, the local factories have to hire skilled manpower from other parts of the country. The current paper aims to identify the causes behind decreasing trend of admission in vocational courses in Govt. ITIs with special reference to Assam and suggests measures to address the issues in a broader perspective. The paper also highlights the bold reforms and initiatives by both Central and State Govt. to upgrade Govt. ITIs through PPPs to build Govt. ITIs as world class skill centres to meet the growing demand in the local and international market.