Increase In Global Competition Research Articles

Strategies to Promote the Export Competitiveness of the Laver Industry in South Korea: Focusing on the SWOT-AHP Method

Purpose - Currently, South Korean laver is called the semiconductor of the food industry, and it has become a representative K-Food. However, these positive achievements are counterbalanced with challenges such as the deterioration of water laver productivity due to climate change and the increase in global competition for laver. In particular, the recent issue of discharge of contaminated water from Fukushima could pose a threat to the growth of the South Korean laver industry. Accordingly, this study attempted to present a development direction that could help the South Korean laver industry maintain sustainable growth and create market opportunities. Design/Methodology - This study sought to provide insights and implications that could contribute to enhancing the export competitiveness and sustainable growth of the South Korean laver industry. To conduct this study, the SWOT factors of the South Korean laver industry were derived through literature research using the latest research data. Based on this, an AHP analysis was conducted on laver industry experts to derive a SWOT matrix and present business strategies and policies. Findings - The development strategies based on the results of this study are as follows. The SO strategy was identified as the first priority. This strategy requires maximizing cost-effectiveness and quality, which are the strengths of South Korean laver, and actively seeking overseas market opportunities triggered by the high interest in Hallyu. The WO strategy was identified as the second priority. This strategy requires fostering and industrializing new varieties of laver with significant resistance and high quality, and expanding the demand for South Korean laver by actively capitalizing on the opportunities created by the popularity of Hallyu. Originality/value - Given the lack of studies on the promotion of the export competitiveness of the South Korean laver industry, this study is expected to provide the theoretical foundation for research on the development of the South Korean laver industry and contribute to the expansion of research to secure K-Food’s global competitive advantages. Additionally, the SWOT matrix proposed in this study is expected to enhance the competitiveness of South Korean laver in overseas markets.

UNDERSTANDING THE CULTURE OF COMMUNICATION IN THE COLLEGE OF ARTS AND LETTERS OF BULACAN STATE UNIVERSITY-MAIN CAMPUS

Communication is the backbone of any academic institution. It enables collaboration, productivity, and innovation. This study explores the communication culture within the College of Arts and Letters (CAL) at Bulacan State University Campus. The goal is to understand the dynamics shaping communication practices, barriers, and strategies among administrators and faculty. Communication is crucial in educational settings, as it affects organizational unity, teaching quality, and student outcomes. Using communication theories and practices, the study uncovers the mechanisms driving communication interactions within CAL. Communication practices in modern educational settings are undergoing significant changes. As new technologies emerge and global competition increases, administrators and faculty face evolving challenges. This study examines communication within the CAL organization, exploring how administrators and faculty navigate these changes and use communication strategies to foster positive working relationships and improve instructional quality. The research takes a careful and thorough approach, using both numbers and stories to understand the communication culture within CAL. By surveying administrators and faculty, the study explores their views on communication practices, challenges, and strategies. Additionally, indepth interviews and group discussions provide valuable insights into the real-life experiences and perspectives of key people involved, deepening our understanding of the communication dynamics at play. The study reveals a diverse and interactive communication environment within CAL, marked by open discussions, information exchange, and collaborative problem-solving. However, the research also identifies common obstacles to effective communication, ranging from noise and poor feedback to insufficient communication channels and psychological barriers. Additionally, the study examines faculty perspectives on job performance, leadership capabilities, and communication dynamics with management, providing valuable insights into the relationship between individual attitudes and the organizational communication culture. Building on what we've learned, this study suggests ways to improve communication practices within CAL. From specialized training programs to optimizing communication channels and promoting a culture of open communication and collaboration, these recommendations provide a path to cultivating a cohesive, inclusive, and effective communication environment in the college. By exploring the communication culture at CAL, this research lays the foundation for nurturing a thriving academic community that supports learning, innovation, and growth.

