Efficient Market Operation Research Articles

Strategic Technological Innovations Influencing Competitive Advantage Among Micro and Small Enterprises in Nairobi County, Kenya

Purpose: The ability of businesses to integrate information technology in their operations has been found to be an integral driver to their success. Through information technology, firms can utilize technological innovations to strengthen the uniqueness of their products in the market thus enhancing their competitive advantage. However, with limited evidence in the local context especially among the micro and small enterprises which continue to face a continuous decline, it warrants the study to assess how strategic technological innovations have been embraced among the small and micro enterprises and the role the innovations have played in enhancing the competitive advantage of the enterprises. Specifically, the study will examine the influence of enterprise’s IT Capabilities on competitive advantage among Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs); determine the influence of Technological resources on competitive advantage among Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs); explore the influence of adopted new technologies on competitive advantage among Micro and Small Enterprises; and establish the influence of Technological Processes and Products (TPP) on competitive advantage among Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) in Nairobi County, Kenya. The objectives will be anchored on dynamic capabilities theory, Schumpeter theory of innovation, technology acceptance model and diffusion theory of innovation. Methodology: Using a descriptive research approach, the study will collect and analyse both qualitative and quantitative data. This data was obtained from 386 micro and medium enterprises in Nairobi Central Business District, drawn from a population of 11,245 MSEs registered by the Nairobi City County in the CBD. A questionnaire was the main instrument of data collection, which was pilot-tested for validity and reliability. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings: The findings were presented using frequency tables and graphs. In conclusion, the findings emphasize the critical role of technology in driving market expansion, customer engagement, and operational efficiency. The study highlights the importance of strategic support and intervention to address technological adoption challenges. By encouraging technological development and integration, policymakers and other stakeholders can assist MSEs in improving their operations, boosting the economy of Nairobi County. Investing in technological education and infrastructure is essential for MSEs to optimally benefit from TPP in the contemporary digital economy. Unique Contribution to theory, policy and practice: Training and development on how MSEs can use the platforms effectively, online marketing and selling needs to be promoted to help MSEs build their capacities. Therefore, when equipped with the appropriate knowledge and tools, the policymakers can help the MSEs to adopt e-commerce and increase their market access and productivity.

Financial Projection for Long-Term Corporate Plan of a Holding Insurance Company for The Year 2025-2029

A company's long-term planning is essential for sustainable business growth and success, especially in the dynamic and competitive insurance industry. This study aims to evaluate the company's feasibility in achieving the desired net profit target based on analysis of current and projected financial data, industry analysis, and conformity with the assumptions and strategic initiatives outlined in the company's long-term plan. The research method used was qualitative. The results show strong growth in the company's key financial metrics. Gross written premium (GWP) is projected to increase from IDR 37.6 trillion in 2024 to IDR 54.5 trillion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8%. This growth is driven by strategic initiatives focused on market expansion, particularly in the property insurance and credit insurance business lines. Net profit is projected to increase from Rp3.3 trillion in 2024 to Rp6.1 trillion in 2029 at a CAGR of 13.2%, due to improved operational efficiency. The company's initiatives in implementing best practices and streamlining operations will lower its expense ratio from 20.8% in 2024 to 20.4% in 2029. The implications of this study provide strategic insights for insurance company management in formulating long-term policies aligned with market growth and operational efficiency. By aligning strategic initiatives and long-term financial planning, companies can be better prepared to face challenges and capitalize on future opportunities, thereby supporting long-term sustainability and profitability.

