Competitive Growth Research Articles

Renewable Energy for Competitive Growth: Challenges and Opportunities

Renewable Energy for Competitive Growth: Challenges and Opportunities

Reuse of biogas sludge for the slow-release fertilizer production to improve fertilizer use efficiency and soil fertility

Fertilizer overuse causes negative impacts on the environment and crop yields. Therefore, the production of slow-release fertilizers from biogas sludge is a potential solution for waste reuse and sustainable use of fertilizers. Granular fertilizers containing primary macronutrients (N, P and K) were formulated using biogas sludge and supplementary chemical compounds before coating with a thin film of glutaraldehyde cross-linked gelatin. The coating films reduced the release rates of N and P effectively. The application of formulated biogas fertilizers resulted in the competitive yield and growth rate of mustard greens over the 45-days cultivation compared to the application of commercial fertilizers. Particularly, the application of coated biogas fertilizers led to less nutrient losses in drainage water while maintained a balanced supply of available nutrients and beneficial bacteria in soils. This study emphasizes the feasibility to reuse biogas sludge for slow-release fertilizers production in improving fertilizer use efficiency and soil fertility.

The Use of Information Technology in SMEs: Advantages and Main Challenges

Abstract From the beginning of the 20th century, a lot of research has been conducted on how SMEs contribute to the development of innovative activities and vice versa, on how new technologies and innovation have the potential to influence small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Nowadays, given the highly competitive and dynamic business environment, SMEs are constantly and actively trying to find ways to keep up with the latest developments, which is not always an easy task. Digital technologies and innovation in business administration and other related fields are key attributes that can be seen as essential elements in the field of entrepreneurship. Thus, digitization has become a crucial factor in the business world, and its impact on SMEs cannot be neglected. Nonetheless, company size, capital and resources seem to limit SMEs’ ability to adopt digital technologies. However, countless studies argue that a smaller firm size allows SMEs to be more flexible to change. Therefore, both digital progress and innovation have become highly relevant tools for businesses to improve their performance, reduce their costs and increase their efficiency, and are seen as key factors for competitiveness, development and economic growth. With this paper we understand how Romania, with its expanding economy and support for entrepreneurs, has the potential to be a relevant player in the digital economy, although its current ranking on the level of digitization and innovation is considerably lower than the EU average.

Recent Construction Technology Innovations and Practices for Large-Span Arch Bridges in China

Arch bridges provide significant technical and economic benefits under suitable conditions. In particular, concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) arch bridges and steel-reinforced concrete (SRC) arch bridges are two types of arch bridges that have gained great economic competitiveness and span growth potential due to advancements in construction technology, engineering materials, and construction equipment over the past 30 years. Under the leadership of the author, two record-breaking arch bridges—that is, the Pingnan Third Bridge (a CFST arch bridge), with a span of 560 m, and the Tian’e Longtan Bridge (an SRC arch bridge), with a span of 600 m—have been built in the past five years, embodying great technological breakthroughs in the construction of these two types of arch bridges. This paper takes these two arch bridges as examples to systematically summarize the latest technological innovations and practices in the construction of CFST arch bridges and SRC arch bridges in China. The technological innovations of CFST arch bridges include cable-stayed fastening-hanging cantilevered assembly methods, new in-tube concrete materials, in-tube concrete pouring techniques, a novel thrust abutment foundation for non-rocky terrain, and measures to reduce the quantity of temporary facilities. The technological innovations of SRC arch bridges involve arch skeleton stiffness selection, the development of encasing concrete materials, encasing concrete pouring, arch rib stress mitigation, and longitudinal reinforcement optimization. To conclude, future research focuses and development directions for these two types of arch bridges are proposed.

Development and Promotion Countermeasures for Export Growth of Pakistan Textile Products

Pakistan's textile industry is vital to GDP, employment, and exports. Pakistan is strategically located in the global textiles and apparel market due to its large production and export capabilities. This sector struggles with inconsistent product quality, market barriers, high global standards, and protectionist trade policies in wealthy nations. Addressing these issues is essential for industry growth and global competitiveness. This study identifies these challenges and proposes strategic solutions to improve export performance and global competitiveness to boost Pakistan's textile sector's economic stability and growth. A thorough mixed-methods strategy integrating qualitative and quantitative research methodologies was employed in the study. By conducting surveys by websites and literature reviews related to the industry, we were able to gather primary data. We also used secondary sources such as government reports, trade journals, and trade organizations to compile our data. We used quantitative analyses in our study to determine how spending on R&D, technology upgrades, and quality control affected export performance. We looked at energy consumption, production, waste management, and export amounts in various industries of Pakistan. Improving export performance and meeting international standards requires investments in quality control, technology upgrades, and research and development, according to the study. It also lists the obstacles to entering certain markets and suggests ways to overcome them, such as through government assistance, sustainable practices, and vocational education and training. If Pakistan's textile industry follows these suggestions, it will become more competitive internationally.

