Strategic Business Research Articles

Designing a Digital Interactive Simulation for Teaching Business Analytics, Strategy, and Economics

Students can experience a challenging period of adaptability as they transition from high school to college class activities. As such, students can potentially lose interest in studying entrepreneurial economics, which often leads to difficulties in choosing the academic path that can fulfill their learning enthusiasm as they debut their college journey. The use of an educational game can potentially spark students’ interest in the study of entrepreneurial economics. This research study explores the functional areas in the design of an educational game and the theoretical framework supporting the use of a digital interactive business simulation to facilitate the practical understanding of processes involved in strategic decisions and business analytics in the study of entrepreneurial economics.

Corporate social responsibility and energy efficiency: Empirical evidence from the manufacturing sector of India

AbstractThe strategic business firm manages today's profitability and tomorrow's sustainability to achieve a comparative advantage in the emerging market economy. Considering India's ambitious emission reduction target and rapid economic development, this study explores the potential relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and the energy efficiency of manufacturing firms in India. Using firm‐level data, the panel fixed effects model shows that CSR negatively explains energy intensity (EI). We observed a consistent negative relationship between CSR and EI for all models, with and without controlled firm‐specific variables. Firms that manufacture chemical and chemical products, pharmaceuticals, medical chemicals and botanical products are energy intensive without CSR; however, CSR activities helped these firms become energy efficient. Our result confirms that voluntary CSR is less efficient than mandatory CSR in contributing to environmental and energy‐related indicators at the firm level. Our empirical results indicate several policy implications: (1) CSR should also focus on sustainable business models related to energy efficiency and reduction in carbon emissions; (2) firms should be encouraged to use CSR related to environmentally friendly innovations. We conclude that CSR spending and environmental expenses will increase energy efficiency at the firm level, which will help achieve net‐zero targets and sustainable industrial development.

Pioneering excellence: How women’s transformative leadership drives business excellence, and financial sustainability

This study delves into the dynamic realm of women’s transformative leadership and its influence on the business excellence and financial sustainability of the Development and Consulting Services Institute DCSI at Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University PNU, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Focusing on six strategic business excellence factors: Governance and Policies, Digital Transformation, Human Capital, Project Attraction and Management, Houses of Expertise, and Corporate Social Responsibility CSR, the research aims to explain the positive impact of women’s transformative leadership on these critical dimensions. Data was primarily obtained through an exhaustive review of their achievement, annual reports, and thorough document analysis. Additionally, interviews were conducted with the Institute’s Dean and her team to corroborate and delve deeper into the information gathered from secondary data resources. Employing the Data-Driven VRIO (Value, Rarity, Imitability, and Organization) Framework, the study highlights the Institute’s core competencies and competitive advantages, offering insights into how these factors contribute to its long-term business sustainability. The study reveals a positive correlation between women’s transformative leadership and enhanced business excellence and financial sustainability. This research contributes valuable insights to the ongoing dialogue on leadership dynamics, emphasizing women’s pivotal role in leading institutions toward success and offering a fresh perspective on women leadership in a distinct context.

Pengaruh Penerapan Marketing Mix terhadap Minat Nasabah Pada Investasi Emas di Bank Syariah Indonesia KCP Surabaya Diponegoro 2

Marketing Mix is a marketing activity that is integrated and mutually supports each other. This means that the marketing mix is used by the company to achieve its goals in the target market. Meanwhile, Sharia Marketing is a strategic business discipline that directs the process of creating, offering and changing value from an initiator to its stakeholders, which in the entire process is in accordance with the contract and principles of muamalah (business) in Islam. So, the purpose of this research is to measure the desires/interests of a customer based on interest in a gold investment product by implementing marketing carried out by employees. This research uses quantitative descriptive research methods. Research methodology is a rational, empirical and systematic way of scientific thinking used by researchers in a scientific discipline to carry out research activities. The results of this research show that: The implementation of the Marketing Mix at BSI KCP Surabaya Diponegoro 2 is included in the good category, as evidenced by the results of descriptive statistical analysis of 89% and customer interest in gold investment is also in the good category of 88%. Based on the T Test results, the calculated t value was 3.856 and the Sig. of 0.001. So, because the calculated t value > t table is 3.856 > 2.048 and the Sig. namely 0.001 < 0.05, then H0 is rejected and H1 is accepted, which means that partially there is an influence between (X) and (Y). Based on the R test results, the R Square value analysis results were 0.347. This value shows that the effect of implementing marketing mix on customer interest is 34.7%.

