Alliance Strategy Research Articles

Dependency Theory and Marxism in Latin America: Between Convergences and Contradictions

The emergence of Marxist dependency theory (MDT) in Latin America during the 1960s questioned the developmentalist doctrines of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) and the class alliance strategies of communist parties. MDT gained traction during the Cold War in the 1970s and 1980s and saw a new cycle of ascension in the early 21st century with the rise of progressive governments during Latin America’s Pink Tide. While some MDT scholars identify with Marxism-Leninism, this article critically examines aspects of this claimed affinity. The hypothesis posits that MDT’s assertions diverge from fundamental Leninist concepts and the theoretical traditions of Marxist-Leninist parties, instead reviving in new forms the arguments of their opponents in classical Marxist debates. The analysis focuses on two key dimensions of MDT arguments: (1) political propositions concerning the two-stage theory and alliances with bourgeois sectors by proletarian parties and (2) theoretical propositions on superexploitation of labor and subimperialism.

Internationalization of Companies: a Systematic Literature Review Supported by Bibliometric Analysis

Objective: Conduct a comprehensive analysis of the internationalization of companies (IE) over the past three decades, exploring topics ranging from alliance strategies to mergers and acquisitions (M&A). Theoretical Framework: Over the past decades, the study of internationalization has gained importance with the reduction of border barriers. Hamel (1991) highlighted the role of international strategic alliances in promoting competition and learning. Multinational companies from emerging markets have become relevant, and early international expansion has driven competitiveness and innovation. Method: The methodology combines Systematic Literature Review (SLR) and Bibliometric Analysis (BA), using VOSviewer 1.6.20 software to explore networks of co-authorship, co-citation, and co-occurrence in 246 articles published between 1991 and 2023. Results and Discussion: The results revealed challenges in internationalization, such as selecting suitable partners and mitigating risks. Understanding the factors of success or failure is crucial. Opportunities include consistent product strategies that enhance global competitiveness and strategic collaborations, such as international alliances and joint ventures, which promote learning and innovation. Organizational learning offers a sustainable competitive advantage. Implications of the Research: The practical and theoretical implications discussed provide insights into how the results may influence practices in the field of alliances within a globalized business environment. Originality/Value: This study adopts an interdisciplinary approach, highlighting the importance of contextual, cultural, institutional, and economic factors in understanding the complexities of international strategic alliances.

PENGARUH KOMUNIKASI BISNIS DAN STRATEGI ALIANSI TERHADAP KINERJA MANAJEMEN RANTAI PASOK PADA PT. “XXX” BANDUNG

Abstract Very tight competition requires business managers to create new models in managing the flow of products and information. Due to the smooth supply of raw materials PT. "XXX" Bandung can maximize the production process so that the volume of products sold can increase. In its implementation, supply chain management is strongly influenced by suppliers. With the existence of other companies that affect the production process, it is the obligation of PT. "XXX" Bandung to establish quality cooperation. Communication in business is seen as an important element for the success of cooperative relationships between companies because in reality it proves that cooperative relationships between companies always involve communication. Having different suppliers means that companies need to make adjustments in the field because each supplier certainly has different characteristics such as the way to communicate, the ability of the supplier itself, and the quality of the raw materials produced. The quality of good cooperation between the company and its suppliers will also have an impact on the production process that occurs in the company. The method in this study uses a quantitative descriptive method with 126 respondents as a sample of supplier companies in the city of Bandung. Data was collected by using a questionnaire method via google form and interview by telephone. Data processing is carried out using structural equation model analysis (SEM) with AMOS 20 software as a tool. The result of the research is that there is a positive and significant effect of business communication, alliance strategy on supply chain management performance is a simultaneous influence. While the effect of business communication or alliance strategy on supply chain management performance is a partial influence and the occurrence of a positive and significant influence.

US Critical Mineral Policies and Alliance Strategies in an Age of Geopolitical Rivalry

We examine the geoeconomic strategies of the US regarding critical minerals through the lens of geopolitical rivalry with China. Chinese companies, mostly state-owned enterprises, play a prominent role in the extraction and processing of minerals critical to the energy transition. Drawing on the balance of power theory, we argue that the US, the incumbent hegemon, can employ both domestic policies and alliance-building strategies to counterbalance China’s dominance in critical mineral sectors. Empirically, we first assess the nature of US domestic policies with respect to promoting domestic critical mineral production and restricting foreign investment in the extractive sectors through investment screening measures, and then assess the degree to which the US has relied on Five Eyes alliance partners to achieve common strategic goals. We find evidence that the US uses a multifaceted geoeconomic approach involving domestic policies and alliance strategies to counterbalance China’s dominant position in critical mineral supply chains.

