Strategic Variables Research Articles

The Influence of Strategic Media on Nation Building: The Case of Sudan

The study systematically investigated the hypothesis that strategic media initiatives promote and accelerate nation-building processes (NBP) in Sudan. The strategic media variables examined included three essential ones: media language perfection (MLP), qualitative media coverage (QMC), and information building plan (IBP). Using a multilinear regression model (MLRM), the study analyzed the relationships among these predicting variables and their impact on the dependent variable. The evaluation of how the three predictors impact nation-building and state stability required the distribution of a survey containing 21 questions. 200 Sudanese journalists from different parts of the country received the questionnaire. They represent diverse backgrounds across private and public media institutions, including male and female participants. The principal data collection technique adopted by the study was the online survey, supplemented by other secondary sources such as journals, books, and professional internet websites. The use of a five-point Likert scale was feasible to evaluate responses. The analysis indicated that the three predictors collectively explained 94.2% of the variation in NBP (R² = 0.942, p < 0.001). Among these predictors, IBP demonstrated the highest impact (β = 0.624), followed by MLP (β = 0.589) and QMC (β = 0.247). These findings underscore the significant role of professional media in Sudanese nation-building by facilitating practical initiatives and addressing internal conflicts. The study contributes robust empirical evidence and theoretical insights into the efforts of Sudanese journalists, emphasizing the critical role of strategic media in fostering nation-building and enhancing state stability.

SMEs Performance Based on Strategic Leadership: The Role Mediating of Dynamic Capabilities

This study aims to bridge the gap from some previous research results that examine the correlation between strategic leadership and firm field-presentation by using the dynamic capability model (staff empowerment with flexible and integrated capability, resilient dynamic capability and agility dynamic capability) as a go-between variable. This study examines the direct outcome of strategic leadership on SME field-presentation and then examines the indirect effect through the in-between role of dynamic capability (staff empowerment with flexible and integrated capability, resilient dynamic capability and agility dynamic capability) on SME performance. The method utilized in this study is statistical analysis method by conducting an online survey to SME owners/managers in Jakarta. From the survey distributed, a total of 475 respondents returned the questionnaire that had been answered and valid. The collected data were analyzed using SEM-PLS 4.0. The results showed that strategic leadership variables have a positive and significant influence on SME performance. Similarly, the same results are shown in the indirect results of strategic leadership variables on SME performance through the afro mentioned go-between role of dynamic capability (staff empowerment with flexible and integrated capability, potent dynamic capability and agility dynamic capability).

The role of entrepreneurial leadership in achieving strategic excellence an analytical study of the opinions of a sample of college council members at private universities in the Erbil city

The research aims to determine the availability of the dimensions of entrepreneurial leadership and the dimensions of strategic excellence from the point of view of a sample of members of college councils in private universities in the Erbil city, in addition to analyzing the relationship and impact of entrepreneurial leadership represented by its dimensions (Creativity, risk taking, proactiveness, independence) in the dimensions of strategic excellence represented by (Leadership excellence, individual excellence, cultural excellence, service excellence). The general framework of the research was represented in the research problem, which was defined by raising several questions about the nature of the relationship and influence between the independent variable (entrepreneurial leadership) and the dependent variable (strategic excellence). For this purpose, a hypothetical chart was designed that expresses three main hypotheses, and to ensure their validity, they were subjected to multiple statistical tests. The questionnaire was used as a means of obtaining data. The research adopted the descriptive analytical method, where the main and sub-variables were described, to analyze the relationships and influence between the two variables. The research population was represented by all members of the college councils in the private university colleges in the Erbil city, whose number was determined according to the data and statistics of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and their number reached (117), and (58) members were chosen from them to represent the research sample. The hypotheses were tested through a set of analyzes and statistical tests using the computer program (SPSS Ver.26). The research reached a set of conclusions, the most important of which is the existence of positive ethical relationships at a high level between the dimensions of entrepreneurial leadership and strategic excellence at the macro and micro levels. This confirms the benefit of colleges in private universities from employing the dimensions of entrepreneurial leadership in adopting the dimensions of strategic excellence, in addition to the presence of a positive effect on statistically significant levels of the entrepreneurial leadership variable in the strategic excellence variable, according to what was produced by the analysis indicators at the macro and micro levels. The research presented a set of proposals, the most important of which is the necessity of investing in the strong relationship between the two variables and directing this relationship towards serving the colleges under research.

