Alliance Formation Research Articles

Alliance formation between a platform retailer and competing manufacturers in sharing consumer data for product development

This study investigates an alliance formation between competing manufacturers and a monopolistic platform retailer, where consumer data collected by the retailer are available between all the alliance members to utilize for the development of their products. The manufacturers alternatively choose to adopt the direct-to-consumer model, where they collect and utilize own consumer data or sell products without data utilization. They are differentiated from each other in varying degree of substitutability. Under the alliance, the effectiveness of utilizing their rival’s consumer data is proportional to the degree of substitutability. By using a game-theoretic approach, we analyze a strategic interaction between two or three manufacturers and the retailer to derive the condition under which the alliance is successfully formed in equilibrium and to discuss the retailer’s profitability of the alliance formation.We show that participation in the alliance has a direct effect of sharing their rivals’ consumer data and an indirect effect of mitigating price competition between the manufacturers due to the “free-riding” effect of data sharing. Despite these merits, the alliance may not be formed in equilibrium. When the two manufacturers are differentiated to some extent or the three manufacturers are symmetrically differentiated, the alliance is successfully formed. Otherwise, it is never formed in equilibrium. We show that the retailer benefits the most from the alliance with two intermediately differentiated manufacturers and that an increase in the number of manufacturers participating in the alliance does not necessarily improve the retailer’s profitability.

The geopolitics of next generation mobile communication standardization: The case of open RAN

The U.S. confrontation with China in technology has been escalating. One of the triggers is China's rise in 5G standardization and its lead in the telecommunications equipment market, which causes security concerns. In response, the U.S. promotes Open RAN as an alternative to the Chinese providers' proprietary solutions. It is claimed to enable the establishment and operation of open and safer networks for 5G and beyond. This paper examines why and how the U.S. promotes Open RAN and what the responses are from other countries. We find that the U.S. government's strong support for the development and dissemination of Open RAN signals its techno-nationalistic turn in international standardization. The origin of Open RAN is geopolitical in the sense that it represents a reaction to China's lead in 5G standardization. The geopolitical perspective is strengthened as we find the formation of alliances in support of Open RAN. A refreshed approach of the U.S. to standardization has introduced a new dynamic to cooperation and competition for setting the global rules on next-generation mobile communication technologies as well as emerging technologies. Standards are increasingly at the core of the ongoing geopolitical technology competition, and as such further investigation is required.

Analysing The Diverse Perspectives On Balance Of Power

The concept of the Balance of Power has long been a significant factor in the realm of international politics. This article examines the evolution of power dynamics across time, starting with its inception in the early modern European state system and extending to its expansion on the global scale. The study delves further into the intricate dynamics of power equilibrium by examining the impact of various perspectives on its implementation and perception. The Peace of Westphalia, which was created in 1648 after the end of the Thirty Years' War, introduced a framework whereby governments aimed to prevent the dominance of a single power and maintain peace via the formation of alliances and the division of power. This event served as the foundational ground for the concept of the balance of power in historical context. The notion, which was originally centred in Europe, ultimately evolved into a fundamental principle of international law. The article also investigates several perspectives on power dynamics, with a specific emphasis on the realism paradigm that prioritizes state-centred evaluations of power and self-interest. The examination also includes an analysis of the liberal perspective, which prioritizes international institutions and collaborative endeavors aimed at maintaining stability. Furthermore, it engages with the constructivist paradigm, which emphasizes the significance of ideas, identities, and norms in shaping international power dynamics and conduct.

Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning in non-zero-sum games: Algorithms and applications

Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning (MARL) algorithms have been utilized in resource allocation modelling, game theory analysis, formation of alliances and so on. The potential for future research and applications of MARL in non-zero-sum games is vast, including integrating MARL with game theory and mechanism design, developing online learning algorithms for dynamic environments, and exploring applications in various domains. Currently, there is a relative lack of review literature on this area of research. This paper, therefore, aims to fill this gap. This work will first introduce the role of MARL in non-zero-sum games. Then it will discuss in detail the practical applications of MARL in economics, social sciences, and political science, which are typical of non-zero-sum games while presenting possibilities and challenges for future research. Finally, a summary is given at the end of the paper. This article provides insights into the current and future possibilities of using MARL in non-zero-sum games.