Edukasi Anti-Bulyying Melalui Strategi Kolaboratif Aliansi Siswa-Guru Dalam Menciptakan Zona Bebas Perundungan di Sekolah Dasar

Bullying in elementary school is a serious problem that can negatively impact children's psychological and academic development. The main problem identified was the high rate of bullying in primary schools which negatively impacted students' emotional and academic well-being. The purpose of this educational seminar is to develop and implement anti-bullying strategies that involve the active participation of students and support from teachers, as well as to evaluate their effectiveness in creating a safe school environment. The method used involves designing a collaboration-based anti-bullying education program, training teachers and students, and implementing related activities. Data was collected through surveys, interviews, and observations to measure changes in bullying rates, student attitudes, and school climate. The results of the study showed that the implementation of collaborative strategies was effective in reducing the incidence of bullying and increasing students' awareness of positive behavior. In addition, there is an increase in student involvement in anti-bullying activities and stronger support from teachers. In conclusion, the collaborative strategy of the student-teacher alliance succeeded in creating a bullying-free zone at Sukaraja Elementary School. The program not only reduces bullying but also improves the overall school climate, demonstrating the importance of the involvement of all parties in bullying prevention efforts

A Comprehensive Analysis of Narratives within NATO’s Doctrines

The 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine reshaped global security norms, challenging the West with a strategy known as hybrid warfare. Rooted in Russia's military doctrine, this approach integrates both military and non-military means, labelled hybrid warfare in the West and non-linear warfare in Russia. Prioritizing psychological and cognitive influence, the New Generation Warfare emphasizes soft power. NATO responded by investing in strategic communications and exploring cognitive warfare as a potential sixth domain of war. Adversaries use intricate methods to manipulate civilian cognitive processes, relying on persuasive narratives. Like business corporations, nation-states now craft strategic narratives to shape political and military thinking, employing various narrative levels in information and cognitive warfare, including counter-narratives against hostile stories. This article provides a comprehensive review of the different perspectives on the role of narratives within defence and security strategies and doctrines of NATO. The qualitative methodology employed in this study focuses on understanding how narratives are perceived within the strategies of the alliance. The approach involves a comprehensive examination and comparison of narrative practices to uncover the evolution of NATO’s narrative concepts. The sources for this study encompass a range of materials, including official NATO strategy and doctrine papers. This article reveals that, over the period spanning from the 2003 to 2024, narratives have gained increasing significance for NATO. Initially regarded merely as a means to depict events in a preferred manner, narratives have evolved to play a pivotal role in shaping the alliance's strategy. They have transcended their initial role, now exerting influence on military operations and taking precedence at every level of NATO, from headquarters to the boots on the ground. It is highlighted in this article that NATO endeavours to align its actions with its values, aiming to establish credibility and legitimacy. NATO perceives a robust, multi-levelled, and ever-evolving narrative as an effective safeguard against hostile information and cognitive warfare.

CODAS–Hamming–Mahalanobis Method for Hierarchizing Green Energy Indicators and a Linearity Factor for Relevant Factors’ Prediction through Enterprises’ Opinions

As enterprises look forward to new market share and supply chain opportunities, innovative strategies and sustainable manufacturing play important roles for micro-, small, and mid-sized enterprises worldwide. Sustainable manufacturing is one of the practices aimed towards deploying green energy initiatives to ease climate change, presenting three main pillars—economic, social, and environmental. The issue of how to reach sustainability goals within the sustainable manufacturing of pillars is a less-researched area. This paper’s main purpose and novelty is two-fold. First, it aims to provide a hierarchy of the green energy indicators and their measurements through a multi-criteria decision-making point of view to implement them as an alliance strategy towards sustainable manufacturing. Moreover, we aim to provide researchers and practitioners with a forecasting method to re-prioritize green energy indicators through a linearity factor model. The CODAS–Hamming–Mahalanobis method is used to obtain preference scores and rankings from a 50-item list. The resulting top 10 list shows that enterprises defined nine items within the economic pillar as more important and one item on the environmental pillar; items from the social pillar were less important. The implication for MSMEs within the manufacturing sector represents an opportunity to work with decision makers to deploy specific initiatives towards sustainable manufacturing, focused on profit and welfare while taking care of natural resources. In addition, we propose a continuous predictive analysis method, the linearity factor model, as a tool for new enterprises to seek a green energy hierarchy according to their individual needs. The resulting hierarchy using the predictive analysis model presented changes in the items’ order, but it remained within the same two sustainable manufacturing pillars: economic and environmental.

