Strategic Outlook Research Articles

A Company Analysis and Financial Valuation of Sinopec

In this article, a comprehensive analysis of Sinopec is presented, delving beyond surface evaluations to deeply assess its strengths, weaknesses, and potential opportunities. Recognizing the limitations of superficial evaluations, the analysis incorporates financial insights to quantify the risks faced by Sinopec. Additionally, two comparable companies are scrutinized to provide a broader context for evaluation. Through meticulous data comparison, coupled with an examination of policies and pricing mechanisms, a nuanced understanding of Sinopec's position in the market emerges. While acknowledging areas where Sinopec may lag behind its competitors, the analysis underscores its promising developmental trajectory and investment potential. Despite identified weaknesses, Sinopec exhibits resilience and strategic positioning that warrant investor attention. Consequently, the article advocates for Sinopec as an attractive investment option, emphasizing its favorable prospects and priority for investment. By offering a multifaceted examination that integrates financial analysis, industry context, and strategic outlook, this article equips investors with a comprehensive understanding of Sinopec's standing in the market, ultimately advocating for its consideration as a compelling investment opportunity.

Evaluation of Carbon Neutrality Capacity of Regional Construction Industry Based on the Entropy Weight TOPSIS Model

This study examines the overall needs of the green construction scheme with ‘carbon neutrality’ as the centre in the Zhejiang provincial green development target area. By aggregating and organising the construction and development data of Zhejiang Province, the entropy weight TOPSIS model is formed according to the statistical modelling for quantitative examination of the data, and the scientific assessment scheme of ‘carbon neutrality’ in the regional construction industry of Zhejiang Province is developed. This study aids in completely exhibiting and dynamically understanding the advancement of the ‘carbon neutral’ capacity of the urban construction industry. The objective is to discover the weak link in the advancement of carbon neutrality in several regional construction industries, which is of great relevance for further examining and forecasting the strategic outlook of carbon neutrality and modifying the planning of carbon neutrality strategy in special regional construction industries.

Emerging innovations in electrically powered artificial muscle fibers

ABSTRACT This review systematically explores the inherent structural advantages of fiber over conventional film or bulk forms for artificial muscles, emphasizing their enhanced mechanical properties and actuation, scalability, and design flexibility. Distinctive merits of electrically powered artificial muscle fiber actuation mechanisms, including electrothermal, electrochemical and dielectric actuation, are highlighted, particularly for their operational efficiency, precise control capabilities, miniaturizability and seamless integration with electronic components. A comprehensive overview of significant research driving performance enhancements in artificial muscle fibers through materials and structural innovations is provided, alongside a discussion of the diverse design methodologies that have emerged in this field. A detailed comparative assessment evaluates the performance metrics, advantages and manufacturing complexities of each actuation mechanism, underscoring their suitability for various applications. Concluding with a strategic outlook, the review identifies key challenges and proposes targeted research directions to advance and refine artificial muscle fiber technologies.

SINO-US STRATEGIC COMPETITION IN THE INDO-PACIFIC: EXPLORING RESPONSES FROM MALAYSIA AND INDONESIA

The Indo-Pacific region has emerged as a significant global focal point due to the increasing influence exerted by China and the UnitedStates. In light of the dynamic nature of the global geopolitical landscape, Malaysia and Indonesia, as two prominent Southeast Asianstates, find themselves at the nexus of this competition. China and the United States are two regional superpowers which have strategically positioned themselves in the Indo-Pacific. A systematic literature review was conducted to examine the crucial role of Indonesia and Malaysia in the context of the escalating Sino-US strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific region. By focusing on research articles, books and reports, this work explored the policy and strategic outlook, methodological approaches and methods underpinning Indo-Pacific discourse in Indonesia and Malaysia. The methodology adopted for this review was systematic by following the seven stages suggested by Petticrew and Roberts (2008). This review’s findings indicated the diverse range of theories, methodologies, practical strategies, and approaches that scholars have employed in examining the roles of Indonesia and Malaysia in the Indo-Pacific region. Consequently, this paper broadens the scope for scholars by expounding upon the strategic outlook of Indonesia and Malaysia within the Indo-Pacific discourse, along with the various methodological and theoretical frameworks and conceptual models that may inform future research endeavours. This study was however, limited to gathering input from journal articles, books, book chapters, and reports, and excluding other sources such as conference papers and op-eds. Furthermore, thescope of studies accessed was limited to data available from 2013 to September 2023.

