Enterprise Competitive Advantage Research Articles

Study of Firm Performance: EMS Adopter Firms to Achieve Sustainable Business Goals

EMS effectiveness is studied concerning financial, environmental, and competitive outcomes among corporations. A comparative analysis of Companies with EMS integrated into their management systems will be made with those Companies without EMS in this research. EMS’s contribution to business sustainability is also analyzed and validated with the help of quantitative research methods including panel data using the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) and regression analysis. The research focuses on the differences in the financial results, the positive impact on the natural environment, and competitive advantage of enterprises that voluntarily apply the EMS compared to those that do not. The findings of this study shown that EMS adoption enhance environmental performance and offer competitive advantage by enhancing stakeholder relations and market positioning. This alters the nature and benefits that organizations experience while implementing EMS as some companies initially experience cost implications and functioning challenges but in the long run, EMS brings profitability and cost-effectiveness. It may provide more information on how EMS promotes and can sustain responsible business activities and the most effective means of doing so. The above analysis may be useful to firms and policy makers in understanding how to encourage sustainability that will benefit economies and the natural environment in the long-term.

What Is a Successful Business Model? Exploration and Measurement of Key Attributes of Business Model

The attributes of the business model have become an essential factor affecting enterprise performance and competitive advantage. However, there still needs to be systematic identification of key attributes and empirical tests between key attributes and firm performance. To fill the research gap, we conducted a questionnaire and open-ended coding to identify five key attributes of successful business models, and then a measurement scale was developed. The empirical analysis based on 445 samples shows that the measurement scale of multi-dimensional business model attributes composed of novelty, sustainability, efficiency, expandability, and value co-creation has good reliability and validity. Our findings contribute to identifying key attributes of successful business models from different industries and examining the impact of key attributes on firm performance. Furthermore, the conclusion of this study will be an excellent enlightenment to understand better the key attributes of business models and the firm performance advantages brought by them for both research and practice.

Design for product upgradability considering remanufacturing outsourcing: A three-level joint optimization approach

Product design and business models play a pivotal role in the transition to a circular economy, emphasizing waste reduction and the preservation of valuable materials. Upgrading products by selectively replacing components that devalue over time proves to be an effective strategy for achieving competitive reutilization. This approach, known as product design for upgradability (DfU), not only enhances product value but also avoids whole product replacement, contributing to the realization of a sustainable society. The prevailing practice of DfU is often examined as a life-cycle characteristic, focusing on configurations of functional, physical, and architectural features to achieve competitive reutilization and extend service life. However, the upgradability of a product is strongly influenced by the practices of remanufacturing enterprises, which commonly adopt outsourcing strategies. Coordinating DfU decisions with remanufacturing and outsourcing presents a critical challenge for the effective operation of product upgrades.To address this challenge, this paper proposes a nonlinear mixed-integer decision model emphasizing a three-level joint optimization (TJO) based on a Stackelberg game. This model aims to determine the optimal solution that maximizes profit for the manufacturer, multiple remanufacturers, and outsourcers. To solve for the optimal decisions, a solution approach combining analytical methods with a nested genetic algorithm (NGA) is developed. The feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed TJO model are illustrated through a practical case study focusing on engine DfU considering remanufacturing outsourcing. The study identifies optimal DfU, remanufacturing, and outsourcing schemes simultaneously and conducts a sensitivity analysis of key parameters. The results demonstrate that our proposed DfU considering remanufacturing outsourcing strategy effectively improves production efficiency and the competitive advantage of enterprises. Moreover, the proposed TJO model successfully addresses coordination and conflicts between different stakeholders. Overall, this research provides valuable insights into the integration of DfU, remanufacturing, and outsourcing, offering a practical approach to optimizing decisions and improving the overall performance of enterprises in the context of remanufactured products.

Policy role, information disclosure, and enterprise innovation

The interactive relationship between policy, information disclosure and Enterprise innovation is crucial for the development of modern Enterprises. This paper examines how disclosure regulations imposed by regulators stimulate Enterprise innovation by shaping the dissemination of critical information that supports competitive advantage. This paper uses fixed effects and Bayesian model analysis methods for analysis. The study finds that policy and information disclosure drive corporate executives to make strategic choices, which will promote corporate innovation to ensure sustainable development and competitive advantage of enterprises.