Evaluation of blockchain implementation solutions in the sustainable supply chain: A novel hybrid decision approach based on Z-numbers

Nowadays, because of the increase in global competition and the need to pay attention to sustainable issues, achieve a competitive advantage, reduce costs, and improve Supply Chain (SC) network management, the use of blockchain and its integration have become necessary in the network. The use of Blockchain Technology (BT) leads to transparency, controllability, security, flexibility, visibility, reduction of costs, efficient processes, and achieving sustainable development goals in the SC network. To successfully implement BT in SC, it is necessary to identify and evaluate the operational solutions to solve the challenges and obstacles of BT. Therefore, this study aims to identify and evaluate BT implementation solutions to achieve sustainability in the SC. The novelties and contributions of this research include identifying blockchain solutions to achieve sustainable development goals in the SC, proposing a new application for the agricultural products SC to utilize blockchain, and presenting a novel hybrid decision procedure including the Step-wise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis (SWARA) and the Combined Compromise Solution (CoCoSo) using on Z-numbers for evaluating solutions. The proposed approach can deal with ambiguity in the complex environment of the decision due to the consideration of reliability and uncertainty in the data, reducing the number of pairwise comparisons, low inconsistency rate, reducing the complexity of calculations, ease of implementation, no limit in the number of criteria, no dependence on predetermined scales, and providing compromise solutions based on different opinions of experts. To examine the results, sensitivity analysis, and validation were performed. The findings showed that for the successful implementation of blockchain in the agricultural SC, the infrastructure of this technology must be created and integrated with all levels of the SC, and using BT must be provided through the use of sustainable methods. By developing areas of cooperation and participation through the creation of facilitating rules between different partners in the SC, collective investments can be made in the development of the infrastructure.

Повышение конкурентоспособности образования России на международном уровне

This article provides an analysis of the factors affecting the competitiveness of domestic higher education: the positioning of Russian universities in international rankings, the degree of digitalization of education and science in the Russian Federation, as well as the export potential of Russian education. The first part presents the data of the analysis of higher educational institutions of the Russian Federation by the most popular international rating agencies, shows the methods and principles for calculating key indicators for each of the ratings. The higher places in international rankings show popularity and prestige of not only a particular university, but also the market of educational services in the country in general. The export of education is an important factor contributing to the increase of global competitiveness. The second part of the work describes government programs that help increase the export of domestic education by promoting Russian universities among foreign applicants, and also presents an action plan to increase the export of higher education in Russia. The degree of digitalization of higher education is shown as a determining factor, the importance of the digital transformation of domestic education, as well as the benefits of distance learning, is established. The federal program "Strategy for the Digital Transformation of Science and Higher Education", developed in 2021 by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation with the aim of achieving "digital maturity" in the field of education, is analyzed. A consistent review of projects developed in the field of education, as well as data from rating agencies, made it possible to determine the main directions for increasing the competitiveness of domestic higher education, to describe strategies and activities that contribute to the prompt achievement of all goals.

INFLUENCE OF INNOVATIVENESS ON THE PERFORMANCE OF FOOD AND BEVERAGE MANUFACTURING ENTERPRISES IN NAIROBI CITY COUNTY

Increase in global competition, ever-changing technologies and unstable business environment as a result of globalization, market liberalization and Covid 19 impact on businesses, have made firms search for other means of survival and growth. Food and beverage manufacturing enterprises are also experiencing these challenges. This is demonstrated by the decrease in contribution to GDP, ranging from 13.6% in the early 1990s to 7.6% in 2020, thereby raising doubt on whether the sector is capable to meet the goals of Vision 2030. Different studies around the world have suggested the adoption of entrepreneurial practices as part of the solution. However, the findings of these studies have been inconclusive. The objective of this study was to establish the influence of Innovativeness on performance of food and beverage manufacturing enterprises in Nairobi City County. Descriptive survey research design was adopted. The target population was one hundred and thirty-eight food and beverage manufacturing firms registered under KAM by 2020. A census was conducted and data was obtained using a questionnaire. Data was analyzed using simple and multiple regression analysis with the help of SPSS version 25.0. Hypothesis was tested using t-statistic at 5% significance level. The study found that innovativeness had a positive influence on performance (regression coefficient 0.446, p-value of 0.000). The study recommends that firms should assess their ability to embrace new ideas and processes that will lead to development of new products, services, markets or technologies. Innovativeness plays an essential role in doing away with challenges associated with businesses.

Methodology for Introducing Creativity in Requirements Engineering

The increase of global competitiveness, the ability of organizations to effectively use information technologies, and to focus on innovation and creativity are recognized as being important. In this context, the hypothesis of resorting to known creativity techniques or adaptations to help innovation in the field of Software Engineering appears to be challenging. This paper proposes a methodology for introducing creativity and innovation techniques in the Requirements Engineering process in order to build more agile and efficient Information Systems. The method uses a variety of creative techniques that are thought to be appropriate to the different stages of the process and is inspired by existing creative problem-solving methods and techniques, in particular in the Creative Problem-Solving Process, Productive Thinking Model and the Creative Potentiation Method. The study of the method allowed its application, through the use of various creativity techniques, in a real context in a social institution - the Social Center for Support to the Community of São Domingos. The application of the methodology allowed the identification of new opportunities that allowed the organization to devise service delivery strategies that were more suited to the needs of people.

