Strategic Assumptions Research Articles

Assessing the Success of the Development Strategy of the Cittaslow Movement: An Analysis of Revitalisation Programs and Experts Insights on the Model for Small Towns’ Sustainable Development

The revitalisation of small towns is an attempt to find multi-directional solutions to numerous social, economic, and spatial problems. Properly planned and coordinated actions aimed at the renewal and countering of social exclusion through corrective interventions. Although there is a wealth of research on the significance of revitalisation projects in improving the quality of life for residents in large cities, there is a visible gap regarding the development of models based on the principles of “slow” and “liveability” in small towns. This article presents the results of observations regarding the actual conditions for the development of Cittaslow cities and the possibilities for development based on the assumptions outlined in the strategic documents of these cities, as well as the benefits resulting from projects implemented within the Supralocal Revitalisation Program (SLRP). The study initially identifies the main strategic assumptions and then analyses their connections with the revitalisation effects carried out within the SLRP. The analysis encompassed all projects aimed at solving social problems in fourteen cities in the Warmian–Masurian Voivodeship (Poland). The research included an evaluation of the assumptions regarding the directions of development arising from the provisions in the strategic documents (first stage) and a qualitative assessment based on interviews with local experts (second stage). The results indicate that the experts’ opinions differ partly from the project effects assumed in the documents. This applies primarily to the possibility of basing on the project results when formulating development models of the analysed Cittaslow towns. The results of these studies can serve as a basis for verifying the goals set in the SLRP, and based on them, for future projects and recommendations concerning the revitalisation of other Cittaslow cities in the region, as well as small towns in Europe and around the world.

Formulating Strategies for ‘Student Education’ Policy from the Perspective of Intra-University Stakeholders; A Research Based on Strategic Assumptions

Formulating Strategies for ‘Student Education’ Policy from the Perspective of Intra-University Stakeholders; A Research Based on Strategic Assumptions

Determine the Competency Development Strategy of Labor Social Security Practitioners

The purpose of this research is to map out the most important and most certain strategic assumptions related to the management of the competence of labor social security practitioners, and to determine the strategies that will be applied in developing the competence of labor social security practitioners at BPJS Ketenagakerjaan. Primary data were obtained from questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and Focus Group Discussions (FGD) involving 13 respondents who were experts on employment social security. The data processing and analysis technique uses the Strategic Assumption Surfacing and Testing (SAST) method to identify the strategic assumptions underlying the determination of the competency development strategy of the labor social security practitioners, and the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method to determine the priority of the competency development strategies. This study found that the variable of information technology advancement in supporting the competency development process of labor social security practitioners is a very very important and very very definite strategic assumption that influences the determination of competency development strategies for labor social security practitioners. This study also found that the alternative strategy considered to be the primary priority is implementing the technical professional competency standards of employment social security.

A Model for Improving Business Performance – The evidence from Women Entrepreneurs in West Java, Indonesia

Gender is an important issue in modern businesses, especially for women-owned MSEs with insufficient work experience. Research indicates that among the primary challenges female entrepreneurs face are cultural norms, gender roles, and commercial incentives. The study focuses on the challenges faced by women-owned Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) in East Java Province, Indonesia, particularly in terms of gender roles and commercial incentives. The research aims to improve business performance in these MSEs by analyzing their situational aspects and developing a conceptual public policy model. The findings suggest that government involvement is crucial for fostering business performance improvement in these MSEs. Women also demonstrate leadership abilities, and strategic assumptions such as business networks, centralized coaching programs, and central government roles can significantly enhance their performance. The model is based on seven major issues affecting MSE business performance, including goods, data, competency, and public policy.

The United States, China and the Dispersal of Power

Globalisation and related mutual dependencies have challenged the historical and strategic assumptions of both the United States and China, and reshaped traditional paradigms in international relations. Furthermore, in an increasingly multipolar world, hegemony is not a guaranteed outcome. Neither the US nor China has prepared itself for the limitations imposed by the changing structure of global networks, under which the ability of any single actor to influence linkages within the system has been greatly reduced and peripheral players are beginning to enjoy greater freedom of action.

