Success Factors Research Articles

The Impact of Strategic Leadership on the Advancement of SMEs in Rwanda

Small and medium-sized enterprises commonly referred to as SMEs are important in the 21st century research since they have stood out as the core players in ensuring economic growth, innovation and job creation in the 21st century's rapidly evolving global economy. The study was carried with the general aim of examining the impact of strategic leadership on the advancement of SMEs in Rwanda. The specific objectives of the study were: to examine the extent to which strategy formulation and planning influences the advancement of SMEs in Rwanda; to establish how strategic communication influences the advancement of SMEs in Rwanda; and to find out the influence of strategy evaluation of the advancement of SMEs in Rwanda. The study adopted a descriptive research design. A total of 500 headers of the SMEs in Kigali Rwanda classified as manufacturing, processing and service SMEs were chosen and a sample size of 150 used with a response rate from the questions used in data collection being 135 translating to 90% return rate. Results indicated that as the per the regression model, it is indicated that 25.8% (R2 =0.568) advancement on SMEs in Rwanda can be explained by a combined effect of the three variables of strategic leadership including strategic formulation/planning, strategic communication and strategic evaluations. This is clear indication of a strong predictive power of the independent variables of the dependent variable SMEs advancement. More narrowly, Strategy Formulation and Planning (B = 0.285, p < 0.001) significantly influenced SME development when controlling for a co-efficient of R2 =.306, suggesting that by optimizing their planning practices an increase in such operations is causally related to greater performance of SME. This factor explained 30.6% of the total variance in SME progression. SME Advancement was likewise influenced significantly by Strategic Communication (B = 0.337, p < 0.001) having the highest Beta borrowed value of 0.353 as summarized in Table 9. Better communication practices (defined as clear, consistent messaging and stakeholder engagement) explain 35.3% of the variation in SME growth and development. SME: Strategy Evaluation (B = 0.391, p < 0.001) had the highest effect in SME advancement with Beta value of 0.376 This means that being continually evaluated and corrected according to performance indicators are one of the significant factors in SME success. It was the most powerful predictor of SME advancement, explaining 37.6% of variance in SME advancement. When the hypotheses were tested, the conclusions were made that: H1: There is a significant relationship between strategy formulation and planning and the advancement of SMEs in Rwanda. Result: Accepted (B = 0.285, p < 0.001). Also, as per H2: There is a significant relationship between strategic communication and the advancement of SMEs in Rwanda. Result: Accepted (B = 0.337, p < 0.001). Finally, H3: There is a significant relationship between strategy evaluation and the advancement of SMEs in Rwanda. Result: Accepted (B = 0.391, p < 0.001). Based on these research findings, the study recommends that SMEs in Rwanda should invest in comprehensive strategy formulation processes, implement effective communication systems, continuously evaluate their strategic initiatives, and adopt innovative technologies to enhance their competitiveness and ensure sustainable growth in a rapidly evolving business environment.

Regional Strategies for Implementing Methane Fermentation Technology in Waste Management: Environmental, Technological, and Social Perspectives

This article discusses regional strategies for implementing methane fermentation technology in waste management, considering environmental, technological, and social perspectives. Methane fermentation plays a crucial role in modern waste management and renewable energy production. The article highlights the importance of local climatic, economic, and social conditions that affect the efficiency and profitability of biogas installations. Both barriers and opportunities for technology development in various regions are analyzed, particularly in terms of raw material availability, regulatory support, and social acceptance. Examples of biogas technology applications in different countries are provided, identifying key success factors. The article offers valuable insights for decision-makers responsible for designing and implementing methane fermentation systems, taking into account diverse regional conditions and local needs.

Decision-Making Method for the Evaluation of Success Factors of ABET Accreditation

ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology), formerly known as the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, accredits university programs in computers, engineering, and engineering technology. Although ABET accreditation is optional, graduates of programs with this accreditation are regarded as having knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours that are comparable to those of other countries. The ABET Accreditation process has always been quite structured and methodical. It has helped identify and fix any inadequacies by comparing different engineering and computer programs to worldwide standards. The Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) approach was used in this study to ascertain the relative value of the ABET process’s success elements. An application case study, conducted at a Turkish institution, serves as an illustration.