Role of Strategic Planning in Quality Enhancement of Higher Education Institutions: Case Study of Bamyan University

Afghanistan is a conflict-impacted country with a higher education sector that is undergoing rapid growth in the last two decades. The Ministry of Higher Education established the Quality Assurance & Accreditation Commission in 2009; and established the Quality Assurance & Accreditation Directorate (QAAD) in 2011. This body is to administer and oversee the accreditation process in all public and private HEIs of Afghanistan with a strategic outlook. By providing a comprehensive QA Framework and aiming to meet international standards; QAAD is functioning for Internal and External Quality Assurance of HEIs. This Framework emphasizes the development of a Strategic Plan for Higher Education Institutions in its first main criteria. Since QAAD and its relevant processes of Quality Assurance are newly implemented phenomena for the Higher Education Institutions; the processes of Developing Strategic Plans seem to be ineffective, challenging, and not used as a fundamental tool for quality enhancement. Furthermore, there are considerable challenges facing the implementation level of developed plans. Considering the important role of strategic planning in quality assurance; this study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and impacts of strategic planning on the processes of quality enhancement of Bamyan University as one of the National Higher Education Institutions. Nine major aspects of quality issues focusing on three main levels of strategic planning at the institution, Faculty, and Department are among the core subjects of this study. This study is carried out from the implementers’ point of view and includes the responses of all academic and non-academic members of Departments, Faculties, and Leadership of Bamyan University. Furthermore, this provides lessons learned and recommendations for institutions, policy makers, and other Higher Education Institutions. This study is conducted from February to August 2021 in Bamyan University of Afghanistan. A questionnaire was adopted and developed as the instrument of this study and nine major aspects of the qualification issues were included in the instrument. SPSS tool was employed to descriptively analyze the findings of the study. This study has shown that the exercise and experiences of strategic planning have not meaningfully and satisfactorily contributed to the enhancement of the quality of education of this University. The mean value of all aspects is somehow below average or average level. From the respondents’ point of view; the impact of strategic planning on quality assurance activities is greater than other aspects and this impact is lower in the sustainability of financial resources.

Exploring the Stimulus Organism Response (SOR) Framework that Shapes Impulse Buying in the Epoch of E-Wallets in the Philippines

In the progressing digital financial landscape of the Philippines, the surge in e-wallet applications has vastly captured the interest of Filipino users. As e-wallets restructure how consumers manage their finances, a crucial question emerges: Can they influence impulsive buying tendencies? Using the (S-O-R) framework, the study reconnoitered the factors that incite impulse buying, expanding prior models by integrating both intrinsic and extrinsic stimuli. A total of 828 active e-wallet users were gathered using homogenous purposive sampling. After employing a Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) analysis, the results elucidated five significant stimuli (i.e., perceived risk, visual appeal, subjective norms, convenience, and monetary savings) in shaping user satisfaction and perceived enjoyment. Conversely, information quality demonstrated statistical significance only in association with satisfaction. Moreover, the study highlighted those three factors (i.e., perceived enjoyment, subjective norms, and monetary savings) that directly impact impulse buying. Ultimately, it accentuates the full mediating role of perceived enjoyment in linking visual appeal with impulsive buying whilst showcasing a partial mediation effect in the relationship between cost savings and impulsive buying. Edifice on these findings, e-wallet providers have a strategic outlook to further invest in the following: (a) user-centric design strategies, (b) process enhancement for seamless user experience, and (c) optimization of user education.

