Growth Strategy Research Articles

MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS IN THE U.S. CAPITAL MARKET: THEORETICAL FOUNDATIONS, MARKET DYNAMICS, AND STRATEGIC IMPLICATIONS

This study explores the theoretical foundations, market dynamics, and strategic implications of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) within the U.S. capital market, aiming to identify key theories, assess previous research, and provide insights into corporate consolidation trends. The objectives include examining fundamental M&A theories, analyzing financial and regulatory market dynamics, reviewing valuation methods and post-merger integration challenges, and understanding the strategic implications for corporate growth and shareholder value. Using a literature review methodology, the study synthesizes academic research, industry reports, and empirical studies to evaluate theories such as agency theory, synergy theory, and resource-based perspectives alongside empirical evidence on deal structures, financing mechanisms, and post-merger performance. The findings indicate that financial synergies, market expansion, regulatory influences, and competitive pressures drive M&A transactions. Moreover, the study posits that for a successful M&A deal, due diligence, valuation accuracy, and integration strategies are key. The study also highlights the impact of evolving market conditions, technological advancements, and policy changes on M&A trends. In conclusion, M&A remains a vital strategy for corporate growth and market positioning in the U.S. capital market, though no single theory fully explains all M&A activities. KEYWORDS: Mergers, Acquisitions, U.S. Capital Market, Market Dynamics, Strategic Implications, Corporate Growth, Valuation, Regulation.

Thou shalt not take the name of bioeconomy in vain

Abstract In this paper, we show that the characteristics of complex adaptive systems support the original interpretation of the bioeconomy of Georgescu-Roegen: the current use of natural resources by industrialized societies is incompatible with the regeneration processes of ecological systems. Elaborating the concept of societal identity, using a biosemiotics reading of the social theory of Luhmann, we show that the current social identity is sustained by implausible sociotechnical imaginaries, including the European Union’s interpretation of the bioeconomy as a panacea for green growth. We argue that the current widespread perception of polycrisis is a sign that, on the tangible side of biosemiotic process, social practices urgently need change. On the notional side, however, society is (still) incapable of relinquishing the set of sociotechnical imaginaries grounded in the American and Cartesian dreams (the promethean ideology) firmly locked in its collective memory. This incongruity has produced information disorder in the sustainability discourse. We conclude that the EU endorsement of the concept of the circular (bio)economy as a strategy for perpetual economic growth decoupled from resource use represents a desperate attempt to maintain the status quo through the endorsement of an integrated set of noble lies.

Nitrogen-driven changes in leaf anatomy affect the coupling between leaf mass per area and photosynthesis

Abstract Leaf mass per area (LMA) and photosynthetic rate (A) explain fast-slow growth strategies in worldwide leaf economic spectrum. Nitrogen (N) promotes A and rapid growth; while LMA response to N supply in a genotype specific manner. Structural traits affect the relationship between LMA and A, and we hypothesized that N supply would affect structural traits and thus the coupling between LMA and A. We tested this hypothesis by measuring A, LMA, anatomical traits and N allocation to various leaf components in 9 Brassica napus cultivars under two N supply levels. Mesophyll cell density (ρcell) and palisade tissue thickness (Tp) predominantly influence the variability in LMA. Enhanced Tp increased LMA, chloroplast surface area exposed to intercellular airspace, and N allocation into Rubisco (Nrub), thereby positively affecting mesophyll conductance (gm) and A. Conversely, ρcell promoted LMA but negatively affect Nrub under N deficiency. Enhanced LMA promoted N allocation to cell wall (Ncw), causing decreased Nrub fraction, and consequently A. This negative effect was relieved by the positive effect of Tp on A, which coupled the variation of LMA and A. The plasticity of Tp and ρcell regulating gm and trade-off between Nrub and Ncw provides insights for simultaneous increases in LMA and A to promote rapid growth and resistance.

Root Hydraulic Traits Predict the Growth Performance of Perennial Forbs on the Loess Plateau of China

ABSTRACTThe traits of root xylem play important roles in plants through the provision of structural support, nutrient uptake, and water transport. However, the relationship between root hydraulic traits and plant growth performance in drylands remains unclear. In this study, the growth performance and hydraulic traits of 35 perennial forbs on the Loess Plateau were obtained through field surveys and xylem anatomy experiments. The results revealed that plant growth performance was significantly correlated with xylem anatomical traits. The vessel fraction (VF), mean vessel area (MVA), theoretical hydraulic conduction diameter (Dh), and mean water transfer efficiency (MKp) increased with the age of perennial forbs. Higher Dh, MVA, and MKp were observed to increase the growth rates and the heights of main stems, which were virtually unaffected by the vessel number (NV). Since MVA, Dh, MKp, and NV were important for the growth rate, hydraulic traits were more reliable predictors of the growth rate. This study revealed that the hydraulic traits of taproots significantly influenced plant growth performance, especially in drylands. Further, we highlighted the relationships between the hydraulic traits of roots and plant growth performance, which provided insights into survival strategies and management strategies for vegetation growth in water‐limited regions.

