Strategic Paradigm Research Articles

Exploring the patterns of China's carbon neutrality policies

To achieve the ambitious carbon neutrality goal by 2060, the Chinese government has implemented a series of carbon neutrality policies. These policy documents are pivotal in facilitating the examination of policy substance, the scrutiny of policy evolution, and the dissection of the policy instruments involved. This study develops an analytical framework for assessing carbon neutrality through policy documents, applying text mining and network analysis to probe the intricacies of policy topics, interagency collaboration, and diffusion dynamics. This research aims to delineate and expound upon the strategic paradigms employed by the Chinese government in its quest for carbon neutrality. The findings reveal a constellation of eleven policy topics, with "green" and "low carbon" being key aspects of each. The policy collaboration network has a density of 0.593, and the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC)'s high average weighted degree of 14.6 highlights its crucial role in leading and coordinating these policies. In terms of diffusion dynamics, the green energy transition topic has a diffusion speed of 0.967 and a strength of 49, indicating its importance to the Chinese government. On a practical level, the findings offer policy-makers concrete, actionable recommendations to refine policy design and enhance implementation effectiveness. Theoretically, this study advances the scientific understanding of policy dynamics by proposing a novel analytical framework that integrates multiple dimensions of policy analysis, contributing to the methodological development of policy research.

Energy Politics and Warfare: How International Energy Interests Shape Alliances in the Russian-Ukrainian Conflict

Purpose: This study aims to critically examine the intricate interplay of energy politics and military strategy within the context of the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian conflict. It posits that energy resources - specifically oil and natural gas - serve as pivotal factors that shape strategic alliances, influence geopolitical manoeuvring, and dictate the foreign policy trajectories of international actors, including the United States, the European Union, and China. Materials and Methods: The research employs a qualitative methodology that is underpinned by a series of semi-structured interviews conducted with a diverse cohort of policymakers, energy analysts, and industry stakeholders. Through this empirical approach, the study explores the participants' perceptions regarding the nexus between energy dynamics and security policymaking. In addition to the qualitative interviews, the investigation analyses a range of qualitative materials, including public statements, policy documents, and corporate strategic outlines. Discourse analysis is utilized to further uncover the mechanisms through which energy companies exert influence on governmental policies and military postures. Findings: The anticipated findings are expected to provide a nuanced understanding of the centrality of energy resources in influencing military strategies and fostering international coalitions. This analysis will contribute to an enriched scholarly discourse that informs not only theoretical frameworks in international relations but also practical applications in global energy governance and security. Implications to Theory, Policy and Practice: The inquiry underscores the imperative for a multifaceted and informed policy approach that acknowledges the profound implications of energy resources on national interests and global stability. By integrating energy considerations into security policymaking, the study advocates for a reassessment of traditional strategic paradigms that often overlook the complexities arising from energy interdependence.

Accelerating sulfur redox kinetics by rare earth single-atom electrocatalysts toward efficient lithium–sulfur batteries

Toward practical lithium−sulfur (Li−S) batteries, there is a pressing need to improve the rate performance and longevity of cells. Herein, we report developing a cathode electrocatalyst Lu SA/NC, capable of accelerating sulfur redox kinetics with a high specific capacity of 1391.8 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C, and a low-capacity fading rate of 0.049 % per cycle over 1000 cycles even with a high sulfur loading (5.96 mg cm−2). The unparalleled cathodes are built upon the unique structure in which single-atoms of rare earth metals are doped in nitrogen-doped porous carbon (RM SAs/NC). The theoretical and experimental studies reveal that the rare earth Lu atom has an unrivaled adsorption capacity for polysulfides and can promote facile deposition and dissolution reactions in charge-discharge processes. The in-situ Raman experiments provide direct evidence for its promotion of polysulfide transformation to eliminate the shuttle effect. The theoretical calculations suggest that the presence of f-d-p hybridization enables accelerating sulfur reduction kinetics and enhancing lithium−sulfur battery performance. The strategic paradigm introduced in this study underscores significant practical potential in the exploration of rare earth single-atom catalysts for high performance Li−S batteries.