Adopting blockchain-based traceability in the fruit supply chain in a developing economy: facilitators and barriers

PurposeBlockchain-based traceability technology (BTT) is an emerging digital technology that claims to have the potential to fulfil the demand for traceability to safeguard fruit safety. Drawing on the technological, organisational and environmental (TOE) framework, this study aims to investigate the perceived facilitators and barriers that influence the behavioural intentions of multiple stakeholders in the Vietnamese fruit supply chain (i.e., farmers, trading enterprises and consumers) to adopt BTT.Design/methodology/approachThis study utilised a qualitative approach of semi-structured in-depth interviews with 60 stakeholders in the Vietnamese fruit supply chain to achieve the research objectives. NVivo 12 was employed to analyse the collected data using content and thematic analysis.FindingsThe findings identify several perceived facilitators that motivate BTT adoption. These include trust, transparency, business performance, the formation of alliances, consumer awareness of food safety and ethical agricultural practices, fruit branding and the pivotal role of farmers' cooperatives. Meanwhile, the perceived barriers to BTT adoption include a lack of digital literacy amongst the stakeholders, poor organisational culture, the high cost of traceability-enabled products and data privacy and security governance.Practical implicationsThis study suggests that technology awareness and perceived facilitators and barriers should be incorporated into the design and deployment of blockchain-based traceability technology in the agri-food supply chain in developing countries.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors' knowledge, this study is the first qualitative paper that attempts to fill the research gap of understanding the perceived facilitators and barriers that influence the intentions of multiple stakeholders in the fruit supply chain to adopt BTT in the context of a developing economy.

Indonesian Trade Unions' Strategic Response to Unilateral Employment Termination during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Bekasi City/Regency

This article investigates the resistance efforts of the All Indonesia Chemical Energy and Mining Workers Union (SP KEP SPSI) Bekasi in advocating for changes in cases of unilateral employment termination (PHK) at PT. Matahari Alka during the 2021 Covid-19 pandemic. This research primarily focuses on the analysis of SP KEP SPSI Bekasi's strategies and their success in challenging unilateral layoffs at PT. Alka Sun. Employing a qualitative approach, along with interviews conducted with SP KEP Bekasi Branch and Work Unit administrators within the company, this study, guided by Calvin Mackenzie's interest group strategy theory and Douglas McAdam's social movements theory, generates significant insights. The resistance undertaken by SP KEP SPSI Bekasi was rooted in the company's violations against workers, including unilateral layoffs that diverged from collective work agreement (PKB) provisions, non-payment of wages, and the prohibition of union activities. SP KEP SPSI's strategy encompassed demonstrations, lobbying of relevant authorities, and dialogue-based negotiations. The success of SP KEP SPSI Bekasi's strategy was closely linked to factors such as solidarity, which served as a foundation for strengthening the organization during these mobilizations, the union's capacity to motivate its members, and the formation of alliances.

Unravelling the US-ROK Alliance: Decoding North Korea’s Strategy within the Six-Party Talks

Alliance formation is a calculated decision by parties to determine and affect the outcome of negotiations. Its success depends on several factors, most notably alliance members’ cohesion and convergence of common interests, objectives, and tactics. The focus here is on the United States and South Korea’s alliance during the Six-Party Talks on North Korea’s nuclear programme. Despite early progress in the alliance’s favour, the internal cohesion of the US-South Korea alliance was disrupted due to divergent interests, approaches, and positions regarding North Korea. This research provides a comprehensive analysis of the US-ROK alliance’s impact on the Six-Party Talks. While previous studies have explored the negotiations, little attention has been given to the alliance’s role and how it evolved over time, especially in the context of North Korea’s manipulation and its consequences on negotiation outcomes. We assess the success of the alliance and its impact on the negotiation process, considering factors such as cohesion, common interests, objectives, and tactics. Our study adopts a qualitative research approach, utilising an extensive review of relevant literature, official documents, historical records, and primary sources from the Six-Party Talks. The findings underscore the importance of robust and well-coordinated alliances in addressing critical global security challenges. To achieve lasting success in future negotiations, it is imperative for allied parties to forge a shared understanding and strategic convergence in dealing with adversaries like North Korea. Moreover, this research calls for a re-evaluation of alliance dynamics and tactics to strengthen the collective resolve in pursuing international peace and security.

A novel coexistent resilience index to evaluate the supply chain resilience of industries using fuzzy logic

PurposeThis study aims to explore supply chain resilience (SCR) and provides a unique resilience index. The work measures the resilience status of 37 organizations across 22 industries and provides insight into accessing the supply chain (SC) vulnerability in an uncertain environment.Design/methodology/approachThis study involves measuring the resilience status of 37 organizations across 22 industries based on a subjective decision-making approach using fuzzy logic. Experts from industries rated the importance and level of implementation of 33 attributes of SCR, which are used to develop a fuzzy index of implementation that explains the resilience status of organizations.FindingsA novel coexistent resilience index is computed based on mutualism to exhibit the proportion of contribution or learning of each attribute of an organization in an industry. The research will enhance the response plans and formation of strategic alliances for mutual coexistence by industry.Research limitations/implicationsEvidence-based interpretations and suggestions are provided for each industry to enhance resilience through coexistence.Originality/valueThe work uniquely contributes to academic literature and SC strategy. The novel coexistent resilience index is computed based on mutualism, facilitating researchers to access SC resiliency.