An Analysis of the Digital Resilience Challenge for Implementing EU Programs and Instruments

Abstract One of the most acute challenges to which EU member countries urgently need to find solutions is related to digital resilience. Such a challenge must be addressed from both a temporal, spatial, and financial perspective. One of the areas where both problems and solutions to them must be placed is that of structural and investment funds. At the EU level, the new development model is feverishly sought, which must be green, digital, and resilient. The authors of this study explore how European Union funding programs and specifically the Recovery and Resilience Facility, influence the advancement of digital transition. It explores and quantifies the value added of using these programs to obtain more sustainable growth, societal inclusion, and global competitiveness through digital transformation. One of the most relevant hypothesis is that despite a growing interest in the impact of EU financial instruments on digitalisation, to different societal levels, lacks a comprehensive analysis that combines both the broad scope of EU initiatives and the specific impact of the RRF. Using qualitative methods, the authors investigated the main pitfalls and asymmetries of the allocative methods, the allocation, and impact of EU funding on digital transformation. The main focus of this paper is to answer the research questions regarding the connection between budget allocation for digital transformation and the position of digital transformation in EU priorities, while highlighting the changes that Recovery and Resilience Facility is bringing compared to other financial instruments for promoting digitalization in EU. Following this research route, we find indication that the budget allocations EU makes for digitalization, specifically through the Recovery and Resilience Facility demonstrate that digital transition is one of EU strategic priorities. The amounts and percentages made available through the Recovery and Resilience Facility which target to support in particular digital initiatives underline its key role in EU digital strategy. The clear comparison of EU financing programs that focus on digitalization, while providing a comprehensive literature review that gives a refined understanding of digitalization’s impact will enable professionals and policy makers to analyze EU strategic objectives and identify key focus areas that require additional support, thus contributing to EU digitalization efforts.

SOCIO-ECONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE OF INTERNAL AUDIT IMPROVEMENT IN THE REPUBLIC

Improving internal audit processes plays a crucial role in shaping socio-economic landscapes in various sectors. This improvement has significant implications for financial integrity, fraud prevention, compliance, governance, operational efficiency, risk management, investor confidence, job creation, public trust, innovation, growth and global competitiveness. By ensuring clarity, transparency and ethical practices, improved internal audits contribute to a sustainable and prosperous economy, while building trust among stakeholders and attracting investment.

Analysis of Sunflower and Oilseed Rape Competitiveness in the Conditions of Slovakia and Czech Republic

Abstract The paper primarily deals with the development of agriculture in the Slovak Republic and Czech Republic, analyzes the agricultural sector in the period 2012–2022 and examines in more detail agriculture, its plant production, especially oilseeds. Attention is given to brief information on the development and situation of the sunflower and oilseed rape, where we focus on the analysis of the development of selected indicators during the observed period, such as production, area sown, yields. Within our research we deal with the concept of competitiveness, using the appropriate indicators. Based on the data, via analysis we quantified the value of Revealed Comparative Advantage index (RCA) and Competitiveness Growth Index (RCA 1). The development of society and the opening of borders between individual states caused the development of foreign trade. Membership in the European Union meant for Slovak and Czech foreign trade the relinquishment of sovereignty in this areas and the adoption of a common trade policy that establishes rules for foreign trade within member countries, but also towards third countries. At the same time, however, Slovak Republic and Czech Republic gained access to the single internal market, which is of significant importance for foreign trade of countries.

〈111〉-orientation growth of Tb-Dy-Fe alloys induced by high magnetic fields during directional solidification

The 〈110〉 and 〈112〉 directions are the preferred growth directions of the magnetic phase in Tb-Dy-Fe alloys, but the 〈111〉 direction is the easy magnetization axis direction, and the 〈111〉-oriented alloy exhibits superior magnetostrictive behavior. In this study, Tb-Dy-Fe alloys with 〈111〉 orientation were prepared by directional solidification (i.e., the master alloy was completely melted) under high magnetic fields. The competition between the preferred growth direction and the easy magnetization direction was resolved, leading to enhanced magnetostrictive properties. During the initial solidification stage, the magnetic torque induced the 〈111〉 orientation in the magnetic phases generated by direct precipitation of the liquid phase and pseudo-eutectic reactions to rotate in the direction of the magnetic field. In the subsequent competitive growth process, 〈111〉-oriented grains grew parallel to the magnetic field direction under the influence of magnetocrystalline anisotropy energy. This work enriches the theory of magnetic orientation during directional solidification, providing novel insights into the preparation of highly oriented functional materials.

