Strategic Alliances Research Articles

Percepción del consumidor hacia los productos agropecuarios en Nandayure, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

One factor contributing to food and nutritional security is knowing consumers’ perceptions of agricultural products. This research aims to determine consumer perception to enhance the dynamics of short agricultural chains in Nandayure, Costa Rica. A survey was conducted among 300 consumers of agricultural products for the 2021-2022 period. The instrument was divided into three sections: demographic and socioeconomic aspects, purchasing behavior, and agricultural consumer products. Results show that among respondents, women purchase more than men, are between the ages of 21 and 40, and invest less than ₡20,000 a week. Shopping is done once a week at produce markets and supermarkets that must be organized and clean and offer information and different payment methods. The most important characteristics consumers prioritize in products are freshness, quality, and price. The main types of products consumed were fruits 38%, vegetables 23%, and medicinal and aromatic plants 18%. Understanding local marketing dynamics allows for the analysis or interpretation of short-chain models and consumer trends influencing the availability and acquisition of agricultural products. This could generate opportunities to develop market niches focused on high-quality products with added value and strategic alliances with public and private entities.

Scaling social impact. A framework for collaboration between social enterprises and for-profit enterprises

Purpose The purpose of this study is to contribute to a better understanding of innovative forms of collaboration between different types of enterprises – aimed at scaling social impact – and address the challenges and complexities inherent to these specific types of partnerships. The particular focus is on strategic collaboration between work-integration social enterprises (WISEs) and mainstream, or for-profit enterprises (FPEs) with the shared objective to create more and better employment opportunities for disadvantaged individuals in the labour market. Design/methodology/approach This study used a qualitative research design. The total sample consisted of 16 small- and medium-sized enterprises (both WISEs and FPEs), which were selected for their proven, business-to-business revenue model and their explicit ambition to create more inclusive jobs for disadvantaged individuals. Data collection and analysis took place between 2021 and 2023 and consisted of: semi-structured interviews with representatives of the participating enterprises to get a better understanding of the way in which current partnerships operate; and co-creative research methods to facilitate change processes – within and outside these partnerships – aimed at creating more social impact. Findings Most collaborations between WISEs and FPEs start purely transactional, with the exchange of products or services, but once they become more familiarised with each other, the realisation of (joint) social impact becomes more significant. The ambition to further coordinate and integrate operations is prominent, but the partnership process is not without challenges and requires time, commitment and trust. So far, only few collaborations can be considered truly transformational. Originality/value This study contributes to the discussion on strategic alliances and cross-sector collaborations by providing a conceptual framework and a practical instrument to shape strategic collaboration between social enterprises and FPEs that aim to create more social impact.

Unlocking knowledge transfer dynamics across borders: key drivers in international strategic alliances

Purpose In today’s swiftly evolving and intensely competitive business landscape, organisations increasingly recognise the significance of cross-border collaborative partnerships. International Strategic Alliances (ISAs) have emerged as effective platforms to foster innovation and gain a competitive advantage. Within the context of the hotel industry, which epitomises international operations, this study aims to investigate the pivotal role of knowledge transfer (KT) in the performance of ISAs. Design/methodology/approach The research framework draws on the influence of technological drivers (TD), organisational drivers (OD) and individual drivers (ID) on successful KT within ISAs. By analysing data from managers and owners of international hotel businesses using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), this study empirically examines the relationships between these drivers and KT dynamics. Findings Findings highlight the direct impact of these drivers on KT and subsequent alliance performance. However, among these drivers, factors related to TDs, such as Web 2.0, knowledge management systems and IT infrastructure, generally received the highest values. Originality/value This study contributes to international business and knowledge management and sheds light on the intricate interactions between the drivers of KT and ISAs. The insights derived from this study provide a foundation for enhancing strategic alliance practices in a global context. By embracing KT mechanisms, organisations can harness collaborative potential, drive innovation and achieve sustainable growth.