Shamanic alliance in the touristic borderzone: Strategic hospitality at Surama Eco‐Lodge in Guyana

AbstractThis article explores how villagers in Surama form alliances with outsiders through strategic hospitality within the touristic borderzone. Surama is a primarily Makushi village in Guyana. Tourism began during the 1990s and is now central to the village economy. Villagers' efforts to form relationships with certain visitors (particularly tourist leaders) as partners or yakos through hospitality reflect an ontological framework associated with shamanism. This involves relational modes of interaction that are common across Amazonia but have been underexamined in the context of tourism. However, Makushi alliances with outsiders in Surama are unique in their emphasis on mutuality and symmetry, which stems from past Makushi experiences of enslavement during the colonial encounter and antipathy towards asymmetric relations. Based on fieldwork involving interviews and participant observation in Surama, this article links debates in Amazonian ethnology and the anthropology of tourism to examine how villagers in Surama manage relations with tourists to obtain external resources.

The Role of Nonprofit and Nongovernmental Organizations and People With Viral Hepatitis on the Path Toward Hepatitis C Virus Elimination.

Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations have driven and continue to drive hepatitis C elimination by putting people with viral hepatitis and their affected communities at the center of hepatitis elimination efforts. They have been key in driving the decentralization of services and community-based delivery in the hepatitis care pathway to improve the health and well-being of the populations most affected by hepatitis C. This article explores how the formation of the World Hepatitis Alliance (WHA), an international network of community organizations in >100 countries, led to powerful advocacy from community leaders and people with hepatitis, resulting in the establishment of World Hepatitis Day. Since then, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized the importance of viral hepatitis by setting the 2030 global elimination targets. WHA and WHO have collaborated on 3 World Hepatitis Summits, which have built momentum across many sectors to help elevate hepatitis through the global health agenda. The article discusses their paradigm-shifting campaigns and also presents civil society organizations' hepatitis elimination efforts in Egypt, Mongolia, Bangladesh, and the United Kingdom and their significant impact through local resource mobilization and engagement of national governments.

Securitization, fear politics, and the formation of an opposition alliance in competitive authoritarian regimes

ABSTRACT This article examines how opposition parties with diverse ideologies can form alliances in competitive authoritarian regimes despite the securitization strategy used by authoritarian incumbents. Using Turkey as a case study, the article demonstrates that an authoritarian leader may associate terrorism with opposition parties and may disseminate this fear to manipulate moderate voters and prevent coalition formation between niche parties. By analysing public speeches of political actors in Turkey, the study argues that if opposition parties recognize the vulnerabilities of the regime and believe that forming an alliance would gain support from the masses and encourage cross-party voting, then the securitization strategy would not deter them from forming a pre-electoral alliance. However, the failure of the securitization strategy to prevent opposition parties from forming an alliance does not guarantee opposition victory in elections. The securitization strategy employed by the authoritarian regime can still be utilized to effectively empower the authoritarian leader, enabling them to win elections by capitalizing on fear and depicting the opposition alliance as a security threat and a potential source of instability if they were to come into power.

Establishing an optimal working relationship with patients with an antisocial personality disorder. Aspects and processes in the therapeutic alliance.

Developing good interpersonal relationships is one of the main impediments for people with an antisocial personality disorder (ASPD). However, in treatment of psychiatric disorders, establishing a strong therapeutic alliance (TA) is important for effective treatment. Nevertheless, there is little knowledge on how to establish this TA with this challenging patient group. This study investigates which factors are important in TA development. For this study, a qualitative research methodology is applied. In-depth interviews with therapists experienced in treating ASPD were conducted and analysed through thematic analysis. The analysis revealed six themes important in alliance formation: the patient's needs, regulating interpersonal dynamics, connective attitude, connective skills, treatment process and treatment goals. Each theme is defined including aspects of the recommended therapeutic attitude and required skills for therapists working with patients with ASPD. This study determined that, for therapists working with patients with ASPD, several key factors are essential in establishing a strong TA. These factors include the ability to be firm, authentic, non-judgmental and genuinely involved. An attentive presence is crucial, in which the therapist takes initiative in establishing contact and makes the patient feel that he is truly seen as an autonomous and equal person. In doing so, the therapist needs to provide clarity and structure while remaining perceptive to boundary violations. The therapist must be able to set limits using a clear yet kind tone of voice. Furthermore, it was notable that an intensive appeal is made to the therapist's reflective capacity in these treatments.

