Strategic Factors Research Articles

A strategic approach to the development of automotive dealerships in a changing market environment

The activities of automotive dealerships need to be strategically adapted to changing market conditions. The article examines the role played by the automotive industry in the Russian economy, presents an analysis of changes in the structure of new car sales in the period from 2021 to 2023.The strategic factors that dealerships should consider when choosing a brand are described. The necessity of analyzing the competitive environment is justified, the existing marketing tactics of manufacturers are presented, the importance of the availability of spare parts and opportunities for revenue growth from after sales-service are described. The article emphasizes the need to invest in the reconstruction of dealerships, despite the inevitable financial losses, to ensure the future profitability of the business. The study provides information for players in the Russian automotive industry, helping them to change their strategy for the future development of the company in a changing market environment.

СОВРЕМЕННЫЕ МЕТОДЫ УПРАВЛЕНИЯ НА ЖЕЛЕЗНОДОРОЖНОМ ТРАНСПОРТЕ В ПРОЦЕССЕ ТРАНСФОРМАЦИИ СИСТЕМЫ

This article discusses modern methods of increasing the efficiency of the railway company “Uzbekistan railways” JSC. A comparative analysis of the traditional form of management and modern management in railway transport was carried out. Methods for increasing the performance of the railway company “Uzbekistan railways” JSC have been identified. In the context of studying methods for increasing the performance of “Uzbekistan railways” JSC, the key elements of successful management are considered. Goal setting is a fundamental aspect of effective management in modern railway companies. This system, which involves the establishment and pursuit of certain goals, becomes the basis for directing efforts, increasing employee motivation and achieving success in the transport services market. The leadership system as a method of management is a strategic approach to personnel management, based on the development of leadership qualities and stimulation of the creative potential of employees of “Uzbekistan railways” JSC. A system of business processes that integrates with leadership to achieve the strategic goals of the railway company is considered. The study determined that an effective system of working with suppliers is becoming a strategic factor for success in the modern transport services market. Leaders involved in supply management ensure not only reliable supply, but also create conditions for long-term and mutually beneficial cooperation with key partners. Modern companies are increasingly paying attention to sustainability and ethics in the supply chain. Supplier system leaders actively engage suppliers who share their values of social responsibility and sustainability.

Analyzing Factors That Affect Korean B2B Companies’ Sustainable Performance

This study empirically examines factors that can influence the sustainable corporate performance of Korean business-to-business (B2B) companies with the help of unique survey data. Factors such as technological capability, the chief executive officer (CEO)’s risk-taking propensity, B2B seller skill, and key account management (KAM) are analyzed to clarify their impact on sustainable financial and non-financial performance. In particular, given that environment, society, and governance (ESG) reporting has recently been widely recognized as an important evaluation factor for companies, we look at the mediating effects of ESG management on sustainable business performance. The results show that the CEO’s risk-taking propensity and B2B seller skill significantly impact the company’s sustainable financial performance, while technological capability and the CEO’s risk-taking propensity significantly impact sustainable non-financial performance. The fact that a CEO’s risk-taking propensity affects both sustainable financial and non-financial performance indicates the importance of entrepreneurial competency in the sustainability of the company. Furthermore, the findings reveal that ESG management plays a crucial role in sustainable corporate performance. The mediating role of ESG management allows technological capability, B2B seller skill, and KAM to influence sustainable financial performance significantly. Likewise, all of the explanatory factors contribute to the company’s sustainable non-financial performance through ESG management. The findings are important for both practitioners and scholars because they emphasize the need to establish an optimal ESG management strategy for corporate survival and sustainability. Furthermore, this study underscores that ESG management should be implemented by all organizational members, from CEOs to employees. Future research will include more comprehensive samples and analyze various strategic factors not covered in this study to derive effective ways by which companies can increase their performance and sustainability. We will also explore the factors that contribute to good ESG management practices.

