Business Landscape Research Articles

Metaverse through the integrated theoretical lenses of task technology fit theory, social capital theory, and social cognitive theory: the case of SMEs

The rapid evolution of technology and the business landscape has introduced the Metaverse, a virtual realm with immense potential for transforming communication and collaboration. The pandemic accelerated the shift to online channels, making the Metaverse a crucial investment for businesses in the digital age. However, there remains a lack of understanding regarding how small and medium enterprises (SMEs) perceive the Metaverse. This study aims to bridge this gap by investigating the factors driving Metaverse adoption, using task-technology fit theory, social capital theory, and social cognitive theory. By analyzing data from 264 SMEs in Fiji, it was revealed that task-technology compatibility and social factors significantly influence the intention to adopt the Metaverse. Additionally, self-efficacy is critical in determining the performance outcomes associated with eventual adoption. These findings offer valuable insights for SMEs, policymakers, and platform developers in the post-pandemic landscape. Additionally, they support inclusive growth and partnerships for small island developing states like Fiji, contributing to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

Migración internacional y trabajo en México: un análisis contemporáneo

Migration, an undeniable driver for development according to the UN's Agenda 2030, plays a pivotal role in Mexico, serving as a point of origin, transit, and destination for migrants. This article presents a detailed analysis of international migration in Mexico with a focus on its impact on economic activity. Utilizing microdata from the National Occupation and Employment Survey (ENOE) for the third quarter of 2023, comprising a sample of 150,449 households, various aspects are explored, from migrants' origins to their sociodemographic profile and geographical distribution. Furthermore, an innovative methodology from CEPAL (2023) is employed to estimate the contribution to the Gross Domestic Product by migratory origin and sector of activity of international migrants in Mexico. This approach provides a deep and updated understanding of migration in Mexico, emphasizing its significance for the national economic dynamics and its role in shaping the country's labor and business landscape. The findings offer valuable insights for policy formulation and understanding the economic implications of migration.

A Conceptual Framework for the Interplay of Leadership, Technology, Total Quality Management, and Sustainable Practices in Driving Organizational Performance and Innovation: A Multi-Sector Analysis

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, organizations face the challenge of improving operational efficiency and fostering innovation while maintaining service quality and employee well-being. This conceptual study develops a comprehensive framework that integrates leadership styles, technology integration, Total Quality Management (TQM), and sustainable business practices to drive organizational performance and innovation. The framework draws on existing literature to explore how transformational, servant, and knowledge-oriented leadership styles influence employee well-being, creativity, and organizational learning, and how these leadership approaches moderate the effects of technological advancements, such as Business Intelligence (BI) tools and blockchain. The study highlights the role of TQM in enhancing service quality, customer satisfaction, and retention, particularly in sectors such as healthcare. Additionally, sustainable business practices, including environmental and human resource sustainability, are shown to foster innovation, reduce operational costs, and improve organizational reputation. By focusing on multi-sector contexts, particularly in developing economies, the research provides insights into how organizations can achieve long-term growth and competitiveness by integrating these key elements. The study also suggests future research directions, including empirical validation of the framework, sector-specific studies, and investigations into the role of emerging technologies. This research contributes to the growing body of literature by offering a holistic approach to understanding the interconnectedness of leadership, technology, TQM, and sustainability in driving organizational success.

Supplier Selection Utilizing AHP and TOPSIS in a Fuzzy Environment Based on KPIs

In today’s competitive and rapidly changing business landscape, organizations face significant challenges such as resource limitations, fluctuating demand, and evolving customer needs. Addressing these challenges requires effective strategies, with supplier selection playing a vital role in building resilient and efficient supply chains. This study introduces an innovative framework for supplier evaluation and selection, integrating the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and the technique for order preference by similarity to the ideal solution (TOPSIS) within a fuzzy environment. The AHP method was employed to systematically identify and prioritize key performance indicators (KPIs) critical for evaluating suppliers. Criteria such as transportation cost, flexibility in meeting product requirements, defect reduction, and effective communication and responsiveness were identified as the most significant factors. These priorities formed the foundation for applying the fuzzy TOPSIS method, which facilitated the ranking of suppliers under conditions of uncertainty. The analysis revealed Sepidar Darb, Aram Plastic Sabalan, Sanaye Plastic Markaz, and Amin Avar Plastic as the top-performing suppliers, followed by Pegah Zanjan Company. The relevance of this research is heightened by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has disrupted global supply chains and fundamentally altered supplier selection criteria. While pre-pandemic evaluations predominantly focused on cost efficiency and product quality, the pandemic has underscored the importance of additional criteria such as supplier agility, risk management capabilities, geographical proximity, and digital integration. These emerging priorities highlight the necessity of rethinking traditional approaches to supplier selection and adapting to the evolving demands of global supply chains. By incorporating these updated criteria into the AHP-TOPSIS framework, this study offers a robust and practical tool for supplier evaluation in uncertain and dynamic environments. The proposed framework not only improves upon traditional methods but also provides valuable insights for organizations striving to create resilient and adaptable supply chains capable of withstanding future disruptions.