L’Oréal’s Market Strategy: How Business Activities Shape Brand Performance

This paper examines the market strategy of L’Oréal, one of the world’s leading cosmetics groups, and the impact of its business activities on brand performance. The research focuses on the multifaceted approach of L’Oréal in leveraging its global presence and diverse brand portfolio to enhance market performance. By analyzing L’Oréal’s strategic initiatives, including product innovation, digital marketing, sustainability efforts, and regional market adaptation, the study explores how these activities contribute to the company’s competitive advantage and financial success. The paper draws upon a comprehensive analysis of L’Oréal’s business activities review to understand the correlation between strategic and brand performance. It also considers the role of L’Oréal’s marketing mix and the application of SWOT analysis to evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats faced by the company. The findings contribute to the existing body of knowledge on corporate strategy and brand management, offering valuable insights for both academicians and practitioners in the field of marketing and business management. The study concludes with recommendations for L’Oréal to sustain its market leadership and further enhance brand performance through strategic business activities.

Corporate Social Responsibility and Business Ethics: Case Study of TATA Group from India

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has increasingly become a vital component of the global business framework, especially within emerging economies such as India (Maheshwari M et al, 2024). This study delves into the relationship between CSR and business ethics by examining case studies of Indian companies, illustrating how these firms address critical elements of corporate governance and their impact on societal well-being. The analysis of the Tata Group offers an insightful look at how Indian corporations have embraced CSR and ethical practices to improve their brand image, support rural and community development, and foster skill development—all while maintaining long-term business sustainability (Tripathi S. K et al 2024). The study's conclusions highlight the fact that, for Indian businesses, corporate social responsibility (CSR) and business ethics go far beyond simple compliance to become crucial components of strategic business management. In addition to advancing society, businesses that successfully integrate CSR into their operations also strengthen their competitive advantage and long-term sustainability. This case study offers important insights for companies around the world, emphasizing how crucial it is to uphold ethical governance and incorporate social responsibility into corporate objectives.

Artificial Intelligence in Strategic Business Decisions: Enhancing Market Competitiveness

Abstract: Integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into strategic decision-making is essential for enhancing market competitiveness in today's dynamic business environment. AI technologies such as machine learning, natural language processing (NLP), and predictive analytics optimize operations, personalize customer experiences, and drive product innovation. Machine learning algorithms analyze vast data to uncover patterns, aiding better decision-making. Predictive analytics forecasts market trends and consumer behaviors, allowing companies to anticipate demand and streamline supply chains, reducing risks like overproduction and stockouts. NLP-powered chatbots improve customer interactions by handling routine inquiries, freeing human agents for complex issues, and enabling personalized marketing. AI also accelerates product development by analyzing market data and consumer feedback, simulating scenarios, and predicting outcomes. Operational efficiency is enhanced through automation and optimized workflows, saving costs and increasing productivity. Despite these benefits, challenges such as data privacy, algorithmic bias, significant investment, and a shift to a data-driven culture must be managed. Effective AI integration offers significant competitive advantages, positioning companies to leverage predictive analytics, personalized customer interactions, and operational efficiency for growth and innovation.

Research on the Impact of the Digital Transformation of Commercial Banks

The development of the digital economy has presented both opportunities and challenges for the transformation of commercial banks. This article aims to conduct a literature review on the impact of digital transformation on commercial banks and to explore the multi-dimensional effects it brings. Through a review and analysis of relevant domestic and international literature, this paper first defines the connotation of digital transformation in commercial banks. It then conducts a literature analysis and research on the strategic governance, business performance, and risk management aspects of the digital transformation of commercial banks from multiple perspectives. Based on the analysis of the existing literature, the paper explores directions for future in-depth research and offers corresponding policy suggestions, providing a theoretical and practical foundation for the future digital development of commercial banks.