The societal role of universities and their alliances: the case of the EuroTeQ Engineering University

We analyse the creation of European university alliances as an effort to build learning networks between universities in light of newly perceived needs in Europe. The rationales for such alliance formation include cultural integration, grand societal challenges and reforms in the European innovation ecosystem. We consider how alliance formation may be instrumental in achieving closer cooperation and understand alliances as learning networks where universities can share know-how, define strategies and pursue moral reflection. How such learning may take place is illustrated with a case study of the “EuroTeQ Collider”, a joint educational programme by one of the European university alliances. The case illustrates how uneven experience with novel educational formats and stakeholder engagement creates opportunities for exchange and how formulating a common language for joint activities can make universities align their strategies and deliberation.

The European University Initiative – investigating alliance formation and initial profile developments

AbstractThe European University Initiative (EUI) – launched by the European Commission in 2018 has been received with considerable interest from higher education institutions in Europe with hundreds of institutions forming new alliances. While the EUI-initiative in many ways is a continuation of a long history of collaboration across national borders in Europe, the initiative also contains novel elements – not least with respect to the institutional commitments the new alliances are based on. This paper offers new insights into the alliance formation process, and the profiles of European university alliances. Based on a series of qualitative interviews with key persons at alliance level, our findings demonstrate quite complex alliance formation processes where both collective and individual networks of institutions were activated, and where different path-dependencies shaped the membership of the alliances.

Government-Funded Development of Innovative Physical Technologies for Sustainable Agriculture and Food Production in Rural Germany through a University–Business Alliance Formation

Purpose: The alliance project “Physics for Food” aims to invent new physical technologies for sustainable agriculture and food production in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, an agrarian region in northern Germany. This article may serve as an example of good practice for regional collaboration and funding acquisition between academia and the industry, especially SMEs, that may be replicated in other rural contexts. Approach: The project consortium consists of a triple-helix setting of scientists from university and research institutes as well as technology suppliers, seed producers, and farmers. The German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) funds the project in a special program called “WIR!” that addresses innovation and structural transformation of lagging regions in Germany. Findings: The program encourages development of regional innovation concepts and supports confederations that cross disciplinary, industrial, institutional, and administrative boundaries and thrive on civic involvement. Today already, there is huge potential and an increasing demand for the development and the supply of novel non-chemical alternatives in plant and storage protection in agriculture and food production. Originality: The project aims to lay the foundation for startup companies based in the region to act as innovative technology providers and to create jobs in the region while making the new technologies available nationally and internationally. The application of physical methods will decrease costs, conserve resources, and eventually contribute to protecting the environment.

Green innovation and cross-border strategic alliance announcements: Evidence from China

This paper investigates how corporate green innovation affects the formation of cross-border strategic alliances. The results show that firms in China developing green innovation have a greater chance of forming cross-border strategic alliances. This positive effect is more pronounced for Chinese firms with environmental disclosure and located in cities with stricter environmental regulations. Our study sheds light on how green innovation affects the formation of cross-border strategic alliances and has important implications for Chinese firms seeking to build a cross-border strategic alliance.

Bibliografia decolonial contra ementas hegemônicas: estratégia da negritude ante violências acadêmicas

From decades-old works like The Mis-Education of the Negro (Woodson, 1933) to contemporary texts by Black thinkers such as bell hooks and Grada Kilomba, there is repeated evidence that there is no neutrality in science, nor in academic environments. Given the mechanisms that maintain the university as a white, racist, and elitist space, Black female students are required to make extra efforts to obtain a master's degree, as we are forced to remain vigilant against intersectional oppressions. In order to reflect on the presence of non-white bodies in stricto sensu programs, I offer a phenomenological interpretation of racist episodes experienced during my master's studies. If Blackness was never reflected in the official curricula, it was through a decolonial framework and the formation of alliances that I found ways to combat racism that allowed me not only to enter but also to remain in good company.

A Torn Country: Erdoğan's Turkey And the Elections of 2023

AbstractThis article examines the victory of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Turkey's 2023 presidential election, the role of fear‐oriented populist nationalism in Turkish politics, and the implications of the results for society. It argues that Turkey faces a deep moral and social crisis rather than a mere political problem. The article explores the sociocultural origins of polarization, as competing communities with few shared values contribute to divisions. It also analyzes the formation and ideologies of the People's Alliance and the Nation Alliance, the two major blocs involved in the 2023 elections, providing insights into their visions for Turkey. Last, the article scrutinizes the cult of the strongman, the widespread use of nationalism and religion, the utilization of state resources by Erdoğan's administration, and the influence of media—largely controlled by Erdoğan—on public opinion. This includes investigating the impact of alternative truths and narratives on the electoral process. The analysis highlights the deep‐rooted moral bankruptcy Turkey faces in the third decade of Erdoğan's rule.

Trajectories Matter: A Study of Interfirm Technological Convergence and Alliance Formation

Trajectories Matter: A Study of Interfirm Technological Convergence and Alliance Formation

Alliance Formation with New Partners as a Reaction to Acquisitions by Current Alliance Partners

Alliance Formation with New Partners as a Reaction to Acquisitions by Current Alliance Partners