Artificial Intelligence in International Trade: A Bibliometric Analysis

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a key force reshaping the international business landscape. Artificial intelligence, known as one of the disruptive technologies of the moment, will produce important changes in the mechanism of unfolding specific to foreign trade operations. The research is based on a quantitative research method, bibliometric analysis. By querying the existing database on the Scopus platform, scientific papers (research articles, books, papers presented at conferences) containing the keywords in the title, abstract or keywords of the documents were identified. The bibliometric analysis carried out can be a guide for future research directions and for identifying strategic directions for the implementation of AI in international trade. The results obtained can also guide market participants, especially international trade companies, on how artificial intelligence could be used in the process of conducting export-import business. At the same time, the results can help academic researchers explore issues related to the application of artificial intelligence in international trade in future studies.

Exploring Barriers to Innovative Marketing in MSMEs: An Analysis Using a BWM‐ISM Multi‐Criteria Decision‐Making Framework

ABSTRACTIn today's dynamic business landscape, organisations increasingly realise the pivotal role of innovative marketing approaches (IMA) in gaining a competitive edge and driving sustainable growth. However, many organisations encounter formidable barriers to adopting and developing IMA, despite the growing importance of innovative approaches in marketing. The purpose of this research is to identify, prioritise, establish the inter‐relationships and propose a ‘level‐wise structural model’ of the barriers that an organisation faces in adopting and developing IMA. The research employed a mix of quantitative and qualitative methods. An exhaustive review of related literature and theoretical frameworks (namely the ‘resource‐based view’ (RBV) theory, the ‘social capital theory’ (SCT) theory, the ‘innovation resistance theory’ (IRT) theory, and the ‘institutional theory’ (IT) theory), along with expert feedback, are used to categorise and finalise the barriers. Further, a case study from ‘micro, small and medium enterprises’ (MSMEs) in a developing nation such as India along with hybrid ‘multi‐criteria decision‐making’ (MCDM), that is, best‐worst method (BWM), was applied to prioritise the barriers. While ‘interpretive structural modelling’ (ISM) was used to establish contextual relationships, and ‘matrice d'impacts croisés multiplication appliquée á un classment’ (MICMAC) analysis was employed to cluster the barriers. The findings suggest that among the main category technology‐related barriers and from subcategories, infrastructure supports the top barriers and works as a driving obstacle while building IMA for sustainable development. The findings from this study can help develop effective marketing strategies that align profitability with environmental and social responsibility.

MCDM Review in marketing and managerial decisions: Practical implications and Future research

This research presents a short review of Multiple Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) methods and research in various fields, including marketing and business management. The academic literature shows that MCDM methods in the area of marketing are used by academics to solve problems related to the positioning of products and services, market segmentation, brand management, promotion and advertising strategies, product development and market entry strategies, customer relationship marketing and channel distribution. With regard to business and management domains they are used to prioritize various decision-making aspects, like project assessments, resource allocation, strategic planning, risk management, performance evaluation, supplier and vendor selection, human resource management and strategic investment decisions. We can claim that in both domains, MCDM brings a systematic and transparent approach to decision-making, helping marketing managers to make more informed and objective choices. In summary, the continual refinement of these methods and the integration of cutting-edge technologies hold promise for further enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of decision-making processes in the dynamic landscape of business and management. Further, the analysis highlights emerging trends and challenges for the future of MCDM research.