Understanding strategies for digital government transformation: A strategic action fields perspective

Digital technologies are transforming public service provision by affecting governments, technology vendors, and citizens, as well as their interactions. However, digital government transformation (DGT) is complex and challenging, with governments often lacking clear strategic adjustments during their digital journeys. This study discusses six strategic factors, including business environment, digital infrastructure, financial capability, innovation capability, information security, and public demand, and identifies the configurations that lead to a significant increase in digital government performance. Based on the theory of strategic action fields, we developed a theoretical framework to understand the DGT process and changes in configurations. Based on a novel Multiple Time Differencing Qualitative Comparative Analysis (MTD/QCA) method, the analysis of 31 provincial regions in Chinese mainland over four years derived 13 distinct solutions in the three basic stages of DGT: exploration, concentration, and complementation. These findings reveal the complexity of DGT from an evolutionary perspective and indicate that these factors do not work in isolation, but in combination with others to promote DGT. Understanding the configurational relationships of these factors can help governments adjust their strategies across the three stages of DGT.

STUDY ON EXCELLENCE IN HOTEL ASSISTANCE

In conditions of increasing global contest, demands and needs of consumers, excellence and excellence management have become fundamental strategic factors of achieving profitability and competitiveness on the relentless tourism market. Any serious "top" hotel management, with a defined mission, vision and goals, must define a "special policy" of improving the excellence of hotel assistance s through "structural programs of excellence improvement," which have become an important factor in the hotel business. With the design, introduction and control of a "special program" of excellence improvement of hotel assistances, hotel management can have a positive impact on increasing satisfaction of customers and human resources, increasing competitiveness and market power of the hotel, the rationalization of operating costs and enhance the reputation and value of the hotel on the demanding tourist market. Keywords: hotel assistance, excellence, management, staff, program

Is managerial ability a catalyst for driving digital transformation in enterprises? An empirical analysis from internal and external pressure perspectives.

In a dynamic and competitive business environment, managerial ability emerges as a pivotal strategic factor for capitalizing on new opportunities within the technological revolution and digital transformation of enterprises. Based on data from Chinese A-share listed firms spanning from 2009 to 2019, this study integrates insights from the upper echelons theory and the behavioral theory of the firm to investigate the moderating roles of historical aspiration shortfalls and industrial competitiveness on the relationship between managerial ability and enterprise digital transformation from internal and external pressure perspectives. Our findings indicate a positive impact of managerial ability on digital transformation. The relationship between managerial ability and digital transformation is reinforced by historical aspiration shortfalls; nevertheless, industrial competitiveness has attenuated the aforementioned relationship. This study contributes to a better understanding of the strategic implications of managerial ability within the context of organizational innovation strategies. It offers valuable insights into the decision-making processes of firms as they navigate the challenges of digital transformation within an ever-evolving business environment.

An investigation of the role of Wasta social capital in enhancing employee loyalty and innovation in organizations

Considering the pressures of fluctuating external environments, organizations are constantly seeking ways to be responsive and able to improve their performance with lower costs. Employer–employee relationships have changed rapidly in recent years, and there is growing interest in considering human resources as a form of capital, and a strategic factor for business excellence. A focal point for HR professionals is employee loyalty, recognized as pivotal in realizing long-term organizational goals. This paper delves into the concept of Wasta social capital and its pivotal role in fostering employee loyalty and innovation within the unique cultural context of the Arab world. It is argued here that Wasta social capital is the fundamental dynamic that stimulates employee loyalty in the workplace. This conceptual paper provides new insights through understanding the significant role Wasta social capital plays in affecting employee loyalty in a collectivist culture, differing from the conventional business-context factors of loyalty. Obtaining a deeper understanding of employee loyalty and how it is developed in Arab-world business contexts can promote innovation.

Экономика развлечений как стратегический вектор развития туризма в Приморском крае

The article introduces a strategic analysis of tourism in Russia in general and the Primorye Territory in particular. Sustainable territorial development depends on various strategic factors. A region can achieve successful socio-economic development in tourism only by meeting the needs of its residents and potential tourists. This study covered four areas of experience economy, i.e., entertainment, learning, aesthetics, and escapism, as well as some other factors that shape the touristic attractiveness of the Far East as a source of unforgettable impressions. The prioritizing procedure was based on the methodology developed by Professor V.L. Kvint. Experience economy proved to render new opportunities to the strategic development of regional tourism. For potential visitors to the Russian Far East, service quality appeared to be less important than the opportunity to get new unforgettable experience.