Impact of Knowledge Management Strategies on Innovation Performance in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Rwanda

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the impact of knowledge management strategies on innovation performance in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Rwanda. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The study indicate that effective knowledge management practices within SMEs positively influence innovation performance, leading to enhanced competitiveness and sustainable growth. Implementing knowledge management strategies such as knowledge sharing, creation, and utilization facilitates idea generation, problem-solving, and product/service development. Furthermore, fostering a knowledge-sharing culture among employees promotes collaboration, learning, and creativity, thus fueling innovation within SMEs. Additionally, leveraging technology platforms and tools for knowledge management facilitates seamless information exchange, retrieval, and utilization, further enhancing innovation capabilities. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Resource-based view, social capital theory and dynamic capabilities theory may be used to anchor future studies on assessing the impact of knowledge management strategies on innovation performance in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Rwanda. SMEs should prioritize investments in knowledge management initiatives aimed at fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning within the organization. Policymakers should develop supportive frameworks and incentives to encourage SMEs to invest in knowledge management initiatives.

Research on Corporate Brand Marketing Strategies in the Context of the Digital Economy

With the rapid development of the digital economy, new opportunities and challenges have emerged for business development. Companies seeking stable growth in the fierce industry competition must recognize the importance of brand marketing. The digital economy, with its unique appeal, provides expansive development space for corporate brand marketing. However, brand building is not an overnight achievement but a long-term process gradually shaped in consumers' minds. Thus, companies must adapt to market developments and leverage the power of the digital economy to achieve a digital transformation of brand marketing. The digital economy enables deep interaction between businesses and consumers. Through precise data analysis and personalized recommendations, companies can better understand consumer needs and enhance brand loyalty. By fully utilizing digital marketing tools, companies can quickly spread brand messages, expand brand awareness, and enhance market competitiveness. However, influenced by objective factors, certain issues arise in practice. Businesses need to transform their marketing ideas, create products with unique characteristics, find accurate brand positioning, develop targeted marketing strategies, and enhance brand competitiveness.

The Effect of Co-creation on Competitive Advantage in Processing and Service Companies in the Littoral Region of Cameroon

Aim: The current customer is more informed and educated, more selective and has a higher capacity of choice hence demands a more significant value generation from firms. The co-creation remains a vehicle for competitiveness and business growth but without co-creation, business tends to stagnate and eventually fail. This study aims to examine the effect of co-creation on competitive advantage in the processing and service firms of the Littoral Region in Cameroon. Methods: The research adapts a correlational research design with a sample size of 500 companies from the processing and service sectors. The research applied a deductive approach. Data collection was through the use of a questionnaire and data analysis using the pairwise correlation analyses. Results: The results revealed a strong correlation structure between the items as the KMO measure of sampling adequacy was supportive and significant as well as Bartlett’s test of sphericity. Conclusion: The study reaffirms the positive significant effect of co-creation on the competitive advantage of processing and service firms in the Littoral Region of Cameroon. Recommendation: Management needs to adapt co-creation with customers to improve their products and services and to engage further with customers for innovation, customization and collaboration.

Legal Adaptability: Analyzing the Impact of China's 2023 Corporate Law on International Corporate Governance

Exploring the significant evolution of corporate law in China, with a focus on the landmark 2023 Corporate Law amendment, set against the backdrop of the nation's expanding role in global commerce. Analyzing the implications of these legal reforms on corporate governance and transparency, particularly for multinational corporations operating within China, the world's second-largest economy. Building on the foundational reforms of 2014, which marked a shift towards international standards and economic modernization, the 2023 amendment is examined as a continuation and enhancement of these earlier changes. By utilizing case study and normative analysis methods, this analysis systematically explores the enhancements made to the registered capital subscription system, improvements in the corporate governance structure, and the introduction of stronger mechanisms for worker democratic management resulting from the 2023 reforms. These amendments are a response to the growing demand for legal frameworks that are more aligned with international market requirements. Aiming to improve legal flexibility, protect shareholder rights, and enhance the quality of information disclosure. The conclusion of the research emphasizes how the 2023 amendments have reinforced the effectiveness of the 2014 reforms and contributed to creating a strong legal environment that supports sustainable growth and global competitiveness for Chinese corporations.