Innovative Management Strategies and Competitive Advantage of Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) Service Providers in Taraba State, Nigeria

This study investigates the effects of product, service, process, and technological innovations on the competitive advantage of GSM service providers in Jalingo, Taraba State, Nigeria. It aims to determine how these different types of innovations influence market positioning and operational efficiency within the regional telecommunications sector. The research is framed using Dynamic Capabilities Theory, which emphasizes the role of strategic adaptability and resource reconfiguration in achieving and sustaining competitive advantage in rapidly changing markets. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study integrates quantitative data from structured questionnaires distributed to 115 staff across major telecom providers and qualitative insights from industry reports. A total of 102 responses were analyzed using regression analysis in SPSS to evaluate the effect of innovation types on competitive advantage. The findings reveal that all types of innovation—product, service, process, and technological—significantly enhance the competitive advantage of GSM providers in Jalingo. Service innovation showed the strongest effect, followed by technological, product, and process innovations. The study underscores the critical importance of a holistic innovation strategy that includes diverse forms of innovation to improve competitive advantage. GSM providers in Jalingo who embrace comprehensive innovation strategies are more likely to secure greater market share and achieve long-term profitability. The study recommends that GSM service providers should prioritize developing new service offerings and enhancing existing services. This could include investing in customer relationship management systems to personalize services, implementing loyalty programs, or introducing flexible pricing models that cater to different customer segments.

Sustainable Management Strategies to Enhance Business Competitiveness in the Technology Sector

The increasing global demand for sustainable business practices has placed significant pressure on organizations, particularly within the technology sector, to adopt strategies that balance environmental, social, and economic goals. This study investigates the role of sustainable management strategies in enhancing business competitiveness in the technology industry. The research employs a mixed-method approach, integrating quantitative data from key performance indicators (KPIs) such as market share, operational efficiency, and innovation outcomes, with qualitative insights gathered from in-depth interviews with senior executives. The results demonstrate that companies adopting sustainability practices experience a measurable improvement in operational efficiency (10%) and market share (15%), confirming that sustainability serves as a critical enabler of competitive advantage. Qualitative findings further reveal that sustainability initiatives bolster brand differentiation, customer loyalty, and regulatory compliance, contributing to long-term success. These strategies not only help firms navigate evolving regulatory landscapes but also enhance their positioning as leaders in innovation and social responsibility. This study concludes that sustainable management strategies are essential not just for compliance, but for fostering long-term business resilience and market leadership in the fast-paced technology sector.

Impacts of Natural Gas Pipeline Congestion on the Integrated Gas–Electricity Market in Peru

This paper investigates the impact of natural gas pipeline congestion on the integrated gas–electricity market in Peru, focusing on short-term market dynamics. By simulating congestion by reducing the primary natural gas pipeline’s capacity, the study reveals significant patterns in production costs and load flows within the electrical network. The research highlights the critical interdependencies between natural gas and electricity systems, emphasizing how constraints in one network can directly affect the other. The findings underscore the importance of coordinated management of these interconnected systems to optimize economic dispatch and ensure the reliability of both gas and electricity grids. The study also proposes strategic public policy interventions to mitigate the financial and physical impacts of pipeline congestion, contributing to more efficient and resilient energy market operations.

Boosting Corporate Value through ESG Excellence in Oil and Gas Sector

The research investigates the impact of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) excellence on the corporate valuation in the oil and gas sector, addressing the problem of quantifying ESG's influence on market worth. The study utilized a comprehensive dataset from the Thomson Reuters database, covering 960 global firms over the period 2011-2022. Through empirical analysis, the study revealed that while ESG excellence directly correlates negatively with corporate valuation, its indirect benefits through enhanced profitability and operational efficiency are significant. Specifically, ESG excellence improves operational efficiency, which in turn positively impacts market value. The study found no direct significant impact of ESG excellence on profitability, but enhanced operational efficiency mediated by ESG leads to increased corporate valuation. These findings highlight the importance of converting ESG efforts into tangible financial benefits, emphasizing profitability and operational efficiency as key mediators. The study concludes that ESG practices, when effectively integrated into business strategies, significantly enhance a firm's market value and operational efficiency. This research provides actionable insights for policymakers, corporate strategists, and investors, promoting the adoption of robust ESG practices to achieve sustainable growth and long-term financial success in the oil and gas sector. Future research should focus on industry-specific analyses, longitudinal studies, and the development of sophisticated ESG metrics to further elucidate these relationships.

