Long-term Competitiveness Research Articles

Transforming Challenges Into Opportunities: The Role Of Accounting Systems And Technology In MSME Performance Post-COVID-19, Enhanced By Market Innovation

This research explores the impact of technology adoption on the performance of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the post-COVID-19 landscape, with a particular focus on the moderating role of market innovation. Utilizing a Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) approach, data was collected from MSMEs to evaluate the relationships among technology adoption, market innovation, and business performance. The findings reveal that technology adoption has a significant positive effect on MSME performance, contributing to operational efficiency and improved customer engagement. However, contrary to expectations, market innovation does not significantly moderate this relationship. This suggests that the immediate benefits of technology adoption are sufficient to drive performance improvements without the need for market innovation to enhance these effects. The research highlights the importance for MSMEs to prioritize technology adoption as a strategy for resilience and growth in the wake of the pandemic, while market innovation can be pursued as a complementary initiative for long-term competitiveness. The study provides valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners aiming to support the recovery and development of MSMEs in Indonesia.

Integrating Environmental, Social and Governance (Esg) Principles into Organisations

The term ESG, which stands for Environmental, Social and Governance, has gained significant traction in the business world. A company’s dedication to ESG reflects its awareness of both the positive and negative impacts it has on society and the environment, influencing not only the business itself but the entire ecosystem around it. Organisations that embrace the ESG framework recognise that adopting best governance practices leads to positive outcomes across all sectors. This approach helps minimise the environmental impact and fosters a more equitable world, while maintaining sound administrative processes and sustaining profitability. Incorporating ESG factors into operations is essential for ensuring long-term sustainability, compliance and competitiveness. By focusing on environmental stewardship, fostering positive social impacts and maintaining strong governance structures, organisations can minimise their negative externalities, meet regulatory demands, and appeal to a growing number of ESG-conscious stakeholders. The main aim of this article is to analyse the ESG principles, and present examples of integrating ESG in large and SMEs companies. These organisations were chosen as examples of good practice: Maersk, Nestlé, Toyota, Baltic Marine Bunker and Klaipėdos Nafta. The companies in this article were chosen to show a diverse range of industries and approaches to ESG implementation.

Strategic Innovations in Apple's Supply Chain Management: Objectives, Methods, and Strategies for Navigating Global Market Challenges

This study looks at global supply chain risks and remedies in the context of Apple Inc.'s supply chain, which is renowned for being efficient and complicated. Apple's supply chain management strategy (SCM) optimizes costs and efficiency by integrating the planning and control of manufacturing, distribution, and sales. Efficient worldwide product delivery and very high operational standards are guaranteed by centralized strategic decision-making and collaboration with key suppliers like Foxconn. The report emphasizes how Apple uses cutting-edge logistics technology to reduce risks like supply interruptions and geopolitical unrest, which are becoming more common in today's international marketplace. Additionally, the study holds that in order to gain a long-term market competitiveness and manage a more uncertain external environment, today's smart device and electronic equipment manufacturers represented by Apple need to embrace the wave of digital transformation and increase resilience through strategic innovation and the construction of ethical and sustainable supply chains. This entails building morally and environmentally sound supply networks as well as implementing strategic innovations that increase supply chain resilience. Businesses that use this approach not only mitigate short-term risks but also establish a strong basis for sustained prosperity, guaranteeing their ability to adjust and prosper in the dynamic international arena.

Влияние изменения климата на устойчивое развитие мировой винодельческой индустрии

Interest in sustainability in the wine sector has increased significantly over the past few years, driven by customer interest as well as the impact of extreme weather conditions, exacerbated by global warming, on wine growers. For a sustainable future the wine industry must design its entire value chain in such ways that it preserves and regenerates the natural environment. One of the key challenges to overcome to achieve this goal is the impact of climate change and adaptation strategies. The article presents research gaps and possible solutions to this problem that can holistically improve the sustainability of the entire wine value chain from vineyard to consumer. It is concluded that a comprehensive transformation of the industry will ensure its long-term competitiveness and compliance with new environmental and economic realities.

Trade facilitation, market size, and supply chain efficiency of Taiwan semiconductor companies.