The Free Movement of People in SADC

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states committed under Article 5(2) (d) of the SADC Treaty to develop policies aimed at the progressive elimination of the obstacles to the free movement of capital, labour, goods and services. The 2005 SADC Protocol on the Movement of People was celebrated as a giant step towards the realization of the regional integration objective of building SADC into a regional community that is fully integrated where citizens enjoy the freedom of movement across regional borders. Whilst substantial efforts have been invested in developing various legal and policy frameworks to open up borders for the free movement of people within SADC, thirty (30) years since the formation of SADC in April 1980 as the Southern African Development Coordination Conference (SADCC); the region is facing serious challenges relating to the free movement of people, migration and labour movement. In reality, SADC member states’ governments have been confronted with serious feasibility challenges, complexities, risks and dilemmas as they attempt to implement commitments made towards the free movement of people in the region, with political, security, economic, strategic, and technical factors often cited as obstacles. This paper sought to critically reflect on the feasibility aspects, policy dilemmas at member state level as well as strategic considerations that stand on the way of free movement of people in SADC. The focus was on examining possibilities, capacities and prospects of SADC member states (in their collectivity and individuality) in addressing the underlying, structural and operational obstacles that are impeding the free movement of people in the region. Secondary data sources are used for analysis, and the three concepts of free movement of people, migration and regional integration provide conceptual lenses for analysis. Findings are key in providing perspectives on how SADC member states may need to collectively address the fundamental questions and issues that facilitate the free movement of people in the region.

Developing non-traditional firm-specific advantages in domestic strategic factor markets: evidence from China

PurposeChinese firms are winning market share from foreign multinational enterprises in domestic markets. The international business literature suggests that this is happening because these firms are developing non-traditional firm-specific advantages (FSAs). Strategic factor market (SFM) theory provides a good basis for explaining how this is happening. However, it is underdeveloped in terms of analysing unique resources and unique access to those resources by Chinese firms in their domestic markets. This paper aims to develop a framework to understand how Chinese firms have developed non-traditional FSAs.Design/methodology/approachThe case study method is adopted to explore how Chinese firms develop non-traditional FSAs. Specifically, the authors compare paired case studies of a Chinese firm and a foreign multinational in each of two industries.FindingsThe authors find that Chinese firms have developed non-traditional FSAs because of more relevant experience, better adapted strategies and privileged relationships. This has enabled Chinese firms to develop non-traditional FSAs.Originality/valueThe authors propose a framework that conceptualises non-traditional FSA development in Chinese firms as a product of superior access to unique and valuable resources in their domestic SFMs.

Unfolding the role of metaverse in agri‐food supply chain security: current scenario and future perspectives

SummarySince its inception, the metaverse has evolved drastically and opened up many opportunities for many stakeholders, including individuals and businesses. The agri‐food supply chain is currently starting to incorporate metaverse technology. Retailers and prominent companies use this technology to achieve particular goals, such as ensuring traceability or boosting sales and reputation. Concurrently, there is an opportunity for the metaverse to affect food chain performance more broadly. Even so, the literature provides little evidence for this effect and primarily focuses on specific indicators, leaving little knowledge about it. By exploring the rapidly evolving field of metaverse technologies and their potential impacts on the security of agri‐food supply chains, this study aims to fill this knowledge gap. The study aims to improve collaboration and communication throughout the agri‐food supply chain by providing a structured framework covering a variety of metaverse technologies, from the development of immersive virtual worlds to the deployment of blockchain for traceability. The findings offer valuable insights, particularly for researchers, decision makers, and industry partners who aim to better comprehend the potential benefits and challenges related to integrating metaverse solutions into the agri‐food industry. The study concludes with recommendations for future research directions and strategic factors that could assist in ensuring the effective adoption of metaverse technologies and the security and resilience of agri‐food supply chains.

Unveiling Resilience: Strategic Responses, Success Factors, and Challenges Faced by Latin American Female Entrepreneurs Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

Unveiling Resilience: Strategic Responses, Success Factors, and Challenges Faced by Latin American Female Entrepreneurs Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

Continuing Professional Development for Physical Education Teachers in China: Basis for Teaching Enhancement Program