Has Real Time Spot Electricity Market in India Impacted Day-Ahead Spot Electricity Market?

Introduction of Real-Time Market (RTM) on June 1st, 2020, marked pivotal advancement in electricity trading in India featuring bi-hourly auctions and power transmission based on temporal blocks. Adherence to operational protocols outlined in Procedure for Scheduling Collective Transactions in RTM along with statutory directives like CERC Power Market Regulations 2010 ensures efficient market operation. Notable features include 15-minute contract trading, clandestine bidding and authorization from SLDC. Day-Ahead Market (DAM) facilitates electricity exchange through double-sided closed auctions ensuring compliance with regulatory protocols. In this study we explore whether Real Time Spot Electricity Market in India has impacted Day-Ahead Spot Electricity Market. Findings of the study provide crucial insights for market participants, stakeholders, open access consumers and electric utilities is India.

Research on the Influence of Business English Proficiency on Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Competitiveness Under the Perspective of Resource-Based Theory

In the globalized world arena, enterprises have to meet higher standard for showcasing their strength, as well as communicating with other enterprises from different cultural background. The business English ability, as one of the means of intercultural business communication, puts forward higher requirements and has become has become one of the important indexes to measure the international competitiveness of enterprises. Therefore, high proficiency in business is needed. We examines the impact of business English proficiency on the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from the perspective of resource-based theory. By using a quantitative research methodology, we could clearly recognized the impact of business English proficiency on enterprise competitiveness. The results of the study show that business English proficiency is a key resource for SMEs to enhance their market competitiveness, and there is a significant positive correlation with the market orientation, innovation ability and strategic flexibility of enterprises. As an intangible resource, business English proficiency significantly enhances the market performance, financial performance and operational efficiency of enterprises by increasing their market sensitivity, promoting knowledge innovation and enhancing the flexibility of strategic adjustment. In addition, the study finds that the role of business English proficiency varies across industries and sizes of firms, with smaller firms and highly internationalized industries benefiting more significantly. This study provides important theoretical and practical guidance for the development of SMEs in the context of globalization.

The Influence of Information Technology Adoption on the Financial Performance of Medan City MSMEs

This research was carried out based on phenomena that exist in the city of Medan. shows that there is an increase in the quality of community businesses by using information technology. The number of MSMEs in the city of Medan is a very large number, but not all MSME actors understand how to use technology to support their businesses. Information technology has an influence on increasing sales and income of MSMEs, such as increasing market access, operational efficiency and personalization of services. This research looks at how influential information technology is on the financial performance of MSMEs in the city of Medan. This research obtained data from 3 sub-districts which were used as research samples. if the significance value is <0.05, it means that variable X has an influence on variable Y and if the significance value is >0.05, it means that variable As a result of squaring R from the output, the coefficient of determination (R2) is 0.897, so from this table it can be seen that Information Technology has a good influence on the financial performance of Medan City MSMEs. Keywords: Technology Adoption, MSMEs.

Impact of E-commerce on Small and Medium Enterprises: A Case Study of Developing Countries

This study investigates the impact of e-commerce adoption on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in developing countries. E-commerce has rapidly transformed global business landscapes, offering SMEs new avenues for market expansion and operational efficiency. However, its adoption among SMEs in developing countries varies significantly due to technological, infrastructural, and socio-economic barriers. This research employs a qualitative case study approach to explore how SMEs in select developing countries have navigated challenges and leveraged opportunities presented by e-commerce. The findings highlight the transformative effects of e-commerce on business models, market reach, and competitive positioning within local and international markets. Moreover, the study identifies critical success factors and barriers to e-commerce adoption, offering insights for policymakers, business owners, and stakeholders aiming to foster sustainable growth and economic development through digital commerce initiatives.