In an environment marked by global economic volatility and geopolitical uncertainties, the stability of Taiwan's supply chain takes on heightened importance, particularly given Taiwan's crucial role in the global semiconductor supply chain. In recent years, semiconductor companies in Taiwan have faced increasing inventory pressures, which will reduce their competitiveness and increase operational costs over the long term. Although previous studies have explored the influence of trade facilitation on macroeconomic and trade efficiencies, its specific impacts on the semiconductor industry have been less frequently addressed. This study integrates corporate inventory, trade facilitation, and geopolitical factors within a unified analytical framework to construct a model that explores mediating and moderating effects. This study conducted regression analysis on data from 52 Taiwan-listed integrated circuit companies from 2014 to 2022. Contrary to traditional findings that trade facilitation decreases inventory in other industries, it predominantly fosters inventory accumulation within Taiwan's semiconductor sector by expanding market size, thereby affecting supply chain efficiency. Moreover, geopolitical factors were found to intensify the effects of trade facilitation on corporate inventory. Elevated geopolitical risks lead to greater inventory accumulation, which ultimately threatens long-term competitiveness and diminishes the semiconductor industry's advantage in Taiwan, further influencing supply chain efficiency. Consequently, this study recommends that to more accurately forecast market size, semiconductor companies in Taiwan are encouraged to expand their manufacturing investments in Chinese mainland. Additionally, the prudent handling of cross-strait relations by the Taiwan authorities is an important strategy to mitigate geopolitical risks affecting the semiconductor supply chain.

Malaysia’s Industrial Competitiveness: Overview of Malaysia’s Industrial Collaboration Programme

This study examine the role of Malaysia's Industrial Collaboration Programme (ICP) in enhancing Malaysia Industrial Competitiveness (MIC) through the technology transfer (TT) and procurement value creation (PVC). The ICP, a government initiative aimed at leveraging procurement activities, facilitates the acquisition of advanced technologies from foreign partners while prioritizing local content development. Based upon the secondary data depicted from the TDA Report to the Ministry of Finance 2023 published by Technology Depository Agency (TDA) and Policy and Guidelines on Industrial Collaboration Programme (ICP) in Government Procurement, Second Edition, this study investigates the roles of the technology transfer (TT) and procurements value chain (PVC) on Malaysia’s Industrial Competitiveness (MIC). The results demonstrate the ICP’s role in increasing the competitiveness of local industries, encouraging innovation processes, and technology acquisition through partnerships with international counterparts. The paper will present the benefits and drawbacks of ICP and depict how the program will benefit Malaysia’s vision of shifting into a regional high-tech nation. The findings emphasize the need for continuous evaluation of ICP projects to maximize long-term competitiveness and economic sustainability.

Environmental Social Governance and Financial Performance: A Symbiotic Relationship in Indian Manufacturing

Studying Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) aspects and firm performance is crucial for globally understanding how sustainable practices drive long-term profitability and competitiveness in diverse markets. The research gap lies in the need to empirically test the influence of ESG disclosure on corporate performance through the lens of institutional theory and signaling theory. The study aimed to examine the time-variant impact of ESG on the financial performance (FFP) of Indian manufacturing firms from 2019 to 2022. For the study’s analysis, we utilized a variant of structural equation modelling called the ‘cross-lagged panel model’. The cross-lagged panel analysis measured the association of aggregate ESG and its dimensions with FFP. Our findings suggested that the investment in the aggregate ESG commitment increased the firms’ financial performance among our sample companies. Regarding the individual aspects of ESG, the environmental and societal obligations of the firms had a positive impact on the firms’ earnings, whereas the governance aspect harms the FFP. This study provides beneficial recommendations to policymakers, investors, and portfolio managers based on the analysis.

