Source Of Competitive Advantage Research Articles

Cloud computing-based banking and management control

It is well known that firms nowadays operate in a VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous) environment urging them to obtain a lasting competitive advantage sourced mainly from a technological innovation in order to ensure their prosperity and sustainability. New technologies play a pivotal role as they offer the potential of increasing efficiency, improving communication, streamlining business processes for more productivity and collaboration, from this perspective, cloud computing is a state-of-the-art technology that can provide valuable insights and support decision-making. It can have a significant impact on how businesses operate and compete in today’s fast paced and ever-changing business environment which makes it a source of competitive advantage, yet it raises concerns over data security and cybersecurity as well as it alters the day-to-day operational tasks arising from management control practices. In this paper we briefly review the literature in order to address and examine the impact of cloud computing technology in the banking sector on management control.

Human Resource Management Through Artificial Intelligence Model in the Healthcare

The increasing complexity of the healthcare industry necessitates the recognition of human resources as a primary sustainable source of competitive advantage within healthcare management systems. This significance is magnified when healthcare professionals, physicians and nurses are considered. When human resource management (HRM) is discussed, it must be acknowledged that personnel are not devoid of emotions. The fostering of a healthy and sustainable working atmosphere is considered a critical responsibility by professional managers. In this research, a novel human resource management model is presented, which is based on AI: machine learning within the healthcare context. A deep learning model architecture based on CNN has been designed and optimized, which is trained in two scenarios through four datasets and also customized for the target hospital. The 92% accuracy is the power of the model in the recognition. The effectiveness of the model is assessed by curating a new dataset consisting of facial images of hospital professional staff displaying eight emotions: happiness, contempt, anger, sadness, disgust, fear, surprise, and neutrality. According to the post-implementation survey findings, the model has a positive impact on human resource management and enhances staff performance, making it suitable for modern and critical organizations such as hospitals and health canters. In the healthcare domain, effective communication is deemed essential for interactions with patients, as emotions play a significant role. Emotion recognition in human resource management has a profound impact not only on optimal work output but also on the relationships among personnel, clients, and the entire managed team.

Perceived Value and Behavioral Intention of Chengde homestay tourists based on Cognition-Affection-Conation

Against the backdrop of the new era, changes in tourism consumption demand have led tourists to prefer diversified, autonomous, and personalized tourism products and services in the process of tourism experience. They long for in-depth experiences as well as emotional identification and communication during travel. As a new industrial form emerging in China in recent years, the homestay industry has become a major attraction for tourists because it integrates beautiful scenery, creativity, and comfort, and each establishment has its own unique characteristics. Perceived value, as a comprehensive evaluation made by tourists of the perceived benefits and losses of tourism products or services in a specific context, is a source of competitive advantage. To achieve sustainable development of tourist destinations, exploring the formation mechanism of tourists' positive behavioral intentions has become an important research topic in both academic and industrial circles. Based on the "cognition-emotion-intention" relationship theory, this article explores the relationship between perceived value, satisfaction, place attachment, and behavioral intention among Chengde homestay tourists. Using quantitative research methods, questionnaire surveys, random sampling, descriptive statistical analysis, reliability and validity analysis, variance analysis, factor analysis, correlation analysis, and regression analysis, 450 questionnaires collected from tourists who have experienced Chengde star-rated homestays were analyzed. The results show that the behavioral intentions of homestay tourists are directly affected by place dependence, place identity, and perceived value, while indirectly influenced by tourist satisfaction. These findings provide reference value and significance for homestay owners, management departments, investors, local residents, and homestays in other regions.