Decision tree for adaptation after radical changes: linking dynamic capabilities, ambidexterity, and strategic alliances

AbstractWe developed a decision tree that integrates relevant organizational adaptation theories to respond to radical changes. The understanding of organizational adaptation often requires a combination of multiple theoretical lenses, especially considering today’s radical changes in technologies, markets, and regulations. However, the research streams on adaptation and change are often disconnected and we lack a unifying adaptation framework that might reveal the synergistic contribution of each theoretical perspective to the problem. To fill this important lacuna, we integrate four relevant scholarly perspectives on the topic: dynamic capabilities, ambidexterity, vertical alliances, and horizontal strategic alliances. Our main contribution is an integrative decision tree that unveils when and why each perspective is most appropriate to respond to radical changes. Our research also unpacks dynamic capabilities theory by suggesting when ambidexterity, vertical, and horizontal alliances are appropriate to integrate the upper-level theory of dynamic capabilities, and how they can overcome some of its limitations. The paper also clarifies that, in order to adapt ambidextrously after radical changes destroying core and/or complementary assets, companies need specific alliance strategies.

Main contents and implications of the 2023 revision of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises*

Purpose This study aims to provide the main contents of the revision of the 2023 OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and suggest implications for the Korean government and multinational enterprises.Design/methodology/approach Following the brief history of the revision of OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, this study reviews and evaluates major substantive and procedural revisions of the 2023 OECD Guidelines, and then suggests countermeasures for Korean government and businesses.Findings The most significant substantive change of the 2023 revision is that expectations for environmental due diligence and disclosure obligations, including climate change and biodiversity, for multinational enterprises have been expanded and strengthened. Regarding procedural changes, the biggest change is the introduction of a basis rule for the National Contact Points for Responsible Business Conduct (NCPs for RBC) to judge each issue and a rule that the final statement must include follow-up details and deadlines, which is expected to strengthen the effectiveness of the NCP dispute resolution mechanism.Originality/value This study is the first academic paper to introduce major substantive and procedural revisions to the 2023 OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises in Korea. This study also provides implications for the Korean government and companies following the 2023 revised OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises as follows. First, the Korean government must establish a public–private partnership to closely communicate to prevent Korean companies from being harmed by failing to meet strengthening international Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) standards. In addition, Korean government should actively participate in ESG-related international forums, including the OECD, and strive to reflect the needs and interests of Korean companies. Second, the Korean NCP should strengthen its activities to prevent potential damage by expanding education and promotions for Korean businesses on related overseas legislative trends and NCP dispute case studies so that Korean companies can effectively deal with the strengthened ESG standards. Third, Korean multinational enterprises should preemptively establish an advanced ESG management system to seize new opportunities in the global supply chain previously concentrated in China and India in the process of reorganizing global supply chains according to the trend of strengthening ESG standards and the US value alliance strategy.

New energy vehicles' technology innovation coordination strategy based on alliance negotiation under dual credit policy.

The development of new energy vehicles (NEVs) is one of the effective ways to alleviate carbon emissions, environmental pollution, and energy scarcity in the transportation sector. The Chinese government has innovatively proposed the "dual credit policy," but it is still a hot topic whether it can promote the NEVs' technological innovation. In this study, we construct game models and obtain the technological innovation strategies for NEVs under the dual credit policy, considering that the NEV supply chain contains one manufacturer and N suppliers. Further, we construct bargaining game models and study how to encourage manufacturers and suppliers to enhance technological innovation, realize supply chain coordination, and give the alliance strategy to maximize suppliers' profit. We found that the dual credit policy can effectively stimulate technological innovation, and the higher the credit price or technological innovation credit factor, the higher the technical level of NEVs. The findings could guide the government to adjust and revise the policy. Second, we found that the bargaining games could coordinate the NEV supply chain so that decentralized enterprises can achieve optimal technological innovation under centralized decision-making. Third, we found that suppliers can improve their profits by choosing a suitable alliance strategy under the manufacturer's different negotiating power.