IDENTITY OF AN ENTERPRISE AS A DISTINCT VALUE IN A CULTURE OF HIGH TOLERANCE FOR UNCERTAINTY

The identity of an enterprise, once overlooked by theorists, has gained significant attention across multiple disciplines, including management, sociology, and economics. In today’s dynamic business landscape, especially within cultures of high tolerance for uncertainty, corporate identity has emerged as a crucial element for success. Such cultures, characterized by flexibility, openness to change, and risk acceptance, require companies to establish a strong identity to navigate uncertainty and maintain coherence. Corporate identity integrates values, goals, culture, and operational methods, ensuring the company remains distinct and trustworthy amid constant change. This research aims to explore the theoretical and practical aspects of corporate identity as a distinct value in a culture with high tolerance for uncertainty, emphasizing its role in strategic decision-making and adaptability. The study is based on an interdisciplinary theoretical framework, utilizing general and specialized scientific research methods. These methods, including system analysis, theoretical generalization, and qualitative approaches, were employed to highlight challenges related to corporate identity and offer solutions. The research also incorporates perspectives from psychology, sociology, and management to analyze how identity functions in uncertain environments. The study highlights several factors contributing to the importance of corporate identity: cultural diversity, mission and values, image and reputation, organizational culture, management style, innovation capacity, and communication processes. It was found that companies with a well-defined identity are better equipped to manage risks, adapt to market changes, and build long-term relationships with stakeholders. A strong corporate identity enhances employee motivation, stakeholder trust, and the ability to innovate, thereby fostering a competitive edge in uncertain environments. The findings underscore the significance of corporate identity as a strategic asset in managing uncertainty. In today’s globalized, rapidly changing market, businesses must prioritize the development and maintenance of a clear, cohesive identity to ensure resilience and sustainability. Future research should focus on further exploring the role of corporate identity in different cultural contexts and its impact on long-term competitiveness and innovation.

POLICY FRAMEWORK TO COVER ECO-INDUSTRIAL PARKS PILLARS

The concept of eco-industrial parks has gained significant global attention, particularly in the context of sustainable development goals, which emphasize the necessity of balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship. Industrial zones and industrial parks have traditionally contributed to economic output; however, their environmental footprints present challenges, necessitating a shift toward more sustainable industrial practices. In Ukraine, the need for eco-industrial transformation is further exacerbated by its unique socio-political and economic conditions, where resource efficiency and environmental sustainability are critical for long-term industrial competitiveness. This study aims to propose a comprehensive policy framework for the establishment and governance of eco-industrial parks in Ukraine, focusing on creating a balance between industrial growth and sustainable practices. By utilising mixed-method approach, combining both qualitative and quantitative research methods, this research integrates global experiences—particularly those from China, Italy, and Vietnam—into a model that can be adapted to Ukraine’s specific needs. Key pillars such as regulatory support, management commitment, environmental performance, and industrial symbiosis were identified as central to the successful implementation of eco-industrial parks. The findings demonstrate that structured policy interventions, supported by governmental commitment and cross-sector collaboration, can significantly enhance resource efficiency, reduce emissions, and promote sustainable development. Additionally, the study emphasizes the importance of aligning industrial and urban planning to foster a holistic approach to sustainable development. The practical implications of this research suggest that by adopting a robust policy framework, Ukraine can improve its environmental performance in industrial zones, enhance industrial competitiveness, and contribute to broader national sustainability goals. This framework can serve as a guide for policymakers and stakeholders, offering a clear roadmap for the transition toward eco-industrial parks that are aligned with both national objectives and international sustainability commitments.

The Middle Corridor in current geopolitical turbulence

The Middle Corridor is emerging as a crucial alternative trade route due to recent geopolitical shifts. It provides a viable alternative to the established Northern Corridor, which connects Europe and Asia through Russia. The Middle Corridor offers shorter routes and access to emerging markets with significant growth potential. This study aims to assess the geopolitical impact of activating the Middle Corridor, analyze cargo traffic along the route, and evaluate both operational impacts and strategic implications. Addressing infrastructure and operational challenges, as well as securing necessary investments, will be essential for the corridor’s long-term success and competitiveness in global trade. For the participating countries, this corridor represents an opportunity to diversify trade routes and reduce dependency on the Northern Corridor.