Strategic management of construction enterprises in a conditions of crisis situation

Theoretical aspects of strategic anti-crisis management are evaluated. The usefulness of research in modern conditions has been proven. Based on the conducted research, four levels of strategic anticrisis management were identified. It was concluded that a crisis is a situation in which the organization cannot adapt to external changes in time, which very quickly causes a loss of stability. Approaches to understanding the essence of anti-crisis management, its purpose and role are defined, and the main requirements for the formation of the anti-crisis management system are given. Types and types of anti-crisis management are considered. What measures are taken into account when developing a strategy for the effectiveness of anti-crisis activities? Anticrisis monitoring of the state of enterprises and the need for diagnostics as an element that guarantees this. The strategy, which includes the development of financial, organizational, technical economic, and other measures aimed at removing the enterprise from a difficult situation, is of crucial importance for the effectiveness of anticrisis activities in the management process. There is an urgent need to create an anti-crisis management system, conduct diagnostics as its only function, determine the admissibility of various diagnostic models, and develop anti-crisis approaches and business development strategies. Strategic management of the company in crisis conditions and the engagement strategy, which involves the organization of joint economic activities by some market participants in order to reduce costs and increase revenues. The necessity and economic importance of using strategic management in the fight against the crisis is substantiated. In general, anti-crisis management of an enterprise is a system of enterprise management. After the assessment, a sequence of actions and management decisions is presented, which allows to development of a system of influence necessary for restructuring the enterprise to minimize the consequences of the crisis. The process of forming an anti-crisis strategy and the main stages of creating a system of basic strategic assumptions of a modern company, which can be used in enterprises of various fields of activity, have been developed.

SUPPORT FOR THE ELDERLY IN POLAND - IN SEARCH OF NEW SOLUTIONS IN THE FIELD OF SOCIAL SERVICES

According to the Central Statistical Office data, the share of older people, i.e., aged 60 years and more in the total of Polish population will be over 32% in 2060. Thus there is a necessity for actions aimed at supporting older citizens who require various support, depending on their health status, psycho-physical condition and individual needs. The spectrum of activities for older people should be wide and differentiated due to the internal diversity of the aging population. The purpose of the article is to deliberate strategic assumptions and examples of actions implemented in local communities, such as community-based services offered by the social assistance system, in the context of deinstitutionalization process. The article presents selected results of the latest work of the Institute of Labour and Social Affairs conducted within the project entitled "Development and pilot implementation of mechanisms and plans for the deinstitutionalisation of social services”, carried out jointly with the Ministry of Family and Social Policy.

Modern technologies in enhancing situational awareness and preparedness for CBRN events in urban areas. Perspective of European Commission call in 2022

Objective: The research objective is to indicate current priorities of the European Commission in funding modern technologies that enhance situational awareness and preparedness for CBRN events in urban areas. Methods: We analysed strategic documents of the European Union informing CBRN safety and security Horizon 2020 program priorities and the proposal which won the call HORIZON-CL3-2022-DRS-01-08. This process allowed us to indicate patterns reflecting European Union’s priorities in funding development of modern technologies to enhance both the awareness and the preparedness. Results: Investigation of 7 fundamental documents gave strategic background for applying modern technologies that enhance situational awareness and preparedness for CBRN events in urban areas. Relevant directions were reflected in the call for proposals named Disaster-Resilient Society 2022. Only one proposal was selected for funding and it now forms the basis for CHIMERA project (the full project title is: Comprehensive Hazard Identification, and Monitoring systEm for uRban Areas). The project’s mission is to provide a technological improvement in the CBRN domain complying with European legislation and boosting the capabilities of end-users with novel detection, identification, and monitoring functionalities at relatively high TRL. Discussion: As CHIMERA project describes directly many of issues addressed in the call for proposals, the current directions reflect strategic assumptions for ensuring safety and security in Europe. The project also uniquely concerns CBRN response capability gaps identified by International Forum to Advance First Responder Innovation. Success story of CHIMERA proposal may serve as a reference in developing new technologies in a project formula in the future.