SOAL OPEN-ENDED BERKONTEKS BENGKULU TENTANG BANGUN RUANG SISI DATAR UNTUK KEMAMPUAN BERPIKIR KREATIF MATEMATIS

Students’ ability for thinking creatively is very important due to highly support the increase of global competition in the current digital era. However, the condition of students' creative thinking abilities is still relatively low, which strongly leads the learning program that can explore the competence of students' creative thinking abilities, one of which is by using open-ended questions under the Bengkulu context. This study aims to produce open-ended questions on mathematical creative thinking skills that are valid and practical. This research was development research by using the 1993 Tessmer development model (modified by Zulkardi, 2006). In this study, the stages used preliminary, self-evaluation, expert review, and one-to-one. The test subjects of this study were class VIII Junior High School students. This research was conducted from June to July 2021. The data analysis technique used qualitative and quantitative analysis. Based on the results of the research showed that the open-ended questions developed were valid based on validators' comments and practical based on the results of the answers and interviews by students.

Challenges Facing Publicity and Marketing of Nigeria Commercial Theatre in a Depressed Economy

For a commercial theatre to remain in business, it must continually adjust itself economically, socially and politically to its immediate environment. The world is changing so fast that industrialised economist has equally changed drastically. This has necessitated the increase in global competition and liberalisation of markets combined with change in consumer demand, values and priorities. This has forced companies to cut out wasteful and unproductive activities and concentrate on areas of competence to achieve sustainable competitive advantage. Also, the worldwide economic recession has reduced the consumer purchasing power and brought companies face to face with complex cross-cultural issues and competition that necessitates aggressive publicity and marketing for its survival in a depressed economy. Furthermore, to survive this unprecedented turmoil, most organisations especially commercial theatre had to embark on a number of measures including aggressive publicity and marketing, For the theatre industries to survive the 21st century in a depressed economy, it must be responsive to its environment, as well as be creative, built on trust and developed self-knowledge. To achieve this the qualitative research methodology was employed using the Laissez faire Model of economic recovery in recession. The marketing/publicity manager could help the Commercial theatre achieve her corporate vision through allowing the spirit of cooperation and teamwork among all partners within the organization. This paper therefore analyses different methods used by commercial theatre organisations in the current dispensation when the nation is facing a downturn economy and equally suggests new strategies employed by them towards alleviating their economic challenges

Interplay between coopetition and institutions: How Japanese airlines enhance bargaining power

Organisations engage in coopetition, the simultaneous pursuit of competitive and cooperative activities, because of various environmental factors. The concept of coopetition continues to gain attention as global competition increases. However, the analysis of the influence of institutional elements on coopetition has been limited. This study bridges this gap. We use a case study to examine the coopetition framework among competing Japanese airlines formed to negotiate with major institutional elements: a monopolistic supplier and a government regulatory authority. First, this study identifies the mechanisms through which institutions promote coopetition. The findings point to coercive isomorphism and external hazard as influential institutional mechanisms; through coercive isomorphism, the shared benefits increase, and the cost of cooperation is reduced; through external hazard, organisations are encouraged to unite, and coopetition is promoted. Second, the study identifies the mechanisms through which organisations in coopetition enhance their bargaining power. Specifically, we find two sources of enhanced bargaining power: intensified pressure as a larger group and improved persuasiveness with consensus. These findings have important implications for the theory and management of co-operative organisations, such as for the interaction between co-operatives and institutions, since the coopetition framework we analysed has characteristics close to the values and principles of co-operatives.