The Role of Strategic Cost Management in Enhancing Business Sustainability

The main objective of study is to test the relationship between strategic cost management and sustainability in the Sudanese food production firms. The main question of the study is there any relationship between strategic cost management and business sustainability? The study tested the hypotheses which reads as follows: (There is a statically significant relationship between strategic cost management and business sustainability). Questionnaires distributed to the respondents, and statistical package of social sciences (SPSS) used for data analysis. The study found out that, there is a statically significant relationship between strategic cost management and sustainability. Based on the study findings, the following recommendations are suggested: Accountants throughout the business should share responsibility for managing costs, firms should reuse and recycle wastes to create new business opportunities, firms should provides equipment to reduce the health and safety impact.

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AND DATA PROTECTION

In today’s interconnected world, t he incorporation of digital technology across all areas of an organization is the key focus of digital transformation, a strategic business initiative. It involves the assessment and modernization of an organization's processes, products, operations, and technology stack to facilitate ongoing, rapid, customer-driven innovation. Digital transformation goes beyond traditional functions such as sales, marketing, and customer service, centering instead on rethinking and engaging with customers. Moving from paper to spreadsheets to intelligent applications for business management presents an opportunity to rethink how we conduct business and interact with our customers, leveraging digital technology in the process. similarly cybersecurity and data privacy have become critical concerns for businesses of all sizes. This paper explores the role of Digital transformation and the evolving landscapes of cyber threats and the importance of robust cybersecurity measures in safeguarding sensitive business information. It examines the various types of cyberattacks, including malware, phishing, and ransomware, that can compromise business operations and erode consumer trust. Additionally, the paper highlights the significance of data privacy in maintaining compliance with regulations such as GDPR and CCPA, and in protecting the personal information of customers and employees.

Comparative Analysis of K-Means and K-Medoids Algorithms for Product Sales Clustering and Customer

In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, effective product management is crucial for maintaining a company's competitive advantage. Comprehensive analysis is essential for providing insights that inform strategic business development decisions. This study examines the sales data of PT XYZ from July 2020 to May 2024 using the K-Medoids algorithm, with dimensionality reduction applied through Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The clustering results identified three customer segments: Cluster 1 with 46 customers, Cluster 2 with 76 customers, and Cluster 3 with 62 customers. For product segmentation, four clusters were identified: Cluster 1 with 52 products, Cluster 2 with 12 products, Cluster 3 with 20 products, and Cluster 4 with 53 products. The K-Medoids algorithm demonstrated superior performance compared to K-Means in terms of cluster separation and interpretability, with visualizations that enhance the understanding of customer and product distributions. This research aids the company in enhancing customer satisfaction, optimizing inventory, and increasing profitability.

Leveraging event portfolios for strategic business development: a case study of Singapore Changi Airport

PurposeThis research article examines event marketing in the airport business, specifically how an airport leverages event portfolios to develop its businesses by marketing itself as a destination, improving the user experience and generating revenue outside of aviation-related activities. Focusing on Singapore Changi Airport as a case study, the research underscores the airport’s business development in a competitive environment.Design/methodology/approachThe study employs thematic data analysis to examine how Changi Airport leverages an event portfolio as a strategic business development tool. It conducts documentary research by gathering a diverse range of grey literature sources from the online public domain. These sources include documents related to airports, online news and media portals and user-generated content on social media platforms. The analysis is conducted in an inductive manner.FindingsSingapore Changi Airport has recently leveraged events as a strategic marketing strategy for developing nonaeronautical business operations. As an attraction to appeal to tourists, the airport organised multiple types of events in its portfolio. Furthermore, the airport offers a wide range of event-related activities within its premises, including both sporting and cultural events. The purpose of these activities is to actively engage visitors and air travellers by offering a range of interactive experiences, including games and challenges. Such event-related activities reflect the airport’s transformation into a lifestyle platform.Originality/valueCritics commonly highlight the lack of empirical research and the restricted relevance of the findings in event and festival research. This article consolidates the existing knowledge on airport management and event business to enhance the event marketing and event portfolio literature, specifically in the setting of airport business.