Analyzing financial interdependencies: The cointegration of Jordan and BRIC stock markets

This study examines the financial integration between Jordan and the BRIC economies (Brazil, Russia, India, and China) to determine whether long-term equilibrium relationships exist and to assess implications for portfolio diversification and policy. Drawing on daily stock index data from 01 January 2014, to 31 August 2024, the study employs econometric techniques, including Granger Causality tests, Johansen Cointegration, and Vector Autoregression (VAR). The stationarity of stock indices at the first difference level is confirmed through unit root testing. Results indicate minimal long-term cointegration between Jordan and BRIC markets, pointing to low integration and potential diversification benefits for institutional investors. However, short-term causal links—particularly between Jordan and the Russian and Indian markets—highlight these countries’ influence on Jordan’s stock fluctuations. The findings suggest that, in the absence of long-term cointegration, investors may mitigate risk by investing in less correlated markets, such as Jordan, while leveraging short-term partnerships with Russia and India. Additionally, the study provides valuable insights for business leaders considering strategic alliances with BRIC counterparts in sectors like technology, agriculture, and energy, and calls for future research into factors like regulatory frameworks and geopolitical stability that may limit long-term financial integration. These results have significant implications for institutional investors, business executives, and policymakers, suggesting targeted strategies for financial stability, risk mitigation, and economic collaboration.

Japan Joins Aukus: Motivations, Progress, And Impact

Since its establishment, the AUKUS defense system has encountered significant developmental challenges, primarily due to insufficient internal driving forces, which has created a strategic opportunity for Japan to join AUKUS. Japan seeks to enhance its own defense capabilities, deepen the Japan-U.S. alliance, and define its role in the Indo-Pacific strategy, while also aiming to form close ties with allies in high-tech fields. The U.S. and UK support Japan’s entry into AUKUS and expect to expand the alliance through strategic interaction and technological alliances. However, Australia, considering factors such as geopolitical strategy, institutional construction, and domestic politics, has shown a cautious attitude. Japan’s joining of AUKUS will impact the security structure of the Indo-Pacific region, potentially intensify the regional arms race, and jeopardize the surrounding environment for China’s development.

THE CONCEPT OF SPLENDID ISOLATION: A CONTEMPORARY APPROACH

The article deals with the concept of «splendid isolation», traditionally associated with British foreign policy in the late 19th century, refers to the period when Britain distanced itself from European alliances. This article examines the rationale and consequences of this policy through a contemporary lens, drawing on contemporary scholarship to reassess the motivations and outcomes of Britain's diplomatic posture in that era. Analyzing the concept of «splendid isolation», the study focuses on the political, economic and military factors that determined British strategy. The focus of the study is also the analysis of criticism of this strategy and its consequences for Great Britain in the context of changes in the international balance of power at the beginning of the 20th century. The question arises as to whether «splendid isolation» was really an effective strategy for protecting national interests and maintaining the status of a world power. The traditional view of British foreign policy in the late Victorian era emphasizes independence and avoidance of binding alliances. The article examines the changes in the international environment, especially the growing competition from France, Russia, Germany and the United States, and how they influenced the decisions of British politicians. The article also examines the transition from isolationist policies to strategic alliances at the beginning of the 20th century.

Strategic Collaborations and Performance of Oil Marketing Firms in Kenya

Purpose: Little attention has been paid to the effect of strategic collaboration on performance of oil marketing firms in Kenya. As a result, it is vital to investigate the effect of strategic collaboration on performance of oil marketing firms in Kenya. The study's particular aim was to investigate the impact of strategic alliances, mergers and acquisitions, franchising, and joint ventures on performance of oil marketing firms in Kenya. Four theoretical reviews are included in this research paper: Resource Based Theory, Transaction Cost Theory, Trust Theory and Dynamic Capability Theory. Methodology: Using descriptive research approaches, this study evaluated the data and offered findings. Over a certain time period, data was collected from oil marketing firms in Kenya. The research relied on primary data gathered via structured questionnaires as well as secondary data. The study's target population was Kenya's oil marketing firms in Kenya. The study also used stratified random sampling. The study's data was collected using Google forms and sent through email. The questionnaire data was sorted, classified, and analyzed using Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS). Findings: finding demonstrate that savvy partnerships among Kenyan oil marketers improve performance. Businesses appreciate shared storage, cooperative networks, and specialized service sharing for increasing operational efficiency and competitiveness. Statistical analysis reveals that these partnerships influence company performance, accounting for 81.5% of the variance, with a strong correlation coefficient (R = 0.903) and a substantial ANOVA F-value. Unique contribution to theory, Policy and Publication: To obtain additional information and draw meaningful conclusions about the variables of interest, descriptive studies was conducted where survey was used to provide a snapshot of the population. Tables was used to display the data. This study will be useful to academics and researchers in finance and economics.