Investigations on the effect of nozzle angle and air flow rate during nanofluid Minimum Quantity Lubrication milling of Aerospace alloy Al7075-T6

Present day industries are focusing upon finding various methods and techniques to implement sustainable manufacturing, which is ‘the need of the hour’. With increase in global competition, industries are striving hard to reduce the machining costs, which is a major contributor for ‘manufacturing cost per part’, in an industry. Conventional method of using large quantity of coolant/cutting fluids in several liters per hour, to cool machining zone is causing enormous concern. Strict Government regulations are necessitating industries to replace flood-coolant assisted machining by new techniques like ‘Minimum Quantity lubrication’ (MQL) coolant supply technique. The present work deals with investigating the effect of varying nozzle angle and air-flow rate during MQL assisted surface milling of aerospace aluminum Al7075-T6 alloy, using uncoated carbide tool. Three methods of coolant supply namely Dry, MQL and nanofluid MQL (nano particles us pended oil with MQL) are experimented. Cutting speed [150m/min, 208m/min, 264 m/min], feed rate [95 mm/min, 110 mm/min, 125 mm/min] and depth of cut [0.5 mm, 1.3 mm, 2 mm] are chosen as process variables. Two nozzle angles 25°C and 500, with 1.5 kg/cm2 and 3 kg/cm2 air flow rates were investigated. Best results were obtained for air flow rate of 1.5kg/cm2. Optimumnozzleangle was found to be 25°C. To obtain lowest temperature and reduced heat generation, nanofluid MQL machining is a feasible option. With regards to MQL technique, for obtaining better surface finish with reduced surface roughness of the work piece (Al7075-T6), nanofluid MQL technique is best.

The REBUS project at Volga Tech: on the way towards student-centered learning

The paper analyses the impact of the REBUS project (REady for BUSiness) on the development of student-centered learning (SCL) at Volga State University of Technology, one of the two Russian universities participating in the EU funded Erasmus+ endeavor to introduce entrepreneurial education for engineering students. Along with mobility, lifelong learning and employability, SCL composes philosophical grounds of a European Higher Education Area. Such tools as ECTS, Diploma Supplement and Qualification Frameworks are all aimed to help students to achieve certain learning outcomes, or statements that describe the knowledge 50 POLIS No. 19, ISSUE 2/ 2020 or skills students acquire by the end of a particular assignment, and help students understand why that knowledge and those skills will be useful to them. The authors perceive SCL as a complex phenomenon, representing both a mindset and culture of teaching and learning. In practice, it deploys innovative methods of teaching, and fostering transferable skills such as problem solving, critical thinking and reflecting thinking. The Russian government signed the Bologna declaration in 2003, thus giving path to series of reforms aimed at modernization of national university system, and increase of global competitiveness of Russian higher education institutions. Since that, Russia has taken extensive efforts to adjust its higher education system to the European standards. One of the most prominent steps was move towards Bachelor’s – Master’s – Postgraduate learning cycles in the vast majority of universities, along with introduction of mobility programmes, ECTS-like credit transfer system and Diploma Supplement. However, not too much has been changed at programme and classroom level to make learning process more student-centered. The authors argue that REBUS project with its intense use of blended learning, personalized tools for validation of competences and skills, and international mobility has created a new type of student-teacher relationship within one piloting programme, and can serve as a good example of SCL in practice.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CAPABILITY AND CORPORATE COMMUNICATION IN SME FOOD INDUSTRIES

During this decade, technology has been recognized as one of the important factors for maintaining competitiveness in a global business environment. Malaysia, as a developing country, is moving towards to become internationally technological based manufacturing sectors using technological capabilities. Since the productivity of the organization is highly dependent on the technology capability, managers need to do their best to communicate effectively with their employees in order to facilitate the sharing information that substantially for contribute to the commercial success. Communication is important in connecting employees and employers, or employees and customers in the process of services in manufacturing. Due to an increase in global competition, rapid technological development and changes in customer demand, this makes the performance of food and beverage firms (F&B) has become increasingly dependent on continuous improvements to introduce new products and processes. Therefore, this study interested to focus on the information technology and corporate communication that has been considered as a pre-quisite to improve productivity in food industries. Even though technology is widely implemented and studied in many industries by researchers, IT capability in manufacturing industry is limited and indicated a major gap in SME’s. Furthermore, IT capability highlights the importance in SME’s. This study is a survey research and quantitative research. There are two methods for collecting data that are through an online survey and the distribution of a questionnaire through several manufacturing firms. Due to the importance of the services in the manufacturing sector, this study to explore the contribution towards the business development in manufacturing industries. Hence, the study also discusses the role of IT capabilities in supporting manufacturing practices, especially in the context of food industries.