Improving group problem solving through awareness of members’ problem-solving preferences

PurposeMany groups in organisations are unsuccessful in problem solving. However, the principle of continuous improvement necessitates that organisations refine their employees’ problem-solving skills. In this mixed-method, field-based lab experiment, we explored the impact of a treatment to enhance the quality of group problem-solving processes.Design/methodology/approachWe focused on the structured problem-solving process in Kaizen Events by differentiating six consecutive phases. About 16 Kaizen Event groups (101 members) participated in a field-based lab experiment that used a lean simulation game to establish a group problem-solving context. Data were collected via video, surveys and group interviews. We examined if a high-quality process is strengthened through group members’ elevated awareness of problem-solving preferences. About 11 groups received a treatment of tailor-made individual feedback to increase awareness of their problem-solving preferences. Additionally, we repeated the experiment in five control groups, where member preferences were not shared.FindingsIn the treatment groups, where problem-solving preferences had been shared, we observed a clear improvement in Kaizen Event process quality and higher problem-solving self-efficacy levels. Moreover, their self-reported Kaizen Event behaviour had changed. Within the control groups, the participants also reported that their problem-solving self-efficacy had improved, but this did not have a positive impact on the quality of the objectively measured Kaizen Event process.Originality/valueBy combining insights from operations management and organisational behaviour, we demonstrate that the structured Kaizen Event problem-solving process improves when group members’ individual problem-solving preferences are shared. We thus add an individual-level variable to the extant models of Kaizen Event success factors. Our results provide fresh insights into how to improve the continuous improvement process within organisations. Kaizen Event stakeholders and their facilitators are offered guidance on how to increase one’s awareness of own and others’ problem-solving preferences in group-based problem-solving events.

Examining trade strategies in Europe and Ukraine: Navigating challenges and building economic strength

Today, the global community operates within an integrated global economic system. Against the backdrop of globalised integration of the socio-economic sphere, international trade is positioned as a significant factor in the intensification of economic development. In this context, trade strategies can create new opportunities or risks for the national economy. This article aims to conduct a comparative analysis of the trade strategies of the European Union (EU) and Ukraine in the context of potential advantages and related challenges for economic resilience. The study finds that international trade helps to mitigate the limitations of national resource potential and the narrowness of the domestic market, intensifies the potential for innovative industrialisation, and accelerates economic growth. The specifics of forming the modern concept of international trade development in the context of the European community and Ukraine are identified. The main principles of modern trade strategies are considered, their strengths and weaknesses are analysed, and directions for improvement are highlighted. The impact of trade strategies on the level of economic resilience is examined. It is substantiated that a high level of competition in the global market requires the adaptability of producers’ trade strategies and the formation of appropriate structures to coordinate the functioning of the external economic relations infrastructure complex. The main success factors of a trading strategy when entering new markets are highlighted, including preliminary research of local legislation requirements and market dynamics, the development of adaptive marketing strategies, and effective management of customs processes. Active participation in the international trade environment has proven to open additional opportunities for realising economic potential. At the same time, it is necessary to specify the development strategy to ensure long-term competitive advantages.

Critical Success Factors to Knowledge Management in Humanitarian Supply Chain

Critical Success Factors to Knowledge Management in Humanitarian Supply Chain

Analysis Sentiment & Topic Modelling using Latent Semantic Indexing

The proliferation of digital news platforms has transformed information consumption, making user experience (UX) a key success factor for Detik.com, a leading news application in Indonesia. This research aims to explore the relationship between UX and news through sentiment analysis and topic modelling. The methods include web scraping for data collection, descriptive analysis for sentiment, and Latent Semantic Indexing (LSI) for topic modelling. Out of 14,320 reviews analyzed, 45.6% were positive, focusing on the speed of updates and news quality. Conversely, 41.18% of reviews were negative, highlighting disruptive ads and login issues, while 13.76% were neutral. LSI identified eight main topics, including user experience and ad complaints. Visualizations through heatmaps, distance maps, and word clouds emphasized terms like "news" and "ads." This research recommends that Detik.com developers reduce ad disruptions, fix technical problems, and understand frequently discussed topics to enhance user satisfaction.

Tapping the power of cooperation: unveiling the impact of intangible capital on competitive advantage

PurposeThis study analyzes the effects of cooperation on the relationship between intangible capital and competitive advantages.Design/methodology/approachThis study takes the case of an information technology company in a cooperative network environment through distribution channels and uses a quantitative approach to obtain and analyze data. Data were collected using a questionnaire and analyzed using structural equation modeling.FindingsThe creation of competitive advantage for the company was facilitated by psychological capital and cooperation networks.Originality/valueOur research reveals that cooperation networks mediate the relationship between intangible capital and competitive advantage, leading to moderate competitive leverage. This finding suggests that combining these dimensions can enhance future discussions on incorporating social capital as a third-order dimension in intellectual capital. Despite the rejection of psychological capital dimensions like optimism and persistence in the model, they still indicate critical success factors, which may be used in further research.