From decentralization to recentralization – policy reversal and institutional change during the AKP government in Turkey

ABSTRACT The article analyses Turkey as a unique case in which comprehensive decentralization gave way to a recentralization agenda allowing us to study in detail the link between policy reversals and different institutional forms of recentralization. The article will analyse how institutional layering, the dominance of informal rules and institutional displacement were used to enact recentralization without changing formal decision-making powers assigned to subnational authorities. In institutional layering, the Housing Development Administration became a core actor in a different economic growth strategy which deprived local governments of core competencies. The dominance of informal rules subordinated the newly established regional development agencies and the mayors of metropolitan municipalities to a hierarchical relationship with the central state. Finally, institutional displacement had loomed as a threat in the Kurdish question and was enacted after 2015 with the replacement of elected local governments by appointed governors to serve a repressive coalition with nationalist forces.

Complexity of leaf trait covariation for mangrove species

The leaf economics spectrum (LES) has been proposed as a framework for understanding leaf resource-investment and plant growth strategies, but it is scarcely examined in mangrove communities. This study investigates LES patterns in mangrove communities to examine whether the trait coordination spectrum, if it exists, is associated with plant growth strategies. By conducting a comprehensive sampling across a wide range of mangrove species in China, we confirmed the presence of LES across mangrove species, and found that true mangroves generally exhibit a more conservative strategy characterized by higher leaf mass per area (LMA) and lower leaf nutrient concentrations compared to mangrove associates. We also observed considerable intraspecific variation in traits, particularly in LMA. In some cases, fast-growing species exhibited higher LMA and lower leaf nutrient concentrations than slow-growing species. Fast-growing species also showed higher leaf thickness than slow-growing species, but no difference in leaf density between them, suggesting that LMA composition is important in understanding trait coordination and its link with plant growth strategies in mangrove communities. Our findings highlight a complex link between trait coordination and plant growth strategies in mangrove species.

AI-Driven Customer Insights in IT Services: A Framework for Personalization and Scalable Solutions

New developments in Artificial Intelligence (AI) in IT services have drastically altered how companies use customer insights to supply personalized and scalable responses to a wide variety of client necessities. The focus of this study consists in the use of AI tools and algorithms in customer data analysis, but also in the sense that they are useful for providing targeted and efficient IT service solutions. The findings are robust because a mixed-methods approach was employed, using qualitative analysis of case studies and quantitative evaluations of service outcomes. The results show that adding AI features into workflows of IT services can significantly improve satisfaction metrics for customer, operating efficiency, and the scalability of the service overall. Additionally, the paper organizes frameworks and different strategies for utilizing AI devices and investigating issues, for example, data secrecy, calculation predisposition, and extendibility. This research also helps bridge a few of the existing gaps in the existing body of knowledge about potential AI applications in customer–centric IT service and provides actionable insights for practitioners and policymakers. The main takeaways indicate how much organizations need to start seeing AI as a business growth strategy and not as a technological advancement. Related to this, future research needed to understand the ethical considerations of artificial intelligence in customer insights, and the overall implications of artificial intelligence, in the context of media distributors and different cultural and regulatory environments.

Chai Sutta Bar

In March 2019, Anubhav Dubay, the co-founder and CEO of Chai Sutta Bar (CSB), a fast-growing coffee chain, was prepared to discuss the company’s growth strategy with other leadership team members. He glanced at the crowded street with people tangled up in their work and remembered his college days of preparing for the Indian civil services. The aroma of the coffee, tea, and delicious seasoned snacks had engrossed commuters before heading towards work. He recalled the journey of CSB, which had begun in 2016 in Bhawarkua, a suburban area in Indore, an Indian city—the challenges and successes of his entrepreneurial journey, which he had taken with his two friends. Their main objective was to provide Indian consumers with affordable, low-cost beverages. CSB strategy of catering to consumers’ budgetary needs gained rapid popularity and garnered incentives for its expansion across the country. They have established over 150 outlets in different parts of India. Following this success, the company realized the need for a global presence by scaling up the business and expanding into other countries. They have three options: either CSB can follow their baseline strategy, which entails existing growth, similar to what they have done in India, or they can opt for shared ownership by selling a portion of their equity at a fivefold of their current Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA), which would allow them to remain the face of change; alternatively, they can choose a complete buyout for ten times their current EBITDA with a nominal lifetime royalty fee. Here, we will examine the opportunities and possible challenges that CSB may encounter while expanding into the international market.

