Strategic Asset Research Articles

Enhancing bilateral ties: the escalation of Azerbaijan's economic investments in Turkey

This research explores the strengthening economic partnership between Azerbaijan and Turkey, particularly focusing on Azerbaijan's increasing investments in the Turkish economy since the signing of the "Trade and Economic Cooperation" agreement in 1992. It analyzes significant projects like the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan and Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum pipelines, which transcend mere infrastructural achievements to become strategic assets in the geopolitical landscape. These pipelines facilitate the safe transportation of hydrocarbons from the Caspian basin, bypassing traditional transit routes, and thereby reducing political and economic vulnerabilities. Additionally, Azerbaijan’s substantial investments in Turkey's PETKIM petrochemical complex and the STAR Oil Refinery are examined as strategic steps enhancing the economic depth of both countries. These investments represent more than capital inflows; they symbolize a deep-rooted strategic alliance that promotes energy independence and industrial diversification. The STAR Oil Refinery plays a pivotal role in Turkey's energy supply chain, significantly contributing to its self-sufficiency in processed oil products. This bilateral economic engagement exemplifies how states with complementary resources and strategic visions can create sustainable economic corridors, highlighting the role of economic diplomacy in shaping international relations in an increasingly interconnected global economy. The evolving partnership not only exemplifies successful bilateral cooperation but also indicates strategic foresight in using economic synergies for regional stability and prosperity.

Jihadist sniper culture: propagandising the ‘caliphate’ through the crosshair

ABSTRACT Snipers have gained increasing prominence in modern warfare and insurgencies, both in actual combat and in military propaganda. Research on snipers, however, has remained largely limited to their strategic role in Western professional armed forces. This article provides the first in-depth analysis of the strategic and cultural dimensions of sniper propaganda of non-state armed groups. Focusing on the prominent case of the Islamic State (IS), this study draws from military and cultural-historical research and a wide range of primary sources to examine how IS used the figure of the sniper in its audiovisual propaganda. The findings indicate that snipers, as represented by IS, combined the roles of heroic mujahidin, authentically Islamic warriors, and appealing game heroes. As such, they embodied some of IS’s core beliefs and values and served as a strategic propaganda asset during the period of the group’s decline in Syria and Iraq (2015–2017). The article concludes that through the figure of the sniper, IS attempted to present itself as an enduring power in a potentially enticing and empowering manner. These findings complement existing research on sniping and IS, while opening new avenues for investigating insurgency warfare and propaganda representations more broadly.

Remote sensing through the fog of war: Infrastructure damage and environmental change during the Russian-Ukrainian conflict revealed by open-access data

The Russian-Ukrainian conflict spawned a high-intensity war that shattered decades of peace in Europe. The use of drones and social media elevates open-source intelligence as a critical strategic asset. However, information from these sources is sporadic, difficult to confirm, and prone to manipulation. Here, we use open-access spaceborne remote sensing data to probe the damage to infrastructure on and off the frontline at the city, region, and country-wide scales in Ukraine. Nighttime light data and Synthetic Aperture Radar images reveal widespread blackout and unveil the destruction of battleground cities, offering contrasted perspectives on the impact of the conflict. Optical satellite images capture extensive flooding along the Dnipro River in the aftermath of the breach of the Kakhovka dam. Leveraging visible, near-infrared, and microwave satellite data, we bring to light disruption of human activities, havoc in the environment, and the annihilation of entire cities during the protracted conflict. Open-source remote sensing can offer objective information about the nature and extent of devastation during military conflicts.

ЕВОЛЮЦІЯ ПОНЯТТЯ «ЛЮДСЬКІ РЕСУРСИ» У КОНТЕКСТІ СТАНОВЛЕННЯ КРЕАТИВНОЇ ЕКОНОМІКИ

In the modern world, where innovation and technological progress become the foundation of economic development, the issue of human resource utilization within the context of the creative economy acquires particular relevance. The development of information technology and the increasing significance of knowledge and creativity in the economy have changed approaches to personnel management, playing a key role in stimulating innovative development. The traditional understanding of human resources as a "resource" used to achieve economic goals gives way to a new view, where people are seen as active participants in the production process, whose talents and abilities are decisive for the success of the enterprise. This study analyzes the evolution of the concept of "human resources" and its transformation into the newer term "human talents," reflecting deep changes in the attitude towards the role of the person in the production process. In the context of the creative economy, which requires not only qualifications and professional skills but also creative abilities and innovative thinking, there arises a need for new approaches to human capital management. Recognizing people as "talents," not just "resources," underscores the importance of an individual approach, development, and support for each employee, stimulating creativity and innovation at all levels of the organization. This research highlights the historical development of the concept of "human resources," analyzing its evolution from the pre-industrial era to the present, where the human factor is considered a strategic asset. The main focus is on changes in the paradigm of personnel management that have occurred in response to the challenges of the creative economy and the information age. The article emphasizes the importance of transforming the term "human resources" to "human talents," focusing on the creative potential, innovativeness, adaptability, and flexibility of people as key elements of innovative development. The conclusions of the study underline the necessity of revising approaches to managing human resources in the conditions of the creative economy, with a special emphasis on the development and support of human talents as a basis for stimulating growth and success in an innovative business environment. Therefore, this research makes an important contribution to understanding the dynamic changes in the creative economy and their impact on human capital management, indicating ways to optimize the use of human talents for achieving competitive advantages.

