Set Of Strategic Directions Research Articles

Strategic Direction and Firm Performance: Evidence from the SACCO Sector

Purpose: Strategic direction setting is a critical leadership practice to be adopted by organizations that intend to attain good performance. This study sought to examine the influence of strategic direction on Sacco performance. Design/Methodology: The study utilized descriptive and correlational research design. The study was conducted in SACCOs in Kenya. Primary data was collected using a close ended questionnaire from SACCOs senior managers and CEOs were also interviewed. For data analysis, the study used descriptive statistics, inferential statistics and content analysis. Findings: The study established that strategic direction setting significantly influenced SACCO performance. Implications/Originality/Value: The findings provide a valuable insight on the importance of strategic direction setting in enhancing performance. This study will guide SACCO leaders to proactively set strategic direction through developing and communicating the vision, mission, goals and objectives as this will boost performance in terms of increased level of customer satisfaction, increase in members, asset base growth and growth in deposit base. The findings can be used as a basis for further research by scholars who are interested in understanding strategic direction in SACCO’s.

Evolution of Innovation Clusters from Park-Type to Network-Type: Focusing on Innovation Cluster Analysis and Strategic Direction Setting

Evolution of Innovation Clusters from Park-Type to Network-Type: Focusing on Innovation Cluster Analysis and Strategic Direction Setting

К ВОПРОСУ О РАЗРАБОТКЕ СТРАТЕГИЧЕСКИХ НАПРАВЛЕНИЙ ИННОВАЦИОННОГО РАЗВИТИЯ АПК В СОВРЕМЕННЫХ УСЛОВИЯХ

The development of strategic directions for the innovative development of the agro-industrial complex in the conditions of the formation of a new technological order can become a significant impetus for agricultural production. The article examines the legislative framework of strategic planning in Russia, including in the agro-industrial complex. And also to achieve the goals and objectives of long-term development of Russia, the main strategic directions of innovative development of the agro-industrial complex are highlighted. The need for a prompt response to external threats and challenges dictates the inevitability of applying new approaches both to the development and implementation of innovative development mechanisms, with the minimization of bureaucracy. Thus, the set of strategic directions of innovative development of the agro-industrial complex should be an integral, unified system containing an exhaustive list of measures and mechanisms to achieve the targets. Effective formation of strategic directions of innovative development depends on theoretical approaches to the concept of strategic directions. As numerous studies under the leadership of agricultural scientists E. S. Ogloblin, I. S. Sandu, V. I. Nechaev have shown, if it is necessary to form a new vision for determining strategic directions of innovative development, it is necessary to provide for the implementation of separate stages, depending on the life cycle of the development of innovative processes at the level of branches and sub-sectors of the agro-industrial complex. In this connection, the authors present the steps that are advisable to implement at the initial stage of innovative development of the agricultural sector of the economy. Also listed are the economic initiatives designated by the President of Russia BB. Putin in his address to the Federal Assembly as part of the formation of a paradigm for the further development of the country's economy. In conclusion, it is noted that a comprehensive solution of these areas can provide both acceleration of the implementation of scientific and technological progress in various sectors of the agro-industrial complex, as well as significant organizational, technical and technological renewal of agro-industrial production and increase its competitiveness.

Strategic directions of sustainable development of rural areas in Ukraine

The aim of the article is to define and systematize a set of strategic directions for ensuring the sustainable development of rural areas of Ukraine. Methods – when summarizing the scientific and methodological approaches of the study, analysis and synthesis, analogy and comparison were used. To assess the state and trends of socio-economic development of rural areas, production, demographic processes, employment of rural population, and incomes, the economic and statistical methods (comparative analysis, average and relative values, trend analysis, graphical method, index analysis, etc.) were used in analytical researches. Using the method of generalization, the strategic directions of the State policy to ensure the sustainable development of rural areas are determined. Using the methods of abstract-logical tools, the intermediate and final conclusions and proposals are formulated. Results – the features of the rural areas development of Ukraine are determined. Based on the results of the analysis, the trend of increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of agricultural production on the background of narrowing the sphere of agricultural labor, shortage of jobs, low wages, decrease in the level of employment of the rural population, deformation of its age structure, depopulation of rural settlements, etc. was revealed. The strategic directions of sustainable development of rural areas of Ukraine in social, economic, environmental and institutional-investment vectors are proposed. Conclusions – the development of social processes in rural areas foresees the intensification of the development and gradual implementation of a set of regulatory, legal and organizational and economic measures, which should include, first of all, the implementation of certain strategic directions for the sustainable development of rural areas of Ukraine, which are justified in the course of the study.

