Strategic Expansion Research Articles

The Future of Human Resources: How Technology is Shaping Workforce Management

In today's corporate world, technology is fundamentally altering HR departments. These technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), automation, and advanced data analytics, expand HR's capabilities from hiring and personnel management to performance reviews and employee engagement. This study investigates the ways in which these technologies affect personnel management and the strategic expansion of businesses. By using real-world examples and then analyzing the difficulties based on a survey of the literature, this research has brought attention to the strategic importance of implementing HR digitalization. However, despite the obstacles emerging from those paths - privacy issues, inadequacies in skill, and opposition to changes - the long-term efficiency achieved through decisionmaking and employee experience pushes the adoption of HR technology as an essential aspect of organizations. KEY WORDS: HR Technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Workforce Management,Machine Learning (ML), Data Analytics, Employee Engagement, Automation

Children of Littlechild: Ten Steps to Public Ownership

AbstractFollowing Labour's general election victory, public ownership has made a tentative return to Britain's economic statecraft. Focussing on the example of GB Energy—the proposed publicly owned clean power generator—the article explores the functional case for public ownership and investment as the most effective mechanism for rebuilding Britain, and sets out a pathway for its strategic expansion.

Expansion Direction Selection of the Coal-to-Olefin Industrial Chain in Inner Mongolia from the Value Chain Perspective

Inner Mongolia is a key region for China’s clean energy production and a demonstration base for modern coal chemical industry production. However, modern coal chemical industry development in this region faces many problems, such as complex downstream product structures, low value-added products, and severe environmental pollution. With limited future coal allowance in the coal chemical industry, the scarce available coal will likely be allocated to fields with strong product competitiveness to enhance industrial chain value. Given this, the Inner Mongolia coal-to-olefin industrial chain is selected to explore its strategic expansion directions. An improved value chain accounting method is proposed to account for the value of each segment of the coal-to-olefin industrial chain in Inner Mongolia from 2011 to 2022. The improved value chain accounting method is then combined with system dynamics to construct a model for selecting the expansion directions of the coal-to-olefin industrial chain based on the value chain perspective. Finally, the differences in the value of each future expansion direction are analyzed through scenario simulation and comparison. The most important result is that the higher the extension of the coal-to-olefin industry chain in Inner Mongolia, the higher the value of the industry chain. Carbon punishment is the most important factor affecting the value of the industry chain, and enterprises and governments should increase investment in innovation and renewable energy. Accordingly, this study provides a decision-making method for selecting the optimal expansion direction of the modern coal chemical industrial chain in Inner Mongolia.

Failure Prediction Models using Vibration Data Motor and Gearbox: A Case Research in The Mining Industry PT Angsana Coal

PT Angsana Coal (PT AC) is a major coal mining company in South Kalimantan, Indonesia, which is a subsidiary of PT Energi Sinar Dunia Tbk under the Energi Mas Group. With a vision to be a leading energy provider, PT AC has increased its coal production from 6 million tons per annum (MTPA) in 2015 to 42 MTPA in 2023, with a target of reaching 54 MTPA through strategic expansion and infrastructure improvement. The company's operations prioritize sustainable resource management, advanced technology, and coal extraction efficiency. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of vibration analysis-based predictive maintenance implementation in improving Bunati system reliability, reducing downtime, and lowering maintenance costs. The research method includes historical data collection related to reactive maintenance and comparative analysis of system performance before and after the implementation of predictive maintenance. The results showed that PT AC's reactive maintenance strategy led to a significant increase in unscheduled maintenance downtime, peaking at 706.90 hours in 2018 due to frequent motor and gearbox breakdowns. The implementation of predictive maintenance is able to detect early signs of wear and tear, enabling timely intervention, thus improving system reliability, lowering downtime, and reducing overall maintenance costs. The implications of this study show that investment in monitoring tools, personnel training, and a robust data framework can improve PT AC's operational efficiency, support the achievement of production targets, and promote the sustainability of the energy industry.