Competition between biodetoxification fungus and lactic acid bacterium in the biorefinery processing chain for production of cellulosic L-lactic acid

Biodetoxification fungus selectively degrades toxic inhibitors generated from pretreatment of lignocellulose without consuming fermentable sugars. However, one barrier for practical application is the sustained cell viability in the consequent fermentation step to compete the fermentable sugars with fermenting strains, resulting in sugar loss and reduced target product yield. This study investigated the competitive growth property between the biodetoxification fungus Paecilomyces variotii FN89 and the L-lactic acid bacterium Pediococcus acidilactici ZY271 under varying temperature and lactic acid osmatic stress. The results show that the L-lactic acid bacterium Ped. acidilactici ZY271 showed less thermotolerance to Pae. variotii FN89 at high temperature of 45 °C to 50 °C in both synthetic medium and wheat straw hydrolysate. In the higher temperature environment, the growth of the biodetoxification strian failed to compete with the lactic acid fermentation strain and was quickly eliminated from the fermentation system. The high temperature fermentation facilitated a fast transition from the detoxification stage to the fermentation stage for higher production of L-lactic acid.

The relationship between high growth expectations and new venture creation in nascent entrepreneurs: The key role of competitive innovation

New venture creation is a long and complex process that requires significant personal effort. In this study, we analyse how high growth expectations influence new venture creation in nascent entrepreneurs. In addition, we aim to investigate the impact of competitive innovation on new venture creation through the mechanism established between high growth expectations and entrepreneurial effort. Drawing on a sample of 495 nascent entrepreneurs from PSED II, our results show that high growth expectations indirectly influence the creation of a new firm through nascent entrepreneurial effort. Furthermore, the competitive innovation of nascent entrepreneurs exhibits a positive relationship with new venture creation, facilitated by the relationship between high growth expectations and entrepreneurial effort. These results contribute to a better understanding of the role that high growth expectations play in the nascent entrepreneurial process and how competitive innovation and growth expectations explain the creation of a new firm.

Mesomorphology of clathrate hydrates from molecular ordering.

Clathrate hydrates are crystals formed by guest molecules that stabilize cages of hydrogen-bonded water molecules. Whereas thermodynamic equilibrium is well described via the van der Waals and Platteeuw approach, the increasing concerns with global warming and energy transition require extending the knowledge to non-equilibrium conditions in multiphase, sheared systems, in a multiscale framework. Potential macro-applications concern the storage of carbon dioxide in the form of clathrates, and the reduction of hydrate inhibition additives currently required in hydrocarbon production. We evidence porous mesomorphologies as key to bridging the molecular scales to macro-applications of low solubility guests. We discuss the coupling of molecular ordering with the mesoscales, including (i) the emergence of porous patterns as a combined factor from the walk over the free energy landscape and 3D competitive nucleation and growth and (ii) the role of molecular attachment rates in crystallization-diffusion models that allow predicting the timescale of pore sealing. This is a perspective study that discusses the use of discrete models (molecular dynamics) to build continuum models (phase field models, crystallization laws, and transport phenomena) to predict multiscale manifestations at a feasible computational cost. Several advances in correlated fields (ice, polymers, alloys, and nanoparticles) are discussed in the scenario of clathrate hydrates, as well as the challenges and necessary developments to push the field forward.

Improving aromatic higher alcohol acetates in wines by co-fermentation of Pichia kluyveri and Saccharomyces cerevisiae: growth interaction and amino acid competition.