Tools for Regulating Noise Loads from Automobile Urban Transport

A set of strategic directions in solving the problem of noise pollution of the environment in the city of Krasnoyarsk, the main source of which is urban transport, is proposed. Based on the results of full–scale studies and the use of system-analytical methods, the choice of residential zones of increased acoustic discomfort is made – areas of "old" buildings, where the layout of streets and buildings is not designed for modern noise loads from increasing traffic flow. Assessing and mapping of the noise fields in these areas during the day and night periods showed an excess of the norms. The factors of increasing the parameters of acoustic fields are revealed. Noise protection solutions for optimizing the existing transport infrastructure based on new environmental standards are proposed, their acoustic efficiency is evaluated.

EFFECT OF STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP ON ORGANIZATION PERFORMANCE OF STATE-OWNED SUGAR MANUFACTURING FIRMS IN WESTERN KENYA

Properly applied strategic leadership is precursory for effective strategy formulation, implementation and control especially in the current highly volatile business environment. Due to limited empirical findings locally on how strategic leadership affects performance of organizations, this study increased this knowledge by answering the question: what is the effect of strategic leadership on organization performance of state-owned sugar manufacturing firms in Western Kenya. The main objective of the study was to assess the influence of strategic leadership on organization performance of state-owned sugar manufacturing firms in Western Kenya. Specifically, the study aimed to; assess the influence of strategic direction setting on organization performance of state-owned sugar manufacturing firms in Western Kenya, determine the influence of core competence exploitation on organization performance of state-owned sugar manufacturing firms in Western Kenya, establish the influence of organization culture building on organization performance of state-owned sugar manufacturing firms in Western Kenya and assess the influence of organization controls on organization performance of state-owned sugar manufacturing firms in Western Kenya. The study was guided by upper echelon theory, environment dependency theory, contingency theory and trait theory. Target population was 917 employees from Chemelil, South Nyanza, Muhoroni, and Nzoia. Survey design was adopted for the study. Simple random sampling technique was used to arrive at the population sample; total sample size of 269 respondents was used. Data collection instruments were both primary and secondary. Primary data was collected by way of semi structured questionnaire. Secondary data collection involved documentary analysis to capture information on organization performance of state-owned sugar manufacturing firms in Western Kenya. Pilot study was carried out on a group of employees from Nzoia Sugar Company to ensure the research instruments capture the required information before carrying out the research. Descriptive and inferential statistics which included mean, frequency and regression was used in this study. The test criteria was to reject the first null hypothesis if the value of beta was not equal to zero (β1 ≠0). From the results, the beta value for strategic direction setting 0.346 at p< 0.05. This result implied 34.6% of change in Organization performance is attributed to Strategic direction setting. Therefore the first hypothesis was rejected. The test criteria was to reject the second null hypothesis if the value of beta was not equal to zero (β2 ≠0). From the results, the beta value for core competencies exploitation from the regression model was 0.503 at p< 0.05. This result implied that 50.3% of change in Organization performance is explained by Core Competencies exploitation. Therefore the second null hypothesis was rejected. The test criteria was to reject the third null hypothesis if the value of beta was not equal to zero (β3 ≠0). From the results, the beta value for organization culture building from the regression model was 0.399 at p< 0.05. This results implied that 39.9% of change in Organization performance is attributed to Organization Culture building. Therefore the third null hypothesis was rejected. The test criteria was to reject the fourth null hypothesis if the value of beta was not equal zero (β4 ≠0). From the results, the beta value for organization controls from the regression model was 0.315 at p< 0.05. This result implied that 31.5% of change in Organization performance was explained by Organization controls, hence the fourth null hypothesis was rejected. In conclusion, the study established a statistically significant correlation between strategic leadership and organization performance of state-owned sugar manufacturing firms in Western Kenya. The findings of the current study form a basis for reference in future by interested parties. Further research should be carried out on the Influence of strategic leadership on organization performance of privately owned sugar manufacturing firms in order to make generalizations as relates to effect of strategic leadership on organization performance of sugar manufacturing firms in Western Kenya.

Three Seas Initiative capabilities in terms of diversification of natural gas supply versus Russian Federation foreign policy – a geopolitical approach

The aim of the article is to determine potential strategic directions of development of the Three Seas initiative so as to ensure that it becomes an effective geopolitical system capable of the diversification of current natural gas sourcing towards non-Russian sources. The Russian Federation bases its geostrategic approach to foreign policy on controlling geopolitical pivots, and endeavors to regain lost influence spheres due to the collapse of the Soviet Union. As a monopolist in terms of natural gas supply to Central-East European countries, the Russian Federation has strengthened its position by having reach a set of geostrategic goals within the years of 2008-2018. The threat of using natural gas supply shortage as an instrument of foreign policy is one of the biggest challenge for Central-East European countries. The Three Seas Initiative is a popular international policy concept in Central-East Europe. However, its capabilities in terms of diversification of natural gas supply are limited because of the control of geopolitical pivots by the Russian Federation. The article indicates a set of challenges for diverting current natural gas supply, and proposes a set of strategic directions for developing the Three Seas Initiative.