Transforming Healthcare Communication in India: A Strategic Paradigm

Transforming Healthcare Communication in India: A Strategic Paradigm

Fighting Smart: Living Systems Theory in the US Army's Strategic Thought

This article analyzes the relationship between living systems theory (LST) and the army's military doctrine in the 1980s. General Donn Starry, Colonel Mike Malone, and Major James Cary worked with James G. Miller, the founder of LST, to make the army more efficient at fighting a Soviet invasion of Western Europe. LST conceptualized that living organisms organized matter and energy and that its components could function because they worked as a part of the whole to adapt to their environment. The article reveals how these officers employed LST as a framework to model a reciprocal relationship between individual agency and collective unity in the army's hierarchical organization. Situating this doctrinal reform in the years after the end of the draft and the mainstreaming of neoclassical economics in the 1980s, it finds that the army officers were using LST to replace Robert McNamara's mechanical strategic paradigm used in the Vietnam War.

The Impact of War on the Transformation of the Strategic Paradigm of Organizational Change Management in Conditions of Increased National Security Threats

In times of war or increased national security threats, the traditional paradigms of managing these transitions must adapt to the rapidly changing circumstances. War alters the economic, social, and political environments dramatically, necessitating that organizations quickly adapt to ensure survival and continue operations. This requires a reevaluation of strategic objectives and management practices to align with the broader context of national security. The purpose of the article is to characterize the features of the impact of war on the change of the strategic paradigm of organizational change management in conditions of increased national security threats. The object of the study is the system of organizational change management in conditions of increased national security threats. The methodology of the study involves the use of the IDEF0 method. As a result of the study, a modern IDEF0 model of transformation of the strategic paradigm of organizational change management in conditions of increased national security threats was presented.

Enhancing SME Product Brand Equity in The Digital Age as Strategic Approaches in the Era of Artificial Intelligence

This research explores the role of strategic approaches in enhancing Small and Medium-sized Enterprises' (SMEs) product brand equity in the digital era. It focuses on the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies, highlighting the opportunities and challenges SMEs face in enhancing their brand equity. The study evaluates various strategies for SMEs to navigate the digital complexities, including machine learning algorithms, natural language processing, and predictive analytics, to refine brand positioning, customer engagement, and personalized experiences. It also explores ethical considerations and potential risks associated with AI adoption, offering insights into maintaining consumer trust and ethical practices. The research synthesizes theoretical frameworks with practical implications, contributing to the understanding of strategic paradigms for SMEs to thrive in the digital age. The findings aim to provide actionable insights for SMEs and stakeholders to craft robust strategies aligning with AI capabilities, fostering sustainable brand equity growth and competitive advantage.

HARMONY IN THE WORKPLACE: EXPLORING THE INTERPLAY BETWEEN TALENT MANAGEMENT AND JOB SATISFACTION

This research explores the intricate interplay between talent management and job satisfaction as pivotal components shaping organizational effectiveness. Grounded in a strategic paradigm, talent management orchestrates the acquisition, development, and retention of skilled individuals, thereby contributing to organizational excellence. Concurrently, job satisfaction emerges as the harmonious resonance that reverberates through employee well-being, extending its influence across the organizational structure. The study delves into the nuanced relationship between these elements, considering organizational effectiveness as a mediating variable. By elucidating the dynamics of this interconnected symphony, organizations can glean valuable insights into optimizing talent management practices, fostering job satisfaction, and ultimately cultivating a workplace that resonates with enduring success

Smart industrial products’ role in industry 4.0: from a strategic paradigm of manufacturing management towards new holonic manufacturing system

The advancement of technology and the advent of the fourth industrial revolution have significantly influenced manufacturers’ strategies when it comes to production. In parallel with practical development, terminology may need to be changed over time as new information/technology or when understanding a particular concept evolves. This allows the language to reflect the current understanding and knowledge and ensures that communication remains accurate and precise. This study uses a systematic literature review together with theoretical-conceptual research to compare Industry 4.0 and Holonic Manufacturing System features. The results presented a theoretical-deduction framework illustrating where Industry 4.0 becomes New Holonic Manufacturing System. This work contributes to theory, motivating researchers of both fields to move efforts to jointly achieve New HMS. In practice, the proposed framework gives managers a deep understanding of the pathway organisations should follow to achieve a New Holonic Manufacturing System. Finally, it was possible to conclude that in the limit of full adoption, industry 4.0 becomes a New Holonic Manufacturing System.