Effect of yoga on cognitive function of hypertensive personnel in India’s Central Industrial Security Force

ABSTRACT Background: The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) protects India’s strategic assets, a role burdened with stress that may affect cognitive functions in hypertensive personnel. This study investigates yoga’s potential to enhance cognitive abilities in these individuals. Methods: In our study, 88 male CISF personnel at the Indian Space Research Organisation, Bangalore, aged 25­60 years, were divided into yoga and control groups. The yoga group underwent a 3-month regimen, daily 1-h sessions for 5 days each week. These sessions included a combination of loosening exercises, breathing practices, asanas, pranayama, and relaxation techniques. Cognitive evaluations were performed using Psychological Experimental Building Language software, encompassing the digit span, Stroop task, and Tower of London tests. Results: Postintervention, the yoga group marginally improved in the digit forward task without significant difference (p = 0.12), while in the digit backward task, they showed a slight decline compared to the control group’s pronounced decrease (p = 0.03). In the Stroop task, across all conditions-reaction time for the congruent condition (RTC), neutral condition (RTN), and incongruent condition (RTI)-the yoga group demonstrated either stable or slightly increased reaction times. In contrast, the control group exhibited significant increases in reaction times across these conditions. Significant differences were observed across conditions (RTC: p < 0.001, r = −0.67; RTN: p < 0.001, r = −0.65; RTI: p < 0.001, r = −0.70). Post-intervention, the yoga group demonstrated improved accuracy across all conditions: congruent (96%), incongruent (80%), and neutral (92%). Post-intervention, the yoga group significantly reduced their errors compared to the control group, as indicated by a notable decrease in error rate (p < 0.001, r = -0.68). Postintervention, the yoga group exhibited enhanced planning abilities (p = 0.0038, r = −0.36). Conclusion: Our study highlights the potential of yoga-based interventions in boosting cognitive abilities among hypertensive members of India’s CISF. However, a deeper exploration is essential to comprehensively understand yoga’s cognitive impact.

AI in Decision Making: Transforming Business Strategies

This paper delves into the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on strategic business decision-making, offering a nuanced perspective on how AI is reshaping the corporate world. The primary purpose of this study is to explore the emergence and evolution of AI within the realm of business strategy, examining its role in disrupting traditional decision models and enhancing business agility. This study systematically analyzes academic and industry sources through a meticulous literature review, providing a comprehensive understanding of AI’s multifaceted role in business. The methodology adopted is a systematic literature review, which serves as a robust framework for evaluating source credibility and synthesizing insights. This approach enables a thorough examination of AI’s integration into business management, its influence on corporate performance metrics, and its potential in fostering inclusive business practices. The study also addresses the unique challenges and opportunities presented by AI in the business context. Key findings reveal that AI is not merely a technological tool but a strategic asset that significantly redefines business decision-making. The integration of AI into business strategies demonstrates substantial potential in enhancing corporate performance and promoting sustainable business practices. The study concludes that AI is a cornerstone in business evolution, offering unparalleled opportunities for innovation and efficiency. Recommendations advocate for a balanced approach to AI integration, emphasizing the need for businesses to align AI with their core values and strategic objectives. As AI continues to evolve, its role in business decision-making is expected to shape the corporate landscape significantly.

A Study on the Impact of Knowledge Management on Employee Performance in Organizations

This research investigates the relationship between knowledge management practices within organizations and the subsequent impact on employee performance. As organizations increasingly recognize the significance of knowledge as a strategic asset, understanding how effective knowledge management influences employee performance becomes crucial. Using a mixed-methods approach, combining surveys and interviews, the study aims to explore the implementation of knowledge management processes, their alignment with organizational goals, and the perceived influence on individual employee performance. Key objectives include assessing the extent to which knowledge sharing, learning, and utilization positively affect employee productivity, innovation, and overall job satisfaction. The study also aims to identify potential challenges or barriers in the implementation of knowledge management strategies and explore the role of organizational culture in fostering a knowledge-sharing environment. The findings of this research are expected to provide valuable insights for organizations seeking to optimize knowledge management practices, enhance employee performance, and foster a culture of continuous learning and innovation.