Drilling pressure relief under confining pressure: energy effect and numerical simulation analysis

ABSTRACT Mine pressure bump can be effectively mitigated through drilling pressure relief, with the success of this method largely dependent on the selection of appropriate drilling parameters. This study investigates the pressure relief behaviour of rock masses subjected to various drilling parameters, accounting for lateral constraints and vertical stress, and employing independently designed drilling testing equipment. A combination of theoretical research, laboratory experiments and numerical simulations was employed to derive the findings. The results indicate that increases in borehole size and depth lead to a decrease in both the peak strength of the rock mass and the accumulated elastic strain energy prior to reaching peak stress. Furthermore, higher peak stresses are transmitted to deeper sections of the rock, thereby enhancing the overall pressure relief effect. Additionally, rock creep becomes more pronounced with greater pressure relief. The study also reveals that the degree of initial rock mass damage and the frequency of acoustic emission events increase with the efficiency of pressure relief. The findings suggest that an effective strategy to optimise borehole pressure relief involves first prioritising joint pressure relief through multiple boreholes, followed by the strategic expansion of borehole diameters, and ultimately, the increase in borehole depth.

Abstract Su505: Impact of a Targeted Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Program on Survival After Ventricular Fibrillation Cardiac Arrest in the Sao Paulo Metropolitan Subway System: A Landmark Initiative in Latin America

The targeted Automated External Defibrillator (AED) program in the Sao Paulo Metro has yielded promising results in improving survival rates for individuals experiencing out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) due to ventricular arrhythmias. A longitudinal observational study conducted from September 2006 to November 2023 assessed the program's impact on survival outcomes. The implementation of the full program led to a significant improvement in survival to hospital discharge with minimal neurological impairment (0% vs. 43%, P=0.001). These findings underscore the importance of a targeted AED program in improving survival outcomes for OHCA, particularly in densely populated urban environments such as the Sao Paulo Metro. The short interval between arrest and defibrillation emerged as a critical factor in achieving favorable long-term, neurologically intact survival rates. The success of this program advocates for the strategic expansion of targeted AED initiatives in other large Latin American cities, emphasizing the potential to save lives and enhance public health outcomes through proactive emergency medical response measures.

The influence of consumer ethnocentrism and cosmopolitanism on purchase intentions of Chinese pre-made dishes

With the flourishing development of domestic and international market potential for pre-made dishes (PMDs), an increasing number of PMD enterprises are redirecting their focus towards foreign markets, particularly within the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) member countries. This study aims to analyze the intentions of overseas Chinese consumers to consume Chinese PMDs by employing structural equation modeling (SEM) within the framework of the theory of planned behavior, utilizing a sample of 594 overseas Chinese people residing in RCEP member countries. The findings reveal that home ethnocentrism and cosmopolitanism positively influence their purchase intentions, whereas host ethnocentrism exerts a negative influence. Subjective norms, attitude, and perceived behavioral control mediated these relationships, with food quality moderating the mediating pathways. These insights contribute to a deeper understanding of purchase intentions and their underlying mechanisms within overseas Chinese people, providing valuable guidance for Chinese PMD enterprises regarding their strategic expansion into international markets. Furthermore, this study offers important insights for enterprises from other countries engaged in food export, facilitating their penetration into global markets.

A success story in a low-resource setting: Advancing cancer diagnostics in underserved region

Abstract Introduction/Objective Shefaa Al Orman Hospital (SOH) is the first oncology hospital in Luxor. Since its inception in 2016, the hospital has served approximately 45,000 patients from Luxor and other governorates. The hospital’s lab provides excellent routine laboratory services. However, there is a pressing demand for molecular genetics and cytogenetics, that is necessary for diagnosis of hematological malignancies. This strategic expansion faced several challenges: lack of expertise and the need for special expensive equipment and reagents. Methods/Case Report The project started with collaboration with oncologists to convene on a simplified panel with the aim of prioritizing clinically relevant tests. At first, these investigations were referred to a specialized oncology hospital in Cairo. This entailed 2 problems: transport of samples led to deterioration of the quality of some samples and delay in results reporting. In the second phase, experienced consultants from Cairo were enlisted to provide training and mentorship to local staff. Infrastructure setup included the allocation of dedicated laboratory space and the procurement of specialized equipment. Test method selection was used to achieve successful transition. In cytogenetics, we started with FISH technique which, while more expensive, gave rapid and reliable results. After gaining experience, the technique of conventional karyotyping was established. On the other hand, in molecular genetics, we resorted to custom made reagent mix preparation, instead of commercial kits. This approach, while more laborious, is less expensive. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) With the gradual successful in-house setup of these tests, there has been a notable reduction of out-sourced samples to 5%. This has led to shorter result turnaround times. Cytogenetics and FISH improved from 4 to 1 week, while molecular genetics decreased from 4 to 2 weeks. Moreover, the local processing of samples has minimized the risk of sample damage during transportation, ensuring the integrity of test results. Conclusion The establishment of the Molecular Genetics and Cytogenetics Laboratory at SOH represents a significant milestone. The hospital has successfully overcome logistical challenges and enhanced diagnostic capabilities for hematological malignancies, contributing to better patient outcomes and satisfaction. Moving forward, the continued investment in infrastructure, personnel training, and quality assurance measures will further strengthen the hospital’s capacity to provide high-quality cancer care to the community.