Modeling The Evolution of Community Structure by the Dynamic Network Analysis: Sustainability Transition in Kyoto Eco-School Districts, Japan

Sustainability transition increasingly relies on local institutional settings and community-based efforts where local agencies play pivotal roles. A significant gap lies in understanding the dynamic interplay among community-based organizations over time that shape evolving strategic collaborations in different stages to drive local institutional change. This study adopts a dynamic network approach to map the evolving community structure, identify key organizations, and detect collaboration patterns among local actors by the case study of Kyoto, Japan. Furthermore, it explores the influence of significant events and policies on the network evolution. The study uncovers three main findings. Firstly, a three-stage evolution of the local network is concluded that presents incremental change towards an expanding, decentralized community structure, forming collaborative governance. Secondly, five collaboration patterns and their dynamics are revealed, reflecting evolving strategic alliances that play different roles in leveraging resources throughout the process. Thirdly, the effects of policies and events on the network are well reflected and explained through matching the time series data. The Kyoto case uncovers hidden community dynamics that illuminate local pathways to sustainable practices, offering guidance for policymaking and practices that resonate more broadly with globally relevant contexts.

Enhancing Carbon Trading Mechanisms through Innovative Collaboration: Case Studies from Developing Nations

Against a backdrop of global climate change mitigation efforts, carbon trading has emerged as a critical mechanism, yet developing countries often lack the necessary infrastructure and collaborative frameworks. The research investigates how intermediaries facilitate stakeholders and employ innovative practices to foster effective carbon trading markets. Methodologically, it employs a qualitative approach, conducting in-depth case studies of four intermediaries through 32 semi-structured interviews and archival document. Findings underscore the pivotal role of digital platforms in enabling real-time trading, rigorous standardization processes to ensure market credibility, and multi-stakeholder engagement strategies that promote inclusive participation. This research contributes to the theoretical understanding of carbon trading by illustrating how digital platforms and technological integration enhance resource acquisition and allocation. It emphasizes the significance of standardization and verification processes in building trust among stakeholders, crucial for effective supply chain collaboration. Practically, the study highlights the benefits of these approaches in enhancing market efficiency and transparency. It also underscores the importance of multi-stakeholder engagement strategies and strategic alliances for creating resilient and inclusive carbon trading markets, offering actionable insights for stakeholders and policymakers alike.

Analysis of Market Diversification Trends and Network Characteristics Based on M&A Transactions in North America

Despite the increasing investment opportunities in emerging technologies, strategic alliance and dynamic investment strategy suffer from a limited understanding of the market investment trends and industry convergence. Therefore, this study aims to develop a structured framework to examine the market diversification trend and the industry-to-industry influential degree. The proposed framework utilizes M&A transaction activities from the interests of buyer and target industries from 2009 to 2018 in North America. The M&A network is then examined for the difference in the structural characteristics between the buyer and target industries. This study identifies market irregularity and diversification trends and applies the initial findings as market-level evidence to elucidate industry convergence potentials. Degrees of a specific industry’s influence on other industries are also presented and discussed from the perspectives of buyer and target industries. The findings of this study contribute to the development of industry convergence conceptual model and advances knowledge regarding market diversification, collaboration-driven industry convergence, and investment strategy.