Enterprise Strategic Rhythm and Competitive Advantage

The purpose of the enterprise strategic rhythm is to describe the dynamic characteristics such as the speed and variability of the enterprise strategic activities as time changes. Because competitive advantage is the key to survive and develop in dynamic environment, enterprises need to take a series of strategic activities to obtain competitive advantage. However, even the same type of strategic activities will produce different results due to differences in the implementation process. Therefore, it is very important to study the influence of strategic rhythm on the competitive advantage of enterprises from the perspective of time. By combing and analyzing 45 literatures in the field of strategic management based on time perspective, this paper carries out theoretical research on strategic rhythm in the process of strategic activities. Firstly, it defines the concept of enterprise strategic rhythm, and summarizes the dynamic characteristics of enterprise strategic activities as "strategic rhythm". Secondly, from the two dimensions of speed and variability, the enterprise strategic activities are divided into four basic strategic rhythm types: low speed low variation, high speed low variation, low speed high variation and high speed high variation. Thirdly, the paper combs and analyzes the causes of strategic rhythm from the three aspects of managers, enterprises and external environment, and then analyzes the influence mechanism of strategic rhythm on competitive advantage from the two time dimensions of speed and variability, thus forming the research framework of corporate strategic rhythm and competitive advantage. Finally, the future research direction is proposed to lay a foundation for further research on the strategic rhythm of enterprises.

Enterprise strategy and competitive advantage

This paper delves into the intricate relationship between corporate strategy and competitive advantage. It elucidates the foundational theories of both concepts, explores the various influences shaping corporate strategies, and investigates the sources and drivers of sustained competitive advantage. Additionally, the study examines the issues prevalent in strategic management and underscores the importance of aligning corporate culture with strategy to foster a competitive edge. Through an analytical approach, the paper categorizes corporate strategy schools of thought by their perspective on competitive advantage and asserts that the core subject of corporate strategy theory is the attainment and maintenance of competitive advantage. The findings reveal that challenges in strategy formulation and execution, along with a disregard for the dynamic business context, often result in strategic shortcomings. The construction of a corporate culture that is deeply integrated with strategy is proposed as a key driver for continuous competitive advantage.

Quo Vadis Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Competitive Advantage: Evidence from Indonesia

This research aims to identify the influence of personal network variables and product quality on the competitive advantage of MSMEs through moderating variables. The data used in this research is primary data in the form of a questionnaire filled in by 167 respondents who have heterogeneity in gender, age, education and information about business. Researchers use Structural Equation Modeling as a method for extracting data. The research results show that all independent and moderating variables have a positive influence on the competitive advantage variable of MSMEs. This is indicated by a t-statistic value that is greater than the t-table with a p-value < 0.05. The validity and reliability indicators through outer loading also show values ​​above 0.6 on average. Therefore, the implications of this research are as follows: The government as a stakeholder must be able to bridge the community to be able to access business capital through networks, business incubators, academia, media, and society The community must have good literacy regarding the quality of a product and product knowledge so that it can have competitiveness in numerous free MSME’s Market, Academics and researchers are expected to accelerate the down streaming of products so that they have greater benefits for the informal sector economy.

ВИКОРИСТАННЯ AGILE-МЕТОДОЛОГІЇ В КОНТЕКСТІ РІЗНИХ ВИДІВ БІЗНЕС-ДІЯЛЬНОСТІ

In the context of modern business, which requires a quick response to changes, improved communication and project management, the use of Agile methodologies becomes extremely relevant and an important factor for achieving success and competitive advantage of enterprises. The purpose of the article is to study the peculiarities of using Agile methodologies in the context of various types of business activities. Using a comparative analysis, the article considers the directions of implementation of Agile methodologies for such types of business activities as production of products, execution of works, provision of services, trade activities and commercial mediation. The study notes the role of Agile methodologies in improving the efficiency of work processes, increasing flexibility in project management and increasing responsiveness to changes in market requirements. The main differences in the application of Agile methodologies in the organization of production processes compared to the provision of services are highlighted, emphasizing the flexibility of Agile methodologies in adapting to various requirements and needs of business activities. It is noted that the Agile concept is effective in process activities, which is confirmed by the example of a quick service cafe. The suitability of Agile methodologies for the development of projects in a wide range of industries, including marketing, advertising and PR activities, is substantiated, which indicates the universality of the approach and its successful use in areas that require quick adaptation to changing market conditions and a high level of communication with clients. The effectiveness of the use of Agile methodologies in various sectors of economic activity from the point of view of project management, development of products and services, as well as in response to changes in market conditions is shown. This topic is important for understanding and promoting the benefits of Agile methodologies in modern business, stimulating further research and implementation of these practices to achieve competitive advantages in various industries. The results of the study will contribute to the improvement of the organization of work processes in various industries and areas of business, allowing enterprises to increase the speed of reaction to market changes and customer requirements.