A model for operating digital transformation projects in an organization

Objective: This work proposes a model to implement digital transformation (DT) projects in companies. Material and Methods: The model's proposition was done by conducting individual interviews and focus group research on understanding and exploring the theme. Personal interviews were conducted with 15 professionals and focus groups with nine experts that experienced the DT process in their organizations. Based on these interviews, a preliminary model was proposed and validated in interviews with focus groups. All interviews took place in the same period of the COVID-19 pandemic. The research instrument explored aspects of strategy, competencies, digital technologies, and project management to determine how the DT process occurs and to define the final model. Results: Proposition of a model to operationalize DT projects following the organization's strategic direction. The model proposes that competencies enable change, using digital technologies as tools, and project management supports the project's strategy in line with the organizational strategy. The focus groups contributed to validating the model and proposing changes and improvements in the evaluation process in the model phases. The assessments were changed to occur recursively in the steps, allowing them to be evaluated throughout the project's life cycle to align with the project's and the organization's strategic assumptions. Contributions: The study presents a model to help companies of all sizes and activities to operationalize their DT projects. As a suggestion for future research, the proposed model can be used to develop and recommend new theories and develop models that meet the rapid transformations that occur in organizations.

Marketing Planning 4.0: Framework for Science and Technology Institutes

Interactions between Science and Technology Institutions (STIs) and the actors of the Innovation Ecosystem are essential to the technological development of businesses and society in a dynamic environment. In this situation, it is essential to integrate innovation and marketing strategies to improve the performance of STIs. There are numerous marketing methods and instruments currently available, but marketing 4.0 stands out. This study proposes a marketing 4.0 planning framework for STIs. To accomplish this, a preliminary systematic literature review and a survey of 14 STIs affiliated with EMBRAPII (Brazilian Enterprise for Research and Industrial Innovation) were conducted. The proposal for a marketing 4.0 planning framework for STIs is based on assumptions derived from a literature review and STIs' responses to a questionnaire. To shift strategic assumptions from the analog to the digital era, it is necessary to act on the consumer, competition, data, innovation, and value domains. Based on these presumptions, the framework consists of five stages: scenario comprehension, mapping/identification, planning/detail, action, and evaluation of results.

The Bush Doctrine redux: changes and continuities in American grand strategy since ‘9/11’

This article examines the ideational dimension and political performance of American grand strategy since ‘9/11’ and explores to what extent the strategic assumptions, ideological dispositions, and security practices of the Bush Doctrine have endured since the 2001 terrorist attacks. It advances a constructivist understanding of American grand strategy as a nexus of national identity discourses and security practices. The article will first explore the significance of American exceptionalism in the ideational dimension of the Bush Doctrine and its practical impact in the pursuit of US national security. The article will then focus on the Obama Doctrine, arguing that its embrace of cooperative engagement and multilateralism represented a limited strategic course correction within the paradigm of liberal hegemony. Finally, the article will contrast grand strategy discourses under Bush and Donald Trump, exploring their shared foundations in Jacksonian nationalism and unilateralism that demonstrate the continued relevance of Bush’s strategic vision of US primacy.

Evaluasi Pelaksanaan dan Perumusan Strategi Keberlanjutan Program Akuaponik untuk Kesejahteraan Masyarakat

Serving Lecturer activity is one of the community service programs organized by Lembaga Penelitian dan Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat (LPPM) IPB as an effort to develop and apply Science and Technology for the welfare of the community. This activity was held in Muncangela Village, Cipicung District, Kuningan Regency. The stages of this activity are socialization, counseling, mentoring, Focus Group Discussion (FGD), implementation of activities, and formulation of strategies for the sustainability of the akuaponiks program. Based on the research results, to realize the sustainability of these activities, there are strategic assumptions obtained from experts and analyzed by the SAST method. The assumptions are selected based on the level of importance and the level of certainty and are integrated into a strategy called "TERAS". The strategy includes governance and government programs, education to the community, relationships, action, and synergy.

