Strategic Engagement Research Articles

China's Strategic Engagement in the Middle East: Navigating the Belt and Road Initiative and U.S. Leverage of the Abraham Accords

China's Strategic Engagement in the Middle East: Navigating the Belt and Road Initiative and U.S. Leverage of the Abraham Accords

Advancing Thai Agriculture: Strategic Proposals for a Young Smart Farmer in Thailand

The study "Advancing Thai Agriculture: Strategic Proposals for a Young Smart Farmer in Thailand" addresses the critical role of agriculture in Thailand's economy and the challenges it faces, such as climate change, water scarcity, and market volatility. It emphasizes the importance of young smart farmers and innovative solutions like smart farming technologies, sustainable practices, and educational programs to ensure the sector's future sustainability and productivity. The research employs qualitative methods, including interviews and participant observations, to gather data on governmental policies and the preparedness of the next generation of farmers. The findings suggest a need for strategic planning and stakeholder engagement to foster a new generation of knowledgeable, technologically adept farmers. This effort aligns with national strategies to transform Thailand into a knowledge-driven economy, emphasizing sustainable and efficient agricultural practices.

A Content Analysis of the Vision Statements of Top 10 Leading Universities in Indonesia

This study analyzes the vision statements of Indonesia's top 10 universities, as ranked by Times Higher Education in 2024. Vision statements are crucial for defining a university’s strategic direction, identity, and stakeholder engagement. The content analysis identifies recurring themes, including scientific advancement, innovation, community empowerment, and global competitiveness. While these statements articulate ambitious goals, potential challenges such as symbolic rhetoric and institutional isomorphism may hinder their effectiveness. The findings emphasize the need for vision statements that are actionable and aligned with the institution's mission. The study concludes with recommendations for further research on the practical implementation of these visions and the role of leadership, as well as strategies for embedding visions into institutional culture.

The Influence of Social Media Strategy, Customer Interaction, and Word of Mouth on E-commerce Purchase Intention

This study investigates the effects of social media strategy, customer interaction, and word of mouth on e-commerce purchase intention. Utilizing a quantitative approach, data were collected from 360 respondents using a structured questionnaire with a Likert scale ranging from 1 to 5. The analysis employed Structural Equation Modeling with Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS 3) to assess the relationships among the variables. The findings reveal that a well-implemented social media strategy significantly enhances customer interaction and positively influences word of mouth, which in turn drives purchase intention in the e-commerce sector. These results underscore the importance of strategic social media engagement and effective customer communication in fostering consumer intent to purchase online. The study provides valuable insights for e-commerce businesses seeking to optimize their marketing strategies and enhance customer engagement.

Customers' Perception on Packaging, Convenience, Social Media Marketing and Brand Equity of Herbal Products

The rise in popularity of herbal products, driven by their perceived natural safety and efficacy, has led to increased consumer demand and scrutiny. This study investigates customer perceptions of packaging, convenience, social media marketing, and brand equity for herbal products distributed in Negros Island, Philippines. The objectives were to assess perceptions of packaging elements, evaluate convenience aspects, analyze social media marketing effectiveness, and measure brand equity. It also examined the relationships between packaging, social media marketing, and brand equity. Employing a quantitative approach with descriptive comparative and correlational designs, the study utilized a sample of 385 respondents, selected through purposive quota sampling. Data were collected via a customized questionnaire, and statistical analysis was performed using mean, standard deviation, and Spearman’s rho. Results indicated high customer satisfaction with packaging, especially regarding printed information. Transaction convenience was rated highest among convenience aspects, while access convenience was noted as an area for improvement. Social media marketing was positively perceived, with interaction valued most highly. The study found significant positive correlations between packaging and brand equity (r = 0.692, p < 0.001) and between social media marketing and brand equity (r = 0.447, p < 0.001). The findings underscore the importance of effective packaging and strategic social media engagement in enhancing brand equity. Improved packaging and robust social media marketing strategies are crucial for building customer trust, satisfaction, and brand loyalty. The study provides actionable insights for herbal product distributors to optimize their marketing approaches and strengthen their brand positioning.