Проблемы и перспективы повышения эффективности и конкурентоспособности молочного скотоводства

Молочное скотоводство играет важную роль в экономике страны, обеспечивая население ценными продуктами питания, однако в последние годы в Российской Федерации наблюдается снижение объёмов производства молока, сокращается поголовье коров и, в первую очередь, в малых и средних сельскохозяйственных организациях. Это обусловлено слабой материально-технической базой отрасли, высокой трудоёмкостью производства в молочном скотоводстве, низким уровнем организации производства. Основная цель исследования — выявление проблем развития отрасли, имеющихся недостатков в организации производства молока и обоснование направлений повышения эффективности молочного скотоводства в условиях импортозамещения. На основе анализа статистической информации, передового опыта организации производства и переработки молока выявлены проблемы развития молочного скотоводства и определены пути их решения в региональном АПК. Основным результатом исследования является определение комплекса стратегически важных направлений повышения эффективности молочного скотоводства, наиболее значимыми из которых являются следующие: совершенствование селекционной работы; укрепление кормовой базы на основе внедрения белково-витаминно-минеральных добавок, внедрение поточно-цеховой технологии производства; сокращение яловости животных; совершенствование оплаты труда и материального стимулирования работников животноводства; улучшение качества продукции. Большую роль в повышении эффективности молочного скотоводства может сыграть развитие внутрипроизводственного предпринимательства в данной отрасли (первичная переработка, пастеризация, пакетирование молока, выпуск творожных сырков и других молочных продуктов, а также приготовление и реализация органических удобрений). В целом, сформулированные предложения будут способствовать повышению эффективности и конкурентоспособности молочного скотоводства, что очень важно для реализации региональных программ по импортозамещению.

Workshop 6 Report: Delivering sustainable public transport

After a discussion of the meaning of ‘sustainable public transport’, this Workshop discussed issues of need, system design, institutional arrangements, environmental improvements and social aspects of service. Land use/transport integration was seen as critical for long term strategic direction setting for public transport, backed by sustainable financing/funding arrangements. These need to encompass such revenue sources as externality pricing, user pays, beneficiary pays, wider value capture, asset sales and other opportunities. Such matters are just some of the important examples of governance/institutional design considerations that underpin sustainable public transport, an area the workshop recognised as needing much greater future focus. Ways to grow public transport use, and improve service delivery efficiencies and performance, in both trunk and local markets were discussed, with a particular focus on flexible transport systems. Whether these services should target specific niche markets or pursue a wider customer base was an area of some disagreement requiring further research, in a low density developed country setting. The different roles played by flexible transport systems between developed and emerging countries were notable. The workshop developed a set of general principles intended to further promote sustainable public transport.

Translating the Service Quality Gaps into Strategy Formulation. An Experimental Case Study of a Greek Academic Department

The purpose of the current research is to develop a strategic service quality focused framework in a Greek Academic Department, translating its service quality (SQ) gaps into specific strategic directions from a “student-focused” perspective. The research is separated in two parts and follows the recommendations of Tan and Pawitra (2001), using various SQ measurement techniques and management tools. In the first part a SWOT analysis is conducted and a SWOT matrix is produced in order to assess the Department’s position, mission and vision as well as to construct the “Academic” questionnaires based on the SERVQUAL method and the Kano’s Model. The proposed questionnaires were applied in 180 undergraduate students. The second part incorporates the Quality Function Deployment (QFD) framework which is able to translate the customers’ voice (WHATs) into specific processes and measurable actions (HOWs), generating a realistic approach for successful management. The incorporation of SERVQUAL-Kano’s model in the QFD rated the importance of the WHATs, identifying the gaps which function as obstacles in the attainment of the Academic Department’s superior SQ. With the assistance of the SWOT matrix the main strategies of the Academic Department were generated, feeding the HOWs in the QFD. According to the findings, through the student priority level of SERVQUAL and Kano model, the most important SQ dimensions were found to be: Facilities/Equipment/Services, Abilities and Capabilities of Faculty, Educational/Course Content and Department’s Reliability and Reputation. Finally, with the assistance of QFD correlations, a set of strategic directions were proposed such as Accredited Programs, Proactive Partnerships with Corporations, Well-Maintained and Attractive Buildings etc.