Outward investment of Portuguese small and medium enterprises in the Central and Eastern European countries: motivations and challenges

Background This paper identifies the determinant factors of Portuguese investment in Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. We assume that investment abroad is motivated by business opportunities, and the quality-price ratio of the workforce. Methods To this end, we used a qualitative methodology composed of 6 case studies, based on interviews and surveys with the managers of the Portuguese firms investing in those three economies. Results Despite the business opportunities, Portuguese investment directed towards these economies is negligible, due, in part, to the geographic and cultural distance. However, the economic and political stability, combined with market size and growth potential are undeniable attraction factors for Portuguese investors. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs), due to their flexible conditions that allow changes in the activity, and the strong trend towards outsourcing, to the detriment of the manufacturing industry, are the primary focus of international investment. This trend, although common to several sectors, has shown greater dynamism in the banking and financial sector. Conclusions The results suggest market-oriented investments aiming at growth and expansion. The vast Polish market is the one that most attracted Portuguese investors. The hybrid feature of some strategies can align with the cautious attitude towards the investment translated into cooperation agreements with financial institutions for funding, the market learning process, and the training of the personnel. The anticipation of the installation over potential competitors, the experience in production and international markets, the price-quality ratio, the capacity of product adaptation and the design were considered important sources of competitive advantage that motivated the investment. The greatest difficulties during this process were language and the complexity of legislation.

Unleashing Synergies: Interplay between Human Resource Management, Strategic Marketing, and Corporate Financial Performance

This research explores the confluence of Human Resource Management (HRM), Strategic Marketing Management (SMM), and Corporate Financial Performance (CFP), offering a comprehensive understanding of their synergistic effects on organizational success. The study provides empirical evidence supporting the theory that a strategic blend of HRM and SMM is instrumental in enhancing financial performance. Efficient HRM practices, which improve productivity and innovation, coupled with effective SMM strategies that strengthen market positioning and revenue flows, are shown to be significant drivers of sustainable financial growth. The managerial implications of this integration are profound, underscoring the need for business leaders to consider investments in human resource development and strategic marketing as pivotal to the company's long-term success rather than as mere departmental functions. Through a quantitative analysis using SMARTPLS with a sample size of 150, the research contributes to management literature by highlighting the often-overlooked functional interconnections between HRM and SMM divisions. It challenges the conventional compartmentalization of these functions and advocates for a more integrative approach within corporate strategies. The findings indicate that companies embracing this integrated approach tend to report superior financial performance. This study addresses a gap in existing literature by demonstrating the collective impact of HRM and SMM on CFP across various industries, organization sizes, and cultural contexts, emphasizing the strategic amalgamation of these practices as a source of competitive advantage and financial enhancement.

Not a single path to success: alternative HRM configurations for well-performing small and medium-sized hotels

PurposePrevious literature has identified human resources as a key source of competitive advantage in organizations of all sizes. However, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) face difficulty in comprehensively implementing all recommended Human Resource Management (HRM) functions. In this study, we shed light on the field of HRM in SMEs by focusing on the context of Greek Small and Medium-sized Hotels (SMHs), which represent a dominant private sector employer across the country.Design/methodology/approachUsing a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) and 34 in-depth interviews with SMHs' owners/managers, we explore the HRM conditions leading to high levels of performance, while taking into consideration the influence of internal key determinants.FindingsWe uncover three alternative successful HRM strategies that maximize business performance, namely the Compensation-based performers, the HRM developers and the HRM investors. Each strategy fits discreet organizational characteristics related to company size, ownership type and organizational structure.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors' knowledge this is among the first empirical studies that examine different and equifinal performance-enhancing configurations of HRM practices in SMHs.

Knowledge Flows and Industrial Clusters: Assessing the Sources of Competitive Advantage in Two English Regions

How knowledge is created, accessed, stored and disseminated has become a major focus of study when assessing the success or failure of industrial clusters. Marshall (1890; 225) initiated this debate when he noted: ‘The mysteries of the trade become no mysteries; but are as it were in the air’. In the edited collection by Wilson, Corker and Lane (2022), emphasis has been placed on the links between knowledge, knowledge flows and how innovation systems evolve and adapt. This paper builds on their work examining how tacit and codified knowledge is created and disseminated across a cluster. Bathelt et al (2004) have demonstrated how successful clusters build effective ‘global pipelines’ to access knowledge generated elsewhere, prompting us to think how a business history analysis can incorporate these concepts and how these processes have worked in practice. The paper analyses two English clusters and the processes involved in the formation of a common body of knowledge, a ‘knowledge-cum-industrial zeitgeist’ which explains the cluster’s performance. Specifically, it proposes a model that links internally-generated knowledge and ‘global pipelines’ that clusters develop to tap into externally-generated knowledge, which through effective feedback into the ‘local buzz’ results in further innovation and strengthens the cluster’s competitive advantage.