Group Decisions, Between Competitive Motives and Knowledge Sharing

This research was conducted on UMKM groups established based on program instrumentation in the form of community development. The focus of this research is on the dynamics and processes that involve groups as strategic alliances between knowledge sharing and competitive motives. This research uses a qualitative approach with a case study method. Data was collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Identification of research informants was done by snowball sampling through key informants of group leaders and former group mentors. Triangulation of sources and methods was used to ensure the validity of the data. Field data will be collected, classified, reduced, and then interpreted according to the Miles and Huberman method. The group will be able to work and evolve if there is a reciprocal process of interests among its members, such as sharing knowledge. Between competitive motives and the process of sharing knowledge will potentially negate each other in group dynamics. Therefore, this dynamic requires factors that can ensure a balance between the two. How to keep competitive motives at a healthy competitive level and, on the other hand, not interfere with the process of sharing knowledge, which is one of the indicators that the group is working and developing.

The Nexus Between Data-Driven Decision-Making, Market Responsiveness, and Strategic Alliances in Boosting Business Growth of Start-Up Companies

This study explores the nexus between data-driven decision-making, market responsiveness, and strategic alliances in fostering business growth among start-up companies. Utilizing a quantitative research design, data were collected through surveys distributed to start-up firms, resulting in a sample that highlights the relationships among key constructs. The analysis, conducted using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), reveals that data-driven decision-making significantly influences business growth, with market responsiveness acting as a mediator and strategic alliances serving as a moderator in this relationship. The findings underscore the importance of leveraging data analytics to enhance responsiveness to market dynamics and establishing strategic partnerships to optimize growth outcomes. This research provides actionable insights for start-ups aiming to navigate competitive environments and drive sustainable growth.

NGOisation and food sovereignty: unearthing the intricacies of NGO-driven food sovereignty efforts. Insights from Uganda

AbstractIn many places, social movements and organised networks are the primary drivers of mobilisation for food sovereignty. Elsewhere, the concept has been institutionalized and incorporated into national food policy frameworks. However, there is a dearth of knowledge regarding places where food sovereignty efforts are spearheaded by NGOised civil society. This study addresses this gap by examining five Civil Society Organisations promoting food sovereignty in Uganda through qualitative research. Through in-depth interviews, the study explores the implementation, activism, and mobilisation strategies employed by these organisations. The findings reveal that civil society organisations play a significant role in advancing food sovereignty in Uganda. They do so through practical initiatives such as disseminating knowledge, building capacity among smallholder farmers, promoting agroecological practices, and politicizing agricultural development through farmer mobilisation, policy advocacy, and formation of strategic alliances. Nonetheless, the study highlights critical areas for improvement. First, the need for better coordination among CSOs to create synergies that can enhance the impact and sustainability of their efforts. Second, the need to complement non-contentious strategies with more politically assertive actions to address systemic barriers. Finally, the need to forge alliances for FS among rural producers, urban consumers, and other non-farming populations. The main takeaway from these findings is that Food Sovereignty is a dynamic and context-dependent concept, requiring equally flexible strategies to promote it. Therefore, the choice of mobilisation strategies should be carefully adapted to the unique political, cultural, and economic context, rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.

Jordan’s Strategic Alliance With the West to Protect the Hashemite Regime

Jordan’s strategic alliance with the Western countries was established at the same time as the establishment of the state. It was a survival tool for the Hashemite regime which was perceived in the West and the Middle East in particular as a weak and vulnerable regime. The internal and external threats, as well as the coup attempts, were many and therefore the regime had to create a defense alliance with a Western power. Naturally, Britain was the first security support for the Hashemite regime and as its position in the Middle East declined at the end of the 1950s, the United States replaced Britain and became the Western power that protected the Hashemite regime. This was due to its pro-Western policy. Jordan receives the largest foreign aid from America (after Israel), is involved in security projects, participates in training with the American army and with Western countries, and is a partner with them in the fight against global terrorism. However, it should be mentioned that Israel also took a significant part in the defense of the Hashemite regime and was involved, officially and unofficially, in a number of operations starting in the 1950s. At that time, Israel’s perception of security took shape, which saw the existence of the Hashemite regime in Jordan as an Israeli interest, and therefore did everything possible to prevent its fall.