Digitalization for ensuring innovative development of the enterprise

This paper examines the influence of digitalization on the innovative development of enterprises. The integration of digital technologies serves as a key driver for product, process, marketing, and organizational innovations, which collectively contribute to competitive advantages and the enhancement of business process efficiency. Core avenues of digitalization encompass automation, data analytics, the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and digital platforms. These technologies equip firms with the capacity to swiftly adapt to market fluctuations, optimize productivity, and foster resilience in an increasingly dynamic economic environment. The strategic implementation of digitalization extends beyond operational enhancements, enabling the reconfiguration of traditional business models. By leveraging digital tools, enterprises are able to deliver personalized customer experiences, enhance decision-making through real-time data analytics, and achieve more efficient coordination across value chains. Additionally, the adoption of digital platforms facilitates rapid scaling and the exploration of novel revenue channels through the provision of innovative digital services. In the context of a globalized economy, where adaptability and technological sophistication are critical, digital transformation emerges as a decisive factor in sustaining long-term competitiveness. Furthermore, this paper addresses the intersection of digitalization and sustainability. A growing number of enterprises are employing digital technologies to decrease resource consumption and mitigate environmental impact, aligning their practices with the increasing emphasis on corporate social responsibility and the principles of a circular economy. As businesses continue to pursue digital transformation, their capacity to innovate, maintain competitive positioning, and contribute to sustainable development will play a pivotal role in shaping the future trajectory of the business landscape.

Social media usage and sustainable performance in manufacturing supply chains: exploring dynamic capabilities

Due to the global impact of COVID-19, businesses and supply chains worldwide have been disrupted, leading to challenges for manufacturing firms and customers. Social media usage (SMU) is a vital and valuable tool that builds customer-centric supply chains by effectively communicating large volumes of valuable data. This study examines the influence of social media usage on the development of dynamic capabilities, including supply chain sensing capabilities (SCSC), knowledge sharing capability (KSC), and social capital (SC), which are crucial for constructing agile and resilient supply chains that can effectively respond to dynamic and turbulent environments, ultimately enhancing sustainable business performance. To assess the proposed investigation model, data was gathered through a structured questionnaire administered to supply chain members currently engaged with manufacturing firms. The evaluation of the proposed hypotheses is carried out through the application of structural equation modeling (SEM). The results of this study offer empirical evidence supporting the proposition that SMU within manufacturing firms promotes the development of sensing capabilities, knowledge-sharing capability, and social capital. Furthermore, this study tests the moderation role of environmental dynamism in the relationship between social media use and sustainable business performance. This underscores the pivotal role played by SMU in facilitating the adaptation and responsiveness of the supply chain to dynamic and uncertain environments, thereby contributing to the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of organizations.

Integrating scientific recommendations for the development and promotion of junior elite athletes in Germany – an analysis of sports policy documents

ABSTRACT This study examines the integration of holistic talent development goals into the sports policy documents of governmental and non-governmental sports organisations in Germany. More specifically, it analyses (1) the extent to which talent development and promotion goals of key actors involved in junior elite sport reflect scientific recommendations, and (2) how these goals differ between key actors. Different goal dimensions of holistic talent development were explored namely long-term sporting development, competitions, dual career, personal development and wellbeing. To this end, document analysis was conducted for 30 sports policy documents published by 22 key actors (federal and state ministries, sports confederations and sports federations) involved in talent development and promotion in Germany and analysed using quantitative content analysis. The results indicate that political institutions in Germany recognise and respect the autonomy of sports to specify their operational goals in talent development policies. The sports organisations’ documents present a fragmented picture in terms of the integration of scientifically recommended goals. While the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) largely aligns with holistic goals, no comprehensive and systematic knowledge transfer seems to have taken place to regional confederations and sports federations, in which organisational perspectives appear to be influential. This study extends the literature on knowledge transfer of sports science to a policy perspective and offers valuable insights into the integration of scientifically recommended goals in talent development and promotion policies, both for science and practice.