A multi-method bibliometric review of value co-creation research

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the origins of value co-creation (VCC) knowledge streams, vis-a-vis their progression over the past 18 years. The study explores how knowledge of this discipline emerged across the tripartite strategic paradigms of business transformation.Design/methodology/approachCo-citation analysis (CCA) and co-word analysis (CWA) are used as bibliometric techniques, for which, a group of articles is retrieved using Scopus’s usual keyword-based search. The initial collection consists of 3,431 research articles published in business and management publications. By explaining the article clusters generated through CCA and keyword connections generated through CWA, the findings outline the origins and development of VCC research. A CWA-based chronological study adds further insights to the development of VCC research themes.FindingsThe results depict that VCC research has grown multifold in the past 18 years, whereby it has shifted its attention from a dyadic interaction approach to a multistakeholder ecosystem-based approach detailing the phenomenological instances of resource integration and institutional processes. Notably, extant research in this field has grown at a much faster rate since 2008. In fact, a stronger concentration of research emerged in the experience domain, particularly in terms of hedonic services. Development of engagement platforms has been driven by research into technologies such as IoT and artificial intelligence.Research limitations/implicationsThe theoretical framework of the VCC paradigm is used to describe the aggregation of co-creation research around the three strategic pillars. This framework is useful for business strategy and to track VCC research over time.Practical implicationsThis work identifies the practices and strategies of VCC at three different levels: capacity, platform and experience. The study offers insights into a variety of co-creation practices at their respective levels, incorporating micro-level dyadic interactions and macro-level processes in a service ecosystem.Originality/valueThis study uses different bibliometric methodologies to investigate the development of this scientific field over time. “Document co-citation” analysis, a more preferred bibliometric technique under CCA, is used to construct the cluster of theoretical cores of this area. The results are classified under the strategic framework of the co-creation paradigm (Ramaswamy and Ozcan, 2014).

Circular Clock model for circular economy implementation in firms: Balance between theory and practice

Purpose: The circular economy is a key issue for any company, city, or institution. The linear economy model, based on "take, make, use and waste" of products and resources, has discarded potentially valuable resources and caused serious contamination problems. In contrast, the circular economy (CE) model is a strategic paradigm whose purpose is to regenerate and conserve resources through closed material loops and the sustainable use of energy in its processes. Therefore, a growing number of companies are applying different tools and techniques to implement the CE principles to innovate their products, services, and processes, achieving promising results. Thus, the main objective of this study is to suggest an implementation model named “Circular clock” based on a set of tools and techniques which firms may use for implementing CE.Design/methodology/approach: The paper presents an empirical analysis based on the triangulation method that includes three different data sources: semi-structured interviews in Spain, academic literature and books, and non-academic publications from institutions and consultancy firms. Findings: The most relevant result of this study is the proposal of a Circular Clock model for circular economy implementation is based on six fields of action define in the academic literature: take, make, distribute, use, recover, and industrial symbiosis. Moreover, this study may serve as guidance in facilitating the strategic adoption of eco-innovation practices in firms' transition to a CE. Research limitations/implications: The sample of companies that participated in the triangulation is exploratory; however, this limitation is overcome by reviewing academic literature and institutional reports. On the other hand, academics could expand the selection of tools with subsequent studies.Practical implications: The current study is based on the triangulation method, which was vital to balance the theory and practice provided by academic sources, reports, and books. In addition, this study has improved our understanding of the goals or intentions that may motivate firms to implement the CE and align them with the suggested set of tools. Consequently, this study is relevant to support practitioners in selecting a tool based on the goal they want to achieve towards circular economy implementation.Social implications: This research suggests several tools; however, each organization could adapt some that it already knows. Therefore, firms and implementation leaders should customize the circle with short lines in each case. Moreover, the clock bells represent the deadline considering that every CE implementation process requires a deadline to ensure its success in micro-level or firms.Originality/value: The "circular clock" provides a didactic way for sustainability leaders, consultants, or companies to facilitate the implementation of the circular economy by choosing the field of action on which they want to focus and the most appropriate tool according to their strategy, objective, and budget. Therefore, this model is based on the balance between theory and practice.