Tourism in the polycrisis: a Horizon 2050 paper

Purpose Tourism faces a range of interconnected and potentially transformative global risks – collectively considered an evolving polycrisis – that have not been adequately defined and understood. As a result, the industry struggles to proactively anticipate and mitigate potential future challenges, while governments lack insight for strategic longer-term decision-making on tourism development. The purpose of this paper is to advance tourism sector consideration of global change threats and their complex interactions and more effectively incorporate these risks into tourism futures planning. Design/methodology/approach This conceptual gap is addressed through a discussion of the World Economic Forum’s Global Risk Reports, and their definition of environmental, economic, geopolitical, societal and technological risk categories. In applying results to tourism, a preliminary expert assessment of global risks serves as a foundational framework to incorporate potential global change threats more effectively into tourism futures planning and decision-making. Findings Additional research should be prioritized to examine global risks most influential of tourism, how and where they may interact, how to convert risk categories into measurable indicators and to evaluate whether risk assessments can contribute to mitigating the evolving polycrisis. Originality/value This paper discusses the systematic and strategic engagement with global risks for tourism, critically reviews the World Economic Forum’s Global Risk Reports from tourism perspective, presents key risk dimensions driving future tourism development, provides a foundational framework to further assess global risk for tourism and compels tourism academy to prioritize global change research agenda.

Exploration of Solid Phase Peptoid Synthesis for the Design of Trifunctional Hapten-Lipid-TLR7/8 Agonist Antibody-Recruiting Oligomers That Combine Innate Effector with Innate Activation Function.

The strategic engagement of innate immunity is a promising avenue for cancer treatment. Antibody-recruiting molecules (ARMs) direct endogenous antibodies to target tumor sites, eliciting innate immune effector killing responses. In this study, we report the synthesis of ARMs by employing solid-phase peptoid synthesis to construct three libraries of antibody-recruiting oligomers. Using dinitrophenyl (DNP) as a model hapten and alkyl lipid chains for cell surface anchoring, we tailored oligomers with variations in valency and spatial configuration. Among these, an oligomer design featuring DNP connected to the oligomer backbone through an extended PEG linker and flanked by two lipid motifs emerged as the most effective in antibody recruitment in vitro. This oligomer was further functionalized to include an imidazoquinoline, creating a trifunctional hapten-lipid-TLR7/8 agonist oligomer, and a parallel variant was conjugated with rhodamine, resulting in a trifunctional hapten-lipid-dye oligomer. Upon intratumorally administration in a murine model, these oligomers induced localized immune activation within tumors. Subsequent ex vivo analysis of single-cell suspensions from excised tumors confirmed the enhanced binding of anti-DNP antibodies. These findings underscore the potential of custom-designed ARMs in orchestrating precise immune-mediated tumor targeting and highlight the adaptability of solid-phase synthesis in oligomer design for the design of multifunctional antibody recruiting molecules.

Strategic Engagement with SDGs in China’s Semiconductor Sector: Compliance, Performance Enhancement, and National Policy

Strategic Engagement with SDGs in China’s Semiconductor Sector: Compliance, Performance Enhancement, and National Policy

Acceptance of artificial intelligence technologies in business management, finance, and e-commerce: factors, challenges, and strategies

This research investigates the comprehensive acceptance of artificial intelligence (AI) in business management, finance, and e-commerce, focusing on the factors driving its adoption, the obstacles encountered, and strategies for enhancing integration. AI technologies have transformed these sectors, delivering exceptional efficiencies, predictive analytics, and personalized customer experiences. However, their acceptance is influenced by various factors, including technological readiness, organizational culture, and perceived benefits. In business management, AI improves decision-making processes, optimizes operations, and fosters innovation. Financial institutions utilize AI for risk management, fraud detection, and personalized banking services, while the e-commerce sector gains from AI through enhanced customer service, dynamic pricing, and inventory management. Despite these benefits, challenges such as data privacy concerns, high implementation costs, and resistance to change impede widespread adoption. Additionally, ethical considerations and the need for regulatory compliance add layers of complexity. This paper identifies key strategies to address these challenges, such as promoting a culture of innovation, investing in AI education and training, and developing robust data governance frameworks. Strategic partnerships and collaborations with AI experts and tech firms are also essential for navigating the AI landscape. By comprehensively addressing these factors and challenges, businesses can unlock AI's full potential, driving sustainable growth and competitive advantage. This study contributes to understanding AI acceptance in critical sectors, providing a roadmap for successful AI implementation and emphasizing the importance of strategic planning and stakeholder engagement.

Development of an multicriteria decision analysis framework for rare disease reimbursement prioritization in Malaysia.

