Competitive Sector Research Articles

Emerging Trends in E-Commerce in Bangalore Urban District: Opportunities and Challenges for Local Businesses

The rapid growth of e-commerce in India has cemented Bangalore Urban District as a vital area for digital commerce, fueled by its advanced technological infrastructure and consumer base. This study investigates emerging trends such as mobile commerce, omnichannel retail, and social commerce, and examines their impact on local businesses. Through analyzing secondary data and industry insights, this paper identifies factors driving these trends, including high smartphone penetration, an expanding digital economy, and the unique tech ecosystem in Bangalore. The findings underscore the opportunities and challenges for businesses in Bangalore to navigate this competitive sector effectively, providing recommendations on leveraging digital innovations to foster growth.

СТРАТЕГІЧНІ АЛЬТЕРНАТИВИ ВІДНОВЛЕННЯ КОНКУРЕНТОСПРОМОЖНОСТІ СФЕРИ ГОСТИННОСТІ УКРАЇНИ

Introduction. The field of hospitality is the basis for the development of the economies of many countries of the world. Ukraine is no exception. Although the full-scale invasion of the territory of Ukraine left its mark on this sector of the economy, causing great damage to it, the global situation has not changed and its development remains one of the priorities, especially in the context of Ukraine's vector for European integration. However, in today's conditions, appropriate strategies and tools for their implementation are necessary to preserve and restore the competitiveness of the hospitality industry. The purpose of the article: to justify strategic alternatives for restoring the competitiveness of the hospitality sector of Ukraine Results. The article substantiates that since the field of hospitality is a complex socio-ecological-economic system, which is characterized by significant regional differences, it is advisable to apply combined strategic sets formed on the basis of a hierarchical approach. The application of three levels of strategic alternatives is substantiated: Level I as a market positioning strategy (globalization, deep market penetration, adaptation, anticipatory development); Level II as strategic directions for ensuring competitive advantages (creating new competitive advantages, increasing competitive advantages, maintaining a competitive position, restoring lost competitive advantages); Level III as typical competitive strategies (diversification, differentiation, focus, specialization, cost leadership). The results of the study were used to justify the correlation of the specified strategies with the identified trends in the development of the hospitality industry in the world and in Ukraine. The sets of alternative strategies will be identified in the coordinates "Level of competitive advantages" / "Level of competitiveness", according to which the regions of Ukraine will be grouped and the specifics of the implementation of each of the sets will be determined. In the conditions of the current situation, the proposals are characterized by a high level of speculation, but they can serve as a reference point for the development of the hospitality industry in the regions of Ukraine, the basis of regional programs and strategies, which is a perspective for further research. Conclusions. A strategic approach to restoring the competitiveness of the hospitality sector of Ukraine ensures the prediction and achievement of expected results, obtaining competitive advantages for the long-term perspective, is the basis for the development of regional strategies and programs, which is of practical importance.

Comparison of the Competitiveness for Danish, Dutch, and German Piglet Producers under Consideration of Country-Specific Methods of Piglet Castration with Anesthesia

Pig producers in Europe adopt different production methods for male pig fattening. More than half of the animals are surgically castrated. The different interpretations of animal welfare in different countries lead to market differentiation and economically different production conditions, which do not restrict trade, but economically lead to drastic competitive changes for local producers. While the Netherlands has already implemented surgical castration for the export market, using CO2 narcosis (NL), Denmark and Germany are each introducing their strategies with local anesthesia (DK) and isoflurane anesthesia (DE), respectively. Using typical pig farms from the agri benchmark Pig Network, the additional costs and economic impacts of animal welfare regulations are calculated. In Germany, isoflurane anesthesia increases costs by EUR 28.54 to EUR 49.86 per sow, or EUR 1.93 to EUR 3.81 per male piglet. This corresponds to a cost increase of around 5% per piglet. In Denmark, the costs of local anesthesia with procaine increase more moderately by EUR 3.55 to EUR 5.05 per sow, or around EUR 0.30 per male piglet. The cost increase here is less than 1% per piglet. The additional costs are leading to a loss of competitiveness for Denmark and Germany compared to the Netherlands. However, Germany is also losing profit significantly compared to Denmark. This study highlights that animal welfare regulations can negatively impact the competitiveness of the pig sector. It emphasizes the need for countries to implement such regulations carefully, ensuring that they do not lead to the loss of production or international competitiveness. A balanced approach that supports both animal welfare and economic sustainability is essential.

