Alliance Model Research Articles

Alliance strategy in an online retailing supply chain: Motivation, choice, and equilibrium

In this paper, we investigate the alliance strategy in an Online Retailing Supply Chain (ORSC). Three alliance models in addition to one no alliance model is built and examined. The no alliance model as a benchmark is developed to characterize the alliance motivation for each supply chain member. Afterwards, we identify the optimal alliance strategy and the final alliance equilibrium. The results show that the manufacturer always has motivations to form an alliance with each of other two members, while the retailer and the platform may form an alliance only when the agency rate is relatively low. Moreover, under certain conditions, all supply chain members could achieve a win-win-win result in the manufacturer-retailer and manufacturer-platform alliance models, but fall into a lose-lose-lose situation in the retailer-platform alliance model. Additionally, it is interesting that a higher agency rate makes the retailer more profitable when the platform and manufacturer enter into an alliance. Finally, we find that each of the three alliance models may be the final equilibrium, which is largely dependent on channel competition and the agency rate.

Mechanism of latecomer enterprises’ technological catch-up in technical standards alliances – An ambidextrous innovation perspective

This study innovatively conducts an empirical study on technological catch-up of latecomers in technological standards alliance from the perspective of ambidexterity innovation. Due to the paradox in the relationship between ambidexterity innovation and corporate performance, we constructed a research framework with inter-organizational factor - organizational model of technological standards alliance and intra-organizational factor - characteristics of latecomer firms as situational factors to deeply analyze the impact of ambidexterity innovation on technology catch-up of latecomers in technological standards alliance. The results of the empirical study show that the impact of ambidexterity innovation on the technological catch-up of latecomers differs among various alliance modes; the absorptive capacity of latecomers has a positive moderating effect on the relationship between duality ambidexterity and its technological catch-up. These findings provide useful suggestions for how latecomers can make use of technological standards alliance as a vehicle for technological catch-up.

Multisensor Dynamic Alliance Control Problem Based on Fuzzy Set Theory in the Mission of Target Detecting and Tracking

A multisensor alliance is established by the activation of tasks or occurrences. It is also characterized as a multisensor dynamic alliance since it originates with mission development and disintegrates with task accomplishment. To overcome the constraint that a single sensor can only gather a one-sided, little amount of erroneous target information, each sensor in the dynamic alliance has diverse information collection capabilities and implements a cooperative methodology to complete the target mission. This paper emphasizes on alliance formation in multisensor dynamic alliance control under diverse missions. To begin with, we investigate the problem at the sensor recognition level for each target feature, delving into the concepts of alliance formation, renewal, and dissolution and emphasizing the fuzzy relationship in the multisensor dynamic alliance for multitarget. Moreover, dynamic alliance models are constructed using the fuzzy set calculation algorithm, which is powered by target detection, recognition, and tracking tasks in that sequence. Last but not least, simulation experiments demonstrated that the proposed model and algorithm outperform the existing models and algorithms. We may achieve the optimal alliance scheme by introducing the fuzzy set calculation algorithm into the dynamic alliance establishment process, which completely nullifies information redundancy and enhances the monitoring capabilities of the sensor network.

Two-Stage Dynamic Alliance Bidding for Incremental Distribution and Retail Companies Based on Complex Network Theory

With the increase in renewable energy penetration, energy deviation settlement penalties are imposed on incremental distribution and retail companies (IDRCs). Most IDRCs are at financial risk. Given this background, a bidding model of the two-stage dynamic alliance is proposed to maximize IDRCs’ profits. In the first stage, potential alliances of IDRCs are established by the gravity model. In the second stage, the bi-level bidding model is modeled in energy and primary frequency regulation markets, where the upper level maximizes alliance profits by considering the cooperation costs and alliance constraints, and the lower level simulates market clearing. Then, the bi-level model is transformed into a mixed-integer linear programming model by the strong duality theory, Karush–Kuhn–Tucker conditions, and large M method. Verified by the complex network theory, results show that a complex alliance network has a high transmission efficiency and capacity to resist risk. Moreover, IDRCs with large capacity and superior location are important in the alliance. In addition, the proposed model increases the satisfaction rate by 20%, which increases IDRCs’ profits and reduces cooperation costs.