Sino-U.S. Strategic Competition in the Asia-Pacific: Omnidirectional Hedging of Traditional Middle Powers

The strategic landscape of the Asia-Pacific is now shaped by the competition between China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the United States’ Free and Open Indo-Pacific strategy. The Sino-U.S. strategic competition has greatly impacted the strategic outlook and foreign policies of middle powers in the region. This paper argues that the Asia-Pacific middle powers are functioning along the lines of omnidirectional hedging which is relatively a new concept in the IR discourse. Omnidirectional hedging entails maximisation of strategic space and avoiding entrapment in the great power rivalry through diplomatic, economic and security diversification. Through qualitative analysis, this research observes that the traditional middle powers ─ Japan, India, and Australia ─ are now largely focusing on multilateralism, minilateral alliances, free trade agreements, infrastructure investments, maritime security cooperation and new defence agreements. Such a foreign policy behaviour is paving way for a closely knitted middle-power network in the region to prevent great powers from engaging in direct confrontation which would threaten regional peace and stability.

The relationship among macroeconomic indicators and foreign direct investments in Greece, Cyprus, Portugal and Ireland: A strategic outlook

The relationship among macroeconomic indicators and foreign direct investments in Greece, Cyprus, Portugal and Ireland: A strategic outlook

Redefining Strategic Outlook: An Overview of Strategic Responsiveness of Organizations to Pandemic Crisis

Redefining Strategic Outlook: An Overview of Strategic Responsiveness of Organizations to Pandemic Crisis

Avian Influenza A (H5N1) Outbreak 2024 in Cambodia: Worries Over the Possible Spread of the Virus to Other Asian Nations and the Strategic Outlook for its Control.

Asia has been alarmed by the resurgence of avian influenza A (H5N1) in Cambodia in 2024. H5N1 could be swiftly transmitted by wild birds to poultry populations along their migration route via infection. Circulation of endemic H5N1 in Asian poultry facilitates recurrent human transmission. Cambodia's role as a reservoir heightens the potential dangers of uncoordinated containment and surveillance across Southeast Asia. This correspondence addresses the risk factors, seasonal patterns, transmission dynamics, and potential pathways for the global dissemination of H5N1. This underscores the criticality of supervising regional initiatives aimed at eliminating the virus from poultry and humans, before its potential escalation into a deadly influenza pandemic across Asia.

Financial Analysis, SWOT Analysis and Poter Five Forces Analysis for Nike

This essay provides a comprehensive analysis of Nike, Inc., a participant in the athletic footwear and apparel industry, to evaluate its financial performance, competitive positioning, and strategic outlook. The analysis begins with a detailed financial assessment using ratio analysis, focusing on profitability, liquidity, investment, and efficiency ratios over a three-year period. This quantitative evaluation reveals insights into Nike’s financial health, operational efficiency, and resource utilization, offering a basis for informed decision-making for investors and stakeholders. Following the financial assessment, the essay explores the competitive landscape through Porter’s Five Forces Analysis, examining the industry dynamics, market trends, and competitive pressures that shape Nike’s strategic approach. This analysis provides a thorough understanding of the external factors influencing Nike’s business operations and market position, including competition, potential new entrants, and the influence of buyers and suppliers. A SWOT analysis is done to give an overview of Nike's internal strengths and weaknesses, along with external opportunities and threats. This holistic evaluation identifies areas of excellence and potential challenges, enabling the formulation of aligned and effective strategies to leverage strengths and mitigate weaknesses.

STRATEGIC INSIGHTS: NAVIGATING DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AND CUSTOMER-CENTRICITY FOR ENHANCED BUSINESS SUCCESS

This paper examines the impact of digital transformation and customer-centricity on the processes businesses use to create customer value in today's business world. It discusses the opportunities digital transformation presents to businesses and explores strategies for increasing customer value to achieve success in the current business environment. Additionally, the text offers practical illustrations of theoretical concepts using anecdotal evidence and real-life cases. Finally, through an analysis of emerging digital transformation trends and their potential benefits for companies striving to enhance customer value, it presents businesses with a strategic outlook.