Comparative Analysis of Austria‘s and Lithuania’s Self-Government System

Today, in terms of policy as a fundamental phenomenon, often associate with the concept of bureaucracy in two definitions good and bad. Austria's government structure has some unique features, which is important to analyze, given the fact that the Republic of Lithuania in this field must learn. One of the most important principles in Austria is social partnership, which is accompanied by a democratic political factors and a long history of development. The Republic of Austria joined in the EU since 1995 (Lithuania – in 2004), so the experience and practice of this country is an example for other in local government system is appropriate and purposeful. The Government in the Republic of Lithuania wants to improve the management of the institutional capacity, to manage effectively budget funds, to improve public services for citizens. It is true that the government does not always succeed in achieving those objectives, which are named in the Government program and strategic direction setting of development of Lithuanian documents. Perhaps the most important reason – undemocratic states and the public in the past. Today's fundamental consequence of the Republic of Austria is extremely stable polar state. They noticed a number of political changes in countries that are now gaining political experience. To assess the stability of the Republic of Austria with local political context, it is important to review the country's legal framework, practical application of the active participation of citizens and local institutions. The main Austrian political system of local government in respect of properties are summarized and analyzed in this article.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.ppaa.11.3.2502

Strategic planning for the sustainable development of the construction industry in Hong Kong

Excessive fluctuations in construction volume are undesirable and a comprehensive strategic planning is needed to sustain the development of the construction industry. This paper reports the findings of an industry-driven research project which aims to identify the available opportunities and the way forward for developing the construction industry of Hong Kong in a sustainable manner. Based on the collective views of experts from the industry, a set of strategic directions is proposed under a construction industry development framework. A long-term vision dedicated to the construction industry is indispensable for any country to position this important sector correctly. It is desirable to set up a centralized planning body to strategically plan and coordinate the overall output of the construction sector at a macro level in future. To ensure timely launching of major public-funded projects, an implementation framework with streamlined legal procedures and an efficient public consultation process are essential. The government, relevant professional institutions and trade organizations shall attract, maintain and nurture human resources to better match the needs of the industry and improve its productivity. For industry practitioners, timely diversification and adjustments in business model are necessary to adapt to the market transformations. With intense competition in construction services, all practitioners should continuously strive to sharpen their competitive edge and prioritize the identified opportunities to sustain growth. It is envisaged that the recommendations of this study would serve as a valuable reference for policy makers, in both developing and developed countries, to maintain a sustainable development of the construction industry.

Internationalising auditing standards: stakeholder views on Australia's strategic directions

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine and evaluate the internationalisation of Australian auditing standards by analysing the submissions to the Auditing and Assurance Standards Board's (AUASB) strategic directions paper (SDP) and comparing the proposed and approved strategic directions frameworks of the AUASB.Design/methodology/approachA content analysis of the submissions to the SDP is conducted to identify the extent of support, and arguments for and against the proposed strategic directions. This study attempts to find a link, if any, between the proposed strategic directions, the views expressed by the stakeholders, and the final set of strategic directions issued by Australia's Financial Reporting Council.FindingsOverall, the final set of strategic directions released in April 2005 are consistent with the views expressed in the submissions, which support minimal divergence from International Standards on Auditing (ISAs) and using the ISAs as the base for developing Australian auditing standards. Major changes from the SDP include a requirement for the AUASB to undertake research and monitor auditing standards issued by national standard setters. However, the AUASB is no longer obliged to contribute to the international standard arena and need only have regard to any program initiated by the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings of this study provide an insight into the future of Australia's role in the international arena and increase awareness of stakeholders' views on the international harmonisation of auditing standards.Originality/valueWhile there have been several studies examining the international harmonisation of accounting standards, there is comparatively little research on the international harmonisation of auditing standards. This paper attempts to address this void, in part, and contribute to the literature on the convergence of auditing standards with ISAs.

Setting strategic direction: a top down or bottom up process?

Purpose – The paper examines the process by which the strategic direction of an organization is set. The paper asks if strategic direction is defined and set at the top of the organization and then trickled down or is it set by members making their own decisions based on well‐known rules and the organization's strategic direction is the aggregation of these decisions.Design/methodology/approach – Individual in‐depth semi‐structured interviews were carried out with members of a professional services organization.Findings – The research suggests that an agent‐based approach may more closely represent the process of strategic direction setting for certain kinds of firm than does the traditional text‐book trickle down approach.Research limitations/implications – The research was carried out on a legal services firm. Future extensions of the research could be to other kinds of large professional services firms, for example accountancy practices.Practical implications – While this research was carried out on a ...

Bootlegging and path dependency

This paper confirms the importance of path dependency in the accumulation of firm-specific technological competencies. It shows that firms are guided by the selective logic of path dependency in their innovation processes, even if management has no part in decisions to invest in a new business idea. The research focuses on the output of bootlegging, defined as research in which motivated corporate entrepreneurs pursue innovative activity, which they themselves define and secretly organise. Bootlegging emerges as an incremental continuous trial-and-error learning process in R&D and its uncertainty is no better or worse than that of ‘normal’ R&D. The fear of some managers that violation of strategic direction setting and total anarchy will ensue from bootlegging is unfounded.

An entrepreneurial approach to strategic direction setting

An entrepreneurial approach to strategic direction setting