The Influence of Corporate Social Responsibility on Corporate Alliance Brand Value: A Study on Bancassurance Services in Pakistan

Existing theories on corporate values in Pakistan rarely discuss the factors influencing brand value under corporate alliances. This research will identify the factors influencing corporate social responsibility on corporate alliance brand values. The rationale of this research is to drive implications for corporate alliance brand values in Bancassurance services. The study has been conducted on Bancassurance services sector of Pakistan, including banking and Insurance professionals as interviewees. A qualitative methodology has been adopted for this research. Ten interviews have been conducted through the purposive sampling technique, and the interviewees are from the banking and insurance domains of Pakistan. Thematic analysis has been applied as a tool for conducting this research using Nvivo QSR version 10 software. The themes obtained from the transcribed data are that corporate alliance brand value is boosted by implementing CSR towards Bancassurance relevant stake holders, corporate alliance brand value is boosted by implementing CSR towards Bancassurance customers, and corporate alliance brand value is boosted by implementing CSR towards Bancassurance employees. In order to increase their brand value through corporate alliances, the results recommend that the Banca-CSR alliance model can be used by Bancassurance service providers to develop and implement CSR-related policies and initiatives.

Shaping a Communitarian Ethos in an Era of Ecological Crisis

In response to the deep social and ecological crisis for which the international community is proving incapable of attenuating, many Peasants and Indigenous peoples in Mexico, and in other parts of the Global South, are transforming their visions of their futures, shaping a new ethos of self-management and conviviality, consistent with a responsible relationship to their territories. From the vantage point of the Global South, these peoples constitute a social and economic force that is altering the social and productive dynamics in many countries, proposing models of organization and building alliances among themselves regionally and internationally to exchange information, develop common strategies, and provide political support. In Mexico, many continue to produce traditional crops, while modifying their techniques to incorporate agroecological experiences from other communities, diversifying output and protecting the environment. Recently, they are enriching local practices with a systematization of their inherited traditions and cosmologies, creating effective models of social, political and environmental organization that lend authority to their claims to be able to manage their territories autonomously. There is a growing body of scientific literature that substantiates this capacity, demonstrating that the collective knowledge of the global networks of local communities is more effective in protecting biodiversity and attending to their own basic needs while improving their quality of life than that of societies more fully integrated into the global economy. In conclusion, we describe how these visions are shaping international networks, defining new channels for collaboration, improving the quality of life for people in these communities, while protecting them from the continuing incursions of capital.

Beyond Patient-Provider Relationships: Expanding the Roles and Boundaries of Families during Patient End-of-Life.

Role conflict and strain occur when healthcare providers are required to cross boundaries, either voluntarily or involuntarily, to meet the needs of their dying patients. This research is an unobtrusive digital ethnography of a publicly accessible online forum for healthcare providers (N = 242 posts); it explores the boundaries set by families and healthcare providers, and identifies how healthcare providers navigate and which circumstances require them to sometimes cross these professional boundaries. Results indicate that patient-and-family-centered care may not be fully achieved due to the ambiguity in the expected roles played by both families and healthcare providers during patient death and dying. Grounded in data, an expanded model of the therapeutic alliance, which includes the family, is suggested.

“Excellence is Never Easy”: The Importance of Building Professional Relationships in Research

In this scholarly narrative, I emphasise the importance of building professional relationships for delivering excellence in research. The reader is introduced to the working alliance model applied to professional relationships within research settings, and two specific activities (peer mentoring and professional practice groups) are promoted for their collaborative benefits.