Designing an empathetic user-centric customer support organisation: practitioners’ perspectives

PurposeThis study aims to develop an empathetic and user-centric customer support service design model. Though service design has been a critical research focus for several decades, few studies focus on customer support services. As customer support gains importance as a source of competitive advantage in the present era, this paper aims to contribute to industry and academia by exploring the service design model.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted a theories-in-use approach to elucidate mental models based on the industry’s best practices. In-depth interviews with 62 professionals led to critical insights into customer service design development, supported by service-dominant logic and theory of mind principles.FindingsThe ensuing insights led to a model that connects the antecedents and outcomes of empathetic and user-centric customer service design. The precursors include people, processes and technology, while the results are user experience, service trust and service advocacy. The model also emphasises the significance of the user’s journey and the user service review in the overall service design.Research limitations/implicationsThe model developed through this study addresses the critical gap concerning the lack of service design research in customer support services. The key insights from this study contribute to the ongoing research endeavours towards transitioning customer support services from an operational unit to a strategic value-creating function. Future scholars may investigate the applicability of the empathetic user service design across cultures and industries. The new model must be customised using real-time data and analytics across user journey stages.Practical implicationsThe empathetic and user-centric design can elevate the customer service function as a significant contributor to the overall customer experience, loyalty and positive word of mouth. Practitioners can adopt the new model to provide superior customer service experiences. This original research was developed through crucial insights from interviews with senior industry professionals.Originality/valueThis research is the original work developed through the key insights from the interview with senior industry professionals.

CURRENT STATE AND DEVELOPMENT TRENDS OF E-TRADE IN UKRAINE

The article analyzes the approaches of scientists to the definition of the essence of electronic commerce, the differences between the categories "electronic commerce" and "e-trade", considers modern approaches to trade based on digital marketing. The purpose of the article is to determinatе the essence and conditions of the development of e-trade since its inception, determination of the features of the current state and development trends, advantages and disadvantages of e-trade. To realize the set goal, the following tasks were set: clarify the categorical and conceptual apparatus in the field of e-commerce and trade; determine the current state and features of e-trade in the enterprise management system; determine the key trends in the development of e-trade in the field of modern marketing concepts; determine directions of e-trade development. Certain contradictions in the international trade business led to the unification of standards in 80s, and later in the 90s there were changes in the standard, which was already based on Internet technologies. It was proved that е-trade as part of e-commerce is a source of competitive advantage for the manufacturer, seller and market partners, as it provides the possibility of remote communication with market partners, reduction of costs for the organization of the sales process, operational costs, global coverage of markets and personalized marketing. For buyers, the key advantages of online shopping are convenience, speed, a wide range of products, ease of comparison and payment. Disadvantages of e-commerce are the high intensity of competition, the risk of personal data availability and the possibility of their illegal appropriation, online fraud. The introduction of electronic commerce has significantly changed the way trade enterprises work and the possibilities of interaction with consumers. An e-trade organization removes many of the barriers of traditional trade while embracing new business principles. The differences between traditional trade and e-trade are significant in communications, business flexibility, production and sales logistics, payment methods and sales parameters: e-commerce has advantages in almost all parameters. The development of e-commerce in Ukraine in the last 5 years is taking place at a rapid pace, and this trend has only intensified as a result of the pandemic, which has developed a habitual pattern of behavior to buy online. According to the structure, the lion's share of the e-commerce market in Ukraine is the sale of electronics, toys, goods for creativity, clothes, shoes and accessories. The main trends shaping the retail industry in the perspective of 2026 are the further growth of e-commerce volumes in all regions and across all product categories, the negative impact of inflation on consumer behavior and the efficiency of retail networks; digitalization, which is becoming the main area of investment for retailers; development of the 4th generation of q-commerce (electronic commerce with an emphasis on fast delivery).