Strategic expansion – Guinness Nigeria, management accounting information and upper echelons

ABSTRACT Research based on upper echelons theory has examined characteristics of top managers and their effects on accounting choices. In this paper, we show that management accounting information may influence the relationship between top manager characteristics and organizational outcomes. We draw on the historical case of the Guinness brewing company expanding operations to Nigeria in the 1960s. Our analysis of the case reveals some top manager characteristics of the Guinness board members signaled potential for a strategic choice to expand into Nigeria. However, the case also shows that the strategic choice to open a bottling plant was altered based on accounting information to instead build a brewery in Nigeria. This suggests a moderating role of management accounting information within the general framework of upper echelons theory.

Critical needs to close monitoring gaps in pan-tropical wetland CH4 emissions

Abstract Global wetlands are the largest and most uncertain natural source of atmospheric methane (CH4). The FLUXNET-CH4 synthesis initiative has established a global network of flux tower infrastructure, offering valuable data products and fostering a dedicated community for the measurement and analysis of methane flux data. Existing studies using the FLUXNET-CH4 Community Product v1.0 have provided invaluable insights into the drivers of ecosystem-to-regional spatial patterns and daily-to-decadal temporal dynamics in temperate, boreal, and Arctic climate regions. However, as the wetland CH4 monitoring network grows, there is a critical knowledge gap about where new monitoring infrastructure ought to be located to improve understanding of the global wetland CH4 budget. Here we address this gap with a spatial representativeness analysis at existing and hypothetical observation sites, using 16 process-based wetland biogeochemistry models and machine learning. We find that, in addition to eddy covariance monitoring sites, existing chamber sites are important complements, especially over high latitudes and the tropics. Furthermore, expanding the current monitoring network for wetland CH4 emissions should prioritize, first, tropical and second, sub-tropical semi-arid wetland regions. Considering those new hypothetical wetland sites from tropical and semi-arid climate zones could significantly improve global estimates of wetland CH4 emissions and reduce bias by 79% (from 76 to 16 TgCH4 y−1), compared with using solely existing monitoring networks. Our study thus demonstrates an approach for long-term strategic expansion of flux observations.

Strategic Expansion into Emerging Markets: Risk Management and Market Entry Strategies for US Food and Beverage Companies

Strategic Expansion into Emerging Markets: Risk Management and Market Entry Strategies for US Food and Beverage Companies

Gillette’s Expansion to India through the Lens of Porter’s Diamond Model and Dunning’s Eclectic Paradigm

In 2005, Procter & Gamble (P&G) acquired Gillette for $57 billion, marking a significant milestone in consumer goods history. This analysis explores Gillette's strategic expansion into India, leveraging Porter's Diamond Model and Dunning's Eclectic Paradigm to evaluate its success and challenges. The study delves into the skilled workforce, local manufacturing, and innovative marketing strategies that facilitated Gillette's penetration into India's diverse and rapidly urbanizing market. Through local R&D and collaborations with e- commerce platforms, Gillette tailored its products to Indian consumer preferences, achieving substantial market share. The frameworks reveal how Gillette's global efficiency and local responsiveness enabled it to thrive amidst intense competition. The paper concludes with recommendations for sustaining this success through continuous innovation, vigilant market monitoring, and eco-friendly practices, while suggesting the applicability of these insights to other emerging markets.

Software stewardship and advancement of a high-performance computing scientific application: QMCPACK

We provide an overview of the software engineering efforts and their impact in QMCPACK, a production-level ab-initio Quantum Monte Carlo open-source code targeting high-performance computing (HPC) systems. Aspects included are: (i) strategic expansion of continuous integration (CI) targeting CPUs, using GitHub Actions own runners, and NVIDIA and AMD GPUs used in pre-exascale systems, (ii) incremental reduction of memory leaks using sanitizers, (iii) incorporation of Docker containers for CI and reproducibility, and (iv) refactoring efforts to improve maintainability, testing coverage, and memory lifetime management. We quantify the value of these improvements by providing metrics to illustrate the shift towards a predictive, rather than reactive, maintenance approach. Our goal, in documenting the impact of these efforts on QMCPACK, is to contribute to the body of knowledge on the importance of research software engineering (RSE) for the stewardship and advancement of community HPC codes to enable scientific discovery at scale.