Assessing the Effect of Strategic Alliances on Organizational Performance of Commercial Banks in Nigeria

This study was carried out to examine the effect of Strategic Alliances on Organizational performance of commercial banks in Nigeria. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey design with primary data generated through self-administered questionnaire. The population for this study was five (5) commercial banks in South-South, Nigeria. The study however focused mainly on their regional offices located in Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria. Six regional managers for each bank were used as the study respondents giving a total of 30 respondents. Census sampling was adopted since the study sample was small. The reliability of the instrument was achieved by the use of the Cronbach Alpha with all the items scoring alpha coefficient above 0.70. The hypotheses were tested using the spearman rankorder correlation co-efficient with the aid ofstatistical package for social sciences (SPSS). The tests were carried out at a 95% confidence interval and a 0.05 level of significance. The study findings revealed that there is a significant relationship between strategic alliances on revenue performance, cost efficiency performance and on the profitability of commercial banks in South-South, Nigeria. The study recommends that commercial banks should invest in modern technologies to effectively integrate all the banks functions and activities to minimize operational costs. The top management team should invest more on financial innovations so that customers will have a wide scope of banking products to choose from leading to customer satisfaction and improve value addition which in turn enhances financial performance.

Supply chain management and the performance of small and medium scale enterprises in Nigeria

This paper examined the relationship between supply chain management practices (SCM) and performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria. It aimed to explain how SCM practices like strategic suppliers’ alliances, information sharing, and collaborative governance impacts the performance of SMEs in Nigeria. SME success was measured using a continuum of operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and profitability. To reach the study's goal, a survey research approach was used, with a sample of 352 respondents representing the owners and senior management members of registered SMEs in Nigeria. Because the study depended on quantitative analysis, respondents' opinions were collected using a standardised closed-ended questionnaire. The gathered data was analysed using IBM SPSS 28 and IBM AMOS. The study found a positive and substantial correlation between chosen SCM practices and the performance of SMEs in Nigeria, as shown by the coefficients and p-values (SSA = 0.544; P <.001; IFS = 0.621; P <.001; CGV = 0.673; P <.001). It is therefore argued that SCM techniques such as strategic partnerships with suppliers, information sharing, and collaborative governance have a favourable and significant influence on the performance of SMEs in Nigeria. Consistent with the findings and current literature, this study recommends that Nigerian SMEs form strategic supplier relationships by sharing continuous improvement programs with important suppliers and include key suppliers in their planning and goal-setting processes. Keywords: Supply Chain Management, Strategic Supplier Alliance, Information Sharing, Collaborative Governance, Performance.

Challenges and Strategic Approaches in SME Internationalization: A Literature Review

This paper explores the challenges and strategic approaches in the internationalization of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). By conducting a systematic review of key literature, the study identifies three main challenges: resource constraints, regulatory and compliance barriers, and risk management. These obstacles significantly impact SMEs' ability to expand globally. However, the review also highlights strategic approaches that can help SMEs mitigate these challenges, including forming strategic alliances, adopting digital technologies, and diversifying leadership teams with international expertise. The findings suggest that SMEs must integrate market knowledge, local networks, and technology to enhance their international competitiveness. The paper offers practical recommendations for SMEs and policymakers to facilitate smoother international expansion.