The Skills You Need to Succeed: Building Effective Leadership in Today's Organizations

Strong leadership is vital for organizations to thrive in today's dynamic business environment. Key competencies include emotional intelligence (self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, social skills), effective communication (active listening, public speaking, writing, nonverbal cues), leading change (vision, strategy, buy-in, empowerment, celebration), developing talent (coaching, mentoring, training, empowerment, recognition, succession planning), and ethical principles (integrity, fairness, citizenship, purpose, adaptability). Real-world examples illustrate how leaders can leverage these multifaceted skills to guide their organizations through challenges, inspire employees, and drive sustainable success. Mastering these leadership capabilities equips organizations to navigate an ever-evolving business landscape.

Diverse links: Female board representation and ESG in varied business landscapes

Diverse links: Female board representation and ESG in varied business landscapes

Enhancing Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) performance: Analyzing the role of human resource practices in Sri Lanka's telecommunication industry through Lewin's change management model.

This study explores the integration of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education in Sri Lanka, utilizing the Health Belief Model (HBM) to predict the perceived quality of SRH education among non-state undergraduate students. In many Asian countries, including Sri Lanka, cultural resistance and skepticism often challenge SRH education initiatives. The research is based on a questionnaire survey, examining factors influencing the perceived quality of SRH education, such as cultural norms, embarrassment, attitudes, awareness, and institutional support. In recent years, the Sri Lankan telecom industry has experienced significant expansion and transformation, leading to a notable increase in mergers and acquisitions (M&A). This study investigates the impact of human resource practices on M&A performance, utilizing Lewin's Change Management Model as a framework. The research is based on a questionnaire survey, examining factors influencing the performance of M&A in Sri Lanka Telecom industry, such as communication (Unfreeze), training (Change), leadership (Refreeze), and performance (M&A outcomes). Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) reveals that communication significantly influences training (β = 0.800), while training has a strong effect on leadership (β = 1.062), both directly and indirectly via communication (β = 0.850). Additionally, performance is positively impacted by training (β = 0.819) and leadership (β = 0.459), with communication exerting a substantial indirect influence on performance (β = 0.655). These results underscore the necessity for an integrated approach that enhances organizational performance and adaptability in an evolving business landscape. To optimize M&A outcomes, organizations are encouraged to prioritize leadership development, invest in comprehensive training programs, and align communication strategies effectively. This research contributes valuable insights into the management of change within the telecom sector, promoting sustainable growth and success in future M&A endeavours.

Unlocking the Blue Ocean Advantage in HR and People Operations

In today's competitive business landscape, organizations must continuously seek new avenues for growth and differentiation. The principles of Blue Ocean Strategy offer a compelling approach to transforming HR and people operations practices. This research brief explores how HR leaders can leverage the key tenets of Blue Ocean Strategy to create uncontested market space and make the competition irrelevant. By redefining the boundaries of the talent management ecosystem, focusing on value innovation, and aligning the entire organization, HR can unlock a sustainable human capital advantage. Drawing on academic insights and real-world examples, this brief outlines strategies to expand talent pools, enhance the employee value proposition, and integrate people operations with broader business objectives. The findings highlight how a Blue Ocean mindset can enable HR to cultivate a thriving, distinctive workforce and position the organization for long-term success. This practitioner-oriented brief provides a roadmap for HR leaders to innovate and differentiate their people practices.

Is Big Data Adoption Shaping Business Landscapes? An Overview of Current Hotspots and Future Trends

Is Big Data Adoption Shaping Business Landscapes? An Overview of Current Hotspots and Future Trends

Beyond Borders: Unravelling the Business Landscape of India and China from 2019 to 2023

This study aims to compare the performance of India and China across various parameters of doing business such as starting a business, dealing with construction permits, obtaining electricity, registering property, accessing credit, protecting minority investors, tax payment processes, trade across borders, contract enforcement and resolving insolvency etc. for 2019-20. Business landscape was analyzed during two distinct periods: 2019-2020 (using Doing business report by World bank) and 2021-2023 (using business environment rankings by Economist Intelligence Unit). It was observed that recently India is performing well in creating business friendly environment than China. India's efforts have borne fruit, resulting in an improved ranking in the ease of doing business. This study relies on secondary data sources and aims to provide a conceptual understanding and current position of business environment in both India and China.