Spheres of consensus and conflict in the Polish political discourse around the strategy for combating the COVID-19 pandemic

The paper analyses the spheres of agreement and conflict in the political discourse around the strategy of combating the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland between February 2020 and May 2022. The paper identifies the dominant topoi present in the political discourse on the discussed topic. Particular attention was paid to the discourse around such issues as the definition of the initial situation, the introduction of restrictions and limitations, state policy on vaccination against COVID-19. The analysis shows that the main dividing lines in the political discourse related to COVID-19 have become less dependent on the general polarisation present on the Polish political scene. On many occasions, the main ruling party and the main opposition party did not differ in their views on the strategic assumptions adopted to fight the pandemic. Among the parties present in the parliament, the main dividing line was between politicians from the Confederation’s parliamentary group and those from the other groups.

A strategy map as a framework of a shared mental model for interactive control systems

Nowadays, companies operate in an extremely turbulent environment with conditions of substantial gaps in knowledge about future events (the Knightian uncertainty). Therefore, there is a need for more flexible management control systems. Referring to Simons’ levers of control (LOC) framework, now there is a need to use more extensively belief systems and interactive control systems that would enable the organizational learning process. The aim of this paper is to discuss the role of a strategy map as a framework of a shared mental model for interactive control systems in the context of increasing uncertainty. This article is a review-based study and suggests some preliminary proposals for further research. The review covers the literature on management control systems, levers of control (in the including of interactive controls), balanced scorecards, strategy maps, mental models, and organizational learning. The review is mainly qualitative; however, it is supported to some extent by quantitative bibliometric analysis. This co-word analysis applies VOSviewer v.1.6.17 software. The situation of increasing Knightian uncertainty calls for the more extensive use of interactive control systems. A strategy map fits this new demand - it enables understanding strategic assumptions, structuring the problems, discussing, and gaining knowledge. Therefore, it facilitates innovations, organizational learning, and refining strategies in an ongoing process. A strategy map can be seen as a cognitive mapping tool. It is a set of hypotheses that can be empirically tested through strategy implementation, thereby enabling strategic learning (including so-called double-loop feedback learning). Such a double-loop learning mechanism allows for the iterative crafting of an organizational strategy that could be more resilient in a turbulent environment. To be the basis of an interactive control system, it is crucial for the “buy-in” of the strategy map by employees. Thus, there is a great role in the convergence of mental models of an organization’s members as a result of “strategic conversation”. The product of such an organizational learning process is a common, shared mental model. This model must be developed, disseminated in the organization and accepted by employees, and then refined through active learning.

A strategy map as a framework of a shared mental model for interactive control systems

Nowadays, companies operate in an extremely turbulent environment with conditions of substantial gaps in knowledge about future events (the Knightian uncertainty). Therefore, there is a need for more flexible management control systems. Referring to Simons’ levers of control (LOC) framework, now there is a need to use more extensively belief systems and interactive control systems that would enable the organizational learning process. The aim of this paper is to discuss the role of a strategy map as a framework of a shared mental model for interactive control systems in the context of increasing uncertainty. This article is a review-based study and suggests some preliminary proposals for further research. The review covers the literature on management control systems, levers of control (in the including of interactive controls), balanced scorecards, strategy maps, mental models, and organizational learning. The review is mainly qualitative; however, it is supported to some extent by quantitative bibliometric analysis. This co-word analysis applies VOSviewer v.1.6.17 software. The situation of increasing Knightian uncertainty calls for the more extensive use of interactive control systems. A strategy map fits this new demand - it enables understanding strategic assumptions, structuring the problems, discussing, and gaining knowledge. Therefore, it facilitates innovations, organizational learning, and refining strategies in an ongoing process. A strategy map can be seen as a cognitive mapping tool. It is a set of hypotheses that can be empirically tested through strategy implementation, thereby enabling strategic learning (including so-called double-loop feedback learning). Such a double-loop learning mechanism allows for the iterative crafting of an organizational strategy that could be more resilient in a turbulent environment. To be the basis of an interactive control system, it is crucial for the “buy-in” of the strategy map by employees. Thus, there is a great role in the convergence of mental models of an organization’s members as a result of “strategic conversation”. The product of such an organizational learning process is a common, shared mental model. This model must be developed, disseminated in the organization and accepted by employees, and then refined through active learning.