Corporate Sustainability Performance in the Indonesian Fertilizer Industry: A Strategic Approach with PT Pupuk Indonesia (Persero)

This study investigates the determinants of Corporate Sustainability Performance (CSP) in PT Pupuk Indonesia (Persero), a leading state-owned enterprise in Indonesia's fertilizer industry. The research focuses on the impact of Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG), Operational, Leadership, and Strategic Transformation factors on CSP. Utilizing a Structural Equation Modeling-Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) approach, the study reveals that Operational Performance is the most significant driver of CSP, with Governance and Social factors also playing crucial roles. However, Environmental, Leadership, and Strategic Transformation variables show limited direct influence on CSP. These findings suggest that while operational efficiency and governance are critical for enhancing sustainability, the importance of social responsibility, visionary leadership, and long-term environmental strategies should not be underestimated. The study offers strategic insights for corporate leaders, emphasizing a balanced and comprehensive approach to achieving sustainable growth in energy-intensive industries.

The Effect of Strategic Leadership On Sustainable Competitive Advantage

This research aims to analyze and identify the effect of strategic leadership on sustainable competitive advantage. This study uses quantitative method with descriptive and associative research. The population includes employees of PT X (heavy equipment trading company), with a sample of 30-500 respondents. The results show that strategic leadership has a positive effect on sustainable competitive advantage applied by respondent. Testing the strategic leadership effect on sustainable competitive advantage produced a significance value of 0.000 < 0.05, with a correlation coefficient value of 0.927. It can be concluded that strategic leadership has a strong influence on sustainable competitive advantage, with a correlation coefficient value of 0.927. Within this study, the majority of respondents expressed agreement with the questionnaire statement in this research regarding the strategic leadership variable, with 16 statement indicators submitted by the researcher and the sustainable competitive advantage (Y) variables, with 14 statement indicators submitted by the researcher.

Strategic human resource management in digital marketing and business: Birds eye from Indonesian enterprise

Human resources are considered an important resource for companies today because the knowledge that a person has can be used to become an organisation’s competitive advantage. In addition, digital marketing has an important role in determining the performance of business entities because we have now entered the digital era, which certainly cannot be separated from the influence of technology on marketing through social media. Therefore, this study aims to examine the effect of Strategic Human Resource Management (SHRM) in digital marketing on business entity performance, which is determined by digital marketing in a business entity. The data in this research was collected by distributing questionnaires to 455 Micro Small Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Indonesia. Data analysis used the Moderated Regression Analysis (MRA) method. The research results show that strategic human resource management variables influence business performance, and the support of digital marketing capabilities and activities strengthens this influence. Based on the results of this research, existing business entities must strengthen organizational performance by strengthening human resources in basic soft skills and hard skills and skills in digital marketing and improving marketing activities using digitalization.

Sticky price for declining risk? Business strategies with “behavioral” customers in the hotel industry

AbstractUsing data from about 25 million hotel room postings in four countries, we document that rather than decreasing to zero as the likelihood of cancellation declines, the difference between the prices for refundable and nonrefundable reservations remains positive at roughly 10%–15% of the full price. A model where travelers have different willingness to pay and some of them overestimate the probability to cancel their trip explains these price‐setting patterns more consistently than alternative interpretations. We denote these business strategies as naiveté‐based price discrimination. Our data and theory, therefore, show that this form of apparent inertial behavior of companies regarding a major strategic variable can be an intentional managerial choice. We demonstrate, finally, that this profit‐enhancing commitment to limited flexibility may also benefit customers in some cases, by expanding the reach of the market. Thus, strategies that rely on cognitive biases on the demand side may not necessarily exploit consumers.