Changing the strategic paradigm for the treatment of adult acute myeloid leukemia

Background: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a representative blood cancer, accounting for most adult leukemia cases in Korea. Until recently, intensive chemotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation were the only curative treatment options for AML. However, the recent introduction of new drugs is bringing about changes in the strategic paradigm for the treatment of AML.Current Concepts: Along with the clinical eligibility for receiving intensive treatment and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, the most critical determinants in treating AML are precise classification and risk stratification based on cytogenetic and molecular information. The recently revised World Health Organization classification, newly proposed International Consensus Classification, and the latest version of the European LeukemiaNet risk stratification reflect the importance of cytogenetic and molecular information. Although there have been no significant changes for a long time in the landscape of AML, especially in the field of treatment, the treatment paradigm has started to evolve with the introduction of new drugs. This evolution is led by FLT3 inhibitors, Bcl-2 inhibitors, isocitrate dehydrogenase inhibitors, target agents against CD33 antigens, and liposomal formulations of chemotherapeutics.Discussion and Conclusion: Successful initial treatment to induce complete remission followed by post-remission treatment to remove residual disease can lead to the achievement of long-term survival and cure goals in AML. We hope that new drugs will markedly improve the treatment outcomes for patients with AML.

LEVERAGING BIG DATA FOR SME GROWTH AND COMPETITIVENESS: A LITERATURE REVIEW

In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, big data has emerged as a transformative force, reshaping businesses’ operational and strategic paradigms worldwide. This review delves into the profound implications of big data for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), a sector often overshadowed by larger counterparts yet pivotal to global economic growth. This study aimed to elucidate the multifaceted relationship between SMEs and big data, exploring its historical context, economic ramifications, challenges, and the technological advancements propelling its integration. Through a systematic literature review approach, the research methodically sifted through myriad studies, gleaning insights and trends pertinent to SMEs. The results underscored the monumental potential of big data in enhancing SME competitiveness, fostering precision marketing, and streamlining operations. However, the journey is interspersed with challenges, from infrastructural inadequacies to talent deficits. Recommendations advocate for balanced big data investments, collaborative frameworks with data vendors, and an unwavering focus on data privacy and security. In conclusion, as SMEs stand at the crossroads of a digital revolution, embracing big data emerges as the linchpin for sustainable growth and innovation in the digital age.

EUROPEAN DEFENCE TECHNOLOGY AND INDUSTRIAL BASE ̶ SUPPORTING ELEMENT OF COOPERATION UNDER EU COMMON SECURITY AND DEFENCE POLICY

The development of the EU’s security and defence profile has been a constant over the last two decades and one of the most dynamic projects of European integration. In this sense, last few years have recorded significant progress, illustrated both by the conduct of a significant number of civilian and military operations in different geographical perimeters, as well as by the launch of cooperation initiatives in the field of defence capabilities and defence research. The reporting framework of these developments has also undergone major changes, integrated into the process of establishment the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB). After an initial stage of conceptual structuring, carried out between 2007-2013, the profile of this construct has matured rapidly in recent years, offering consistent prospects in terms of supporting EU security and defence objectives. To this end, practical projects on defence capabilities and research have been developed through EDTIB in line with the Common Security and Defence Policy agenda. An extremely important role is represented by the consolidation of the financial potential associated with EDTIB to support cooperation projects and initiatives. The use of EU budget resources, stimulated in the context of EDTIB, represents a strategic paradigm shift in which European cooperation has evolved. The results recorded so far indicate the viability of the approach, supported by Member States’ interest in deepening this trend, including by consolidating investment in defence and industrial purposes.

Effective strategies against COVID-19 and the importance of infection sequelae.

COVID-19 is a serious threat to human health and development. The acute burden of the pandemic includes more than 18.2 million deaths worldwide, and is unprecedented in modern times. This represents only a fraction of the total burden, as it excludes infection sequelae. An effective global strategic paradigm has been missing throughout the pandemic. The 'flattening the curve' approach neglected the importance of infection sequelae, and being centered on healthcare capacity was conceptually contrary to a people-centered health system. In March 2022, the World Health Organization revised its pandemic approach, importantly shifting emphasis away from managing transmission and towards prevention. Despite limitations, this now recognizes the role of infection sequelae, whose impact is becoming clearer in both variety and scale. Drawing on the foundational concepts of Sun Tzu and Carl von Clausewitz, most country approaches do not qualify as strategies, but rather as operational plans. They are also largely ineffective, neglecting infection sequelae, viral evolution dangers and other parameters. The purpose of this article is to summarize the evidence on COVID-19 infection sequelae, and alongside other contextual parameters use this to motivate that infection should be prevented. This is then used to answer the question: What is an effective strategy against COVID-19?