Exploring the Influence of Smart Product Service Systems on Enterprise Competitive Advantage from the Perspective of Value Creation

With the continuous development of information and communication technology, the development of smart product service systems (smart PSS) has become a crucial approach for enterprises to establish a competitive advantage. However, there is still a lack of clarity regarding the impact process of smart PSS on competitive advantage. This paper aims to explore the impact mechanism of smart PSS on competitive advantage from the perspective of value creation, using an intelligent connected vehicle supplier as a case study. The findings reveal that the composition of smart PSS, including smart technology, smart products, and smart services, influences competitive advantage through the value creation process, which involves relationship construction, relationship operation, and value release. Under the smart PSS environment, changes occur in subject relationships, resources, and key elements. In the context of smart PSS, deep cooperation between enterprises and partners focuses on ecological advantages, while general cooperation emphasizes benefit advantages. This research provides valuable insights into the impact of smart PSS composition on competitive advantage and offers reference values for organizations to establish competitive advantage objectives.

Deconstructing innovation in the wood furniture industry in Kenya

Innovation is often considered to be a critical component of enterprise competitive advantage. Continuous innovation is necessary to allow firms to better meet consumer needs, stay ahead of the competition, capitalize on strategic market opportunities, and align organizational strengths with market opportunities. In this research, innovation was deconstructed into product, process, and business systems innovations. A model was then developed and used to examine the relationships between innovation constructs and demographic and management attributes of wood furniture firms in Kenya. Results show significant differences in product innovation between micro- and medium-size furniture firms, and between small- and medium-size firms. There were also significant regional differences in all innovation types. Overall, the most significant predictors of innovation were company location and rewards for implementing innovation. Other statistically significant innovation predictors were Internet use and research and development expenditures.

Determinants of competitive advantage: The roles of innovation orientation, fuzzy front end, and internal competition

Although innovation orientation is identified as an effective strategy to enhance an enterprise's competitive advantage, its mechanism remains to be investigated. This study divides the fuzzy front‐end (FFE) activities of new product development (NPD) projects into idea generation, concept definition, and initial planning and investigates the transmission path between innovation orientation and competitive advantage through these three activities. Additionally, we explore the moderating role of internal competition. This empirical study is based on 261 respondents from China. The results suggest that innovation orientation has a positive impact on FFE activities, and these promote competitive advantage. The mediating role of FFE activities in the relationship between innovation orientation and competitive advantage is confirmed. The results also reveal that internal competition regulates the relationship between innovation orientation and FFE activities in an inverted U‐shape. The study further reveals the internal mechanism of innovation orientation on competitive advantage and provides a deeper understanding of the link between them. The study guides research and development (R&D) management practitioners in managing FFE activities and rationalizing internal competition to enhance NPD success.

Competitive advantage, relationship, and benefit: Primary and secondary influencing factors of supply chain collaboration in China's advanced manufacturing industry.

The advanced manufacturing industry is located at the top of the manufacturing value chain. Its development is restricted by supply chain collaboration (SCC), the level of which is affected by many factors. Few studies comprehensively summarize what influences SCC and distinguish the impact level of each factor. Practitioners have difficulty isolating the primary factors that affect SCC and managing them effectively. Therefore, based on synergetics and the theory of comparative advantage, this study analyzes what influences SCC in the advanced manufacturing industry and how these influencing factors work, using data from 94 manufacturing enterprises and the Haken model to identify the influencing factors. The results show that China's advanced manufacturing supply chain underwent a phase change and entered a new stage during 2017-2018. In the new stage, the competitive advantages of enterprises are one order parameter (slow variable) and are primary factors affecting SCC. The interest demands of enterprises are a fast variable and are secondary factors affecting SCC. The competitive advantages of enterprises dominate the interests of enterprises in affecting the collaboration level of China's advanced manufacturing supply chain. In addition, in the process of influencing SCC, there is a positive correlation between the competitive advantages of enterprises and the interest demands of enterprises, and the two factors have a positive feedback mechanism. Finally, when the enterprises in the supply chain cooperate based on their differential advantages, the collaboration capability of the supply chain is at the highest level, and the overall operation of the supply chain is orderly. In terms of theoretical contribution, this study is the first to propose a collaborative motivation framework that conforms to the characteristics of sequential parameters, which provides a theoretical reference for subsequent studies on SCC. In addition, the theory of comparative advantage and synergetics are linked for the first time in this study, and both of them are enriched and developed. Equally importantly, this study compares the bidirectional influence between firms' competitive advantages and firms' interest demands and the ability of both to influence SCC, enriching previous validation studies of unidirectional influence. In terms of practical implications, this study guides top managers to focus on the management practice of collaborative innovation in the supply chain and advises purchasing managers and sales managers on selecting supply chain partnerships.