Rare diseases (RD)-related policies have received significant attention due to the pressing medical requirements associated with these medical conditions and the substantial impact and treatments they may have on healthcare budgets. Nevertheless, policymakers frequently encounter difficulties in managing issues concerning resource allocation and prioritization within this population. Realizing the need to address such problems, this study was conducted to develop a framework based on the multicriteria decision analysis to improve RD reimbursement prioritization in Malaysia. Primarily, a scoping review was performed to identify the methods and criteria used for the reimbursement of RD treatment, followed by strategic stakeholder engagement and a deliberative process on determining the best approach for the framework, including criteria identification, elicitation of weights, and a pilot assessment using the framework. The findings reflected the priorities and perspectives of the stakeholders, which identified eight key criteria and their associated weights, namely effectiveness (19.6 percent), disease severity (15.6 percent), safety (14.2 percent), access to treatment (12.6 percent), economic consideration (12.2 percent), type of therapeutic treatment (11.5 percent), availability of alternatives (8.3 percent), and population group (6 percent). In summary, the developed framework was well-accepted by the Rare Disease Committee, which will be applied as part of the committee deliberation for transparent and equitable decision making on fund allocation and reimbursement of orphan and RD treatment in Malaysia.

Pressure ulcer prevention for people with long-term neurological conditions (LTNCs) who self-manage care and live at home

AimTo develop a Theory of Change (ToC) pathway to facilitate the development of a multi-component intervention package supporting pressure Ulcer (PU) risk identification and management, in partnership with people with Long Term Neurological Conditions (LTNC) who self-manage care and live at home, their informal carers and PAs. MethodsA participatory approach, with extensive input from those whose lives are the focus of the research, was used throughout the 4 interlinked work packages (WP):•WP1 – Development of two co-operative Inquiry Groups (CIGs)•WP2 - Semi-structured interviews and/or app participation•WP3– Professional and strategic stakeholder engagement•WP4–Systems mapping and Theory of Change (ToC pathway developmentIterative data analysis was undertaken with emerging findings from each WP informing subsequent stages of the study. FindingsOverall, 74 participants contributed across the 4 WPs, incorporating 31 Service Users (SU), 8 carers, 9 Personal Assistants (PAs) and 26 professional stakeholders. We identified 8 key themes related to PU prevention, incorporating, learning, safe routines, third sector and peer support, navigating complex systems, adapting and reacting to change, perceptions of risk, risk negotiation and supporting roles. The findings indicate systemic and professional barriers which hamper people's ability to self-care and seek help. ConclusionsThe study highlights the complexities and impact of managing PU prevention activities at home for people with LTNC and areas of learning for health professionals and systems. By understanding these complexities we developed a systems map, identified resource requirements and illustrated a Theory of Change (ToC) pathway, to underpin future work to develop and user test an interactive, multi-component intervention.

Navigating new waters: China's strategic responses to the Indo-Pacific economic framework for prosperity

ABSTRACT The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) represents a significant pivot in the economic and strategic orientations of the Indo-Pacific region, reflecting a collective endeavor to foster economic integration, sustainability, and security among its member states. This shift has profound implications for China, a main regional power with vested interests across the economic, political, and security spectrums. This paper delves into the multifaceted options available to China in response to the IPEF, analysing the strategic, economic, and diplomatic avenues Beijing might pursue to safeguard its interests and maintain its regional presence. Through a comprehensive examination of official statements, policy adjustments, and strategic engagements, the paper outlines China's nuanced approach towards the IPEF, ranging from competitive economic policies and regional partnerships to diplomatic overtures aimed at reshaping the narrative around regional cooperation and development. By dissecting these strategies, the paper sheds light on the evolving dynamics of regional power play, offering insights into how China navigates the challenges and opportunities posed by the IPEF. The analysis concludes with a discussion on the potential ramifications of China's strategies for the regional order, suggesting pathways for future research and policy considerations.

Relationship between Media Coverage and Public Opinion during Political Campaigns in South Africa

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between media coverage and public opinion during political campaigns in South Africa. Materials and Methods: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The study indicated that media coverage significantly influences public opinion by shaping perceptions, framing issues, and highlighting particular aspects of candidates and policies. During political campaigns, the media serves as a primary source of information for the electorate, often determining the salience of issues and the prominence of candidates. Extensive and favorable media coverage can enhance a candidate's visibility and credibility, potentially swaying undecided voters and reinforcing the views of supporters. Conversely, negative coverage can damage a candidate's public image and diminish their support base. The framing of news stories, the selection of topics, and the tone of coverage play critical roles in this process. For instance, media emphasis on certain campaign issues can lead to a phenomenon known as agenda-setting, where the public perceives these issues as more important. Additionally, the portrayal of candidates through specific narratives can influence voter perceptions, contributing to the formation of public opinion. The interplay between media coverage and public opinion underscores the media's power in shaping political landscapes and affecting electoral outcomes. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Agenda-setting theory, framing theory and spiral of silence theory may be used to anchor future studies on assessing the relationship between media coverage and public opinion during political campaigns in South Africa. From a practical standpoint, political campaigns must adopt strategic media engagement to shape public opinion effectively. In terms of policy, there is a pressing need for regulations that promote accountability and transparency in media coverage during political campaigns.