МАСШТАБУВАННЯ БІЗНЕСУ В УМОВАХ РОЗВИТКУ ЗОВНІШНЬОЕКОНОМІЧНОЇ ДІЯЛЬНОСТІ

The article examines scaling in the context of modern economic activity, which is becoming increasingly important in the current minds of globalization and digitalization. Scale plays a key role in securing access to international markets, new resources and strategic assets, which is important for both commercial and non-profit and hybrid organizations. The article emphasizes the fact that with advances in the field of digital technologies, businesses may have the opportunity to hyperscale, rapidly entering international markets and significantly expanding their activities. The author emphasizes that the process of scaling in external economic activity is accompanied by advanced foldability, which often involves transcordon control, intergranular spirogenesis and creation international ecosystems. Particular attention is paid to the need for integration between enterprises, departments and other subjects of the government sector to achieve successful scaling. It is also seen that scaling is important for nonprofit organizations to increase their social impact and achieve large-scale tasks that go beyond national borders. The article analyzes the remaining research on the power of global scale, hybrid and social enterprises, as well as the diffusion of innovations in international organizations. The authors note that while there is a significant amount of research in this galus, nutritional scaling in the context of modern economic activity is not fragmented and remains in development at the early stage. The meta-statistics lie within an expanded conceptual framework of scale in the context of foreign economic activity. The article highlights scaling as it continues to grow through the development of a viable business model, analyzes the main aspects of scaling in different minds and points to promising directions for future research, in particular areas of organizational tension, Swedish internationalization and digitalization.

A systematic review of human resource management practices in small and medium-sized enterprises

The escalating significance of human resource management (HRM) in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is underscored through a systematic review and bibliometric analysis of 144 documents from the Scopus database. This paper delineates the evolution of HRM practices within SMEs, identifying four core themes that are increasingly prevalent in scholarly publications. The study leverages content analysis, bibliometrics, and network analysis to map the intellectual structure of the field, providing a comprehensive overview of current trends and future directions. It highlights the necessity of integrating HRM practices as strategic organizational assets and emphasizes their role in enhancing efficiency across global SME networks (Davies, 2017). The growing body of literature suggests a shift towards recognizing the strategic importance of HRM in SMEs, with potential implications for enhancing organizational effectiveness in contemporary and future business environments. This research contributes to the theoretical discourse by testing various HRM theories in the SME context, offering a foundational perspective for understanding HRM challenges and practices in SMEs worldwide.

Automated Drugs Dispensing Systems in Hospitals: a Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Study Across Six European Countries.

Automated Drug Dispensing (ADD) systems are considered to be strategic hospital assets used to reduce errors and enhance economic and organizational sustainability. With regards to efficacy and safety, the literature evidence demonstrates the incremental benefits of centralised or decentralised systems compared to manual dispensing. Analyses about organisational and economic sustainability are still lacking and the present study aims to perform a Health Technology Assessment (HTA), producing multidimensional evidence on the use of ADD systems within hospitals. In 2023, a comprehensive HTA draws insights from healthcare professionals across six European nations: Italy, France, Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Belgium. This appraisal juxtaposed four drug dispensing scenarios: manual methods, centralized ADD systems, decentralized ADD systems, and integrated solutions employing cutting-edge technologies in both central pharmacies and wards. The study deployed an Activity-Based Costing approach that was combined with a cost-effectiveness and Budget Impact Analysis to evaluate economic impacts. Qualitative questionnaires were implemented to assess ethical, legal, organizational, safety, and efficacy aspects. From a multidimensional perspective, healthcare professionals acknowledged ADD manifold advantages of ADD systems. From an organizational perspective and within a 12-month timeframe, transitioning to automation may face initial challenges that are attributed to potential resistance from professionals and significant investments. However, 36 months past its adoption, automation's superiority over manual methods was recognized. Economically, savings burgeoned from +17.9% in UK to +26.6% in Belgian hospitals that adopted integrated systems in comparison to traditional manual approaches. Compared to traditional methods, implementing ADD systems could improve the logistic management of drug in the hospital setting, thereby enhancing safety and efficacy, streamlining the healthcare professionals' workflow, and bolstering financial stability.