THE SIGNIFICANCE AND ESSENCE OF ESG IN THE FOOD SECTOR IN POLAND

The aim of the article is to assess the proposed EU regulations on the use of ESG (environment, society and corporate governance) in the food sector in Poland. The source of materials for the analysis were reports on sustainable development of the UN, European Environment Agency, European Commission and information from companies that are already implementing ESG principles. The essence and importance of ESG and the strategies used so far for sustainable production practices are discussed. An attempt was made to determine how companies in the food industry using ESG can improve their financial results. Key legal regulations were presented and the importance of ESG factors in building the value of enterprises in the agri-food sector was indicated. It was pointed out that companies from the food industry play an important role in meeting the needs of the population, both in terms of food and in solving the problem of the climate crisis. The growing importance of ESG issues creates both challenges and opportunities for the Polish food sector. Due to the growing interest of consumers and investors in the issues of evaluating companies according to ESG principles, the pressure to report these activities in company reports is growing. It has been shown that the implementation of environmental, social and corporate governance in enterprises is a necessity in the context of generating value and competitive advantage of enterprises.

The Impact of Digital transformation of Supply Chain on Competitive Advantage of Enterprises: A Case Study of Chinese Manufacturing Enterprises

This study takes the digital transformation of the supply chain of manufacturing enterprises as the entry point and focuses on the theme of “the impact of digital transformation of the supply chain of manufacturing enterprises on the competitive advantage of enterprises in an uncertain environment and the path of its effect”, aiming to answer the following questions: First, why do manufacturing enterprises need to Firstly, why do manufacturing enterprises need to transform their supply chains digitally? What is the impact of supply chain digital transformation on the competitive advantage of enterprises? Secondly, what is the role of dynamic supply chain capabilities in the process of digital transformation of supply chains in manufacturing companies? Thirdly, how does environmental uncertainty affect the relationship between supply chain digital transformation, supply chain dynamic capabilities and firms’ competitive advantage? This study draws on and refers to the mature scale of existing research and designs a questionnaire for this study. Reliability and validity test, descriptive statistical analysis, homology deviation analysis and confirmatory factor analysis are used to test the sample quality, and correlation analysis and regression analysis methods are used to verify the main effect, mediating effect and moderating effect of the research hypothesis, and finally the empirical analysis results are obtained and discussed.

The role of organizational culture and organizational strategy on organizational performance and competitive advantage: Evidence of Vietnamese corporations

Based on the resource-based view, this study aims to examine the impact of organizational culture and organizational strategy on organizational performance and competitive advantage of enterprises, besides assessing the mediating role of organizational performance. The study was conducted with a sample size of 168 respondents working in different positions within the businesses, including staff, middle management, and senior management. Research data was collected through a questionnaire survey (from August to December 2022), and then was analyzed using descriptive statistical analysis and hypothesis testing with Smart PLS 4 software. The research findings show that: (1) there is an impact of organizational culture factors and organizational strategy on operational performance; (2) organizational strategy and organizational performance have a positive effect on competitive advantage. In addition, the finding also shows that there is a mediating impact of organizational performance on two relationships: (1) between organizational culture and competitive advantage, (2) between organizational strategy and competitive advantage. The research results suggest a few points for managers to consider in building their organization’s own values to achieve the desired organizational performance and, at the same time, create competitive advantages to differentiate from other organizations.

Consumer Behavior under Social Network Platform Influencing Factors and Marketing Strategies

With the rapid development of modern technology and information technology, society has entered into a new social network era, which also makes the new social network marketing mode gradually replace the original traditional marketing mode, and has even become a social way of the masses at this stage. Therefore, in order to enhance the competitiveness and competitive advantage of enterprises in this diversified market competition environment, it is necessary to deeply explore the marketing characteristics, marketing strategies and marketing models in the social network era to provide a key boost to the sustainable development of enterprises. Therefore, the article analyzes the factors influencing consumer behavior under social networks and proposes marketing strategies for enterprises based on the influencing factors.