Sustainable Supply Chain Management for Business Competitiveness: A Systematic Literature Review

The goal of this systematic literature review (SLR) is to present a thorough examination of the connection between corporate competitiveness and sustainable supply chain management (SSCM). Based on 74 publications from reliable sources, including Science Direct, JSTOR, IEEE Xplore, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science, this review combines data to highlight important concepts, conceptual frameworks, and research findings. According to the review, supply chain strategies that incorporate sustainability principles can improve social responsibility, environmental performance, and economic viability—all of which support long-term competitiveness. The analysis reveals that among the key success factors within SSC that are related to social and environmental impacts, operational resilience and continuity, financial performance, technological innovation, technological innovation, differentiation, regulatory compliance and industry standards, customer satisfaction and loyalty, and resource efficiency and cost savings. Transparency and traceability, market and reputation benefits, risk management techniques, and circular economy ideas are some of the best ways that SSC practices boost company competitiveness. However, some of the biggest obstacles to supply chain management (SSCM) that undermine firm competitiveness are high beginning costs, complexity, supply chain interruptions, and market constraints. The review expands on our knowledge of the ways in which SSCM boosts corporate competitiveness. Discussions are held regarding conclusions, suggestions for additional study, and theoretical and practical ramifications.

تأثير الإنفاق الحكومي في الــنموّ الاقتصادي في سلطـنة عمان

Understanding the relationship between government spending and economic growth is crucial because it is complex. While well-directed investments create a more favorable environment for businesses to thrive and thus stimulate economic growth, excessive spending may lead to inflation and crowd out the private sector, accordingly, hindering growth. This study seeks to determine the effect of public expenditures (investment expenditures, current expenditures, contributions, and other expenditures) on the Sultanate of Oman's economic growth, using quarterly data from 2010 to 2022. The study relies on the descriptive approach and the analytical quantitative approach by forming and estimating a standard model and then testing it using the bounds test of the Autoregressive Regression of Distributed Lags (ARDL) methodology to determine the long-term and short-term effects of public expenditures on economic growth through EViews 13. The results of the analysis show that there is a long-term and short-term effect of government investment expenditures on economic growth in Oman during the study period. The results also indicate that there is no significant effect of current government expenditures, contributions, and other government expenditures, neither in the short term nor in the long term. The study recommends a set of recommendations for decision-makers in Oman, the most important of which is to focus on investment expenditures, especially infrastructure projects that improve productivity, innovation, productive capacity, and long-term competitiveness.

CONSTRUCTION WASTE RECYCLING ORGANIZATION

The purpose of the article is to study the global experience of organizing the collection and processing of construction and demolition waste for their reuse in construction, to determine the possibility of applying positive practices in Ukraine. In the EU, construction waste makes up more than a third of all generated waste. The components of construction and demolition waste have different resource values, but can still be easily recycled into new products or materials. The level of recycling and disposal of waste varies significantly in EU countries, ranging from less than 10% to more than 90%. With the economic development of the country, the volume of waste increases. The main obstacles that hindered the development of sustainable waste management, for example in Germany, are the lack of nationwide regulation of secondary construction materials; lack of economic incentives, when primary raw materials are presented in large quantities in most regions of Germany, and therefore they are relatively cheap compared to secondary raw materials; sanctions for violators of waste management rules are too low and not applied regularly. Ways to ensure the need to process construction waste can be the determination at the legislative level of the volume of construction waste depending on the area of the building where construction work is performed, or the cost of construction work; establishment of a direct requirement for the use of a certain percentage of products from recycled construction waste in new construction or a direct ban on landfills for construction and demolition waste that can be processed for reuse. Economic incentives, such as tax breaks or subsidies, as well as additional taxes on the use of non-recycled materials, are used to encourage companies to use secondary materials and reduce waste. The Waste Framework Directive, adopted in 2008, aims to prevent or reduce waste generation in order to transition to a circular economy and guarantee the EU's long-term competitiveness.

Corporate Governance Attributes and Sustainability of Selected Commercial State Corporations in Kenya