A Quantitative Analysis of the Balance of Payment Performance Using an Alternative Evaluation Approach: A Case of Zambia (1980 – 2020)

Purpose: This paper seeks to evaluate Zambia's balance of payment performance from 1980 to 2020 and thus provide a nuanced and in-depth assessment that offers a comprehensive understanding of its balance of payment dynamics beyond traditional methods. Materials and Methods: The study employed the Vector Error Correction (VEC) model to integrate monetarist, elasticity, and Keynesian theories. Thus examine the short-run and long-run impact of Exchange Rate, Inflation Rate, Interest Rate, External Credit, Gross Domestic Product, and Foreign Direct Investment on Balance of Payment. Findings: The empirical analysis reveals that exchange rate fluctuations, foreign direct investment (FDI), and external credit exert modest short-run effects on the BOP. However, in the long run, these factors demonstrate statistically significant impacts, highlighting their critical role in shaping Zambia’s external account dynamics. The findings indicate that exchange rate depreciation enhances export competitiveness by making exports cheaper while increasing the cost of imports. FDI inflows contribute positively to the capital account, supporting the balance of payment. Conversely, higher reliance on external credit is associated with elevated debt servicing costs, adversely affecting the BOP. Furthermore, domestic inflation influences trade dynamics by making local goods relatively expensive, thereby reducing imports, while GDP growth spurs higher import demand due to increased domestic consumption. Higher interest rates, on the other hand, may suppress borrowing, thus reducing liquidity in the economy. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: These results underscore the need for Zambia to adopt balanced macroeconomic policies that address structural vulnerabilities in the BOP. Key policy recommendations include inflation targeting to maintain price stability, exchange rate stabilization to foster trade competitiveness, diversification of FDI inflows to reduce dependency on a single sector, sustainable external credit management to mitigate debt burdens, and an export-oriented growth strategy to enhance foreign exchange earnings. By pursuing these measures, Zambia can strengthen its economic stability, sustain long-term growth, and reduce susceptibility to external shocks.

Multimode Thermal Gating Based on Elastic Ceramic-Carbon Nanowhisker/Nanofiber Aerogels by Strain Engineering Strategy.

The capability to regulate heat transport dynamically and reversibly within solid materials propels advancement in aerospace conditioning, battery thermal control, and energy harvesting/conversion industries. Although aerogels are known for thermal insulation properties, their constant thermal resistance induced by immutable pore structure makes them struggle to reverse-release the accumulated thermal energy. Here, we develop a nanocrystalline whisker/nanofiber aerogel (WFA) thermal gating induced by the self-catalyzed growth strategy, whose elasticity offers possibilities for dynamic thermal management. Thermal conductivities can be continuously regulated by external compressive strain-trigged heat conduction pathway and interfacial resistance variations, switching seamlessly between 0.020 W m-1 K-1 in an uncompressed state and 0.071 W m-1 K-1 at 80% compressive strain, with a modulation ratio of ∼3.55. The integral inorganic nature ensures the thermal stability of WFAs over a large thermal gradient, from -196 °C deep cryogenic to 1500 °C ultrahigh temperature. The resulting multimode WFAs provide a feasible solution for thermal management in extreme environments.

Enhancing Human Capital and Leadership in Public Administration: Training, Growth, and Retention Strategies

Enhancing Human Capital and Leadership in Public Administration: Training, Growth, and Retention Strategies

Proteomic insight into growth and defense strategies under low ultraviolet-B acclimation in the cyanobacterium Nostoc sphaeroides.

Proteomic insight into growth and defense strategies under low ultraviolet-B acclimation in the cyanobacterium Nostoc sphaeroides.

From the ground up: the evolution of structurally dependent plants in Hylocereeae (Cactaceae)

Structurally dependent plants have evolved six times independently in Cactaceae, where the tribe Hylocereeae is one of the two largest lineages in terms of number of species. To understand the acquisition of different ecological strategies of growth and its relation with the structural evolution of the stems, we have studied the morpho-anatomy of sixty-nine species from all genera of the Hylocereeae. Trait evolution analyses for thirty-six structural attributes, as well as a trait correlation analysis through Bayesian methods were performed. The results allowed us to explain the evolutionary relevance of the patterns of structural changes and their strong associations with the growth form. Terrestrial and epiphytic taxa have contrasting structural characteristics related to the mechanical support as the number of ribs, the appearance of spines, the type hypodermis and cortex, the sclerenchyma in cortical vascular bundles and pith, as well as the patterns of wood development, whereas Aporocactus, Selenicereus and Weberocereus seem to be transitional between terrestrial and epiphytic genera, by showing structural features from both growth forms.