How do New Ventures Thrive in Ecosystem Venturing: The Impacts of Alliance Strategy and Technology Interdependence

AbstractNew ventures in an innovation ecosystem can not only receive benefits, but also face challenges. It is important to examine defence mechanisms that new ventures can employ for their healthy development in the innovation ecosystem. Based on resource dependence theory, combining with arguments from innovation ecosystems literature, this paper proposes that new ventures’ technological alliances with core competitors of ecosystem investors can be used as a social defence in ecosystem venturing. Furthermore, we investigate the moderator effects of technological interdependence – technological similarity and technological complementarity on the impacts of such a defence mechanism. Using longitudinal information of 4903 investor‐investee dyads in ecosystem venturing, we find that (1) technological alliances with core competitors of the ecosystem investor has a positive relationship to venture performance, and (2) such relationship is negatively moderated by technological complementarity. Our findings provide important implications for research on innovation ecosystems and resource dependence theory.

Mapping carbon reduction: A cross-continental study of alliance strategies

Addressing the equitable distribution of global carbon emission rights is critical for sustainable development. Our research develops a detailed framework for a Global Carbon Reduction Alliance based on regional cooperation strategies, identifying key modes of intracontinental proximity and intercontinental distance collaboration. It emphasizes alliances formed among high carbon emission right countries and leadership-driven models propelling low carbon emission right countries, offering insights for optimizing emission reduction efforts. The analysis highlights the strategic role of developing nations in Africa and Asia, as well as developed regions in Europe and North America, advocating for the adoption of clean energy, enhancement of forest economic value, acceleration of urbanization, and an increased contribution of the service sector to the economy as essential pathways to achieving net-zero emissions. Our approach advocates for a comprehensive model of global carbon reduction cooperation, aiming at the equitable distribution of carbon emission rights and supporting the sustainable development goals.

Research Based on The Passenger’s Perspective to Airline Alliances, The Case of Turkish Airlines, A member of Star Alliance

There is a substantial degree of cooperation between two or more airlines in an alliance. Strategic alliances are formed for a variety of reasons. As a result of airline alliances (e.g., Star Alliance, Oneworld, Skyteam), airlines are able to increase profitability, reduce costs, and expand their flight networks. As part of its commitment to passengers, Turkish Airlines (hereinafter referred to as 'THY') offers flight check-in, baggage handling, a broad network, high-quality catering, in-flight comfort, and on-time departures and arrivals. An assessment of customer perceptions of THY's alliance was conducted to determine whether alliance strategies affected perceived service quality. Travelers who have flown with Turkish Airlines, the flag carrier of Turkey and a Star Alliance member, were surveyed to compare the impact of alliance strategies on service quality before and after joining the alliance. The survey was completed by 147 participants and analyzed using SPSS.

Suicidal Behavior and Its Prevention: An Introduction to the Strategy of the European Alliance Against Depression

Suicidal Behavior and Its Prevention: An Introduction to the Strategy of the European Alliance Against Depression

Analysis of a Supply Chain using the Neutrosophic IOWA-VIKOR Method for Operational Sustainability

In Ambato, the low availability of suppliers represents a significant challenge for business logistics, directly impacting operational efficiency, legal compliance, and competitiveness. This study aims to analyze the legal implications of business logistics in this region and propose strategies. The Neutrosophic Saaty AHP method was used for the development of the study, identifying the predominant challenge as the low availability of suppliers, which can lead to legal risks related to contract non-compliance and supply chain issues. To address this challenge, the strategy of promoting the formation of strategic alliances and diversifying supply sources was proposed using the Neutrosophic IOWA-VIKOR method. This allows for the evaluation of suppliers' ability to meet demand and company requirements. The study also highlights the need to address challenges, manage indeterminacies, and optimize logistics chain operations in Ambato's businesses. It concludes that the strategy of strategic alliances and supplier diversification is crucial for overcoming the low availability of suppliers in Ambato.

Increased contribution of small companies to late-entry drugs: a changing trend in FDA-approved drugs during the 2020s

Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have significantly boosted innovative drug discovery, whereas large pharmaceutical companies have focused on incremental drug innovation. I explored the evolving role of SMEs in late-entry drug discovery. A comparative analysis of new drugs approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) during the 2020s with those approved previously revealed that SMEs have expanded their role to late-entry drug discovery while maintaining their contribution to first-in-target drug discovery. I analyzed the characteristics of SMEs responsible for the discovery of late-entry drugs approved during the 2020s, and the modality, market entry timing, and differentiation points of the drugs. I also discuss encompassing opportunities for SMEs, pharmaceutical industry future alliance strategies, and the importance of startup promotion measures.