‘Every Human Interaction Requires a Bit of Give and Take’: Medical Students’ Approaches to Pursuing Feedback in the Clinical Setting

Phenomenon Students, alongside teachers, play a key role in feedback. Student behavior in feedback processes may impact feedback outcomes. Student feedback behavior includes recognizing, seeking, evaluating, and utilizing feedback. Student feedback behavior is influenced by numerous student attributes and environmental factors. Approach We aimed to explore influences on medical student feedback behavior during clinical attachments. We adopted a subjective inductive qualitative approach. We conducted 7 focus groups with 46 medical students undertaking pediatric hospital-based attachments. We based our discussion framework on existing characterizations of student feedback behavior and the educational alliance model with its focus on the relationship between learners and teachers, and the active role played by both. During initial data analysis, we identified that our results exhibited aspects of Bandura’s model of Triadic Reciprocal Causation within Social Cognitive Theory. In line with our subjective inductive approach, we adopted Triadic Reciprocal Causation at this point for further analysis and interpretation. This allowed us to conceptualize the emerging interactions between influences on feedback behavior. Findings We identified three key determinants of student feedback behavior: Environmental influences, Student attributes and Relationships between teachers and students. Environmental influences encompassed factors external to the student, including Teacher attributes and behaviors and The clinical learning context. Through the lens of Triadic Reciprocal Causation, the interrelationships between the determinants of feedback behavior gave rise to five key themes: Interactions between student feedback behavior and environmental influences of the clinical learning context, Interactions between student feedback behavior and environmental influences of teacher attributes and behaviors, Interactions between student attributes and student feedback behavior, Interactions between student attributes and environmental influences of teacher attributes and behaviors, and Relationships and the determinants of student feedback behavior. Insights: We apply the Triadic Reciprocal Causation model of Social Cognitive Theory to understand the influences on student feedback behavior and the interactions between them. We extend the model by situating relationships between students and teachers as a central factor. Future interventions to facilitate students’ role in feedback will need to address student attributes, environmental factors, and student-teacher relationships, appreciating the codependent nature of these influences.

Strategic Alliances, Competitive Advantages, And Bandwagon Effect In The Perum Perhutani Wood Industry

The establishment of Strategic Alliances or operational cooperation with strategic partners of the Wood Industry around the Perum Perhutani work area is a necessity to increase competitiveness. This study attempts to elaborate on the Strategic Alliance between the Perhutani Wood Industry and its partners to be able to achieve a Competitive Advantage through the development of Market Areas and the development of Product Innovations or in other words to find out to what extent the Strategic Alliance can improve the position of the Perum Perhutani Wood Industry Competitive Advantage. In addition, this study also aims to determine the extent to which the implementation of the Strategic Alliance, through the development of Market Areas and Product Innovation in the Perum Perhutani Wood Industry, influences increasing Competitive Advantage. This research is descriptive and uses a qualitative approach. This research uses a literature study technique and utilizes data sources obtained from several locations, namely (1) Perhutani Forestry Institute Library, (2) Brawijaya University Central Library, and (3) Discussion with colleagues. From the research results, it is known that the Strategic Alliance model that aims to increase Competitive Advantage is the most appropriate to be applied in Perum Perhutani is a form of Strategic Alliance that focuses on the interests of cooperation in increasing Product Innovation to realize Competitive Advantage, compared to the Strategic Alliance through the development of Market Areas. It is necessary to redevelop a good Strategic Alliance with the Wood Industry business partner Perum Perhutani by implementing: (1) Reconciliation of the Wood Industry business actors who join based on compatibility, mutual need, and mutual benefit; (2) Focus and professional; (3) Pooling of resources on what is already owned by the wood industry business partners so that a perfect alliance will have an impact on the success of Perum Perhutani to become a superior company.

Piloting the Update: The Use of Therapeutic Relationship for Change - A Free Energy Account.