Ensembles of decision trees and gradient-based learning for employee turnover rate prediction

Employee turnover has a negative impact on business profitability. To tackle this issue, we can utilize computational advancements to forecast attrition and minimize expenses. We employed an HR Analytics dataset to investigate the feasibility of using these predictive models in decision support systems. We developed an ensemble of gradient-based decision trees that accurately predicted employee turnover and performed better than other sophisticated techniques. This approach demonstrates exceptional performance in handling structured and imbalanced data, effectively capturing intricate patterns. Gradient-based decision trees provide scalable solutions that effectively balance predictive accuracy and computational efficiency, making them well-suited for strategic business analysis. The importance of our findings lies in their ability to offer dependable insights for making well-informed decisions in business settings.

An integrated legal and business strategy framework for corporate growth in Nigerian companies

In the dynamic business environment of Nigeria, companies face numerous challenges that necessitate a robust approach to growth and sustainability. This paper presents an Integrated Legal and Business Strategy Framework designed to facilitate corporate growth for Nigerian companies. By aligning legal compliance with strategic business initiatives, the framework aims to enhance operational efficiency, minimize risks, and capitalize on emerging opportunities. The framework encompasses several key components. First, it emphasizes the importance of a thorough understanding of the legal landscape in Nigeria, including relevant regulations, compliance requirements, and potential legal risks. This knowledge enables companies to navigate the complexities of the legal environment effectively, thereby reducing the likelihood of disputes and enhancing their reputation. Second, the framework advocates for the integration of legal considerations into the overall business strategy. This involves incorporating legal insights into decision-making processes, ensuring that business strategies are not only innovative but also compliant with existing laws. By doing so, companies can avoid costly legal pitfalls and foster a culture of compliance and ethical conduct. Additionally, the framework highlights the significance of stakeholder engagement. By actively involving stakeholders—including employees, customers, regulators, and local communities—in the strategic planning process, companies can build trust and improve their corporate image. This engagement is crucial for identifying potential risks and opportunities, thereby informing more effective strategies. Furthermore, the framework encourages the use of technology and data analytics to enhance decision-making processes. By leveraging data-driven insights, companies can optimize their operations, improve compliance monitoring, and adapt quickly to changing market conditions. In conclusion, this Integrated Legal and Business Strategy Framework offers a comprehensive approach for Nigerian companies seeking to achieve sustainable growth. By harmonizing legal and business objectives, organizations can enhance their competitive advantage and resilience in an increasingly complex environment. Keywords: Integrated Framework, Legal Strategy, Business Strategy, Corporate Growth, Nigerian Companies, Compliance, Stakeholder Engagement.

Translating HR Impact to Business Impact

Abstract: Translating HR Impact to Business Impact: A Practitioner's Guide focuses on providing human resources (HR) professionals with practical strategies and recommendations for demonstrating how HR activities and initiatives translate into meaningful business outcomes and value. Through drawing on years of consulting experience, academic literature, and real-world organizational examples, the article outlines a step-by-step framework for aligning HR priorities with strategic business goals, establishing causal links between people investments and performance through research, defining HR and business-level key performance indicators, partnering with finance on return-on-investment measurement, and effectively communicating impact through compelling case studies and storytelling. The goal is to help HR professionals earn a greater strategic role by rigorously measuring and clearly illustrating how people-focused strategies and interventions meaningfully contribute to organizational metrics valued by senior leaders.

Evolution of technological leadership with the introduction of industry 4.0

The advent of Industry 4.0 has reshaped the landscape of technological leadership, marked by the integration of the Internet of Things into manufacturing environments. This study explores the evolution of leadership within the context of Industry 4.0, differentiating between managers and leaders. The journey from employee 1.0 to employee 4.0 is outlined, highlighting the transformation from obedient subordinates to self-managers, strategic business units, entrepreneurs, and, ultimately, individuals with free flowing viewpoints in the workforce. This study delves into the distinct requirements for effective leadership in each industrial phase. In Industry 1.0 and 2.0, leaders focused on mastering machinery and adapting to emerging technologies, while Industry 3.0 saw the rise of information technology and employees as entrepreneurs. The advent of Industry 4.0, characterized by the Internet of Things (IoT), demands leaders to be cross-hierarchical, team oriented, and cooperative, placing a premium on personal competence. A 2-dimensional matrix is introduced to summarize the essential attributes of technological leadership in Industry 4.0. The matrix, gauging "concern for people" and "concern for innovation and technology," distinguishes between "technological leaders" and "digital leaders." While technological leaders emphasize technology, digital leaders exhibit high concern for both technology and people. This study emphasizes the significance of digital leaders in fostering innovation through a cooperative and team-oriented approach, aligning with the collaborative dynamics of Industry 4.0.