In pursuit of life-long learning, the teaching profession requires continuing education for institutional promotion, salary increase, and administrative position. Supportive academic institutions increase their teacher’s professional learning in the 21st century to increase their students’ further education and work as well. China consistently invested in their teachers’ professional development but empirical evidence on these programs’ effectivity is limited. Specifically, there is a demand for more quality professional development (PD) opportunities for PE teachers focused on the following reasons: (a) the education standards movement, (b) professional organizations, and (c) a call for research on teaching. Apparently, in China, most of them have not recognized their leading role and undervalued their educational career. Thus, this study revisited the impact of the PD programs in China focusing focus its lens on the continuing professional development (CPD) of physical education teachers to address the urgent call to improve the PE-CPD. Guided by the global Continuing Professional Development (CPD) framework, this study investigated the continuing professional development provided to physical education teachers in China and the results of this investigation would be the basis for their teaching enhancement program. The findings revealed that most of the PE teachers in China were male, middle aged with relative bachelor’s degree and permanent position, and developing teachers with 1-10 years teaching experience. They partly considered their involvement in skill development opportunities and interaction and collaboration, but highly considered their involvement in personal growth and reflection in their continuing professional development. Their level of involvement in continuing professional development were significantly different considering their age, sex, educational attainment, and years of teaching. Moreover, the found professional development about classroom management very effective and impactful but teaching practices about ICT skills has minimal effectiveness. However, there is a significant difference in the evaluation of PE teachers on the effectivity of the professional development when they are grouped according to their age, educational attainment, and years of teaching. Nevertheless, the significant relationship found between the their involvement in professional development (PD) and evaluation on the effectivity of the professional development became the basis for the strategic factors to be integrated in the teaching enhancement program for the CPD of PE teachers in the new normal.

The relationship between learning orientation, firm performance and market dynamism in MSMEs operating in technology parks in Poland: an empirical analysis

PurposeThe authors analyzed the relationship between learning orientation (LO) and performance in micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) by investigating the moderating role of environmental dynamism to answer the need for systematic research of models between LO and firm performance (FP).Design/methodology/approachThe authors investigated the (in)direct relationship between LO and FP. The authors collected data from 182 MSMEs operating in technology parks (TPs) in Poland. The authors used two methods in the quantitative empirical research. The authors used linear regression models to test the hypotheses, which allowed for a global assessment of relationships among all analyzed variables. Dynamic capabilities (DCs) framework guided the study.FindingsThe study results show that FP benefits from LO-related behaviors. LO is an important stimulant of FP. Meanwhile, the authors did not classify market dynamism (MD) as a moderator of the LO-FP relationship.Research limitations/implicationsBy design, the authors surveyed only MSMEs open to participate in the survey, which potentially limits generalizability. Furthermore, future researchers may consider other types of strategic orientations (SOs) to further explain the impact of multiple SOs on FP in specific industries.Originality/valueThis article presents arguments that allow for recognizing LO as a strategic organizational factor shaping FP.

Technology, Organization and Environment as Strategic Factors of Big Data Analytics Readiness and Acquisition Intention to Adopt Big Data Analytics in Malaysian Libraries

Technology, Organization and Environment as Strategic Factors of Big Data Analytics Readiness and Acquisition Intention to Adopt Big Data Analytics in Malaysian Libraries

Application of an innovative approach to the organization of the educational process in higher education and training of applicants 073 and 281 specialties in the conditions of distance education

The study proved and substantiated the importance of innovative approaches and digitalization in the organization of the educational process of higher education. It has been found that the introduction of innovative approaches is a strategically key factor for achieving a high level of quality and efficiency of educational services. In particular, innovative technologies and digitalization allow universities to adapt to modern requirements and create flexible and accessible learning environments. 
 During the study, an analysis of differences in the interpretation of the concepts of «threat» and «risk» was conducted. In particular, it is determined that in education threats and risks can include not only financial difficulties, but also loss of reputation, low quality of education and insufficient competitiveness of graduates. It identifies the main range of problematic issues, sets of innovative approaches in higher education and highlights the principles and stages of diagnosis, which should take into account the specifics of the educational environment and the requirements of the modern labor market for its qualitative assessment. 
 In order to test the research, the article assesses and analyzes the introduction of innovative approaches in the Volodymyr Dahl East Ukrainian National University for the training of applicants 073 and 281 in the field of distance education. The strategic goals chosen to accelerate the digitalization process have been singled out and justified, considering the high standards of quality and the needs of the modern educational environment. The introduction of a digital student card, the creation of a digital educational environment and an increase in the level of digital literacy of students and teaching staff are key areas of the strategy of the Volodymyr Dahl East Ukrainian National University. In addition, innovative approaches have been developed, such as partnerships with technology companies, the creation of electronic libraries and archives aimed at supporting research activities and quality education in distance learning. 
 It provides a SWOT analysis of the Volodymyr Dahl East Ukrainian National University which highlights the main strengths and weaknesses of its functioning, as well as identifies the opportunities and threats faced by the university today in the most difficult conditions of existence. The conducted analysis allows us to draw conclusions and determine the prospects for further research in this direction. 
 In general, the study emphasizes the importance of innovation and digitalization in education as strategic factors contributing to improving the quality, efficiency, and competitiveness of educational institutions in the modern world. 
 The obtained results help to determine the optimal way to achieve the set goals, and their certification with certificates testifies to the importance and effectiveness of the chosen direction of innovative activity at Volodymyr Dahl East Ukrainian National University in the face of high requirements for remote educational process.