We apply the Free Energy Principle (FEP) to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). FEP describes the basic functioning of the brain as a predictive organ and states that any self-organizing system that is in equilibrium with its environment must minimize its free energy. Based on an internal model of the world and the self, predictions—so-called priors—are created, which are matched with the information input. The sum of prediction errors corresponds to the Free Energy, which must be minimized. Internal models can be identified with the cognitive-affective schemas of the individual that has become dysfunctional in patients. The role of CBT in this picture is to help the patient update her/his priors. They have evolved in learning history and no longer provide adaptive predictions. We discuss the process of updating in terms of the exploration-exploitation dilemma. This consists of the extent to which one relies on what one already has, i.e., whether one continues to maintain and “exploit” one’s previous priors (“better safe than sorry”) or whether one does explore new data that lead to an update of priors. Questioning previous priors triggers stress, which is associated with increases in Free Energy in short term. The role of therapeutic relationship is to buffer this increase in Free Energy, thereby increasing the level of perceived safety. The therapeutic relationship is represented in a dual model of affective alliance and goal attainment alliance and is aligned with FEP. Both forms of alliance support exploration and updating of priors. All aspects are illustrated with the help of a clinical case example.

Improving Medication Adherence in Community-Dwelling Patients with Schizophrenia Through Therapeutic Alliance and Medication Attitude: A Serial Multiple Mediation Model.

BackgroundIncreased medication adherence improves patient outcomes and lowers the overall cost of care by preventing disease relapse and hospital readmission. Several systematic reviews have identified that insight, therapeutic alliance, and attitude towards medication affect medication adherence in patients with schizophrenia; however, no study has examined all the aforementioned variables together nor has discussed the chains of these mediators.PurposeTo examine the insight–medication adherence relationship among community-dwelling schizophrenia patients through a serial multiple mediation model of therapeutic alliance and medication attitude.Patients and MethodsThis study with a cross-sectional correlational design included a convenience sample of community-dwelling schizophrenia patients from Taiwan (n = 229). From January 2017 to January 2018, data were collected by trained nurses using questionnaires. The PROCESS tool was used to analyse fine-grained chains.ResultsIn serial multiple mediation, the indirect effect of insight on medication adherence through therapeutic alliance and, subsequently, alteration of medication attitude was significant. However, the direct effect changed from significant to non-significant, indicating a complete mediating effect.ConclusionIn community-dwelling schizophrenia patients, the effects of therapeutic alliance and medication attitude on medication adherence are greater than that of insight. We recommend revising the strategy of community home visits by different psychiatrists or nurses in alternating shifts. Therapeutic alliance is the first step required to promote medication adherence. Based on this alliance, altering the patients’ medication attitude may be more effective in improving medication adherence than merely enhancing insight.

Effect of Integrated Nursing Care Based on Medical Alliance Mode on the Prevention and Treatment of Complications and Self-Efficacy of Patients with Coronary Heart Disease after PCI.

Objective To explore the effect of integrated nursing care based on the medical alliance model on prevention and treatment of complications and self-efficacy in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) after PCI. Methods The data of CHD patients treated in our hospital from January 2019 to January 2021 were analyzed in this retrospective study. One hundred and twenty patients were selected as the research subjects according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria and equally split into the observation group and reference group according to the order of admission. Both groups received routine nursing care, while the observation group was additionally given integrated nursing care based on the medical alliance model to compare the self-efficacy scores, scores of self-management abilities, and incidence of postoperative complications between the two groups before and after nursing. Both groups were nursed for 6 months. Results Compared with the reference group, the observation group after nursing achieved a notably higher GSES score (26.10 ± 1.30 vs 22.18 ± 1.30, t = 16.516, P < 0.001), higher scores of self-management ability (P < 0.001) , and a lower incidence of postoperative complications (P < 0.05). Conclusion Integrated nursing care based on the medical alliance model can improve the self-efficacy of CHD patients undergoing PCI, enhance their self-management ability, and reduce the incidence of postoperative complications, which is conducive to improving the prognosis of patients.

Performance impact of behavioural factors in alliances by SMEs: an empirical analysis