DIGITALIZATION OF BUSINESS PROCESSES OF TRANSPORT COMPANIES AS A FACTOR OF ENSURING THEIR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Abstract. The article deals with the importance of digitalization of business processes at enterprises of the transport sector as a key factor for ensuring their economic development. The authors justify that in the conditions of today's fast-changing business environment, digital technologies are becoming a necessary tool for increasing efficiency and competitiveness of enterprises of the transport complex. The article gives a detailed analysis of main trends of digitization in the transport sector and their impact on various business processes. In particular, the following directions of digitization in transport were highlighted and analyzed: route optimization and logistics, rolling stock management, online ordering and monitoring, unmanned cars and autonomous transport systems, analytics and data management, customer satisfaction, electronic documentation and automation, security and control, environmental and social aspects, competitive advantages of enterprises in the market of transport services. In addition, this article considers the organizational and economic aspects of the implementation of digital technologies, including the selection and integration of digital platforms, optimization of business processes and personnel training. It is noted that a properly designed digitization mechanism helps to increase employee satisfaction, retain and attract talented personnel, and also stimulates innovation and creativity in the organization. The article uses a systemic approach to reveal the interaction of various elements of the transport enterprise system and their interaction as a result of digitalization of business processes. In general, this article provides an in-depth analysis of the impact of digitalization on enterprises in the transport sector, revealing its key role in ensuring their economic development in the conditions of the modern business environment.

The Last “Green Field” of Enterprise's Competitive Advantages: A Discussion on Human Capital and Human Resource Management

Every company has its own tangible assets (financial and physical assets, etc.) and intangible assets (trademarks, customer relationships, employees, etc.). In the past, tangible assets were the main source of competitive advantage, but they are increasingly unable to reflect their particularity or special advantages that distinguish them from others. Smooth and multi-level financing channels such as debt financing, equity financing, can no longer give a company any competitive advantage, nor can it distinguish it from competitors. The same happens with technological means and tools. The company that adopts the new technology first has a competitive advantage that can last for several years, but now, the advantage brought by the new technology is fleeting, and the technology of one company can be easily obtained by other companies, imitation or surpassing, which makes technology no longer an advantage, but gradually becomes a necessity, such examples are too numerous to mention. At the same time, increased competition is causing things that were previously unimaginable: small companies competing with large companies, and new companies competing with established companies.

Impact of Innovativeness Dimension of Entrepreneurial Marketing on the Financial Performance of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in Nigeria

This paper interrogates the impact of innovativeness dimension of entrepreneurial marketing on the performance of small and medium scale enterprises in Nigeria. It showed that effective and efficient entrepreneurial marketing especially innovativeness would go a long way to improve on the overall performance of the small and medium scale enterprise. The meaning of this is that any enterprise (be it small or medium) that effectively invest in product innovation, process innovation, marketing innovation, value innovation, technological innovation among others would grow its market share, sales, turnover, return on investment and more importantly its profitability. More so, innovativeness which enhances the satisfaction of consumers who are referred to as "sovereign" in a free enterprise economy by making varieties of new products available for them facilitates growth and development of the business. It also gives enterprises competitive advantage in the business environment as it increases the gamut of their operation through diversification and quality service delivery. Recommendations made were that: the managers of SMEs should review their strategy for product innovation in relation to the sales growth, turnover, market shares, profitability and return on investment in order to keep their businesses afloat and competitive; the managers are advised to put more emphasis on process innovation in order to develop a more improved strategy that would improve on their performance in the business environment; it is expedient for managers of SMEs to train all employees on entrepreneurial innovativeness especially on strategies for marketing innovation to boost financial and non-financial performance; value innovation needs to be encouraged as it seeks novel ways to create value for customers and fulfill organizational business goals.

Analysis of Tencent’s Acquisition of Supercell: Competitive Strategy Perspective

As one of the most successful game companies in China, Tencent has always been essential to its continuous development and growth through frequent and effective overseas mergers and acquisitions. To achieve the same excellent results in mobile games, Tencent spent $8.6 billion in 2016 to acquire an 84.3% stake in a Finnish game developer, taking the world's most successful mobile game developer into its pocket. Therefore, the research and analysis of the representative event of Tencent's acquisition of Supercell can provide valuable suggestions and meaningful references for other game companies' overseas mergers and acquisitions. In this paper, Firstly, Supercell's enterprise model and competitive market advantage are studied in depth. The adaptability of Supercell and Tencent is discussed, Tencent's M&A behavior is evaluated, and suggestions and summaries are given.