The sustainability of an organization means a lot, for it guarantees social responsibility, financial savings, preservation of resources, reduction of waste, and environmental protection. Kenya's commercial State Corporations face instances of mismanagement, financial improprieties, and inadequate disclosure and have expressed concerns regarding the sustainability and efficacy of these institutions. Specifically, this investigation sought to address these issues by examining the link between corporate governance characteristics and the viability of commercial state corporations in Kenya. The objectives were to evaluate the effect of board members' occupational expertise, board committee meetings, board tenure and board size on the sustainability of commercial state corporations in Kenya. The research can be pegged on 5 major theories, which encompass the Triple Bottom Line Model, Agency Theory, Stakeholders Theory, and Resource Dependence Theory. The Explanatory research design and research design were used in the research. Panel regression analysis was the chosen empirical model, considering the panel data nature of the research. The audited financial reports of the five firms served as the source of secondary data using a data collection schedule guide. Census was utilized because the target population of five commercial state corporations was below the central limit theorem threshold of the normal population. Diagnostic tests for the study were multicollinearity, normality, stationarity, heteroscedasticity, and the Hausman specification test, which were conducted to ensure the sturdiness of the results. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive analysis involves means and standard deviations, while inferential analysis utilizes panel regression analysis. Finally, the data analysis output was presented using tables. The study further concluded that the coefficient for board committee meetings was not significant, suggesting that meeting frequency does not significantly affect sustainability. Board tenure demonstrated a significant positive impact on sustainability, while board size also showed a significant positive effect. In an increasingly dynamic business environment, commercial state corporations should embrace innovation and adaptation to remain resilient and sustainable. This may involve leveraging emerging technologies, exploring new business models, and anticipating and responding to evolving market trends and regulatory requirements. Boards should encourage a culture of innovation and agility to drive long-term value creation and competitiveness.

Optimizing Price Markup: The Impact of Power Purchase Agreements and Energy Production Uncertainty on the Economic Performance of Onshore and Offshore Wind Farms

Wind energy is rapidly expanding its capacity as part of the global energy transition. To ensure economic viability, wind energy projects increasingly rely on risk mitigation strategies. While Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) manage spot market price variability, wind farms still face energy production uncertainty, directly impacting the quantity of energy generated. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the price markup for onshore and offshore wind farms, considering energy production uncertainty under PPA and non-PPA scenarios. The study examines key metrics such as equilibrium prices, price markups, Internal Rate of Return (IRR), Net Present Value (NPV), and their correlation to energy production risk. Results demonstrate that PPAs significantly alter the relationship between price markup and variability. Offshore wind farms can potentially benefit more from PPAs compared to onshore, especially at lower levels of wind energy variability. However, as variability increases, the risk mitigation provided by PPAs diminishes, and both onshore and offshore wind farms may require higher price markups for financial viability. These findings highlight the necessity of carefully designed PPA structures and pricing strategies to ensure long-term competitiveness and sustainability of wind energy projects.

Sustainable Supply Chain Management for Business Competitiveness: A Systematic Literature Review

The goal of this systematic literature review (SLR) is to present a thorough examination of the connection between business competitiveness and sustainable supply chain management (SSCM). Based on 74 publications from reliable sources, this review combines data to highlight important concepts, conceptual frameworks, and research findings. According to the review, supply chain strategies that incorporate sustainability principles can improve social responsibility, environmental performance, and economic viability—all of which support long-term competitiveness. The analysis shows that there are many success factors within SSC, some of the best ways that SSC practices boost company competitiveness, analyzed SSC obstacles. Discussions are held regarding conclusions, suggestions for additional study, and theoretical and practical ramifications

Time autonomy in personnel planning: Requirements and solution approaches in the context of intelligent scheduling from a holistic organizational perspective

Traditional work models often need more flexibility and time autonomy for employees, especially in manufacturing. Quantitative approaches and Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications offer the potential to improve work design. However, current research does not entirely focus on human-centric criteria that enable time autonomy. This paper addresses this gap by developing a set of criteria to evaluate intelligent personnel planning approaches based on their ability to enhance time autonomy for employees. Existing quantitative approaches are not sufficient to fully integrate the developed criteria.Consequently, a novel model approach is proposed in an attempt to bridge the gap between current practices and the newly developed criteria. This two-stage planning approach fosters democratization of time autonomy on the shopfloor, moving beyond traditional top-down scheduling. The paper concludes by outlining the implementation process and discusses future developments with respect to AI for this model approach.Practical Relevance: In order to make working conditions on the shopfloor in high-wage countries more attractive, an alternative organization of shift work is needed. Intelligent planning approaches that combine traditional operations research methods with artificial intelligence approaches can democratize shift organization regarding time autonomy. Planning that takes both employee and employer preferences into account in a balanced way will strengthen the long-term competitiveness of manufacturing companies in high-wage countries and counteract the shortage of skilled labor.