Mobilising Transnational Labour Law in Search of Transformation in Europe

Abstract This paper provides a critical map of trade unions’ strategic engagements with transnational legal mechanisms in Europe. Despite high profile defeats and challenges faced by workers and trade unions before supranational courts, they have continued to mobilise complaint and supervisory mechanisms at the transnational level. This raises questions about the reasons why and how law is mobilised in the industrial relations context and over the transformative potential of transnational labour law. Legal argumentation has been mobilised to defend and redetermine legislative rights to protect vulnerable workers and provide the conditions for democracy at work. The experience of legal mobilisation detailed in this paper encourages a sceptical and pragmatic approach to social transformation via legal mobilisation. It will set out the legal opportunities that shape the effectiveness of transnational labour law mobilisation, as well as the structural limitations and competing normative interests that delimit the interpretive trajectory, recognition, and enjoyment of collective labour rights in contemporary Europe.

Investigating the actualization of open data affordances for start-up entrepreneurs

Purpose This paper aims to explore the extent of open data actualization for start-up entrepreneurs based on affordance theory. The principal interest of the study revolves around the possible actions or actualization of open data for innovation and entrepreneurial benefits. Design/methodology/approach The author used a qualitative case study as the research design. The author consulted the central public agency that manages open data implementations in Malaysia regarding the research topic. By doing so, the author recognized and interviewed start-up entrepreneurs who actualize open data in businesses. From that exercise, the author conducted a snowball sampling technique to recruit more informants for the research. Start-up entrepreneurs selected for the study must be active in an entrepreneurial project and have at least one year of experience using open data for innovation and entrepreneurship. The author conducted 30 online semistructured interviews with start-up entrepreneurs, representatives from open data providers and a start-up association for triangulation purposes. The author adopted affordance theory as a lens of understanding. Qualitative analysis software was used to generate research findings. Findings In this study, start-up entrepreneurs actualize open data in three principal areas: product building with open data, value creation with existing products and open data for business research and strategies. The study came across distinct narratives of local start-ups that build open data products named “a property start-up,” “mechanics on the go” and “peer-to-peer digital charity movement.” Also, the study discovered three unanticipated findings about the research topic. First, the study uncovered two start-ups that used open data to enhance algorithm designs. Second, the study revealed a unique narrative of a start-up that pivoted business ideas based on open data during the Covid-19 pandemic. Third, the study learned about a start-up that initiated strategic partnerships with an agricultural association and smallholder farmers inspired by open data. These findings extend the literature on how start-up entrepreneurs actualize open data for entrepreneurial gains in a developing economy. What is also unique about this study is that there might be an open data misconception among start-up entrepreneurs. The findings advocate that some start-up entrepreneurs believed all data should be shared or opened upon request based on the generic understanding of open data. Clearly, this is a fallacy, and better awareness is required among start-up entrepreneurs regarding open data principles and implementations. Practical implications Data providers need to build a credible image of open data as a foundation to drive actualization. This can be achieved through capacity building, awareness campaigns and strategic engagements with start-up entrepreneurs. Open data institutions need to initiate flagship projects with start-up associations in highly valuable sectors to demonstrate commercial applications of open data in certain fields. Originality/value Previous research provides limited empirical studies on the commercial application of open data for start-up entrepreneurs. Hence, the novelty of this study lies in understanding how start-up entrepreneurs actualize open data to create value in their respective fields.

LEARNER AGENCY, ENGLISH PROFICIENCY, AND LEARNING BEYOND THE CLASSROOM: LESSONS FROM TEN ADVANCED EFL LEARNERS

Within the framework of sociocultural theories, this study investigated how affordances in various beyond the classroom settings supported the development of agency and English proficiency among advanced EFL learners. The participants were 10 Taiwanese college students, each with at least B2 proficiency according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Data were gathered through a qualitative approach encompassing semi-structured interviews, writing samples, and a 23-item questionnaire. A grounded theory approach was adopted to analyze and interpret the data. The findings revealed that contextual affordances were not always immediately accessible or apparent to learners and exhibited considerable variability across different locations, which could impede or facilitate the learners’ development of agency and English proficiency. The mediator played an indispensable role in guiding learners toward effectively utilizing these resources. Furthermore, the development of learners' English proficiency in beyond-the-classroom settings was intricately intertwined with that of their agency, both of which were deeply rooted in and shaped by sociocultural contexts. As learners enhanced their English proficiency through the mediator’s strategic engagement with contextual affordances, their agency concurrently flourished, prompting them to proactively seek additional affordances and explore further opportunities for autonomous decision-making and action.