Strategic Business Units and SWOT Application in Business Management Strategy

Strategic Business Units and SWOT Application in Business Management Strategy

Impact of Organizational Structure on the Implementation of Government Funded Projects at Kenya Ports Authority

The strategic planning process provided a structured approach aimed at developing and executing a comprehensive strategic business plan. This study aimed to examine the impact of organizational structure on the implementation of government-funded projects at the Kenya Ports Authority. The study was grounded in the systems theory. A descriptive research design was employed, targeting a population of 1,210 management staff at the Kenya Ports Authority’s Mombasa headquarters. The Slovin’s Formula was applied to determine the sample size, while a stratified random sampling method was employed to select 300 participants from the total population. The study incorporated both primary and secondary sources of data. Semi-structured questionnaires were used for primary data collection, generating quantitative data from closed-ended questions and qualitative data from open-ended questions. Quantitative data underwent analysis employing both descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Descriptive statistics involved the examination of data through percentages, mean, and standard deviation, while inferential statistics utilized Pearson’s product moment correlation (r) and multiple regression analysis to assess hypotheses at a 95% confidence level. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. Objectives were scrutinized using mean and standard deviation, while the impact of strategic planning on project implementation of government funded project in KPA was analyzed through regression analysis. Organization Structure (p=0.001) was found to significantly impact project implementation. The findings underscored the significant influence of organizational structure on implementation of government funded project in KPA.

Recognizing the ideal patterns of strategic flexibility, IT strategy and business performance: a cluster analysis approach

PurposeIn spite of intensive research that explained the strategic flexibility-performance and information technology (IT) strategy-performance relationships, there is a little insight regarding how these notions ideally affect business performance. Accordingly, this study attempts to investigate how businesses can translate IT directions and strategic practices into actual increases in business performance. More precisely, the primary purpose of this paper is to explore the influential role of strategic flexibility and IT strategy on business performance considering balanced scorecard (BSC) dimensions in the context of the tourism industry.Design/methodology/approachAn empirical investigation of 331 tourism businesses was performed to explore the relationship between strategic flexibility, IT strategy and business performance. A non-probability convenience sampling was applied to select the sample. Factor analysis, descriptive statistics and cluster analysis were used to analyze the data.FindingsThe findings include the clustering of the studied businesses in terms of strategic flexibility and IT strategy. A cluster analysis based on strategic flexibility indicates that businesses can be divided into four main clusters, and based on IT strategy, they can be classified in three main clusters. The results show that businesses with a high level of strategic flexibility and a high level of IT strategic practices have high performance. More importantly, it was known that proactiveness and strategic use of IT have more predictor role on performance.Originality/valueA review of the strategic management literature reveals a lack of empirical studies that adequately explore the significant roles of strategic flexibility and IT strategy on business performance in the tourism industry. This paper provides actionable insights into these two main determinants that explain why some tourism businesses outperform others. The primary contribution of this study is to address the gap in our understanding of the interconnections between strategic flexibility, IT strategy and business performance through cluster analysis in the tourism industry.

Digital Infrastructure as a New Organizational Digital Climate Dimension

This study investigates the influence of digital infrastructure on creating an organizational climate conducive to digital transformation. It highlights the critical role of data lakes, network connectivity, and a shared digital language in cultivating an environment that aligns managerial objectives with employee engagement in digital initiatives. Through grounded theory methodology, the research uncovers how robust digital infrastructure can bridge the gap between leadership’s digital aspirations and employees’ practical use of digital tools, promoting data-driven decision-making and improving organizational performance. The findings suggest that a well-developed digital infrastructure is essential for fostering a digital climate that supports strategic business goals and enhances competitive advantage.