Roadmap to enhance operational excellence in emerging countries

This paper addresses the dearth of studies examining the status of Operational Excellence (OE) implementation and offers a roadmap for enhancing OE maturity levels. The study encompassed three phases: (1) face-to-face interviews with industry OE experts in 57 companies across seven sectors, (2), classification of companies based on their maturity levels, and (3) development of a roadmap for companies to enhance their OE maturity. Through face-to-face interviews with OE experts in fifty-seven companies across various sectors, the study classified organizations into five maturity levels, with only 7 % reaching the champion level. The proposed roadmap, comprising twenty-three variables across six hierarchical levels, outlines a path for companies to progress towards champion-level OE maturity, with an estimated timeframe of 4.5–5 years from a zero level. This research contributes valuable insights into the OE implementation status in emerging countries and provides practical guidance for organizations aiming to elevate their OE maturity, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning, economic sustainability, environmental sustainability, and social sustainability variables tailored to the specific challenges and opportunities faced by businesses in emerging nations.

Analysis of interplay between food safety systems and halal standards in Indonesia

The present work aimed to develop a comprehensive certification process for halal food products within the Indonesian agribusiness, which integrates food safety and halal standards. The objective was to reduce financial barriers, certification burden, and workforce shortages currently impeding the establishment of quality halal food supply chains. To achieve this aim, Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM) was used to elucidate the complex relationships between decision variables in the halal certification process. Data collection included interviews with sectoral experts overseeing food safety and halal compliance. The present work identified 17 strategic variables crucial to integrating the Halal Assurance System (HAS) with food safety using ISM analysis. The findings of the ISM model showed 11 hierarchical levels of integration between the HAS and food safety, identifying key factors influencing produce security mechanisms. Additionally, the present work emphasised the significance of transparency, proper handling of produce, and efficient certification processes for businesses operating in the global food sector. This proposed framework not only offers practical guidance for enhancing food security, but also correlated certification processes with supply chain objectives, thereby bridging the gap between theory and practice.

Assessing Competitive Strategies in UK Manufacturing SMEs

In this comprehensive study, we delve into an exhaustive examination of effective competitive strategies tailored for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The principal objective of this research centers on scrutinizing the strategic orientation of UK Manufacturing SMEs. Conducting an extensive literature review, we critically evaluated Porter's framework and identified several gaps in its applicability. Notably, critiques assert that the model inadequately captures the intricate nature of strategic behavior within real organizations and fails to provide a fully accurate representation of strategy-performance relationships. Empirical research further highlights the model's limitations, indicating its inability to facilitate the desirable combination of competitive strategies by firms. To address the outlined objectives, we employed a semi-structured questionnaire in our investigation. The ensuing analysis involved the application of factor and cluster analysis to identify strategic variables currently employed by SMEs in the manufacturing domain. Our data analysis revealed a divergence from the adoption of Porter's single generic strategies. Instead, the findings supported the utilization of mixed strategies that integrate elements from both differentiation and low-cost strategies. Significantly, these hybrid approaches were found to be associated with enhanced firm performance. This study contributes valuable insights into the nuanced landscape of competitive strategies within the UK SMEs, shedding light on the dynamic interplay between strategic choices and firm performance.

Population coding of strategic variables during foraging in freely moving macaques

Until now, it has been difficult to examine the neural bases of foraging in naturalistic environments because previous approaches have relied on restrained animals performing trial-based foraging tasks. Here we allowed unrestrained monkeys to freely interact with concurrent reward options while we wirelessly recorded population activity in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. The animals decided when and where to forage based on whether their prediction of reward was fulfilled or violated. This prediction was not solely based on a history of reward delivery, but also on the understanding that waiting longer improves the chance of reward. The task variables were continuously represented in a subspace of the high-dimensional population activity, and this compressed representation predicted the animal’s subsequent choices better than the true task variables and as well as the raw neural activity. Our results indicate that monkeys’ foraging strategies are based on a cortical model of reward dynamics as animals freely explore their environment.