Value creation in the wine industry—a bibliometric analysis

The main aim of this study is to analyze the literature pertaining to value creation in the wine industry developed in the last two decades, identifying the main contributors such as leading institutions, authors, and countries, and uncovering the main subfields developed by researchers in this area. Bibliometric methods have been used to carry out this research, particularly the R package Bibliometrix®. The results unveil, besides the most relevant contributors, the main subtopics developed in the field of study. It is concluded that value creation is a key factor of success in the wine industry, playing academic research a leading role in revealing consumer trends, health benefits of wine, grape biodiversity, technological developments applicable to production processes, quality improvements of grapes and wines, sustainable practices, brand positioning and other sources of competitive advantage. This research can be of great significance to researchers, policymakers, and managers in the wine industry.

COMPONENTS OF SERVICE-DOMINANT LOGIC IN B2B MARKETING

Introduction. In the dynamic landscape of contemporary business, the traditional marketing concept undergoes critique due to its limitations concerning B2B interactions. The incongruity between theoretical developments and practical market needs has spurred the emergence of supplementary marketing disciplines, such as service marketing, relationship marketing, etc. The fragmentation of marketing theory has necessitated the formulation of a unifying paradigm that encompasses a multitude of aspects and challenges inherent to modern economics.
 Scholars S. Vargo and R. Lusch have proposed the concept of service-dominant logic as a unifying paradigm that emphasizes the central role of service, the concept of value, and co-creation as opposed to the mere exchange of products. In our view, within the debate regarding the role of service in marketing, attention should be directed toward the fundamental components of service-dominant logic, the role and influence of customers on value creation and service provision. Crucial questions include the alignment of market participants into networked structures (service ecosystems) and the search for sources of competitive advantage amidst rapid commoditization of almost any offering.
 The hypothesis of the scientific research consists in substantiating the prevalence of the service-dominant logic in B2B marketing compared to the traditional marketing concept and the decisive role of the customer experience as a source of competitive advantage.
 The purpose of the study is to examine the components of the service-dominant logic, to identify key distinctions from the traditional marketing paradigm, and to substantiate the significance of the customer experience in B2B marketing.
 The methodology of scientific research is general scientific research methods, including: induction and deduction, comparison, expert analysis, classification and description, evaluation grouping, and comparison methods.
 Conclusions and prospects for further research. Theoretical provisions of the service-dominant logic and its key distinctions from the traditional marketing paradigm were analyzed. The importance of the customer experience in B2B interactions was substantiated. Further research should focus on empirical validation and implementation issues of service logic, customer experience management and the principles of creation and functioning of service network structures.
 Keywords: service-dominant logic; customer experience; value co-creation; value proposition; resource integration; service ecosystem.

Untangling the Link Between Digital Transformation and Information Security Management

Digital transformation is considered a source of competitive advantage and improved organisational performance. Within the public sector, leaders anticipate digital transformation to help them improve transparency and accountability, and stakeholders’ participation in public decision-making. At the same time, the accelerated adoption of digital technologies within the sector has also made information an important asset. Thus, the effectiveness of the information security management put in place determines whether an organisation can realise the benefits of successful digital transformation. Adopting a mixed-method approach (13 interviews and an online survey with 128 information security experts), this study identified various antecedents of effective information security management, i.e., leadership skills and attitudes, organisational culture, organisational structure, IT governance, IT alignment, and human resource management practices. Partial Least Structural Equation Modelling technique was adopted to test the proposed theoretical model and hypothesised causal relationships.

Can Entrepreneurial Marketing Provide an Economic Moat for Small and Emerging Firms?