New Challenges in Times of Crisis

In the decades since the European Union’s energy policy was established, we have witnessed a process of development which has resulted in the field being regulated by the Treaty in its own legal framework and has continued to evolve to the present day. Governance at the EU level has become more important in the field of energy policy, but the crises have led to an increasing role for Member States. The EU’s single rule aims to ensure a level playing field for market players in the competitive sector, while preventing unfair competitive advantages for companies created by or benefiting from public or state resources. The EU state aid rules have undergone significant changes in the last few years. State subsidies are part of competition policy, which aims to ensure an efficient economy and consumer welfare. Among the market failures in the energy sector, the most significant disadvantage is the presence of externalities and natural monopolies. These need to be addressed through government assistance and its direct and indirect regulatory instruments. Competition law also covers economic services of general interest, which are closely linked to the issue of state subsidies. Member States have discretion to define services of general economic interest, subject only to the limits set by EU law, and to avoid manifest error of assessment. The energy packages include the term “universal service” for electricity, but not for gas, leaving it to the discretion of the Member State to decide on the latter. The crises have brought with them a breakdown of neoliberal ideas and, as a consequence, a strengthening of the tendencies in favour of state regulation. In most Member States, we are witnessing a closure, voices critical of the EU in many respects (e.g. Hungary and Poland in the context of the Art. 7 procedure) and Brexit has had a negative impact on communitarisation policies.

Open innovation for the competitiveness of the construction sector

Open innovation for the competitiveness of the construction sector

Marketing in agribusiness: an analysis of digital marketing in strengthening the agricultural sector

This course completion work addressed the impact of digital marketing on Brazilian agribusiness, highlighting the growing importance of digital marketing as a vital tool for strengthening the brand, in addition to providing connections between rural producers and other companies. The objective was to analyze how digital marketing with effective strategies positively impacts agribusiness companies, covering areas such as sales, visibility, brand strengthening and positioning, increasing credibility and the role of social networks in communicating with rural producers and other companies in the sector. This study not only highlighted the importance of digital marketing in adapting agribusiness to new consumer standards, but also emphasizes its urgency, complementing traditional marketing to face contemporary challenges, boosting innovation, competitiveness and sustainable development of the Brazilian agricultural sector.

Vigilancia Inteligente del Comercio Exterior: Detección de Anomalías en las Importaciones del Ecuador con Minería de Datos

This study employs advanced data mining techniques to comprehensively analyze Ecuador's import data spanning three decades, from 1990 to 2021. By leveraging the k-means clustering algorithm, we meticulously identified anomalies within tariff items. The study utilized a comprehensive dataset that encompassed tariff items, years, and critical variables such as import volume, CIF and FOB values, import cost, and trade attractiveness. The data mining model generated insightful reports that accurately pinpointed an omalous patterns in tariff items. These reports empower experts to delve into the underlying causes of these anomalies, enabling them to make well-informed decisions to optimize Ecuador's import strategies. Our research underscores the transformative potential of data mining in detecting import anomalies, providing valuable intelligence for the strategic management of Ecuador's foreign trade. The findings contribute significantly to the prevention of customs fraud and unfair trade practices, ultimately enhancing the competitiveness of the country's import sector.

The Investigation on the Application of Digital Technologies for Logistics Business Competitiveness

The logistics sector's performance is integral to nations' economic and industrial progress. The advent of digital technologies marks a monumental historical shift, impacting worldwide transformations in structural organization, business strategies, economic principles, and regulatory frameworks. The landscape of logistics management provides a fertile ground for integrating these digital advancements, as exemplified by the dynamic emergence of logistics 4.0. This study evaluates how implementing digital technology profoundly influences logistics management's competitiveness in the business context. The study investigates applying digital technologies within the logistics sector using multi-stage methodology, which integrated different methods: the formation of hierarchy of quantitative methods and the application of statistical data analysis methods. Statistical data analysis helps to collect knowledge about logistics business, the application of digital technologies and its performance within European Union (EU) countries. The application of hierarchy of quantitative methods allows to compare the applications of various technologies with digital technologies and the competitiveness of various sectors with logistics sector competitiveness. These findings accentuate the intricate interplay between technological advancement and competitiveness within the logistics sector. The study contributes to a deeper comprehension of how digital technologies reshape competitive dynamics and lays the foundation for refined logistics practices in an increasingly digital-driven world.