Prioritizing the product development roadmap of Zains SAAS using Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP)

Purpose: This study aims to prioritize the development of Zains using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). Research Methodology: focusing on the key factors influencing development priorities, and combines qualitative data from a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with the Board of Directors (BOD) of CNT and quantitative data from digital surveys. Qualitative data provide insights into strategic priorities, challenges, and development goals, while quantitative data obtained through the AHP method determine the relative importance of various criteria and alternatives. This study identifies the key criteria for product development, including market demand, financial impact, technological relevance, operational efficiency, compliance, and security. Affinity Diagrams and TOWS Matrix were used to analyze qualitative data from the FGD. The proposed alternatives include mobile application feature enhancements, AI-powered financial insights integration, and enhanced security features.The AHP results indicate that the integration of AI-powered financial insights is the primary alternative in the Zains development roadmap. Results: These findings provide insights for CNT to optimize the development of Zains and to maintain their relevance and competitiveness in the SaaS market. These recommendations are beneficial for other SaaS providers facing similar challenges.

Sentiment analysis of online reviews of energy-saving products based on transfer learning and LBBA model

With the exacerbation of global climate change and the growing environmental awareness among the general public, the concept of green consumption has gained significant attention across various sectors of society. As a representative example of green consumer products, energy-saving products play a crucial role in the timely realization of dual carbon goals. However, an analysis of online comments regarding energy-saving products reveals that the majority of these products still exhibit shortcomings in terms of efficacy, noise level, cost-effectiveness, and particularly, energy-saving appliances. This study focuses on the user-generated online comments data from the Taobao e-commerce platform for Grade 1 energy-saving refrigerators. By employing text mining techniques, the study aims to extract the essential information and sentiments expressed in the comments, in order to explore the consumption characteristics of Grade 1 energy-saving refrigerators. Moreover, the LBBA (LDA-Bert-BiLSTM-Attention) model is utilized to investigate the consumer topics of interest and emotional features. Initially, the LDA model is adopted to identify the attributes and weights of consumer concerns. Subsequently, the Bert model is pre-trained with the online comment data, and combined with the BiLSTM algorithm and Attention mechanism to predict sentiment categories. Finally, a transfer learning approach is utilized to determine the sentiment inclination of user-generated online comments and to identify the primary driving factors behind each sentiment category. This research employs sentiment analysis on online comments data regarding energy-saving products to uncover consumer sentiment attributes and emotional characteristics. It provides decision-makers with a comprehensive and systematic understanding of public consumption intentions, offering decision support for the efficient operation and management of the energy-saving product market.

UKIMA as red flag symptom of constitutional ill-health: devolved autonomy and legislative consent

Devolution is a fundamental principle of the United Kingdom (UK) constitution – a ‘new settlement’, as Tony Blair put it, that at once responded to the democratic demand to ‘[bring] decision-making … closer to the people who felt a strong sense of identity’ and also, in so doing, ‘to ward off the bigger threat of secession’. At the heart of that principle is respect for devolved autonomy; that, within the devolved sphere, it is the devolved authorities who are best placed to wield primary and secondary law-making powers free from interference from the centre. The constitutional safeguard for devolved autonomy is a political rule: that the UK Parliament will not normally legislate with regard to devolved matters without the consent of the relevant devolved legislature(s). Until the process to withdraw the UK from the European Union (EU) began, the convention was well defined, well understood and well respected. However, the UK Government’s centripetal approach to EU withdrawal and to the resulting realignment of the UK constitution has marked a significant step change. In this article I take seriously the claim made by the Institute for Government that the UK Internal Market Act 2020 is the most contentious example – a red flag symptom – of damaging new constitutional dynamics: the increased willingness of the UK Parliament and UK Government to intervene in devolved matters without devolved consent. At stake as a result is not only the efficient operation of the UK internal market but, recalling Blair, the very survival of the union itself.