AUKUS: a Commonwealth perspective

ABSTRACT The Australia-United Kingdom-United States (AUKUS) partnership arose because of Australia’s need to replace its ageing submarine fleet, opting for nuclear-powered submarines to be built with American and British assistance. Perceptions of a deteriorating strategic situation vis-à-vis China were a major factor in this decision. Through AUKUS, the United Kingdom will also acquire additional submarines and expand its strategic role in the Indo/Asia-Pacific region. In addition to the submarine plan, AUKUS has a focus on the development of advanced defence technology. AUKUS has significant implications for Asian and Pacific Commonwealth countries, with their responses reflecting their strategic outlooks and perceived defence needs,

India and Australia: Strategic Maritime Partners in the Indo-Pacific

In this article the author analyses the strategic, security and maritime aspects of cooperation between India and Australia and describes how this relationship is underpinned by growing economic and people to people ties. It addresses a number of important questions including, what are the strategic drivers in the Australia-India Relationship? What are the areas of convergence in the strategic outlooks of the two countries? What are the areas of divergence in the strategic outlooks of the two countries? Why both countries must cooperate within the Regional Security Architecture. What are our doubts and reservations about each other? What common challenges are Australia and India likely to face in the future? How can we develop the Regional Security Architecture for the Indian Ocean region? What is the Evolving Asian Maritime Landscape in the Eastern Indian Ocean? How do we assess the development of India-Australia Defense and Security Ties? How has Civil Nuclear Cooperation consolidated the Strategic Ties between the two countries? What are the prospects for India-Australia Economic and People to People Ties? How does India look at Australia?

‘Tilting’ the balance? An evaluation of Britain’s strategic approach to the Indo-Pacific

Notwithstanding its exit from the European Union itself, the United Kingdom still remains an influential European power with significant interests and equities in the Indo-Pacific region. This article probes the substance of London’s engagement with the region through a distillation of relevant policy documents/statements appertaining to the Indo-Pacific. It reconciles this material within a three-tiered analytical framework that encompasses British ‘aims’; the ‘assets’ it holds; and then ‘assesses’ its performance and prospects. Like the other European actors considered in this Symposium, it reveals the strong confluence of economic, security and normative elements that define its regional strategic outlook. While there are many synergies with the approaches of the other European powers, what makes the United Kingdom case distinctive is a more prolific set of regional partnerships alongside multilateral engagement (‘networks and grids’), and a greater accent on hard power capabilities. The latter however are placed in service of the former – Britain has no aspirations to shift the regional balance of power independently.

Ambition, meet reality: The European Union’s actorness in the Indo-Pacific

The European Union is undergoing a major transformation as it strives to be perceived as a credible geopolitical actor, along with being an economic and normative superpower. Its ‘Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific’ is symptomatic of this change as it far surpasses strategic outlooks it has for other developing regions. This article builds on the actorness literature as it examines the nature of the European Union’s growing ambitions in the Indo-Pacific. It focuses on the economic, security, and normative aspects of the Strategy, and it identifies the tensions, opportunities and challenges in its vision and implementation. The article concludes by arguing that although there are opportunities for greater engagement with the region, they have grown more complicated given the war in Ukraine. Moreover, much will also depend on recalibrating the European Union’s relationship with China, as well as finding the most effective way to leverage the affordances of transatlantic cooperation.