ПРИНЦИПИ ТРАНСФОРМАЦІЇ СИСТЕМ МЕНЕДЖМЕНТУ ПІДПРИЄМСТВ В УМОВАХ РОЗВИТКУ ІТ-ТЕХНОЛОГІЙ

In the context of rapid IT development, the identification and adherence to principles of enterprise management system transformation becomes extremely important. The primary goal of such transformation lies in adapting enterprises to changes in the technological environment, which is constantly evolving. This adaptation enables enterprises to effectively integrate cutting-edge tools, platforms, and services, thereby ensuring their competitiveness and facilitating the strategic utilization of resources. In the analysis of enterprise management system transformation with a focus on IT development, it has been substantiated that adaptation to changing technological conditions is critical for ensuring the stability and competitiveness of modern enterprises. It has been argued that digital integration, which provides automation and optimization of business processes, plays a key role in ensuring the efficiency and adaptability of organizations to rapidly changing market conditions. The agility in decision-making, allowing enterprises to react quickly to changes, is considered an integral part of modern management. Furthermore, the importance of customer orientation has been emphasized, as it contributes to the development of products and services that meet consumer expectations and ensure higher levels of customer satisfaction. It has been confirmed that the use of data as a strategic asset stimulates better-informed decision-making and provides greater value from company resources. Transparency and accountability have been identified as the foundation for building trust and reliability in business, particularly in the context of increasing importance of cybersecurity. The importance of resilience to disruptions has been highlighted as necessary for ensuring the continuity of business processes and protection against potential technological and natural threats. The significance of innovation and continuous learning and development has been discussed as critical factors for the adaptation and prosperity of enterprises in a dynamic technological landscape. Finally, the role of collaboration and teamwork has been underscored in the successful implementation of innovative solutions and work methods in the digital era. Thus, the systemic integration of cutting-edge IT technologies and the adaptation of principles of modern management are key to ensuring the long-term competitiveness and success of enterprises.

Recibido: 2024-03-18, Aprobado tras revisión: 2024-08-22 Plan de Continuidad del Negocio del Sistema Académico Fénix en el Instituto Superior Tecnológico del Azuay con Condición de Superior Universitario

The article underscores the critical role of information as a strategic asset essential for sustaining competitiveness and market presence in the contemporary landscape. It underscores the necessity for the institute to implement a robust plan to maintain resilience against various contingencies, particularly the loss of information due to catastrophic events or disruptive incidents. The article focuses on the deployment of a rigorous methodology to ensure the continuity of the Fénix service through comprehensive risk analysis. It stresses the importance of systematically identifying and evaluating potential risks that could compromise the availability and integrity of information. This analysis enables the institute to formulate strategies and preventive measures to mitigate or minimize the impacts of identified risks. The adoption of this risk analysis methodology equips the institute to effectively manage unforeseen circumstances and maintain the continuity of the Fénix service. By adopting a proactive stance, the institute can anticipate potential disasters or disruptive events and implement appropriate preventive and recovery measures to safeguard and preserve critical business information. In summary, the article emphasizes the significance of information as a pivotal asset and advocates for the implementation of a risk analysis methodology to ensure the continuity of the Fénix service. This methodology facilitates the identification and management of potential risks, ensuring the protection of information and enhancing the institute's resilience in adverse situations.

Strategic asset management health index for predicting power transformer health conditions

Strategic asset management health index for predicting power transformer health conditions

The contribution of strategic assets to MNE subsidiary performance in turbulent times

The contribution of strategic assets to MNE subsidiary performance in turbulent times

Combined strain, vibration, and acoustic monitoring of the Jules Verne viaduct

Prestressed concrete viaducts have been widely built in France and Europe in the past decades and are often strategic assets for the road networks, which deserve structural health monitoring (SHM) techniques to assess and anticipate the effects of their ageing. The Jules Verne viaduct near Amiens in France has been chosen as a case study to gather high volumes of data on its response to the live loads through a long period of time, in the frame of a common research by OSMOS Group, the Université Gustave Eiffel, the CEREMA, and Le Mans Université. The viaduct is a 943 m long bridge with 19 spans. It is made of two independent parallel decks, the first one built in 1988 and the second one in 2002, with similar geometry but significant differences in terms of prestress design. Both decks have been equipped with strain and acceleration sensors since February 2022, continuously gathering measurements at each passage of heavy vehicles on the bridge. In addition, a campaign of acoustic emission measurements was organized in July 2022. This contribution summarizes the various data analysis methods used on the large quantity of records gathered over almost two years, to obtain synthetic useful information from the combination of diverse monitoring techniques. Results and perspectives are discussed, focusing on this interesting opportunity to compare the behavior of two similar prestressed concrete structures with 14 years age difference, in field conditions and under real traffic loads.