Factors Affecting Profitability of Food and Beverage Industries: A Resource-Based View and Competitiveness Approach

This study examines the determinants of profitability within Indonesia's food and beverage industry, specifically analyzing the role of firm size, liquidity, efficiency, leverage, and market power. Utilizing data from 24 companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange from 2018-2022, the research employs multiple linear regression analysis to investigate these factors' impact on profitability, as indicated by Return On Assets (ROA). Results reveal that firm size, liquidity, efficiency, leverage, and market power collectively influence profitability, with market power emerging as the most significant determinant. While firm size and efficiency are positively associated with profitability, leverage negatively impacts it, and liquidity does not significantly affect it. The study's findings highlight the importance of strategic market positioning, operational efficiency, and prudent financial management in enhancing profitability.

Exploring the Dynamics of Innovation Antecedents and Outcomes in Business Performance

The current research critically addresses a significant gap in understanding the intricate dynamics between the drivers and outcomes of innovation within various organizational contexts. While innovation is widely recognized as a crucial driver for growth and competitiveness in the rapidly evolving business landscape, the specific mechanisms through which these drivers influence outcomes remain underexplored. This lack of detailed insight is a substantial barrier to effective strategy development and implementation, underscoring the importance of this study. The research aims to thoroughly explore key antecedents such as organizational culture, leadership, financial strategies, and external environmental conditions that promote an innovative environment. It also evaluates the extensive impact of these innovations on business performance, focusing particularly on market competitiveness, operational efficiency, and customer loyalty. By examining the connections between these factors, the study seeks to outline the pathways through which innovation enhances business performance across various industries and market conditions. The formulated research questions are designed to identify the principal antecedents of innovation, assess their broad impacts on business metrics, and ascertain under which circumstances these effects are maximized. This comprehensive analysis intends to bridge the theoretical and empirical gaps, providing insights that could guide both academic research and practical business strategy development in the realm of innovation management.

BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE IN THE ERA OF BIG DATA: A REVIEW OF ANALYTICAL TOOLS AND COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE

In the contemporary business landscape, the proliferation of Big Data has revolutionized the way organizations gather, process, and utilize information for strategic decision-making. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the evolving role of Business Intelligence (BI) in harnessing the potential of Big Data and the subsequent impact on gaining a competitive advantage. The review delves into the arsenal of analytical tools that have emerged to handle the vast volumes of data generated in the digital age. From traditional reporting and querying to advanced analytics, machine learning, and predictive modeling, organizations now have a myriad of options to extract valuable insights from their data reservoirs. This paper investigates the efficiency, scalability, and adaptability of these tools in the context of Big Data, emphasizing their role in transforming raw data into actionable intelligence. Furthermore, the paper explores how the integration of BI and Big Data analytics contributes to the development of a competitive edge for businesses. The ability to harness insights from diverse data sources provides organizations with a holistic view of market trends, consumer behavior, and operational efficiency. This, in turn, empowers decision-makers to make informed and timely choices, enhancing overall organizational agility and responsiveness to market dynamics. The study also highlights the challenges associated with implementing BI in the era of Big Data, including issues related to data quality, security, and the need for skilled professionals. Effective solutions to these challenges are discussed, emphasizing the importance of a robust data governance framework and continuous investment in talent development. This paper underscores the pivotal role of Business Intelligence in leveraging the potential of Big Data for gaining a competitive advantage. As organizations navigate the complexities of the modern business landscape, the judicious use of analytical tools and the integration of BI with Big Data analytics stand as key drivers for informed decision-making and sustainable success.
 Keywords: Business Intelligence, Big Data, Analytical Tool, Business, AI, Review.

The Differences of Registration Systems in Chinese and the U.S. and Implications

As a matter of fact, registration systems are crucial for stock markets and financing of companies, which is different in different countries and regimes. In November 2013, the purpose of China securities regulatory commission is to strength the status of market as the role of resource allocation. With the continuous development the issuance, trading system of listed companies’ reforms registration system, which promotes the efficiency of market operation and information disclosure level. With this in mind, this paper tracks the history of registration system in the United States, analyses the risk in the progress of market registration. Due to significant different political and cultural system, this paper also discusses the differences between the registration systems of China and the United States, the reasons for the differences and the enlightenment to the development of the registration system in China. Overall, these results shed light on guiding further exploration of registration system development.