Deep learning hybrid models for effective supply chain risk management: mitigating uncertainty while enhancing demand prediction

In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, effective supply chain management (SCM) is crucial for achieving success. Accurately predicting product demand is a significant challenge for companies, impacting customer satisfaction, inventory optimization, cost reduction, and operational efficiency. This study focuses on demand forecasting within intelligent supply chains (SCs) and supply chain risk management (SCRM), aiming to enhance overall SC efficiency and mitigate risks, highlighting the use of deep learning hybrid and singles models to address SCRM challenges, specifically in mitigating uncertainty and improving demand prediction accuracy. Our research paper investigates predictive modeling techniques for demand forecasting within the automotive sector. Specifically, we assess the effectiveness of Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA), Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), Artificial Neural Network (ANN), Recurrent Neural Network (RNN), and a hybrid RNN-ANN model with Gradient Boosting (GB). Through meticulous analysis and evaluation, we demonstrate the superior predictive accuracy of the hybrid model compared to individual models. The results indicate consistent outperformance of the hybrid model, as evidenced by lower Mean Absolute Error (MAE) and Mean Squared Error (MSE) values across electric and thermal product categories. This research aims to provide valuable insights and practical tools for businesses to refine their demand prediction processes. By addressing demand uncertainty, organizations can streamline their SCs, minimize costs, and establish a responsive and adaptable framework for sustainable growth.

기업에서의 칭찬이 인센티브를 매개로 판매성과에 미치는 영향

In the contemporary business landscape, sales performance is a pivotal factor in ensuring an organization's long-term growth and profitability. To enhance sales performance, many organizations have implemented incentive programs aimed at strengthening employee motivation. Previous research identifies motivational factors as verbal praise, tangible praise, and institutional praise [1], with each type having potentially distinct effects on employee motivation. This study examines the influence of incentives on sales performance, focusing on the three types of praise identified in prior studies. It further analyzes the mediating effects of individual and group incentives on sales performance. Data were collected through a survey administered to LG Electronics sales representatives. Hypotheses were tested using PLS 4.0 (Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling). The empirical findings are as follows: First, verbal praise does not have a significant impact on individual incentives, leading to the rejection of H1-1-1. Institutional praise does not significantly affect group incentives, resulting in the rejection of H1-3-2. Thus, H1 was partially supported. Second, individual incentives were found to have a significant positive impact on sales performance, supporting H2-1. Similarly, group incentives significantly and positively influenced sales performance, supporting H2-2. Consequently, H2 was fully supported.

An Analysis on Transformation of Leadership and its Impact on Employee Performance at PEPSICO PVT LTD, Bangalore

This analysis examines the transformation of leadership styles at PepsiCo Pvt Ltd in Bangalore and its impact on employee performance. Focusing on transformational leadership, the study highlights how such leaders inspire and motivate employees to exceed expectations and align with organizational goals. Transformational leaders create an environment of trust and emotional support, enhancing employee engagement and job satisfaction. Key dimensions, including individualized consideration and inspirational motivation, are explored for their correlation with improved productivity and commitment. The findings suggest that adopting transformational leadership practices can lead to significant gains in employee performance. Ultimately, this research underscores the importance of effective leadership in fostering a motivated workforce capable of adapting to a dynamic business landscape. To analysis the research used a T- Test as a statistical tool. Insights from this study aim to guide leadership development initiatives within PepsiCo and similar organizations. Keywords: Transformational Leadership, Employee Performance, Leadership Transition, PepsiCo India, Market Dynamics, Innovation, Sustainable Practices, Diversity and Inclusion, Leadership Development, Organizational Effect

Digital Tools adoption and business growth of Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro

Digital tools have become integral to modern business operations, enabling companies to navigate the challenges of an ever-evolving business landscape to ensure its growth and sustainability. While the importance of digital tools in promoting business growth is widely recognized, there is limited research on the specific relationship between digital tool adoption and business growth. This study investigated the correlation between digital tool adoption and business growth among Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs). A descriptive-correlation research design was employed, and purposive sampling was used to obtain 46 MSEs in Calapan City Oriental Mindoro. A researcher-made questionnaire was used to assess the digital tools adoption and business growth. Pearson's Correlation Coefficient was conducted to examine the relationship between digital tools adoption and business growth. The study found a significant and strong positive correlation between digital tools adoption and business growth. Specifically, digital marketing was perceived as cost-effective and impactful for expanding customer reach, and customer relationship management systems were seen as beneficial for enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty. However, some MSEs preferred face-to-face interactions, and cloud computing was recognized for improving operational efficiency, though concerns about cost and the necessity for data security remain. Overall, digital tools significantly contribute to competitive advantage, enhanced customer experience, and cost reduction.