Construction project productivity assesment model and its implementation in Indonesia construction industry

The increase of global competition in the world of construction forced construction companies to increase their productivity. One of the most important parts of the construction project is productivity. It is absolutely necessary to have a thorough research on the construction project productivity (CPP), so that contractors know the productivity level of their projects. This assessment has an effect on increasing the productivity of a construction project until it achieves the highest level of the construction project productivity. The purpose of this study is to propose a construction project productivity assesment model. In this study, project productivity variables are obtained by conducting in-depth literature review and structured interview with construction experts. Pairwise comparison is used to determine the factor weight. The final assessment is represented in the form of a web spider graph. To validate the model, several building projects in Indonesia are used as a case study. The weight for the CPP assessment at the internal level was 73.8% at an external rate of 26.2%. At the internal level, there are 2 categories namely: management category for 39.38% and human category for 34.42%. CPP results in Indonesia are the highest in the category of human variable worker turnover and availability while the lowest is in the category of management inspection delays.

Analysis of the Main Factors Affecting the Adoption of Cloud based Interactive Mobile Learning in the Australian Higher Education Sector

<p>Today, every business depends on Information Technology (IT) for the efficient service delivery and cost-effective application of technological resources. Modern technologies are being adopted to overcome business pressure, streamline existing procedures and service delivery cost-efficiency for maximising profit due to the increase in global competition and shifts in the customer expectations. Cloud computing (CC) is an Internet-centric computing service that utilises and provides IT services to organisations through the provisioning of resources through the Internet using web-centric software and gadgets without the assistance of any private IT architecture within the firm. Cloud based interactive mobile learning platform is the result of such exploration and this practice of learning is improving with the time. New technologies such as smart mobile devices, Cloud computing and wireless connectivity are opening new opportunities of learning for students. </p><p>Thus, the aim of this paper is to evaluate the main factors affecting the adoption of Cloud based interactive mobile learning for the Australian Higher Education sector. In this research, a survey data collection technique with existing students using Mobile application for learning and also a literature review process were conducted. Research outcome shows that the use of Artificial intelligence and Machine learning can make learning more efficient and these technologies need to be integrated in applications designed for Australian Higher Education sector. It is expected that the research outcome will help interactive mobile application developers and higher education providers to better understand the requirements of students while providing an interactive learning platform for them. </p>

Integrated Marketing Communication and Perception of Small Scale Entrepreneurs in Manufacturing and Service Sector Industries

Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) is one of the most important communications trends adopted by companies in the last decade. With an increase in global competition, technological advances, and more informed customers, it is important for businesses to make a powerful impact on target audiences and markets. IMC is one such step toward an integrated approach to achieving efficiency by synergy. A small business marketing communication approach is essential to the strategic, consistent growth of an entrepreneurs and business. Small Business marketing by the entrepreneurs consist of those business activities that relate directly to target markets and preparing, communicating and delivering some bundle of satisfaction to the target markets. In this context, Integrated marketing communication approach and tools proves very significant to the entrepreneurs. The purpose of this study is to analyze, understand and compare the perception of integrated marketing communication held by entrepreneurs across small scale industries in manufacturing sector and Service sector in India. This study analyses the perception of small entrepreneurs regarding whether the approach and tools of IMC have impact on their promotional activities or on promotion mix strategy. The findings of this study tended to support the approach and model of integrated marketing communication. This study suggests that IMC has become accepted practice of the small entrepreneurs also in both the manufacturing and service sector as well. Although many entrepreneurs may not be fully using IMC as a management strategy, this study suggests widespread support for the idea. There may be uncertainty among some about what IMC is and what purpose it serves. Others, who are supportive of IMC, may be uncertain or unable to implement the strategy.

Evaluation of Value Stream Mapping Application in Pasta Manufacturing: A Case Study of Golden Pasta Company, Lagos

Over the years manufacturing industries faced persistent increase in global competition to the extent that most industries find it difficult to make profits. This unfavorable trend in global competition coupled with high costs of production were responsible for the new trend in business. In order to survive in today’s fiercely competitive market, and remain profitable while producing at a lower cost, many manufacturing outfits started thinking on the best way to eliminates wastes through the lean methodology. This work evaluated the application of lean approach of wastes elimination through the application of Value Stream Mapping (VSM) techniques. The manufacturing operations of Fava Long Goods 3 (FLG3) production line of Golden Pasta Company (GPC) was carefully understudied. Data collected from the company’s Enterprise Resource Planning system (ERP) and shop floor including feedback from the customers were analysed and evaluated. The results of the evaluation of these data were used to derive the Value Stream Mapping parameters for the developing the current state map and exposure of pasta manufacturing activities that accumulated to wastes generation. A Kaizen Blitz, a lean improvement workshop was held at the workplace where improvement suggestions were made towards the elimination of the wastes. The improvement suggestions were approved and implemented using a series of Value Stream Mapping techniques such as 5S, Kanban pull system, Supermarket pull system, Single Minute Exchange of Die (SMED), Kaizen idea sheet, Lean implementation tracking sheet and root-cause analysis to remove all the identified wastes. The results of the lean implementation showed that Production Lead Time (PLT) was massively reduced from 34.4 hours to 5.04 hours with a 85.3% waste reduction. A practical approach of implementing the value stream mapping, using Microsoft Visio 2016 software was suggested. An actual cost savings of N158, 515,200 was realised after third quarter (nine months) of lean implementation between September 2016 and June 2017. This was revealed in the Financial Statements of Accounts approved by the General Manager/Director of the Golden Pasta Company.