This study explores the economic moat concept, which has become increasingly relevant to modern-day businesses seeking a sustainable competitive advantage. Drawing upon Porter's Five Forces Model, we investigate the potential for economic moats in small companies and emerging entrepreneurial firms. By analyzing examples of narrow economic moats in small firms, we provide insights into the strategies that may help these firms build and maintain a competitive advantage in their respective markets. Our findings suggest that entrepreneurial firms can leverage various sources of competitive advantages, such as customer loyalty, low-cost structures, and network effects, to create narrow economic moats that protect against competitive threats. Case studies of Andy’s Hobby Headquarters and Laura Farms illustrate how small firms can successfully cultivate narrow economic moats aligned with Porter’s Forces. Andy’s strategic evolution from a local hobby shop to a national and international destination, coupled with a strong online presence and community engagement, demonstrates how management actions can foster customer loyalty and differentiation. Similarly, Laura Farms leverages social media to project company values and create emotional ties with viewers, establishing a narrow economic moat. This paper offers practical insights for entrepreneurs and small business owners seeking long-term success in today's highly competitive business environment. Finally, it concludes that deliberate management strategies, particularly in marketing, can facilitate the development of economic moats within competitive environments and substitution pressures. By adjusting traditional definitions of economic moats to accommodate the rapid pace of entrepreneurship, it advocates for further research into the relationship between economic moats and sustained profitability among entrepreneurial ventures.

La boîte noire de la gestion de la diversité : Une étude exploratoire au sein des entreprises localisées en région

This study explores the black box of diversity management in 60 companies outside major urban centers. The interviews show that the extent to which leaders believe in diversity influences their HR strategies and practices, the actions of middle managers and HR managers, the organizational climate, their results in terms of attracting, integrating, and retaining immigrant workers and ultimately performance at the individual, organizational, social, and societal levels. Ways of action are proposed to make diversity management a real organizational change that is a source of competitive advantage.

The strategic use of Six Sigma to assess capacity planning in Egyptian water companies as a competitive strategy

Increased productivity and cost reduction alongside customer satisfaction have been identified by firms as sources of competitive advantage. Different methodologies such as the Lean principle, pull scheduling, and Six Sigma are used by firms to achieve higher productivity as a competitive advantage. However, firms cannot produce infinitely due to limitations such as resources that is why it is so important to spot the light on capacity planning. This paper seeks to explore the significance of the application of Six Sigma on Companies’ capacity planning to raise production efficiency by reducing defects and maximizing profits. Different companies of water in Egypt are used as study sites. A mix of qualitative and quantitative methods is used for data collection and analysis. A total of 200 participants were sampled for data collection using interviews and questionnaires. It is found that there is a significant correlation between the Utilization of Six Sigma techniques and monitoring of capacity planning in studied companies through improving and controlling quality processes until reaching zero defects products. It is also found that applying Six Sigma techniques could not be achieved appropriately without having a powerful information system and well-trained employees applying Six Sigma techniques efficiently.

Building Organizational Resilience: In the Role of Supply Chain Management

Supply chain management plays a pivotal role in the broader landscape of organizational resilience. In an era of globalization and interconnectivity, supply chains have grown increasingly complex. They extend across borders, involve multiple suppliers, and are susceptible to various risks and disruptions. Consequently, the effectiveness of supply chain management is crucial in building and maintaining an organization’s resilience (McKinsey, 2022). At the heart of this connection is the acknowledgment that a well-orchestrated supply chain can be both a source of competitive advantage and a safeguard against potential disruptions. Efficient supply chain management enables organizations to maintain uninterrupted operations, even when facing adverse conditions. This paper looks at the role of supply chain management in building supply chain resilience. The research studies previous literature, the current trends in supply chain management, and where we see the tides shifting in the future. Keywords: Supply chain management, organizational resilience.

A REVIEW OF INDONESIA'S NICKEL INDUSTRY FROM STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PERSPECTIVE

Indonesia is a country rich in natural resources, one of which is nickel. Downstreaming is a strategic step by the Indonesian government to add value and increase the value of nickel. Downstreaming practices provide a source of competitive advantage from a strategic management perspective. The study's results show that the Indonesian government is unprepared to implement nickel downstreaming practices, which are characterized by foreign countries dominance in smelter ownership. The study's findings also reveal that the Indonesian government's managerial ability to manage the nickel industry is not yet optimal, which has an impact on nickel oversupply and declining nickel prices due to environmental damage.