Bridging the Gap: Unveiling the Factors of Government Support Influencing the Success of Vietnamese Agricultural SMEs Post-COVID-19

This study investigates the essential role of government aid in enhancing the resilience and success of small and medium-sized agricultural firms in Vietnam during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research fills a gap in the existing literature by concentrating on strategies for long-term recovery rather than immediate reactions. Using a structured survey and multivariate linear regression analysis, the study engaged 200 proprietors and executives from the Red River and Mekong Delta areas. The results exhibit a favorable association between governmental support and the success of small and medium-sized enterprises, emphasizing the necessity of tailored governmental interventions to enhance sector competitiveness. While offering valuable insights for policymakers, the study’s geographical and sectoral scope is restricted, indicating the need for more extensive research and qualitative evaluations to deepen comprehension of the effects of governmental support in diverse settings. This research has the potential to significantly influence policy formulation and further scholarly investigation in the economic landscape post-pandemic.

Measurement of Competitiveness and Determinants of Coal Output in East Kalimantan

The coal sector has the highest share and contribution to the economy in East Kalimantan Province. The importance of the existence of coal to the economy of East Kalimantan must be followed by high competitiveness and supportive policy direction. For this reason, this study aims to measure and identify the competitiveness and factors that affect the output of the coal sector in East Kalimantan Province using the competitiveness analysis (LQ) method and panel data regression. The results of the analysis identified that East Kalimantan occupies the first position with the highest coal sector competitiveness in Indonesia. This is evidenced by a consistent competitiveness index value of more than 1 from 2021 to 2024. Meanwhile, the results of the panel data analysis also identified that the variables of total investment and the number of workers in the coal sector with long roads are estimated to have a positive and significant effect on the output of the coal sector in East Kalimantan Province. Meanwhile, the road length variable is predicted to have a negative and significant effect on the output of the coal sector.

Effect Of Funding Structure And Liquidity On The Financial Performance Of The Sugar Industry In Kenya

The main aim of this study was to determine the effect of funding structure on the financial performance of the sugar industry in Kenya. The relationship between funding structure and financial performance is crucial within Kenya's sugar industry, as it directly impacts resource allocation, expense management, and overall profitability. Inadequate financial management can result in liquidity challenges, affecting the sector's competitiveness and sustainability. Conversely, a well-balanced funding structure, incorporating both debt and equity, has the potential to strengthen financial stability. Stockholder, Trade-offs, and Pecking order guided the study. The study employed a correlational research design. The study's target population consisted of 16 sugar companies operational in Kenya. Purposive sampling was used to select 9 sugar companies. A total of 324 secondary data points from 2014 to 2022 were collected, including the cost of equity, debt, retained earnings, and economic value added, derived from financial statements and cash flows. The results showed a significant positive relationship between funding structure and Economic value added (coeff=0.863126, p=0.000<0.005). This reveals that Companies that maintain an appropriate funding structure are more likely to achieve higher Economic Value Added (EVA) over the long run. Given the positive long-term correlation between funding structure and EVA, it can be inferred that Kenyan sugar companies should prioritize maintaining a balanced funding structure to improve financial performance. The study concludes that funding structure has a significant relationship with economic value added

BEYOND THE HORIZON: FUTURE TECHNOLOGIES TRANSFORMING MARITIME NAVIGATION

The shipping industry is constantly evolving to meet today's demands and challenges. This article explores how innovations and trends in shipping are influencing the efficiency, sustainability and competitiveness of this vital sector of the global economy. Analysing technological transformations and emerging practices, the paper reveals how new technologies and cross-company collaborations are shaping the future of the maritime industry. The example of the BYD Explorer fleet, the first Ro-Ro vessel specialised in transporting electric cars, underlines the adaptability and innovation in response to the current needs of the automotive industry and sustainability requirements. At the same time, the collaboration between MOL and Bearing, which has led to the development of advanced solutions based on artificial intelligence, demonstrates the positive impact of innovation in optimising maritime operations.

Formal Institution Networks and Coopetition: Insights from the Brazilian Private Healthcare Industry

This study demonstrates that formal institution networks are antecedent to firms adopting coopetition to improve performance. The influence of formal institution agents to foster coopetition within an industry is driven by fragilities in the institutions of emerging economies. We studied the Brazilian healthcare sector, which is characterized by strong regulation and government support. We analyzed how and to what extent coopetition relates to formal institution agents and the performance of private healthcare operators. The study employs a quantitative methodology with a sample of 149 firms from the Brazilian private healthcare system through partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). Our findings highlight that networks facilitated by formal institution agents precede firms’ adoption of coopetition to enhance performance. They also underscore the impact of regulatory policy on firms’ strategies and behaviors in the healthcare sector. Our findings emphasize that formal institution networks alone do not guarantee performance improvement. Healthcare firms must develop coopetitive strategies to create and capture value within these relationships. Our study sheds light on the organizational dynamics within the Brazilian private healthcare sector and provides insights for managers and policymakers. For policymakers, it highlights opportunities and challenges in enhancing healthcare sector competitiveness, emphasizing the importance of considering the institutional environment. For healthcare firm managers, it details opportunities for developing coopetitive strategies. Finally, the study is subject to boundary conditions potentially limiting the generalizability of its findings to a broader global context. Additionally, it is also limited by the cross-sectional design since respondents’ replies are specific to the current scenario in the healthcare sector.