Implementation of strategic alliance in developing supplier relationships for sustainable procurement

The relationship between economic development and environmental pollution has become a crucial global concern. In the last three decades, the manufacturing sector has witnessed a growing need for preserving resources, adopting renewable energy sources, enhancing water infrastructure, and minimizing the release of greenhouse gases due to its escalating environment impact. The ability of decision-makers to analyse complicated cause and effect linkages between criteria and take appropriate actions based on such analysis is critical to decision-making efficiency. This research integrates DEMATEL and ANP methods that support decision-making by evaluating 3 factors and 15 selected subfactors. First, the DEMATEL method is used to determine the interrelationships between the predetermined main criteria. The ANP methodology is then used to determine the local weights of the components and subfactors based on the cause-and-effect correlations derived via the DEMATEL method. The local weights are input into the ANP matrix, and the calculation is run to determine a supplier relationship management strategy. The ANP calculation resulted in the alliance strategy as the priority strategy. This study contributes to finding key factors in evaluating sustainable supplier criteria for supply chain sustainability in the leather products industry, including cost, quality, financial capability, labour practices, green competence, and green image. Strategy implementation is provided based on the selected strategy concept.

Shared energy storage-assisted and tolerance-based alliance strategy for wind power generators based on cooperative game and resource dependence theories

The variability of wind power will affect the market performance of wind power generators (WPGs) and make them suffer energy deviation settlement. Energy storage, as a controllable resource, is widely used to cope with the problem. However, independent construction of large-scale energy storage will bring high investment costs and risks to WPGs. The sharing of energy storage in the alliance formed by different types of WPGs provides a new solution to the problem, but alliance cooperation and alliance selection are crucial issues that warrant diligent attention by WPGs from the perspective of the cooperative game. Given this background, a shared energy storage (SES)-assisted and tolerance-based alliance strategy based on cooperative game and resource dependence theories is formulated for WPGs. First, a robust-based market profit model of WPGs is developed. On this basis, transaction cost theory is implemented to analyze cooperation costs, and the dual theory-based alliance profit model considering SES is developed. Then, a modified profit allocation approach based on multiple indexes and deviation minimization algorithm (MI-DMA) is innovatively developed to allocate alliance profits. Finally, since the difficulty in meeting the maximum interests of all WPGs within an alliance simultaneously, the tolerance index is proposed to assist WPGs in making concession decisions for cooperation and the tolerance-based alliance strategy is formulated to balance the satisfactions of WPGs and formations of alliances. Compared to the strategies based on non-cooperative games, the proposed strategy based on cooperative games can fully leverage the complementary advantages of each WPG, consider the interests of all WPGs, and foster cooperation and fairness. Simulation results show that WPGs can obtain satisfactory returns by selecting appropriate cooperators under the tolerance-based alliance strategy. It also demonstrates that the proposed MI-DMA-based profit allocation method is more targeted and comprehensive than commonly used cooperative game-based methods.

Dynamics of Network Utilization in Internationalization What SMEs Do in Developing and Developed Countries: A Systematic Literature Review

The study of networks in the internationalization process of SMEs has become an interesting discussion, this condition is because each country has unique dynamics in utilizing existing networks. The results of the analysis of the 20 articles in this study show that being proactive in the network community will strengthen relationships with partners and implementing an alliance strategy will strengthen the position of SMEs in increasing competitiveness and expanding markets. This condition occurs in both developing and developed countries. The dominant factor influencing the speed of the internationalization process is social and business network relations that begin with social ties. Of the 8 articles that discuss networking in the process of internationalization in developed countries (China, Central America, and East America), it shows that the government as an institution that has an important role in the internationalization of SMEs needs to design a framework in the form of policies that encourage the acceleration of various forms of collaboration between businesses. Meanwhile, 12 articles that discuss the process of internationalization in developing countries show that for the expansion and growth of SMEs a social network structure is needed, and the role of ethnic (group) ties in internationalization.

From the Heart of the Country to the European Core: J. M. Coetzee and los polacos

AbstractThe aim of this article is to investigate Coetzee’s decades-long, multifaceted, and, essentially, transnational dialogue with Poland and its cultural production—from Coetzee’s encounter of Polish poetry in the early 1960s until his 2022 novel El polaco. It intends to argue that Coetzee’s preoccupation with Polish literature and culture is part of a larger strategy of seeking new alliances and partnerships across the north-south/east-west divide, of building an alternative “affective community,” and of, simultaneously, de- and reprovincializing oneself and one’s oeuvre. Most importantly, Coetzee’s dialogue with Poland will be interpreted as an attempt to seek one’s rightful ancestry: literary and cultural, as well as genetic. The article will argue that the figure of the Pole is not simply a literary trope or the subject of Coetzee’s scholarly/readerly interest, but an instrument of both: self-defacement and identification with his Polish heritage.