Blueprints to Benefits: Towards an Index to Measure the Impact of Sustainable Product Development on the Firm’s Bottom Line

This study pioneers the development of the Sustainable Product Impact (SPI) Index, a novel framework designed to bridge the gap in existing sustainability assessment methodologies by focusing specifically on the influence of sustainable product development on a firm’s financial outcomes. For the first time, this research draws on the core principles of economics, marketing, and environmental sciences research fields to provide a comprehensive tool that enables businesses to quantify the multifaceted impacts of their sustainability initiatives within a corporate context. The SPI Index is an innovative metric that evaluates various factors, including financial and market performance, operational efficiency, brand perception, regulatory benefits, and long-term strategic advantages. This holistic approach allows for a more nuanced understanding of how sustainable practices influence a company’s bottom line and overall market position. Key findings of this research reveal that integrating sustainable product development into business strategies enhances environmental stewardship and impacts financial performance. The SPI Index has demonstrated its capacity to provide detailed insights into the specific areas of sustainability that most strongly affect profitability, thereby guiding businesses in their strategic planning and decision-making processes. In terms of originality and value, this study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by offering a unique and practical tool for businesses. The SPI Index stands out in its ability to translate sustainability efforts into quantifiable financial metrics, promoting a more integrated and balanced approach to corporate sustainability and profitability. Hence, this research plays a crucial role in guiding companies toward responsible corporate citizenship while focusing on economic viability in the modern business landscape.

Research on the Construction of Electricity Market Operation Efficiency Assessment Model and Indicator Early Warning Based on Cloud Entropy Optimization Algorithm

Abstract In this paper, we first constructed the indexes for evaluating the operational efficiency of the electric power market, and screened the indexes by using the Delphi method. Then, the basic numerical characteristics of the cloud model are explored, and the hierarchical boundaries of the power market operational efficiency assessment indexes are delineated. The market operational efficiency assessment model is established by using the cloud entropy optimization algorithm, and the objective weights are determined by the entropy weighting method. The market operation efficiency assessment model is used to analyze the operation efficiency of the power market, and targeted suggestions are made to address existing problems. Finally, the risk warning threshold of the operation efficiency of the power market is set. The risk warning of the operation efficiency of the power market is analyzed. The predicted values and expected output values are compared to validate the applicability of the model in this application. The average value of the operation efficiency of the power market is 3.3, the level of efficiency is between 2 and 3, and the power market operation efficiency is in the range of 2-3. The range is 2-3, and the grade of power market operational effectiveness is medium. This study helps improve the operational efficiency of the power industry and optimize the allocation of market resources in the power industry.

Strategic Innovation and Competitive Advantage

This study explored the relationship between strategic innovation and competitive advantage through empirical studies across various industries. Strategic innovation, which involves the adoption of novel business models, processes, or technologies, is hypothesized to be a key driver of competitive advantage. The study measured strategic innovation through the dimensions of disruptive innovation, sustaining innovation and incremental innovation. The findings reveal that companies that effectively implement strategic innovations achieve significant improvements in market share, operational efficiency, and brand differentiation. However, gaps persist, including the need for integrated frameworks that encompass all types of innovation, clarity in defining strategic innovation, understanding the dynamics of culture and leadership, exploring dynamic capabilities and adaptation strategies, and examining the role of strategic agility. Based on these insights, the study provided actionable recommendations for practitioners like to develop integrated frameworks that systematically incorporate sustaining, disruptive, and incremental innovations to provide a comprehensive understanding of their collective impact on competitive advantage. Clear and consistent definitions of strategic innovation should be established to facilitate comparative analysis and theoretical development. Additionally, further exploration into the influence of organizational culture and leadership on innovation outcomes is essential, along with longitudinal studies to track how firms adapt their innovation strategies over time. This research contributed to a deeper understanding of how strategic innovation can be leveraged for competitive advantage and offers practical guidance for firms seeking to enhance their strategic innovation capabilities.