Meritocracy seen through the eyes of its champions: a comparative study of educational elites

This paper explores the way in which elite students from Germany and Romania understand the role of talent, effort, and structural factors in shaping educational success and failure. The image of a successful student aligns with the requirements of the selection processes, with Romanian students emphasising effort, and German students projecting an image of effortless achievement. Although most students acknowledged structural inequalities played into the selection processes, they did not seem to doubt the intelligence and skills of those who were selected to the most prestigious tracks and streams. By exploring the way in which students at prestigious universities talk about success and failure, this paper captures some ways in which they resist reproducing meritocratic discourses, and other ways in which they perpetuate the myth of meritocracy.

Peningkatan Semangat Berwirausaha Pada Paguyuban Umkm “Aku Bisa” Di Kota Semarang

Abstract: In Krobokan Village, West Semarang, there is a Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Association (MSMEs)”AKU BISA”. This asssociation accommodates approximately 50 MSMEs with various types of productss produced, including culinary to handycraft. The problem faced by this association is that their business has not developed since at was pioneered until now. This is due to the lack of understanding of entrepreurship and the lack of entrepreneurial spirit. The purpose of Community Service is to provide knowledge about entrepreneurship and motivate MSMEs to be more enthusiastic in running their businesses. The method of implementing community service activities is the lecture and discussion method. Meamwhile, the implementation of community service activities in March – May 2024. After the counseling was carried out, there was an increase in knowledge and understanding of entrepreneurship among the participants, understanding and understanding the success factors of a business and there was a positive change in behavior, namely being more enthusiastic in entrepreneurship. Keywords: Entrepreneurship, Motivation, Counselling, Skills technology

Microsurgical Treatment of a Large Through-and-Through Periapical Lesion with Apicomarginal Defect using Guided Tissue Regeneration (GTR): A Case Report of a Two-Year Follow-Up

In case of a long-term periapical lesion, destruction of both vestibular and oral cortical plates is sometimes observed and even a through-and-through periapical lesion occurs. The success of the treatment decreases when an apicomarginal defect is added to the through-and-through periapical lesion. Large periapical lesions should be treated initially by orthograde root canal therapy. When the signs and symptoms of the infection don’t recede after the treatment, then surgical approaches should be considered. In this case report, a 22-year-old female with previously initiated therapy was referred for an endodontic microsurgery of tooth 22 (i.e., upper left lateral incisor). After the endodontic treatment the patient was referred to the oral surgeon for apicoectomy with augmentation of the bone defect. The sinus tract in the apex area of the tooth 22 remained active since the surgical intervention. Endodontic microsurgery and guided tissue regeneration were performed. The article presents diagnostic data, namely pre- and post-operative images of cone beam computed tomography (after 2 years), as well as pre-, intra- and post-operative clinical images. All pre- and intraoperative procedures and stages are detailed. In particular, separation of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) from venous blood, retrograde preparation with an ultrasonic tip and a device using a dental operating microscope and the use of a collagen membrane. After two-year follow-up, radiographic examination revealed significant bone reconstruction and clinical signs and symptoms were absent. The patient hasn’t reported any symptoms since. The paper also analyzes scientific sources on the use of PRF and collagen membranes in bone defects of the jaws. Attention is also paid to the formation of a flap during operations of this type. The main six success factors in the treatment of such complex cases are highlighted. Rethinking the previously performed surgery (apicoectomy) in this patient, attention was paid to the main five factors that could contribute to the failure.

Integer Factorization with Stochastic Spiking in Percolating Networks of Nanoparticles.

As growth in global demand for computing power continues to outpace ongoing improvements in transistor-based hardware, novel computing solutions are required. One promising approach employs stochastic nanoscale devices to accelerate probabilistic computing algorithms. Percolating Networks of Nanoparticles (PNNs) exhibit stochastic spiking, which is of particular interest as it meets criteria for criticality which is associated with a range of computational advantages. Here, we show several ways in which spiking PNNs can be used as the core stochastic components of coupled networks that allow successful factorization of integers up to 945. We demonstrate asynchronous operation and show that a single device is sufficient to solve all factorization tasks and to generate multiple solutions simultaneously.

Strategic Management of Luxury Brands: A Case Study of Louis Vuitton’s Market Performance and Consumer Loyalty

This study explores the critical role of brand strategy management in the luxury goods industry, focusing on Louis Vuitton (LV) as a case study. With the continuous development of the global economy and heightened consumer expectations, competition in the luxury market has intensified. Brand strategy management, encompassing positioning, communication, maintenance, and extension, emerges as a vital competitive tool that influences market performance and consumer loyalty. This research aims to uncover the unique aspects of LV's brand strategy, its impact on market performance and consumer loyalty, and the challenges the brand faces. Through an in-depth literature review and case analysis, the study identifies key success factors of LV's brand strategy, providing strategic recommendations for other fashion brands to enhance their market competitiveness. The findings contribute to the existing literature by filling gaps in the understanding of luxury brand management and offering practical insights for industry practitioners. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of innovation and adaptation in maintaining brand prestige and relevance in an ever-evolving market landscape, emphasizing how LV's strategic decisions have solidified its position as a leader in the luxury sector. This comprehensive examination not only sheds light on LV's enduring success but also offers valuable lessons for emerging brands aiming to navigate the complexities of the luxury market.