Competitive Advantage As A Key Factor In Shaping The Economic Security of Enterprises

The modern economy is characterized by high volatility, and doing business under the current conditions is becoming an increasingly difficult task. Under such conditions, the competitive advantage of enterprises is gaining new importance, as a key tool for creating economic security for enterprises, especially in the current turbulent post-pandemic times and in the face of the energy crisis. The area of research covered the issue of competitiveness of enterprises in the development sector, due to the fact that the construction sector is a large component of the national gross product, thereby having a significant impact on the national economy, including the labor market. It also has a major impact on the country's infrastructure, including, among other things, aesthetic and environmental issues, which translate directly into the quality of life of citizens. And thirdly, small and medium-sized developers, which are the subject of this paper, are not frequent objects of analysis, so there is a perceived deficiency and gap in knowledge on this subject, which the author will try to explore. The purpose of this article is to identify the key factors shaping the competitive advantage of real estate development enterprises as a tool for shaping economic security. The research thesis is that the main source of competitive advantage of development sector enterprises is the intangible resources they possess.

СОЦІАЛЬНА ВІДПОВІДАЛЬНІСТЬ ЯК ЧИННИК ФОРМУВАННЯ КОНКУРЕНТНИХ ПЕРЕВАГ ПІДПРИЄМСТВА

Companies want to occupy better positions in the market than competitors. For this, they use different methods. One of these ways is the social focus of business. Many foreign and domestic companies have long understood that their responsibility to society is an important factor that directly affects work results. It is positive that such activity is conscious and voluntary, well perceived by consumers of products and services. Any enterprise wants to have competitive advantages. They represent such a system, which has an exclusive value and makes it possible to stay ahead of competitors in various fields of activity. Competitive advantages are individual for each company, but have common features. The classification of competitive advantages makes it possible to consider them by areas of activity: organizational, functional, etc. It is these of the listed ones that cause the greatest interest. Organizational competitive advantages are formed thanks to a better geographical location, proximity to locations of raw and labor resources, distribution of products. Work experience, the size of the enterprise and the presence of branches are also taken into account and have a positive effect. Competitive advantages by functional sphere of activity have the following varieties: marketing, production, personnel. Marketing allows the source of competitive advantages to have relationships with suppliers and intermediaries, consumers. The image of the enterprise is also a component of marketing competitive advantages. The production sphere is the basis for gaining competitive advantages due to modern production technologies and the state of equipment, quality of raw materials and products. The last variety is based on a high-quality staff and their ability to work with new technologies and modern technological equipment. These areas of activity when considering competitive advantages are important, but do not take into account the social component. But it is she who can strengthen the advantages that the company has already acquired. It is proposed to consider the social orientation of business according to the directions of responsibility proposed by A. Carroll: economic, legal, ethical and discretionary. These types of liability, if the company has them, allow you to get additional benefits. Chief among them will be the loyalty of society and consumers. They will affect the company's performance and strengthen its market position.

COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE ANALYSIS: A VALUE CHAIN MODEL IN THE JEMBER CARNIVAL INDUSTRY

The subsector of performing arts studied in this research is in carnival performance art. The pandemic era has made the performance of all business entities decline, including in the creative industry of the performing arts subsector (Carnival). The research method used is qualitative research, namely by describing and exploring the application of value chains and culture in the creative industry of the carnival performing arts subsector in the Jember region. The data were collected through interviews, observations, and document analysis. The study concludes with the identification of the value chain sustainability model event in Jember, comprising five key elements. These elements include creation, production, dissemination, exhibition, and consumption, indicating the presence of a comprehensive value chain within the Jember Regency carnival event. Jember Carnival's one-of-a-kind creative vision woven through the entire elements, from creation to consumption, gives it a major differentiation advantage compared to standardized carnival offerings. The uniqueness provides lasting value and competitive edge. A potential chain that can be used as a source of competitive advantage for the sustainability of the Jember carnival event is to have a different creation from other carnivals.