FRAMING AND NARRATIVES AS ASSISTANTS IN ADVANCING A SCIENCE-ORIENTED MINDSET. THE EXAMPLE OF THE POLICE IN THE BALTICS

Country-specific knowledge offered by police science is a necessary precondition for successful policing. However, cursory data on police science in the Baltic countries raises many questions about the real use of scientific knowledge opportunities in these countries.The paper elaborates on a framework to advance a science-oriented mindset in the police. Principles of narratives and framing were used to overcome a possible conflict between scientists and practitioners, and bridge all the parties related to policing. In this framework, scientists should take the lead. External, internal, and strategic factors, as Alisson’s three key management functions, were used to specify factors of the framework in the research. The framing process that holds a focusing function allows the use of discovered narratives and presents a variety of possible future directions. Creating a metanarrative with beginning, middle, and end grasps all the agents and ties into future developments.

Analysis of Financing Strategies of ECOVACS Robotics Based on PEST

The artificial intelligence business has a wide potential as a young industry that continues to influence human social and economic growth. The development of efficient finance techniques has emerged as a crucial challenge for artificial intelligence businesses as they look to expand their markets and implement their plans. In order to sort out and analyze the strategic influencing factors on the development of artificial intelligence in China, particularly the status quo and issues of enterprise financing, this paper uses ECOVACS Robotics as a research sample. Financing is the primary source of funds necessary for the survival and development of enterprises. The demand for financing capital from businesses will rise as the worldwide market for service robotics continues to grow rapidly. According to the report, ECOVACS should adopt a targeted approach by bolstering technological advancement, boosting visibility, boosting legal support, boosting funding sources, and directing the targeted strategy in various ways.

RETRACTED: The factors behind block-chain technology that boost the circular economy: An organizational perspective

All authorities are attracted to the circular economy due to the excessive use of industrial production. In this vein, the importance of digitization has gained huge attention. Digital technology, particularly block-chain technology, enlightens a new face of industry and economy that stimulates corporate social action. In this setting, we trying to probe the connection amid block-chain technology and circular economy with help of organization factors, agility, institutional, strategic, and green knowledge management as the moderators. After a series of tests in the Chinese corporate sector, we unfold the theoretical concept of block-chain technology that assists in enhancing circular economy practices at the corporate level. We further pinpoint the importance of major organizational factors such as organizational agility, institutional factors, strategic factors, and green knowledge management that are actually responsible for improved circular economy practices. We importantly unveil the way to strengthen the connection amid block-chain technology and the circular economy, which is possible through the effective role of organizational agility, institutional factors, strategic factors, and green knowledge management. We offers guidance to policy makers for improving circular economy through the implication of block-chain technology. This study clarifies the function of organizational elements for enhancing circular economy and block-chain technology connection.

Proposing a Model for Nurses' Quality of Work Life: A Grounded Theory Approach

Objective: The objective of this study was to develop a model for the quality of work life (QWL) of nurses using a grounded theory approach. Methodology: The study employed a qualitative research method with a grounded theory design. The research sample included 24 nurses from treatment-educational hospitals in Mashhad, selected using snowball sampling until data saturation. Data were collected through in-depth, unstructured interviews and analyzed using open, axial, and selective coding. Findings: The study identified key causal conditions influencing QWL, including the provision of welfare services, participation, career advancement, improvement of environmental conditions, fostering a favorable culture, and organizational justice. Strategic factors such as fair treatment, efficient incentive systems, utilization of competencies, and valuing were also significant. The outcomes of improved QWL were categorized into job satisfaction, productivity, multipurpose use of space, and organizational commitment. Conclusion: The proposed model suggests that improving both causal and strategic factors can enhance the quality of work life for nurses, leading to greater job satisfaction, increased productivity, and stronger organizational commitment.