Higher alcohol acetates (HAAs) are potent aroma-active esters that impart desirable fruity and floral aromas. However, the conversion of higher alcohol precursors into HAAs is extremely low in winemaking. To investigate the underlying yeast-yeast interaction on targeted improvement of aromatic HAAs, we evaluated fermentation activity, cell viability, amino acid consumption and HAA production when Pichia kluyveri and Saccharomyces cerevisiae were inoculated concurrently or sequentially. Pichia kluyveri PK-21 possessed the ability to survive and increased HAA level up to 5.2-fold in mixed fermentation. Such an increment may benefit from the efficient conversion of higher alcohol precursors into HAAs (>27-fold higher than S. cerevisiae). During mixed fermentation, the two yeasts exhibited crucial interactions regarding cell growth and amino acid competition. Saccharomyces cerevisiae dominated over the co-inoculated P. kluyveri by efficient uptake of amino acids and biomass production. However, this dominance decreased in sequential fermentation, where P. kluyveri growth increased due to the consumption of preferred amino acids prior to S. cerevisiae. Pearson correlation analysis indicated that phenylalanine and aspartic acid may act as positive amino acids in boosting P. kluyveri growth and HAA production. Laboratory-scale winemaking validated the fermentation performance of P. kluyveri in sequential inoculum, resulting in a balanced aroma profile with enhanced floral and tropical fruity characteristics in the final wines. This study proposes a microbial, non-genetically engineered approach for targeted increase of HAA production in winemaking and the findings provide new insights into yeast-yeast interactions. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of Transformational Leadership Behaviour on Employees’ Career Development in Zenith International Bank (ZIB) Plc, North East 3 Zone, Adamawa State, Nigeria: Post COVID-19 Pandemic Experience

The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic as a global pandemic. The pandemic has left organisations with a number of challenges, including decreased revenue, decreased consumer spending, poor marketing outcomes, firm closures, reduced staff motivation, virtual working, increasing unemployment, and changes in service delivery and lifestyle. However, due to the rapid growth in global competition, advancements in technology, innovativeness, and growing demands for better customer service, organisational leaders were challenged to devise performance-improvement strategies in order to survive the challenges posed by COVID-19, particularly in Deposit Money Banks (DMBs). Against this backdrop, this study investigates the impact of transformational leadership (TL) behaviours on employee career development (i.e. employee mentoring and coaching). This study conceptualised TL behaviours as idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, and individual consideration, while career development as career coaching and career mentoring. The study used an explanatory survey research approach with a sampl of 130 employees from four (4) branches of Zenith International Bank Plc North East 3 Zone, Adamawa State. This study's data were collected via questionnaire. Descriptive statistics such as mean, standard deviation and correlation were used in analysing the data collected, while study's hypotheses were tested using the multiple regression technique. The regression results show that TL behaviours such as inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, and individual consideration have favourable significant effect on career development (Mentoring and coaching). While idealised influence has significant adverse effects on career development in both career mentoring and coaching. Overall, the findings indicate that TL positively and strongly predicts career development (i.e. career mentoring and coaching). As a result, this study concludes that TL actions are critical for organisational development and should be supported by managers since they improve employees' career progression within the organisation and have significant effects on numerous employee outcomes.

Environmental regulation and environmental performance of enterprises: Quasi‐natural experiment of the new environmental protection law

AbstractWhether command‐control environmental regulation can play a positive role in circumstances of imperfect market incentive‐based environmental regulation remains rarely explored. Using the difference‐in‐difference model, we find that command‐control environmental regulation can significantly improve the environmental performance of heavily polluting firms. This result still holds after a sequence of robustness tests. The analysis of the economic mechanism indicates that the new environmental protection law mainly contributes positively to the environmental performance of high‐polluting firms by improving the quality of their environmental investments and pollution treatment disclosures, and by reducing the government subsidies they receive to improve the environmental performance of high‐polluting firms. Meanwhile, the new environmental protection law has a more pronounced impact on heavily polluting enterprises in the eastern region, with imperfect internal control, stronger environmental regulations, more distant political connections, greater pressure on regional GDP growth and weaker industry competition. This paper confirms the effectiveness of the new environmental law in improving environmental performance of heavily polluting enterprises in pursuit of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals, and provides new evidence to test the weak Porter hypothesis in the context of transition economies.

Multi-dimensional competition in local governments, performance pressures, and corporate green innovation in China

ABSTRACT Based on the panel data of China’s listed companies from 2009 to 2020, this paper examines the relationship between multi-dimensional competition among local governments and corporate green innovation. It also investigates the influencing mechanism of performance pressures in this relationship. The results show that (1) Government competition with different motives has heterogeneous effects on green innovation. Growth and fiscal competition negatively affect green innovation, while investment attraction and regulation competition significantly positively affect green innovation. (2) The performance pressure significantly reduces the negative effect of fiscal competition and enhances the positive effect of investment attraction and regulation competition. (3) The regional heterogeneity analysis shows that investment attraction competition positively affects green innovation in the eastern, central, and western regions. While the impact of growth and fiscal competition in the eastern region is insignificant, the former is significantly negative in the central and western regions.