The Role of AI in Improving Environmental Sustainability: A Focus on Energy Management

This research addresses the increasing importance of understanding how Artificial Intelligence can facilitate the transition of companies to a Circular Economy model. This study focuses on energy management, examining its impact on efficiency and emissions across a multi-case analysis of 18 projects in diverse sectors. The findings indicate that Artificial Intelligence positively influences both variables, with variations across applications and sectors. Notably, Artificial Intelligence significantly enhances energy efficiency in four out of six sectors, achieving over 5% improvement in half of the projects. Regarding emissions, positive effects are observed in 15 out of 18 projects, resulting in over 5% reductions in seven cases. Artificial Intelligence plays a pivotal role in emissions reduction in the Design and Energy sectors, with some projects achieving over 20% reductions. Additionally, this study explores how improved energy efficiency positively affects strategic business variables, such as cost, quality, and delivery time. The impact on emissions contributes to reducing occupational risks, particularly those associated with chemical and biological agents. Although managers are satisfied, measures need to be taken to overcome the lack of employee acceptance. These findings are of great interest to the stakeholders involved in the integration of Artificial Intelligence into companies.

Information Technologies in Restaurants in the City of Lima: Analysis of Strategic Variables

This research was carried out with the purpose of conducting a prospective study to analyze the implementation of Information Technologies in restaurants in Lima. For this purpose, a search of various academic articles and journalistic articles was carried out to collect information to help structure the project and compose the problem, theoretical framework, and contextual framework. Then, for the identification of the variables to be analyzed, the first method that was implemented was to carry out a documentary review of the articles and classification in Variables of the restaurant subsector and variables related to information technologies; to complement the extracted variables, interviews were conducted with experts in the gastronomic sector who helped to validate the variables and made a recommendation of new ones that they considered important and could be taken into consideration for analysis; so they finally proceeded to rate them according to the level of dependence and influence of one against the others by means of a confrontation matrix. Finally, the MicMac software was used, where the weighted rating of each variable was entered, and the result was those key variables that have a high level of dependence and influence on the others and characterize the implementation of IT in restaurants.

Strategy and performance of audiovisual streaming platforms

Purpose: This work aims to analyze and classify the competitive strategies of 37 streaming platforms and identify which strategic groups perform better globally. Design/methodology/approach: This study is based on the structure-conduct-performance paradigm and uses Porter's typology to reach its goal. It classified the 37 platforms into their respective strategic groups based on eight strategic variables using k-means cluster analysis. Then, group performances were compared using ANOVA to test the mean differences of two performance variables. Originality/relevance: The audiovisual industry is experiencing a radical change in content consumption, distribution, and production. Streaming technology, which delivers content over the internet without downloads, increased flexibility and sparked a wave of adoption of audiovisual streaming platforms that destabilized other sectors, such as home video. Consequently, this phenomenon left a gap in studies about the strategy and performance of the industry, which this paper intends to fill. Main findings: As a result, 14% of the platforms studied were allocated to the Differentiation strategic group, 30% to Cost Leadership, 19% to Differentiation Focus, 8% to Cost Focus, and 30% were considered Stuck-In-The-Middle. We identified that the strategic groups present significant differences in performance, validating the applicability of Porter's typology. Theoretical contributions: The study found that broad-spectrum strategies such as Cost Leadership and Differentiation promote better performance than focus strategies at this industry stage. Surprisingly, Stuck-In-The-Middle companies also perform well, similar to companies with broad-spectrum strategies.

Investigating the reorientation in manufacturing firms through a dynamic of strategic shift: An exploratory study

BACKGROUND: In order to gain a competitive advantage or survive, organizations need to reorient themselves once in a while, and in distress tend to rely on turnaround strategies. The organization must ensure that the turnaround strategy implemented is effective. OBJECTIVE: This study explores and investigates the implementation of turnaround strategies during a crisis by manufacturing firms with the help of a conceptual model combining turnaround strategies and McKinsey’s 7s framework as the mediating variables. METHODS: A questionnaire comprising 35 questions was circulated amongst the employees of various manufacturing firms operating in India and 230 data samples were collected. RESULTS: The findings of this study indicate that manufacturing firms tend to implement turnaround strategies in the form of Operational, Financial, Leadership, Structural and Strategic methods for their survival and reorientation. Additionally, turnaround strategies and strategic reorientation variables of the McKinsey 7s framework showed a significant relationship through a set of Hard S and Soft S.

Asymmetries in banking conduct: A Cournot - Bertrand model

This paper presents a Cournot – Bertrand model with differentiated loans and deposits. In this context, banks compete in different strategic variables, with bank 1 competing in quantities and bank 2 in interest rates. It is shown that loan and deposit differentiation are necessary conditions for a unique Nash equilibrium. The analysis constitutes a simple framework for the introduction of asymmetries in the behavior of oligopolistic banks, providing possible policy and bank ownership extensions.