STRATEGI KOMUNIKASI PEMASARAN MELALUI MEDIA SOSIAL INSTAGRAM DALAM MEMPROMOSIKAN PRODUK STUDI PADA HANAKA CLASSIC DI DENPASAR

This research analyzes the marketing communication strategies employed by Hanaka Classic, an MSME in the fashion sector in Bali, through the social media platform Instagram to promote their products. Considering the importance of the fashion industry in tourism and consumer needs in Bali, this study aims to understand how these strategies can boost sales. The research methods used include observation, interviews, and documentation, as well as a SWOT analysis to identify the company's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. The research findings indicate that Hanaka Classic is in a favorable position (Quadrant I) with the potential for rapid growth. The recommended strategies include increasing investment in digital marketing, developing new products, expanding market reach, and forming partnerships with influencers. The Internal-External (IE) Matrix suggests focusing on vertical growth strategies by enhancing control over distribution and suppliers. Additionally, the study provides theoretical contributions to understanding social media marketing and offers practical insights for MSMEs in formulating effective marketing strategies. Practical recommendations include developing social media, maintaining consistency in content uploads, and selecting the right influencers to enhance product appeal

District ammonium-to-nitrate ratios change soil N dynamics and shape inverse patterns of resource acquisition strategy and biomass production of four urban greening trees.

District ammonium-to-nitrate ratios change soil N dynamics and shape inverse patterns of resource acquisition strategy and biomass production of four urban greening trees.

Reactive template method for synthesis of water-soluble fluorescent silver nanoclusters supported on the surface of cellulose nanofibers.

Reactive template method for synthesis of water-soluble fluorescent silver nanoclusters supported on the surface of cellulose nanofibers.

Gate-controllable 213 nm photo-responsivity in GeO2/SiO2/p-Si three-terminal solar-blind photodetectors

Recently, the GeO2 thin film has attracted intense attention due to its ultrawide optical bandgap energy (>4 eV), endowing it with quite a promising application for solar-blind photodetectors (SBPDs). Although many epitaxial growth strategies of GeO2 thin films have been achieved, the design for the controllable GeO2 SBPDs is still rarely reported, thus hampering its development as next-generation optoelectronic devices. Here, we deposited pure GeO2 films with ultrawide bandgap energies of around 5.81 eV using the radio frequency magnetron sputtering method and fabricated back-gated three-terminal SBPDs based on GeO2/p-Si heterojunction structures. Subsequently, boosted optoelectronic characteristics at 213 nm, including a lower dark current of 93.52 pA, a higher photon-to-dark-currents ratio of 98.88, and a larger breakdown drain-source voltage (VDS) over 30 V, are demonstrated due to the introduction of SiO2 layer between the GeO2 film and the Si substrate. More importantly, by applying the various voltages on the gate voltage (VGS) of the GeO2/SiO2/p-Si three-terminal SBPDs, a significant change in the threshold VDS is achieved in the range from −21.91 to 8.16 V, demonstrating that the VGS can effectively regulate the turn-on VDS of the device. The obtained results can be instructive for the high-performance SBPDs based on GeO2 films, and our findings will provide a promising approach for achieving high-performance GeO2-based SBPDs.

Deep eutectic solvent-based ionogel: Innovative potential as a promising chromatographic separation material.

Deep eutectic solvent-based ionogel: Innovative potential as a promising chromatographic separation material.

Weaving of silica nanoparticles with tunable morphologies in the improved Stöber system via interfacial nucleation and competitive growth strategy

Weaving of silica nanoparticles with tunable morphologies in the improved Stöber system via interfacial nucleation and competitive growth strategy

Enhancing the halal potato chips supply chain: innovative risk mitigation strategies for sustainable growth

Consumer trust is an important asset in the distribution of the halal supply chain. The object of this research is the halal supply chain for micro-scale potato chip enterprises, involving suppliers, producers, and retailers. The final product's halal status may be at risk caused by factors like sourcing raw materials, production processes, storage, distribution, and halal management at various supply chain phases. The problem to be solved is to develop a comprehensive institutional model of the potato chip supply chain, identify and assess these halal-related risks, map risk agents based on risk events, and develop alternative mitigation strategies to minimize potential threats. To accomplish this, an integrated methodology, including the House of Risk (HoR) and Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM) methodologies, is implemented. The findings reveal the identification of 69 risk events and 70 risk agents, all associated with planning, purchasing, production, and distribution. Thirty priority risk agents requiring immediate attention were determined using the Pareto Diagram and ISM. Based on the ISM analysis, risk agents were categorized into independent and dependent variables within the potato chip business cluster. The integration of HoR and ISM effectively prioritizes risk agents and uncovers their interrelationships, enabling robust mitigation strategies. The approved approach provides a comprehensive risk assessment framework, allowing producers to control the main risk factors affecting halal product integrity, and enhance consumer trust. These findings are particularly valuable for micro-scale potato chip enterprises to strengthen their halal supply chain integrity, improve risk management practices, and increase competitiveness in halal markets