Конкурентоспособност на българския зеленчуков сектор на световния пазар

Depending on the scope of the concept of competitiveness, it is used in a variety of contexts in economic research, although there is a lack of a precise and generally accepted definition of what exactly it entails. In this study, competitiveness is considered from the point of view of market performance, using the developed theoretical framework for measuring the performance of an individual country or sector of the national economy, based on the definition of the Canadian Competitiveness Group: “The ability to sustainably win and maintain market share”. Two concepts are laid down in it – about the dynamics of market share and profit formation in order to achieve sustainable development over time. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the competitiveness of the Bulgarian vegetable production sector on the world market, to clearly note its change in a dynamic aspect. The research specifically adopted the methodology developed by B. Ivanov for calculating a composite index of competitiveness, containing two main components - production and value. The analysis shows the place of Bulgarian vegetable production in the national agriculture and in the world vegetable market, the dynamics and changes that reflect in the competitiveness of the sector during the years of EU membership – 2007 – 2021. The comprehensive assessment of the competitiveness of the vegetable crop sector in Bulgaria on world markets defines it as relatively low. The results obtained from the research confirm and complement the assessment of the competitiveness of the “Vegetable production” sector in Bulgaria, made by other Bulgarian researchers. Despite the favorable climate and natural features in our country, as well as our traditions in the production of vegetables, the sector is deteriorating its market position and the dynamics of competitiveness are rather negative. The research clearly shows that Bulgaria is losing positions in the production of vegetables, while at the same time its dependence on imports and foreign prices is increasing. The sector of vegetable production is among the vulnerable sectors of the Bulgarian agriculture, as the permanent negative trends of reduction of areas and production are projected in the inability to meet consumer needs in our country from high-quality domestic production. The future development of the sector and the increase of its competitiveness will depend on many factors, some of the most important of which are the extent to which vegetable producers will be able to be flexible and adapt to achieve the new environmental policy objectives; to what extent they will be able to respond to modern trends in agricultural production – digitalization, ecological/biological agriculture, new technological solutions.

Capital Structure and Profitability of Non-Life Insurance Company in Nepal

Purpose: The study aims to find out the non-life insurance firms in Nepal that create profit using capital. The research closely examines several important factors like business size (Size), liquidity ratio (LQ), total debt to total assets (TDR) and equity to total assets (ETA).Methods: Secondary data were gathered from annual reports and financial statements of twelve non-life insurance firms in Nepal which provided basis for this descriptive and explanatory research design with quantitative research approach. This study used multiple regression analysis and Pearson correlation to find important impact and associations by SPSS data analysis.Results: Debt ratios and ROA and ROE have a negative association that implies too much leverage reduces profitability. Although lowering risk depends mostly on liquidity, it also lowers assets returns. This is seen by the liquidity ratio and it greatly reduces ROA but has little effect on ROE. The equity ratio reveals how difficult it is to deploy equity correctly with a strong negative connection with ROA and a great negative link with ROE. Further illustrating the advantages of economies of scale, organizational size positively links with returns on Assets (ROA). All academics, legislators and practitioners agree that the expansion and competitiveness of the insurance sector depend on a sound capital structure.Conclusion: According to the study, non-life insurance firms need to improve profitability by means of strategic capital structure management. Managers need to monitor whether the company has adequate liquidity and a good debt equity ratio or not if the company wants to improve overall financial success.

The impact of financial resource allocation on industrial structure change

Financial resources play a vital role in resource allocation and industrial structure change. This paper aims to explore the impact of financial resource allocation on industrial structure change and put forward relevant theoretical and policy recommendations. This paper first reviews previous research results and explains the importance of financial resources in shaping industrial structure. Then, based on the theoretical framework, the impact mechanism of financial resources on the development and competitiveness of different industrial sectors is analyzed. The study found that the rational allocation of financial resources helps to promote the optimization and upgrading of industrial structure and improve overall economic benefits. The government's financial policies have also been proven to have an important impact on industrial structure change, and a healthy financial market can promote the sustainable development of industrial structure. Through case study analysis, the actual impact of financial resource allocation in different industries and regions is deeply explored to provide empirical support for the theoretical model. In summary, this study emphasizes the key role of financial resources in shaping the modern industrial structure and provides important inspiration for future research and policy making.