Instructional Communication Model Of Military Education As An Effort To Achieve Center Of Excellence (Case Study: Akmil Magelang)

Communication is one of the important elements that play a role in shaping the interaction between educators and students. The change in the Indonesian Military Academy (Akmil) education curriculum in 2009 was one of the most significant changes, in which students received an academic education equivalent to a bachelor's qualification. However, in its application the education system has not been maximized to allow students to become experts both in the military and academic fields. The objectives of this study are, firstly, to identify and analyze the role of educators in the educational communication process in the Akmil to produce quality graduates; second, to design appropriate communication patterns between educators and students; and third, to build an educational communication model in the Akmil as a Center of Excellence, so that they are able to answer the challenges of the task in accordance with the changes and demands of the times. By using a mixed method with an exploratory sequential model, the research explores information by conducting in-depth interviews with 9 informants, both practitioners and academics, and distributing questionnaires to 145 cadets. The results show that there are still difficulties in applying the principle of 'completion of orders', where a command can be given with better rationality. To that end, the researcher then completed the findings, by formulating an instructional communication model through the Strategic Assumptions Surfacing and Testing (SAST) and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) methods. As a result, this model puts an emphasis on the role of the Academic Gadik actor, which creates interactivity and communication intensity for the cadets. With this model, it is hoped that the Akmil will become a Center of Excellence for the military with high rational abilities.

Zrównoważony rozwój produktu kosmetycznego

Objective : To propose a model solution for the process balancing of a cosmetic product in its life cycle and to define a sustainable cosmetic through the prism of the added value that a conventional product does not have. Research Design & Methods : The research was carried out based on a critical analysis of the subject literature and a comparative evaluation of strategies supporting sustainable development. Based on the legal requirements and strategic assumptions of the Circular Economy and the European Green Deal, rational directions for the development of a sustainable cosmetic were highlighted. Findings: It was found that a sustainable cosmetic product does not fall within the disciplinary matrix of the sustainable development paradigm. A model of a sustainable cosmetic was developed. Significant added value from the areas determining a sustainable cosmetic were indicated. Implications / Recommendations : The analysis of the subject matter in the approach proposed draws attention to the idea of sustainable cosmetics as an effect and stimulator of sustainable development. In the pursuit of ever higher levels of sustainability, the importance of issues such as the selection of raw materials, packaging, water and energy management, and consumer education has been recognised. Contribution : Expanding and updating knowledge on sustainable cosmetic products and assessing the optimum levels of sustainable values. The model of a sustainable cosmetic product put forward here paves the way to improved quality and new directions to be explored in developing a sustainable cosmetic.

Strategi pengembangan profesionalisme penyuluh dalam peningkatan mutu penyuluhan pertanian

Agricultural extension is less clear, so it needs to be addressed, by developing professionalism of extension workers in improving the quality of agricultural extension. How is the implementation of strategic management in improving the quality of agricultural extension. The research objectives were to identify and analyze: 1. SWOT internal environment (strengths and weaknesses) and external environment (opportunities and challenges / threats); 2. Strategic formulation; 3. Strategic implementation; 4. Management of supervision and evaluation of agricultural extension professionalism; 5. Strategic steps to overcome problems and weaknesses. The research method uses a qualitative approach. Research location: BP3K Sukalarang and Sukabumi Subdistricts, West Java. The underlying theory is educational management, strategic management, human resource management, agricultural management and extension, quality theory and culture. The research findings are: 1. Not all BP3K heads have analyzed and combined their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and challenges into the conclusion of strategic assumptions in the preparation of strategic plans; 2. Strategic formulation has not been based on strategic assumptions by maximizing strengths and minimizing weaknesses by taking advantage of opportunities in facing challenges. Vision, mission, strategic objectives and policies for professional development of extension workers are integrated in RENSTRA BP4K; 3. Strategic implementation includes programs, budgets and implementation procedures contained in the BP3K Annual Work Plan Program with a nominal BP3K Budget Work Plan, the agricultural extension professionalism development program has not been specifically regulated; 4. Supervision and evaluation of the professionalism of agricultural extension workers have not collaborated between the Head of BP3K and the district agricultural extension coordinator. The head of BP3K has not reported the results of the detailed and periodic professionalism assessment of agricultural extension agents to the district agricultural extension coordinator; 5. Strategies to overcome problems in an anticipatory manner through fostering motivation to all agricultural extension workers. Research recommendations: it is recommended that BP3K heads maximize strengths, minimize weaknesses, take advantage of opportunities to overcome challenges. Strategic assumptions are the basis for formulating vision, mission, goals, strategies and policies so that the professionalism of agricultural extension workers can develop to improve the quality of agricultural extension.