Unveiling Qatarization: a strategic HRM perspective on the context of implementing successful workforce nationalization

This study is motivated by the infancy of literature on strategic HRM in regard to government policies and the lack of empirical research on the HRM policy of nationalization in the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). As such, it adopts a process oriented strategic HRM perspective through developing and examining an integrative framework of the antecedents and outcomes of the quality of the implementation of the Qatarized workforce in Qatar. This framework is informed by three aspects of the strategic planning process, namely, formulation, implementation, and evaluation, as determinants of the quality of implementation of the Qatarization strategy and how the latter, along with the three sets of strategic planning variables, influence the success of this strategy. In surveying 313 managers from organizations in Qatar, the study contributes to several streams of the literature: strategic HRM, nationalization, and strategic management, where the findings show that the implementation quality of Qatarization strategy is shaped by all three as aspects of the strategic planning process and that the success of this strategy cannot adequately be targeted without such an integrative perspective. However, the findings also suggest that the three aspects do not contribute equally to the success of this strategy. These findings entail several implications for managers, including the importance of paying heed to the comprehensive concept of integrative strategic planning in general, and the important role that formal planning plays when ensuring the success of publicly mandated HRM strategies.

Contemporary Analysis of Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy: Strategic Variables Affecting the Business Performance

This report concentrates on LVMH, the largest producer of luxury goods globally. Moreover, this paper explores the three prevailing strategic variables which collectively affect the business performance of LVMH. LVMH, a company that operates across various sectors such as fashion and leather goods, perfumes and cosmetics, watches and jewellery, and wines and spirits, is subject to various strategic influences that have implications for its operations and expansion. Furthermore, this report aims to determine an appropriate strategy to tackle the conditions faced by LVMH, relying upon the strategic management concepts, frameworks, and models presented in the class. Ultimately, this paper recommends that LVMH should implement diversified strategies to effectively address the preferences of the younger generation and their customer base. The strategy should leverage technological progress and the prevailing patterns that impact the sales and manufacturing of commodities. To enhance its success, LVMH should consider investing in more effective management practises. It should consider targeting a wide range of demographic groups. LVMH could enhance its market reach and alleviate consumer research efforts by broadening its retail distribution channels and offering luxury-priced merchandise. The implementation of the suggested strategies should be carried out in a synchronised manner while embracing a prolonged outlook.

The Development Strategy for Flores Timur Forest Management Unit-Protected (FMU-Protected)

The Flores Timur FMU establishment was part of the broader efforts to enhance forest governance, improve management practices, and resolve land tenure conflicts effectively within forest areas. However, the challenges commonly encountered included conflicts with communities and other sectors regarding land tenure, area planning, and policy implementation. This research aimed to identify strategic variables of internal and external factors to determine a development strategy for Flores Timur FMU-Protected using SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis. The results showed that the primary strategy for managing Flores Timur FMU included law enforcement for forest protection, acceleration of rehabilitation efforts for forests and lands classified as critical, and calculation of forest economic values based on the benefits of environmental services. Moreover, increasing community participation in forest utilization through social forestry programs and employing a participatory approach to forest area boundaries would contribute to effective management.

Impact of Servant Leadership and Narcissism on Firm Performance: A Comparative Analysis of U.S. and Chinese International Strategic Distribution Channel Alliances

ABSTRACT An integrative conceptual model developed tested the relative influence of servant leadership and narcissism in relation to strategic variables including adaptation and cooperation on competitive advantage and firm performance. Data were collected using structured on-site interviews conducted with 140 and 95 key respondents of randomly selected manufactuarer-export houses located in U.S. and China, respectively. Empirical results revealed that both strategic variables and leadership variables were positively related to competitive advantage, which, in turn, influenced firm performance. The influence of societal culture was evident in our results in that relationships among antecedents of firm performance were denser for U.S. than they were for Chinese firms. Based on these findings, insights for administrative guidance and implications for influencing and managing a firms ISA between manufacturers and their principal international distribution channel alliance partners were discussed. Research drawbacks are identified and directions for future studies are proffered.