Enhancing Mission Wellness: Iterative Optimization and Stakeholder Engagement to Promote Sexual and Reproductive Health in the United States Military.

Sexual and reproductive health is critical for the readiness of the warfighter, as costs of sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancy result in added health care costs, lost mission time, and impact on morale. The Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST) is an engineering-inspired framework used to optimize biobehavioral interventions. The Military Active-Duty Reproductive and Sexual Health (MARSH) research team applied the MOST framework to develop "Mission Wellness"-an electronic health intervention to promote sexual and reproductive health within the U.S. Military. From 2017 to 2022, the MARSH team implemented the first and second phases of MOST to develop and optimize "Mission Wellness." All phases received institutional review board approval. The first phase consisted of expert and literature review, qualitative interviews, and beta testing to identify intervention components and the optimization objective and to inform study design. The second phase consisted of a factorial trial. Figures1-4 outline the research program approach, demographics of the sample, and format of the app. Service members who used the application found it to be acceptable and, overall, reported that it would be easier to talk to a sexual partner about risk behaviors and history at the post-intervention assessment compared to baseline. This iterative optimization approach using both local and strategic engagement enhanced program development and set the stage for dissemination and implementation efforts. In line with the iterative nature of MOST, the lessons learned during the optimization trial led the MARSH team to return "Mission Wellness" to the preparation phase. The utilization of mixed (i.e., qualitative and quantitative) research methods and engagement with stakeholders at multiple levels of the military enterprise provided the information necessary to further optimize "Mission Wellness." This programmatic approach also provides a blueprint for the development of research design and testing in military health care balancing rigor and agility.

Care You Can Trust: How the Black Men's Health Clinic Leverages Community Partnerships Charting a Course Where Health Care Struggles to Reach.

Black men in the United States have a lower life expectancy than Hispanic and White populations due to elevated morbidity and mortality from various health conditions. This is partially attributable to the experience of systemic racism and earned mistrust toward health professionals, the majority of whom are not Black. Despite recognition of this issue, limited progress has been made to improve Black men's health trajectories. Thus, there is an urgent need for health care organizations to reach more Black men and address existing health inequities through innovative means. Larry Wallace Sr., an experienced health care executive, recognized this issue in his community and created the Black Men's Health Clinic (BMHC) with his son, Larry Wallace Jr., to improve health care delivery to Black men in and around Austin, Texas. BMHC has successfully reached Black men in its catchment area through its strategic community engagement efforts and a unique financial model to increase health care accessibility for a population that has historically experienced poor health outcomes. Furthermore, they offer a comprehensive range of services that acknowledge the impact of social and structural determinants of health and address social needs to provide Black men with access to vetted, high-quality health care. Consequently, BMHC's health care model offers a useful framework for other health care organizations that are aiming to achieve health equity. The BMHC model is presented herein, highlighting strategies for other health care organizations to reach Black men and deliver trusted care. Implementing suggestions discussed in this work may lead to improved health outcomes for Black men in the United States.

Strategic Engagement: Elevating Metoprolol Awareness in East India through Hidoc Dr's Campaign

Strategic Engagement: Elevating Metoprolol Awareness in East India through Hidoc Dr's Campaign

Strategic Engagement and Brand Perception: An Analysis of Social Media Marketing in the Luxury Automobile Industry

Internet marketing has undergone significant changes in the digital age, greatly influencing customer behavior, purchasing habits, and corporate marketing strategies. This research examines the impact of social media marketing on increasing strategic engagement and brand awareness in the luxury automotive industry, with a specific focus on Mercedes-Benz compared to other luxury brands. By conducting comparative analysis, case studies, and data analysis, this study demonstrates how luxury automotive companies employ social media content to enhance brand awareness and engage consumers. The results indicate that Mercedes-Benzs comprehensive social media strategy, which includes visually appealing content and interactive campaigns, has successfully improved brand equity and consumer response. This research underscores the importance of implementing an advanced social media marketing strategy for luxury brands to uphold their reputation and cultivate long-term customer loyalty.