Fashion 4.0 and emerging designers: leveraging data and AI to drive creativity, innovation and compliance in global supply chain regulation

Abstract This paper presents three interrelated arguments concerning the fashion industry and regulation. First, we propose that Bertola’s and Teunissen’s concept of Fashion 4.0 offers a powerful framework for understanding the organization of global fashion today. This model emphasizes the dynamic, decentralized and technology-driven character of the ‘smart factories’, ‘smart networks’ and ‘smart products’ that dominate the global fashion industry. The value of this framework is illustrated with contemporary examples from the UK. Second, we argue that increasing regulatory demands impose uncertain and costly compliance obligations on firms across multiple aspects of their operations and supply chain. Our discussion highlights the confluence of challenges related to intellectual property, value chain monitoring and AI regulation. We contend that smaller and medium-sized enterprises, particularly emerging designers, are disproportionately affected by this regulatory burden—a phenomenon we term the ‘tragic character’ of contemporary compliance. Finally, we explore how the challenge of navigating an increasingly complex business and regulatory landscape necessitates the deployment of ever-more sophisticated digital technologies, especially AI. We outline several potential applications of such technologies across the fashion industry. In conclusion, we suggest that in the context of Fashion 4.0, understanding the interaction between different regulatory schemes, as well as their effects on industry stakeholders, is becoming critical yet increasingly complex and opaque. This raises difficult questions about the limits of law and other regulatory schemes in fostering innovative, sustainable, and socially responsible business practices in the fashion sector.

Carbon Performance and Financial Performance: How R&D Makes a Difference Pre‐ and Post‐Paris Accord

ABSTRACTThis study examines how R&D investments influence U.S. firms' abilities to align environmental initiatives with financial outcomes. It employs a sample of 229 firms listed on the S&P 500 between 2003 and 2021 and multivariate panel regression models with fixed effects to explore how R&D moderates the relationship between corporate carbon performance (CP) and financial performance (ROA). Findings reveal that a 1% increase in CP corresponds to a 0.429% increase in ROA. Moreover, R&D positively enhances this association, with each additional 1% R&D amplifying the CP's effect on financial performance by 0.154 units. However, following the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, the moderating effect of R&D diminishes significantly. These results are robust to alternative analyses and emphasise the importance of stable climate policies for fostering green innovation. The study emphasises the important role of R&D to sustain long‐term competitive advantage in the face of evolving environmental regulations. It further suggests that firms can benefit from prioritising R&D, fostering innovation in green technologies and adapting to environmental regulations. This alignment of sustainability with profitability provides a competitive edge, promotes long‐term environmental goals and sets industry benchmarks, ultimately driving a more sustainable business landscape.

SUCCESSFUL DATA MANAGEMENT: A CASE STUDY OF AIRLINE COMPANY IN KAZAKHSTAN

The strategic utilization of Cloud Services by Airline company in Kazakhstan (hereinafter Airline company) to optimize report generation processes, alleviate strain on its ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system, and enhance overall data management efficiency is examined comprehensively in this study. With the increasing volume and complexity of data generated in modern business operations, the need for scalable and efficient data management solutions has become paramount. Through interviews with key stakeholders, analysis of system performance metrics, and observation of implementation processes, a thorough understanding of the challenges and strategies associated with cloud integration is attained. The findings underscore the pivotal role of Cloud Solutions in improving data management practices, ensuring reliable report generation processes, and facilitating seamless scalability to meet evolving business needs. The study demonstrates a significant reduction in report generation times (95% improvement) and highlights the challenges and mitigation strategies during the migration process. This case study offers valuable insights for organizations seeking to enhance their data management capabilities and leverage cloud technology for strategic advantage, showcasing the transformative potential of cloud-based solutions in optimizing operations, fostering innovation, and driving sustainable growth in today’s dynamic business landscape.