Determinants of ChatGPT adoption among students in higher education: the moderating effect of trust

Purpose ChatGPT is a cutting-edge chatbot powered by artificial intelligence that could revolutionise and advance the teaching and learning process. Drawing on the technology acceptance model (TAM) and information system (IS) success model, this study aims to investigate determinants of students’ intention to use ChatGPT for education purposes. Design/methodology/approach The partial least squares technique was used to analyse 406 usable data collected from university students in Malaysia. Findings The results confirmed the relationships between perceived usefulness (PU), perceived ease of use (PEU), attitude and intention to use proposed by TAM. PU and PEU are influenced by system quality. Surprisingly, trust in information moderates negatively the influences of PEU and PU on attitude. Practical implications The findings provide insight for higher education institutions, unit instructors and ChatGPT developers on what may promote the use of ChatGPT in higher education. Originality/value The study contributes to the literature by exploring the determinants of ChatGPT adoption, extending the TAM model by incorporating IS success factors and assessing the moderating effect of trust in information.

Retraction Note: Identification and prioritization of DevOps success factors using fuzzy-AHP approach

Retraction Note: Identification and prioritization of DevOps success factors using fuzzy-AHP approach

Critical success factors for public-private partnership projects in Uganda

Critical success factors for public-private partnership projects in Uganda

Human Resource Management 4.0 - Empowerment from a Holistic Perspective

The aim of this work is to examine the communication behaviour of Generation Z in a professional context and to identify their specific wishes regarding the behaviour of superiors. In addition, success factors of contemporary Human Resource Management 4.0 (HRM 4.0) are identified. A further goal of this paper is to demonstrate companies and superiors how they can meet the needs of Generation Z, in order to position themselves as good leaders and as an attractive employer in order to maintain the company's performance in the long term. The most important results of this study show that appreciative leadership behaviour creates trust between employees and superiors. This optimizes Generation Z's communication behaviour towards superiors. Furthermore, for Generation Z, an appreciative management culture that is committed to the well-being of employees is crucial for their choice of employer, their work productivity, their employee loyalty and their fluctuation behaviour. In consequence, it is essential for companies to consider the demands of Generation Z in order to remain competitive.

Collaborative Creativity: A design approach to systemic challenges navigating the innovation ecosystem

Unprecedented political, economic, health and environmental challenges in the world have made us react and reflect on things we have taken for granted. Companies and organizations became aware that proven approaches were no longer working, while the rapidly changing environments in which they operated required new momentum. Those driven by design were able to anticipate alternative approaches and used collaborative creativity and design thinking to shift their mindset and came up with creative solutions that kept their brands meaningful and relevant. This industry letter promotes the need for design to drive collaborative creativity among key stakeholders and its innovation ecosystem to the systemic level necessary to address these world challenges. It will further elaborate on the preconditions necessary for effective collaboration to become responsible partners that drive sustainable growth, balanced with care for humanity and the planet. The impact and value of design is determined by its design leadership and depends on how it is connected, aligned and integrated, first within the design function itself, second across the other business functions and third beyond the boundaries of the company in partnerships with other stakeholders. Understanding and aligning the key drivers and success factors of different stakeholder groups will be a prerequisite for making collaborative creativity work effectively and navigating the innovation ecosystem driving long-term societal progress.

Critical success factors and key performance indicators in the modernization of public services: empirical evidence from Greece

ABSTRACT Public administration faces challenges such as bureaucratic inefficiencies and reduced effectiveness, especially in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. This paper focuses on Greece and suggests solutions inspired by the private sector to enhance efficiency. Key strategies include adopting knowledge management, e-government, and digital transformation to create a more dynamic public service. The study reveals a significant knowledge gap among civil servants regarding Critical Success Factors (CSFs) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), emphasizing further training. While only 17.77% of employees have attended relevant seminars, 75.68% recognize the positive impact of these tools. The study also highlights the potential of innovative methods like machine learning for improving public administration, offering greater accuracy and new analytical opportunities. Ultimately, it stresses the importance of creating a citizen-focused administration through strategic reforms and modern technological applications.

Systematic Review of Supply Chain Control Tower Critical Success Factors and Resilience Effects

Systematic Review of Supply Chain Control Tower Critical Success Factors and Resilience Effects