PAKISTAN'S DEFENCE IN THE CHANGED SOUTH ASIAN SCENARIO

The month of May 1998, opened a new chapter in the history of South Asia. The test conducted by India totally destabilized the region. Sanity was restored after Pakistan's display of nuclear prowess. However, the strategic outlook had been irrevocably altered in a manner, where-by, two nuclear weapon states are facing each other across contiguous borders. Probably the Indian aim of the Pokhran II initiative was to confirm the development of a bomb design suited for deployment atop the Agni missile. The immediate decision to go ahead could have been spurred by the successful Pakistani test of Ghauri Missile. Another reason was the belief of Hindu leadership, that "nuclear weapons are a symbol of international power and prestige". There is, however, no doubt that the main reason for the Indian initiative was to further her hegemonic designs by acquiring and flaunting the capability. (Vaughn, 2007, January). We must understand the multifarious changes associated with this development and carry out a reappraisal of Pakistan's security considerations. Today, we stand at a crossroads, the decisions taken now would shape our destiny. They would either secure the future of our generations or put them under the constant threat of a holocaust. The changed scenario has amplified existing national security issues such as internal strife in the form of regional and provincialdisputes, acts of terrorism manifested in the form of religious and ethnic divides, economic constraints and lastly, the need for an immediate up-gradation of our conventional military hardware. The defence of the country from internal threats is as important as defence against an external aggressor. While considering security matters, vital national compulsions like Pakistan's support for the Kashmir cause, need to be accorded priority. Pakistan has been able to internationalize the issue. The changed scenario is well suited to keep up the pressure

Generals and judges: command, constitution and the fate of Carthage

Abstract This paper considers the structure and priorities of the Carthaginian state in its imperial endeavours in both North Africa and across the Mediterranean, focusing especially on the well-documented period of the Punic Wars (264–146 BC.). It suggests that Carthaginian constitutional structures, in particular the split between civil shofetim (‘judges’) and military rabbim (‘generals’), impacted the strategic outlook and marginal bellicosity of the city, making it less competitive against its primary peer-rival in the Western Mediterranean, Rome.

THE PARADIGM-SHIFT IN EU-CHINA RELATIONS AND THE LIMITS OF THE EU’S CURRENT STRATEGY TOWARDS CHINA: A RELATIONAL PERSPECTIVE

Tensions in the EU-China relationship have hampered cooperation in various sectors, including a set of transnational security issues where engagement with China is unavoidable but nevertheless profoundly challenging. The EU maintains a “tripartite” strategy, originally outlined in its 2019 Strategic Outlook, seeing China as a “partner”, but also as an economic “competitor” and a “systemic rival”. China’s former State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi has described the European approach as suffering from “cognitive dissonance”. As a result, and as demonstrated by the failure of the 2022 EU-China Summit, the two parties are now operating within two different frameworks, and constructive cooperation has become increasingly difficult. By working with Qin Yaqing’s concept of “relationality”, this article aims to contribute to a better conceptualisation of the ways in which the EU and China can work with each other to tackle global issues. Challenging the literature that tries to explain the shift in EU-China relations by focusing on individual actors, this research’s approach focuses on the relations between actors. Adopting this ontology of relations, this research paper analyses how, in the EU-China relationship, relations between the two parties contribute to creating their own identities and motivate their actions.

Political Branding: Subterfuge or the New Mode of Governance?

Objective: This paper aims to determine whether scholars writing on the subject of political branding and political brands consider political branding to be an artifice or an evolved strategic outlook useful – and necessary – in our current political context. Research Design & Methods: This is a theoretical paper. The critical review of the literature on political branding research, encompassing articles published between 2016 and 2023, was conducted; seven full-text publications from the EBSCO database were critically analysed. Findings: My conclusion suggests that the vast majority of scholars writing on the subject of political branding view political branding as a strategic device – both a framework and communication vehicle – useful and necessary in our contemporary political context. Implications/Recommendations: This paper makes a managerial contribution to the political branding body of knowledge. The analysis of the writings of numerous scholars within the area of political branding indicates that the development of strong and appealing political brands helps political parties and political leaders in effective communication with voters-consumers. Political branding emerges as a necessary tool that should be used by political strategists to ensure that the relationships between politicians/political parties and voters-consumers are deepened and relevant, and the visions and messages communicated by the political actors are cohesive, clearly articulated, concentrated, and well-understood by the voters-consumers. Contribution/Value Added: This paper is original in showcasing the dominant and overarching approaches and ideas among scholars writing on the subject of political branding. Article classification: theoretical/review paper Keywords: political branding, political brand(s), voters-consumers, political marketing JEL classification: M00, M3, and M38