Strategic insights for sustainable growth of mushroom farming industry in Bangladesh: A comprehensive evaluation using SWOT-AHP and TOPSIS frameworks

Mushroom farming using agri-waste as substrates can offer a sustainable solution to the food security challenges of inadequate and imbalanced diets. Developing strategies to exploit the potential of the mushroom industry fully is yet to be explored in Bangladesh. We, thus, conducted this study to investigate the challenges and opportunities associated with mushroom farming, as well as the characteristics of farms and employees engaged in this industry. A directional stepwise multiple regression analysis showed self-motivation, spawn cost, farm size, and training are the key influencing factors driving profitability. Farm surveys identified SWOT factors with 24 sub-factors cross-validated with expert consultations. The sub-factors were categorized as beneficial (strength and opportunities) and cost (weakness and threats) to formulate the SWOT strategies using the Grey-TOPSIS method. Results indicate a favorable scenario exists for the industry in Bangladesh, with significant opportunities (group weight 0.53) and minimal threats (group weight 0.09). We proposed 12 strategic alternatives for the sustainable growth of this industry. This top-ranking strategy is not only to secure funding (relative closeness, C+ = 0.87) but also to provide more accessible loan options envisioning a strategic expansion of business operations in Bangladesh. The evaluation highlighted the significance of collaboration with other mushroom farmers to maximize the gain in marketing that will substantially expand the local demand (C+ = 0.697). Besides, product diversification is also underscored as an important strategy for the growth of the industry. These prioritized SWOT strategies lay the groundwork for policy development, aiding decision-makers in steering the mushroom industry towards sustainable growth for developing countries like Bangladesh. Promoting such an eco-friendly industry will generate ample opportunities for women's employment and appreciable profit while contributing to environmental improvement through recycling agri-waste.

Comparative Analysis of Energy Consumption between Electric Vehicles and Combustion Engine Vehicles in High-Altitude Urban Traffic

This analysis compares the energy efficiency and operational costs of combustion vehicles (Hyundai Accent 1.6 L and Chevrolet Sail 1.5 L) with the Nissan Leaf, an electric vehicle, under current fuel and electricity pricing in Ecuador. Combustion vehicles, converting gasoline into mechanical energy, demonstrate substantial energy losses, leading to higher operational costs, especially with recent gasoline price hikes to USD 2.722 per gallon. In stark contrast, the Nissan Leaf exhibits significantly greater energy efficiency, consuming only 15–20 kWh per 100 km, which translates to lower running costs (USD 11.20 to fully charge a 40 kWh battery). Despite the clear economic and environmental benefits of electric vehicles, their adoption in Ecuador is hampered by geographical challenges such as diverse terrain that can affect vehicle range and battery longevity. Moreover, the limited and uneven distribution of EV charging stations, mostly concentrated in urban areas, poses significant barriers. For broader implementation, a strategic expansion of the EV infrastructure and careful consideration of the national energy grid’s capacity to support increased electric vehicle uptake are essential. Addressing these challenges is crucial for realizing the full potential of electric vehicles in enhancing Ecuador’s sustainability and energy independence.

The Evolution of the Theory of Innovation Ecosystems in the Context of Strategisation