A Proposed Business Intelligent Framework for Recommender Systems

In this Internet age, recommender systems (RS) have become popular, offering new opportunities and challenges to the business world. With a continuous increase in global competition, e-businesses, information portals, social networks and more, websites are required to become more user-centric and rely on the presence and role of RS in assisting users in better decision making. However, with continuous changes in user interests and consumer behavior patterns that are influenced by easy access to vast information and social factors, raising the quality of recommendations has become a challenge for recommender systems. There is a pressing need for exploring hybrid models of the five main types of RS, namely collaborative, demographic, utility, content and knowledge based approaches along with advancements in Big Data (BD) to become more context-aware of the technology and social changes and to behave intelligently. There is a gap in literature with a research focus in this direction. This paper takes a step to address this by exploring a new paradigm of applying business intelligence (BI) concepts to RS for intelligently responding to user changes and business complexities. A BI based framework adopting a hybrid methodology for RS is proposed with a focus on enhancing the RS performance. Such a business intelligent recommender system (BIRS) can adopt On-line Analytical Processing (OLAP) tools and performance monitoring metrics using data mining techniques of BI to enhance its own learning, user profiling and predictive models for making a more useful set of personalised recommendations to its users. The application of the proposed framework to a B2C e-commerce case example is presented.

Does Globalization Mean the end of Family Firms?

This paper theorizes and empirically analyzes how family ownership matters when domestic firms face an increase in global competition. We argue that in a context characterized by sharp increases in industry competition, family firms will react by fostering their long term orientation, in an attempt to implement a competitive advantage to ensure firm survival. We also theorize that in this particular context, family firms would outperform their rivals. Using a difference in difference identification strategy as well as matching regression specifications we found robust empirical findings supporting both claims.

Economics of E-Learning in Higher Education : The Indian Case

Education is an important indicator of economic development and a key contributor to the Human Development Index. With the increase in global competition, countries attract human capital from across the world, and hence, education is imperative to gain competitive advantage. Also, education is a key indicator of lifetime earnings. In order to cope up with the technological changes, it is necessary for individuals to improve their skills and capabilities through education. Traditional methods of learning have become outdated and are being replaced by technology enabled education or 'e-learning'. The most important feature of e-learning is that it enables individuals to learn anytime, anywhere. Such flexibility makes learning faster, easier, and more attractive by creating a student-centred learning environment and by offering newer methods of teaching. This paper aimed to discuss the role of e-learning in the higher educational environment in this digital age, along with comparing the economic costs associated with traditional face-to-face and e-learning methods. I also reviewed several initiatives taken by the government and universities to promote e-learning in India.

Uloga i značaj Competitive Intelligencea s posebnim osvrtom na mystery shopping

Since organizations today are facing an intensive increase in global competition, dynamic business environment, and a rapid development of information and communication technologies, many world authors state that the main key for the survival, growth and development, are accurate, timely and relevant information. Therefore Competitive Intelligence – being a process through which an organization collects, analyzes and manages data and information from the competitive environment, is becoming more and more important, and that is why the authors of this paper are presenting its complete and actual overview. Mystery shopping (MS), as a form of CI, is considered to be one of the most powerful tools available to organizations that help managers and decision makers to identify areas that need improvement. The aim of the paper is to point out the importance and benefits that Competitive Intelligence and Mystery shopping are bringing to the companies that make use of them. Through the research of relevant scientific literature, the authors conclude that organizations are increasingly focusing on the development and improvement of CI and MS because it allows them to develop efficient and rapid responses to decisions made by the competition, achieve the desired goals, and improve their present and future position.