The Different Strategies of the Italian Regions within the 2023 2027 Rural Development Programme

Following the European Commission’s approval of the CAP Strategic Plan and the 21 Italian region (CSR)-related strategic documents, the financial aspect that characterized the single national CAP plan was made available. Here, we present and analyze the final data on the distribution of public resources for interventions between 2023 and 2027. This marks a pivotal period of strategic information for those who follow the evolution of the rural development policy, providing vital indications of policymakers’ priorities. In Italy, where rural development policy is highly regionalized, it is difficult to acquire an overall view of the strategic choices adopted by the individual regions. The primary objective of this article is to offer a comprehensive and enlightening synopsis of the regional choices in the CSRs. It aims to identify shared strategic paths in rural development, with a specific focus on the financial allocation in each of the three historical macro-objectives of the CAP: the competitiveness of the agri-food sector, the protection of the environment, and the revitalization of rural areas. Cluster analysis classification allows for aggregating the strategies adopted, allowing for comparisons across the Italian regions. The results show three regional groups focused on environmental strategy, structural investment measures, and resource distribution that is more balanced between these two approaches. Identifying the strategic choices made by the regions allows policymakers to predict different development trajectories and the progress of the expenditure indicators over the years. At the moment, it is impossible to verify whether the policy mix defined in the budget allocation is consistent with the strategic statements.

Fueling Trust and Loyalty Toward Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) in Ghana: The Role of Corporate Reputation and Distribution Intensity

ABSTRACT This study examines the effect of corporate reputation – product and service quality, customer centricity, corporate credibility, and social and environmental responsibility (SER) on brand loyalty as well as the mediating and moderating roles of brand trust and distribution intensity respectively in these relationships. The study data was collected from 614 conveniently sampled customers in the downstream oil sector in Ghana, which was analyzed using covariance-based structural equation modeling. Results from the analysis indicate all corporate reputation dimensions except SER directly affect customer loyalty toward OMC brands. The findings provide insights into the intermediary role of brand trust particularly in the SER-loyalty relationship. The study also finds that distribution intensity serves as a boundary condition, strengthening the effect of product and service quality, customer centricity and corporate credibility on loyalty. These findings offer insightful implications for research considerations and actionable directions for OMC reputation-building activities that foster trust and loyalty in such a volatile and competitive sector.

INVESTIGATING THE KEY LIMITATIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS INFLUENCING THE COMPETITIVE SUCCESS OF SOUTH AFRICA’S ORANGER EXPORTERS.

The objective of identifying constraining factors is to reveal that the key obstacles affecting the competitiveness of South Africa's domestic orange industry include issues such as the "quality of unskilled labor," "trust in the honesty of politicians," "electricity suppliers," "health," "South Africa’s land reform policy," "South Africa’s BEE policy," and "crime." Additionally, challenges related to the lack of quality infrastructure, bilateral agreements with trading countries, and poor performance of ports relative to their global counterparts have been identified. The constraining factors were ranked, with the top issues aligning closely with the industry's current challenges. In contrast, enhancing factors play a crucial role in boosting industry competitiveness in both domestic and international markets. The key elements contributing positively include the availability of unskilled labor, local input suppliers, scientific research institutions, technological quality, the cost of unskilled labor, soil conditions, and the sustainability of local input suppliers. Attention to maintaining and improving these factors is crucial for the sustained competitiveness of the South African orange sector.

COMPETITIVENESS OF SOUTH AFRICAN ORANGES IN ASIAN STRATEGIC MARKETS: THE CASE OF MAIN COMPETITORS

This study employed various descriptive, conceptual, and empirical models to measure South Africa’s competitiveness in the Asian strategic markets concerning its competitors from 2003 to 2022. The competitiveness measurements included relative comparative advantage, the net export index, relative trade advantage, and constant market share analysis. The data were sourced from official databases such as the World Bank, FAO, ITC, export potential map, and World Integrated Trade Solutions (WITS). The South African competitiveness of oranges in the specified strategic markets realized a positive competitive effect of 2.46%, indicating a gain in the market due to increased competitiveness of the fresh food sector in the world market. The RCA values were above 1, with most of the values closer to 20 indicating that South Africa has a good comparative advantage in the production of oranges. Egypt and Greece were the competitors, with average values of 16.9 and 19.7, respectively. The South African orange industry has positive export performance, with values close to 100, which indicates that the country is a net exporter of oranges and is experiencing a sustained comparative advantage. The RTA index values were mostly positive.