На перепутье: русскоязычные сообщества в Германии

This research seeks to elucidate the role of diasporas and diasporic worlds during periods of crisis between host and sending societies. The article examines the ethno-cultural group of Russian Germans, which is itself a subset of the broader category of Russian-speaking communities. Examining the case of Russian Germans in Germany, this paper investigates the group's internal structure, as well as its perception by German authorities and the academic community through an analysis of expert opinions, scholarly publications, and official government documents, the author also aims to explore the prevailing trends of polarization, particularly in light of recent geopolitical shifts. The study was conducted within the theoretical framework of transnationalism, identity, and spatial approaches, utilizing the analytic categories of political space, diasporic identity, and transnational diasporas. The policies enacted by Germany and Russia to foster engagement with the Russian-Germans were subjected to analysis. The author concludes that these ethnic communities in both countries are in a worldview crisis, precipitated by both geopolitical transformations and the reverberations of these changes within the global digital sphere. The distinctive status of Russian Germans, characterized by their hybrid identity, coupled with the specificities of the electoral laws of Germany and Russia, constitutes a subject of interest for both scholars across diverse humanitarian disciplines and practical politicians. Both states frequently instrumentalize this group to promote their ideological constructs, thus seeking to extend their spheres of influence. Nevertheless, the strained bilateral relations between the two nations are hindering the potential for these groups to serve as an effective communication bridge. The findings of this study suggest that cultivating strong relationships with Russian-speaking diaspora communities could serve as a valuable strategic asset in fostering collaborative initiatives on both national and international levels.

Regime-Based Strategic Asset Allocation

Regime-Based Strategic Asset Allocation

The contribution of strategic assets to MNE subsidiary performance in turbulent times

The contribution of strategic assets to MNE subsidiary performance in turbulent times

Enhancing Decision-Making Accuracy with Predictive Analytics: A Necessity or a Choice?

In today's data-driven world, the deployment of predictive analytics in decision-making processes is not just a technological advancement but a critical strategic asset. This discussion explores whether employing predictive analytics to enhance decision-making accuracy is a necessity or merely a choice for contemporary organizations. In considering whether employing predictive analytics is a necessity or a choice, one must acknowledge the competitive edge and enhanced accuracy it provides to decision-making processes across industries. While organizations may opt to rely on traditional decision-making processes, the ability to analyze vast datasets and predict future trends offers a decisive advantage that is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. Therefore, for organizations aiming to remain competitive and effective in their decision-making, the integration of predictive analytics is less a choice and more a necessity. Predictive analytics is not merely a tool but a strategic imperative that, when correctly implemented, can significantly enhance decision-making accuracy and efficiency. As data continues to grow in volume and complexity, the necessity of predictive analytics will only become more pronounced, shaping it as an essential element of modern organizational decision-making frameworks.

Using financial forecasting as a strategic catalyst for enhancing the financial performance of manufacturing companies in Kigali, Rwanda

Business organizations prioritize their financial performance, channeling significant effort into achieving superior results. This pursuit often involves setting targets, managing quotas, and focusing on crucial key ratios. Financial forecasting emerges as an indispensable tool in plotting the course toward optimal performance. It stands as a strategic asset that assesses strengths and weaknesses, becoming the cornerstone of decisions across production, inventory, personnel, and facilities. In the realm of manufacturing firms, effective financial forecasting isn't just pivotal—it's the linchpin for survival, growth, and sustained success. This study delved into the financial forecasting methods commonly employed by 842 manufacturing firms in Kigali, Rwanda. A sample of 90 firms, involving Directors of Finance and Accounting staff, illuminated insights critical to understanding this landscape. Results revealed that sales and profit forecasting reign supreme, embraced by 37.78% and 38.89% of these manufacturing entities, respectively. Yet, challenges persist, notably in achieving forecast accuracy and managing associated risks. Recommendations stem from this diagnosis, suggesting the establishment of review committees dedicated to enhancing forecasting methodologies. Ensuring the credibility and reliability of this study involved employing the test-retest method to validate and solidify the consistency and accuracy of the data. This approach underpins the findings, indicating that similar research efforts would yield consistent results, reinforcing the authenticity of the depicted ground reality. To bolster financial performance without limiting operational agility in a swiftly changing business environment, the study emphasizes the need for continued improvements in forecasting processes. This includes not only refining methods but also devising strategies to navigate unforeseen challenges effectively. Keywords: Financial performance, Financial forecasting, Strategic financial planning, Accounting staff, Manufacturing firms.