PurposeThis paper aims to fill a gap in the authors’ understanding of alliance-level and the partner-level alliance performance by analysing the influence of behavioural factors for alliances formed by SMEs. Prior studies on the topic have arrived at inconclusive results. This study plugs gaps in prior studies' approach such as deployment of inconsistent performance measures, and omission of contingent factors.Design/methodology/approachThe survey method was used to collect responses about 86 alliances of Indian SMEs. The data were analysed using PLS-SEM technique.FindingsTwo relationship capital variables – Trust and Commitment – were found to have differential influence on the two levels of SME alliance performance, and their influence was mediated by the presence of two exchange climate variables – Communication and Conflict.Research limitations/implicationsSince the study employs perceptual measures of performance, it is subject to the limitations of these measures. Similarly, given the relatively small sample size on which analyses were based, the results may need to be replicated in order to generalize the findings.Practical implicationsThe study tested a comprehensive model for alliance and partner performance in the context of SMEs. The study's results may be particularly useful to managers of SMEs for focusing on the key factors that influence alliance performance as well as their performance.Originality/valueThe model tested in the study is comprehensive and also accounts for the subtleties about the impact of the two key types of behavioural factors – Relationship capital and Exchange climate – on alliance and partner performance.

Cleaning up Forever Chemicals in Construction: Informing Industry Change

Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substance (PFAS) contamination has been found in the construction spoil of many major projects, and there is growing concern about the health and environmental implications of these “forever” chemicals. In a context where construction and tunneling have experienced substantial growth, Australia and other countries are still developing their PFAS management. This study used convergent interviews to surface the key common issues that are associated with the management of PFAS contamination in the construction industry. The construction industry appears stuck in their ways and extremely financially driven. Regulation is not working because of poor enforcement and policing from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA could look to employ individuals with more construction industry experience in order to become a strong regulator in the industry, as well as to streamlining decision-making processes, while maintaining quality. To speed up changes in the management of PFASs within the construction industry, large organizations could be targeted by the relevant sustainability rating scheme, and there could be further use of the alliance models to research, develop, and implement PFAS treatment methods.

The Strength of Alliance in Individual Psychotherapy and Patient's Wellbeing: The Relationships of the Therapeutic Alliance to Psychological Wellbeing, Satisfaction With Life, and Flourishing in Adult Patients Attending Individual Psychotherapy.

ObjectivesThe central aim of the research was to verify and determine the strength of the relationships of therapeutic alliance to wellbeing, life satisfaction, and flourishing in patients attending individual psychotherapy. The relationships were assessed based on different sources of information about the quality of the working alliance: patient's evaluation and patient's and psychotherapist's joint evaluations.DesignThe author applied Bordin's pantheoretical model of alliance and two different conceptions of wellbeing, operationalized as hedonistic and eudaimonic.MethodsThe 411 participants included 252 patients and 159 psychotherapists. To test the hypotheses, 16 joint and separate models of structural relations were built and analyzed empirically using SEM. Correlations were analyzed between alliance factors and those of wellbeing, satisfaction, and flourishing.ResultsThe actual impact of working alliance quality on psychological wellbeing proved to be stronger compared to the relations between alliance and satisfaction or flourishing. The results of analyses revealed low, though usually positive and significant, correlations between the dimensions of alliance and those of wellbeing, life satisfaction, and flourishing.ConclusionsThe empirical data and the strategy of analyses brought the expected results, confirming that patient's and psychotherapist's perception of a strong therapeutic alliance is crucial for the optimization of patient's functioning and wellbeing. It turns out that the therapeutic alliance is, above all, a factor of wellbeing understood more deeply than merely as current pleasure. The study also showed that no factor isolated from other components of alliance increased the quality of patient's mental functioning more than others.

How do we drive a renaissance for national island conservation in Australia?

Australia’s approach to managing and conserving its offshore islands as important national assets warrants urgent review. There is a growing realisation that the current trajectory of loss of natural heritage on islands must be reversed, particularly in an era of increasing climate change. We propose a role description and an organisational model for a national Australian Islands Alliance that champions conservation action, prioritises investments aligned to risks, and that connects partners at a strategic national level. A national alliance offers important opportunity to assess threats and report on condition. Four key foundations underpin a national alliance dedicated to championing island care and expert management: (1) management informed by evidence; (2) sound return on investment; (3) national coordination in partnership with States and Territories; and (4) community participation inclusive of Aboriginal peoples’ and Torres Strait Islanders’ custodial rights and interests. The message from experiences shared across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific region is that traditional island custodians and stakeholders are vital partners to restoration efforts. These shared learnings collectively demonstrate the time is now for Australia to move forward with a respectful and unified direction to progress successful and sustainable island conservation and restoration.