Divergent and Convergent Effects of Business Group Affiliation on Firm Performance in International Strategic Alliances

Business groups (BGs), a prevalent organizational form in many economies are exhibiting evolutionary fitness and are no longer considered an organizational anomaly. We extend the traditional debate around strategic choice and performance paradigm by assessing differential performance effects of BG affiliation in international strategic alliance (ISA) formation choices(alliance scope, alliance governance structure, and alliance orientation). This study integrates the resource-based view and institutional perspective to explore the initial divergence in performance of a BG affiliated firm (BGAF) and non-BG affiliated firm (NBGAF) leading towards convergence later when partner complementarity and institutional evolution shifts from lower to the higher end of the spectrum. Contrasting the effect of different ISA choices on firm’s performance the hypotheses were developed and tested on a panel dataset of 1816 ISAs formed by 224 BGAFs and 242 NBGAFs over a span of 19 years. Findings suggest that the influence of BG affiliation on firm’s performance is more pronounced when alliance scope is broader, alliance governance structure is contractual and alliance orientation is exploratory and that this divergence in performance between BGAFs and NBGAFs weakens as the alliance partner’s complementarity increases and institutions evolve in the economy.

Index Design: Hedging and Manipulation

This paper studies optimal index design to facilitate both hedging and alleviate illegal manipulation in a competitive equilibrium paradigm, modified to deal with manipulation. Specifically, a large trader is trading both derivatives and assets that effectively hides her trades behind the competitive market clearing mechanism. Unlike the strategic game paradigm, a volume-weighted average pricing (VWAP) index introduces basis risk and encourages manipulation because of the additional randomness in volume weight and the greater price impact enjoyed by the large trader. In contrast, an equal-weighted average pricing (EWAP) index preserves market completeness and discourages manipulation.

Cyber Offense and a Changing Strategic Paradigm

Cyber Offense and a Changing Strategic Paradigm

Missional Discipleship in the Public Sphere: With Special Reference to Lordship, Followership and Christlikeness in the Concept of Public Discipleship

Missional discipleship is more than a movement seeking a new methodological and strategic mission paradigm. Missional discipleship is the essence of Christianity concerning the ontological foundation for the prime reason for existence as believers and the epistemological lens to see the world from the perspective of transformed values in Christ. In other words, missional discipleship requires acknowledging the lordship of Christ by demonstrating the ontological embodiment of who Christ is and epistemological resemblance by perceiving the reality as Christ does. These radical transformations in both ontological and epistemological areas can enable believers to authentically follow Christ as disciples and demonstrate Christlikeness in all spheres of their existence as missionaries. Christlike attributes and qualities are progressively cultivated in believers lives as they conform to the image of Christ, and the most profound nature of Christlikeness is holiness. Missional discipleship provides a platform to expand the concept of Christlikeness as holiness from the personal dimension to the public dimension to overcome the privatisation of discipleship and Christian religious dualism polarising things into the categories of the sacred and secular.

An integrated group fuzzy best-worst method and combined compromise solution with Bonferroni functions for supplier selection in reverse supply chains

Choosing the right supplier has a significant impact on the efficiency and productivity of a supply chain (SC). Different supplier selection models and approaches have been developed for reverse SCs. The lean, agile, resilient, and green (LARG) strategy is an innovative paradigm for supply chain competitiveness and sustainability. This study proposes a fuzzy-based methodology that integrates the fuzzy group best-worst method (FG-BWM) and the fuzzy combined compromise solution (FCoCoSo) method for supplier selection in reverse SCs within a LARG strategic paradigm. The FG-BWM is used to measure the importance weights of the supplier selection criteria. Subsequently, FCoCoSo is coupled with the normalized weighted geometric Bonferroni mean functions to select the most suitable supplier. The BWM is used for its simplicity and efficacy. The CoCoSo model is used for its unique ability to produce a compromise solution. The Bonferroni functions are used to capture the interrelationships among the decision attributes and eliminate the influence of extreme data. The main proposed framework aims at providing an easy-to-implement but reliable method to help manufacturers active in recycling and concerned with sustainability issues to rank and select suppliers. We present a real-world case study whose results demonstrate the applicability of the proposed integrated framework to supplier selection in reverse SCs, focusing in particular on the wood and paper industry.