Impact of heterogenous capabilities on export performance amid the digital transformation

We investigate the effects of adopting digital technology on export performance of Korean manufacturing firms amidst the digital transformation. We recognize firm-level capabilities should be closely associated with adoption of rapidly progressing digital technology but also with export performance. And our data indicates that the most common purpose of digital technology adoption is to launch new products to the market. Hence, we consider that technology adoption is a strategic and purposeful decision to gain competitive edge mostly by producing new product, and treating technology adoption exogenous can be misleading. Due to the endogeneity and selection issues in technology adoption, the endogenous switching regression is applied to this study as Coad et al. (2020). On technology adoption decision, we find external innovative resources from strategic alliance in addition to internal innovative capabilities stand out. Given technology adoption decision, internal capabilities like patent rights and international affiliation are complementary factors to export growth. The treatment effect analysis has implications as follows: the result on contribution of technology adoption to export growth for actually adopting firms is rather small, and shows heterogenous innovation, organizational, and external capabilities are still critical factors as much as new products embedding high-end digital technology; the result on non-adopting firms indicates potential of advanced digital technology to improve export performance by helping to produce such new products if they were actually capable to do it. In sum, our findings provide another evidence that structurally positive interaction between innovative activities and export performance as Aw et al. (2011), since adoption of digital technology to products itself is innovative in the digital transformation. Furthermore, the result is consistent with the capability theory in that heterogenous innovative and complementary capabilities determine strategic technology adoption and export performance simultaneously. Finally, our findings indicate that the digital transformation might be still at the early stage. The fact that Korean firms have adopted advanced digital technology mainly for new products can be interpreted as an indicator of early development stage of transformation, since firms concentrate on product innovation than process innovation to gain competitive edge at the early stage (Utterback and Abernathy, 1975). Thus, we expect that further evolution of digital transformation can facilitate process innovation, then contribute to firm performance by improving cost efficiency that should be tackled in the upcoming study.

OPTIMAL STRATEGIES FOR IMPLEMENTING MULTIDISCIPLINARY AND TRANS DISCIPLINARY EDUCATION IN MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS: INSIGHTS FROM GOAN COLLEGES

This study looks into the factors that influence the quality of management education offered by Goa-based institutes by using a thorough examination of important variables. It provides detailed insights through the use of data on interdisciplinary research centres, faculty cooperation, interdisciplinary electives, cross-institutional relationships, and experiential learning opportunities. The results highlight a paradigm shift towards comprehensive and contextually appropriate educational frameworks by revealing a greater emphasis on faculty partnerships, cross-departmental teaching, practical engagement or experimental learning possibilities, and integrated curriculum creation. Remarkably, multidisciplinary research institutes show unrealized promise, possibly due to the expense associated with them. This study offers practical suggestions for Goan educational institutions to improve their curricula while yet being adaptable to changing business needs and worldwide patterns. It contributes to the conversation on management education by providing suggestions for promoting academic excellence through multidisciplinary studies, experiential learning, and strategic alliances.

Energy Politics and Warfare: How International Energy Interests Shape Alliances in the Russian-Ukrainian Conflict

Purpose: This study aims to critically examine the intricate interplay of energy politics and military strategy within the context of the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian conflict. It posits that energy resources - specifically oil and natural gas - serve as pivotal factors that shape strategic alliances, influence geopolitical manoeuvring, and dictate the foreign policy trajectories of international actors, including the United States, the European Union, and China. Materials and Methods: The research employs a qualitative methodology that is underpinned by a series of semi-structured interviews conducted with a diverse cohort of policymakers, energy analysts, and industry stakeholders. Through this empirical approach, the study explores the participants' perceptions regarding the nexus between energy dynamics and security policymaking. In addition to the qualitative interviews, the investigation analyses a range of qualitative materials, including public statements, policy documents, and corporate strategic outlines. Discourse analysis is utilized to further uncover the mechanisms through which energy companies exert influence on governmental policies and military postures. Findings: The anticipated findings are expected to provide a nuanced understanding of the centrality of energy resources in influencing military strategies and fostering international coalitions. This analysis will contribute to an enriched scholarly discourse that informs not only theoretical frameworks in international relations but also practical applications in global energy governance and security. Implications to Theory, Policy and Practice: The inquiry underscores the imperative for a multifaceted and informed policy approach that acknowledges the profound implications of energy resources on national interests and global stability. By integrating energy considerations into security policymaking, the study advocates for a reassessment of traditional strategic paradigms that often overlook the complexities arising from energy interdependence.