Multisensor Hybrid Dynamic Alliance Formation Problem Using Sensitive Particle-Based Dynamic Discrete PSO

In recent years, with the wide application and popularization of artificial intelligence algorithm in the field of multisensor information processing, it has been a research hotspot to solve the problem of sensor alliance formation in the battlefield environment by using multisensor cross-cueing technology. Based on the establishment of the multisensor hybrid dynamic alliance model and objective function, a multisensor cross-cueing algorithm based on dynamic discrete particle swarm optimization (DDPSO) with sensitive particles is proposed and a mechanism of “predict re-predict” is proposed in the process of sensor handover. Simulations have verified the good convergence effect and small detection error of multisensor cross-cueing technology in solving alliance formation problems. Meanwhile, compared with “measurement and then update” and “predict and update” mechanisms, the proposed mechanism is more suitable to the changing combat environment. At the same time, to some extent, it also shows that the artificial intelligence algorithm is more suitable for multisensor information processing.

Games theory and strategic alliances: applications to British Russian partnership

PurposeThis conceptual paper examines the need for viable theoretical models of international learning alliances in the light of cooperative games and complexity in two distinguished educational settings. Game theory is used to demonstrate the need for the top managerial executives to acquire a detailed understanding of decision makers' behaviours and trigger the deployment of complex analytical methods. The paper scrutinizes Russia's pursued aggressive approach using shock therapy, also suggest the critical need to reform policy.Design/methodology/approachCombining the critical analysis of (1) cooperative games and (2) adaptive systems structures, a dependable model is derived, which sets the baseline for determining the role of costs and gains. The analysis is supported using a real-world example of an alliance between British University (the X and Y alliance) and Russian University. It also emphasizes the importance of both internal and external pressure variables closely connected with the cooperative games, adaptive system and shock therapy.FindingsTwo features of alliances have been emphasized. The first is the importance of informal relationships in the evolution of partnerships and of cooperation. This is a well-known factor in the success of any relationship. Especially in international partnerships, empathy at the individual level is perhaps necessary to bypass the influence of historical and cultural differences that are barriers at the macro level, preconditions rather than consequences of successful policies and contractual arrangements at the level of organizations and governments. The second feature is interdependence at the cost–benefit level and in the domain of decisions. The cooperation of both partners is required to realize payoffs.Practical implicationsThe implication of this paper is a guideline for regulators and policymakers designing worldwide alliances in higher education. In addition, this paper covers an interesting domain that could be of interest to organizations involved in forming strategic alliances, developing and re-engineering policies for strategic coalitions and setting future profitable payoff relationships within the contextual limitations of X and Y.Originality/valueThis paper creates new knowledge by concisely examining the meaning of strategic alliances in the context of the global education industry.

Engaging peers to promote well‐being and inclusion of newcomer students: A call for equity‐informed peer interventions

AbstractAlthough newcomer youth demonstrate high levels of resiliency, many experience challenges in emotional, linguistic, academic, and social functioning. Over the past decade, some promising school‐based psychosocial interventions for newcomer youth have been developed. These interventions are necessary, but not sufficient to promote well‐being. Without attention to the larger context, focusing solely on the skills and adjustment of newcomer youth could potentially stigmatize students further. There is a need to engage non‐newcomer peers for two reasons. First, peer relationships and inclusion are important predictors of well‐being. Second, from an equity lens, there is a need to create environments that promote youth well‐being; at the very least, these environments must engage non‐newcomer youth in recognizing and combatting discrimination. This study outlines the need for peer‐focused programming to support newcomers and describes existing research on interventions developed to promote peer relationships (e.g., mentoring) or reduce discrimination (e.g., teacher‐led discrimination reduction approaches). We identify other intervention models that could inform how to add an equity lens to school mental health intervention, including how a gender‐sexuality alliance model could be adapted, and how equity considerations could be integrated into bystander approaches. We conclude with specific implications and recommendations for embedding equity into school mental health.