Performance Measurement Systems for Circular Supply Chain Management: Current State of Development

With circular supply chain management, the need arises to measure circularity as well as economic, environmental, and social performance. This places higher demands on performance measurement systems for circular supply chain management. The current paper studies the extent to which performance measurement systems for circular supply chain management can meet these higher demands. To gain this insight, a systematic literature review is conducted. Moreover, existing definitions of circular supply chain management are reviewed and an improved definition of circular supply chain management is developed. The current paper finds, among other things, that the literature on performance measurement systems for circular supply chain management is scarce. Moreover, most of the available performance measurement systems for circular supply chain management have not been tested in practice and are therefore still in an early phase of development. Furthermore, none of the available performance measurement systems for circular supply chain management meet the requirements for effective performance measurement systems. More specifically, including interdependencies between performance measures is a requirement that none of the performance measurement systems for circular supply chain management can meet. Including interdependencies would better support the complex decision making that arises in circular supply chain management and enable one to challenge strategic assumptions about the improvement of circularity, economic, environmental, and social performance in parallel.

Sustainable Supply Model of Rotating Equipment Spare Parts in Iran’s Oil Industry using a Combined Approach of System Dynamics (SD) and Strategic Assumptions Surfacing and Testing (SAST)

تأمین قطعات تجهیزات دوار صنعت نفت با توجه به فرسودگی تجهیزات، تحمیل هزینه‌­های هنگفت و زمان بالای ازکارافتادگی، تولید پایدار فرآورده‌­های صنایع نفتی را با مخاطره جدی مواجه می‌­سازد. در این پژوهش به مداخله سیستمی در تأمین پایدار قطعات تجهیزات دوار بر مبنای داده­‌های «شرکت ملّی پالایش نفت آبادان» با استفاده از فراترکیب پویایی­ سیستم (SD) و آشکارسازی و آزمودن پیش­فرض‌­های استراتژیک (SAST) پرداخته شده است و راهکارهای مورد­توافق نسبی با هدف تأمین پایدار شناسایی شده‌­اند که عبارت‌­اند از: 1. پایداری اقتصادی شامل سرمایه­‌گذاری صنعت نفت در قطعه‌­سازی، اصلاح قراردادهای تعمیر-نگهداری و نظارت بر فرآیند طراحی و ساخت قطعات؛ 2. پایداری اجتماعی شامل اصلاح قانون مناقصات تأمین­‌کنندگان قطعات، انتقال تجربه بین متخصصان قطعه­‌سازی و صنعت نفت و آموزش کاربری و ایمنی و 3. پایداری محیط‌­زیستی شامل از رده خارج­‌کردن تجهیزات فرسوده و جایگزین­‌کردن تجهیزات سبز، رعایت استانداردهای ایمنی و محیط­‌زیستی و بازنگری در برنامه نگهداشت پیش‌گیرانه و پیش­بینانه. نتیجه اجرای جداگانه و ترکیبی این راه­کار­ها در افق 20 ساله در سیستم اعمال و مورد ارزیابی قرار گرفت. نتایج شبیه­‌سازی نشان داد که تأمین پایدار قطعات با ترکیب سه استراتژی پایداری اقتصادی، اجتماعی و محیط‌­زیستی و نیز حمایت دولت از صنعت قطعه­‌سازی و تربیت نیروی متخصص بومی بهبود خواهد یافت.