Introduction. The theory of innovation occupies one of the leading positions within the modern paradigm of economic development, as innovation is recognised as a driver of productivity improvement and cost optimisation, microeconomic stability, and macroeconomic growth. The determinants of innovation theory have become more profound, forming a synthesis with theories of economic cycles, technological development, entrepreneurship, management, and decision-making. Consequently, the theory of innovation has evolved, and the study of this process provides an up-to-date view of the theoretical foundation of innovation ecosystems. Aim and tasks. The aim is to systematise the stages of the evolution of the theory of innovation and strategic management and formalise the theoretical foundation of the modern theory of innovation ecosystems in the context of strategisation. Results. A systematic study of the genesis and ontogenesis of the theory of innovation and anagenesis of the theory of innovation ecosystem in the context of strategisation led to the determination of the characteristics of aromorphosis. Genesis and ontogenesis include the growing complexity of the innovation ecosystem and its adaptability to the changing innovation ecosystem in the long term, the dynamism of the composition of the innovation ecosystem without changing its strategic goals, the need for a second level of adaptation of the strategy of an individual actor within the strategy of the innovation ecosystem and strategic role, and increasing the integration of actors of the innovation process into systemic business processes (planning, organisation, motivation, control). Actors’ joint development within the ecosystem on mutually beneficial terms and possibilities for the strategic expansion of the innovation ecosystem locally and globally were analysed. In addition, the externalities of the development and spread of innovative ecosystems are outlined, and their strategic orientations are formulated. Conclusions. Due to anagenesis, an innovative ecosystem based on strategising improves adaptive resistance to changes in the external environment. Aromorphosis of an innovative ecosystem within anagenesis makes it possible to consider the properties of adaptation to the changing innovative ecotope as the basis of its theoretical foundation in the long term, the dynamism of the composition of the innovation ecosystem without changing its strategic goals, and the increasing integration of innovation process actors into systemic business processes.

Environmental dynamism's influence on firm growth: Transformational leadership and strategic flexibility insights

This paper aims to explore the impact of environmental dynamism on a firm's ability to sustain growth and consider the role of transformational leadership and strategic flexibility in this context. The analysis results based on structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) indicate that environmental dynamism significantly impacts a firm's ability to sustain growth and that transformational leadership and strategic flexibility can enhance this impact. Specifically, transformational leadership can promote innovation and change, improving a firm's ability to sustain growth. At the same time, strategic flexibility can help a firm respond to environmental changes and improve its adaptability and competitiveness. Therefore, companies should focus on leadership and strategic expansion in the face of ecological dynamism and adjust their strategies at the right time to respond to the changing market competition.

Financial Analysis Axis Bank

Financial Analysis Axis Bank

Analysis of the Business Models of Alibaba

In the era of the burgeoning network economy, Alibaba, the most successful e-commerce company in China, has emerged as a pivotal player, shaping the landscape of e-commerce with its innovative business model and expansive global footprint. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of Alibaba’s strategic evolution, technology integration, operational dynamics, and global market expansion. Founded in 1999 by Jack Ma and associates, Alibaba has grown from its roots as a business-to-business (B2B) platform to a multifaceted conglomerate encompassing business-to-consumer (B2C), consumer-to-consumer (C2C), and cloud computing services. At its core, Alibaba’s corporate strategy emphasizes long-term vision, customer-centricity, and global dominance, positioning itself as the foremost e-commerce service provider. Alibaba’s technological prowess is evident in its seamless integration of advanced communication, computing, and financial technologies, facilitating secure transactions and enhancing user experience. The company’s operational model emphasizes customer segmentation, revenue diversification, and robust logistics management, driving sustainable growth and market leadership. Furthermore, Alibaba’s strategic expansion into international markets, including Russia, Southeast Asia, India, the Middle East, Australia, and Africa, underscores its commitment to global commerce and economic empowerment. Through strategic investments and partnerships, Alibaba continues to redefine the contours of e-commerce, fostering innovation, connectivity, and inclusive growth on a global scale.

Exploring the reasons for the rise and fall of Taoism from the perspective of historical development: Taking several key periods as examples

The paper delves into the historical development of Taoism, analyzing its rise and fall across various Chinese dynasties. It begins with the Eastern Han dynasty, emphasizing Zhang Ling’s role in establishing Taoism as a significant religious force. The paper highlights the strategic expansion of Taoist influence under Zhang Lu in Sichuan. During the South North Dynasty, the focus shifts to Tao Hongjing’s efforts in integrating Taoist, Buddhist, and Confucian ideas, thereby creating a comprehensive deity system. The contributions of Ge Hong, especially in alchemy and the concept of ’inner alchemy’, are noted in the context of the Danding School. The peak of ancient Taoism is traced back to the Song and Yuan dynasties, underscoring the pivotal support of emperors and the roles of figures like Zhang Zhengsui and Zhang Jixian in promoting Taoism. However, the Ming and Qing dynasties saw Taoism’s decline due to the suppression of religious practices and its reduction to a mere cultural aspect for the royal family and aristocracy. The paper concludes by proposing a future path for Taoism, emphasizing the need for adaptation to modern society. It suggests that Taoism should lower barriers to entry and increase its relevance to contemporary life, learning from other religions like Christianity, to sustain its growth and significance in the modern era.