Competitive Strategy Research Articles

Strategy and Performance of Family Businesses: Comparison of Pakistan and the Czech Republic

ABSTRACTIn this paper, we observe how effective the use of strategies is in relation to the objectives of family businesses. Data collected in spring 2024 by interviews were processed using DEA. Respondents were owners of small family businesses; 169 valid responses were obtained from each country. The assessment reflected the differences between the countries. For Pakistani companies, the human resources management strategy and the growth and expansion strategy were found to be the most valuable and yielded high production. The most frequent outputs were the relationship between the family and their business, as well as family beliefs and religion. In the case of the Czech owner, there is only a strategy of competitiveness that provides equal output. The results here were related to economic performance. An innovative approach is the use of the DEA method, which sets the production‐possibility frontier and thus determines which strategies are currently inefficient.

Beyond terroir: a comparative analysis of Pinot Noir producers and business strategies in Burgundy, New Zealand and South Africa

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the convergence and divergence of business and production practices in the global wine industry, particularly focusing on Pinot Noir producers in Burgundy, New Zealand and South Africa (SA). This study explores the interplay between firm-specific factors and regional contexts to identify competitive advantage drivers among Pinot Noir producers.Design/methodology/approachThis research uses a comparative analysis approach, using data from a comprehensive winery level survey. This study applies methodologies akin to value chain analysis to unravel the configuration of productive and technology/knowledge creation activities within wineries across three regions.FindingsThis analysis reveals both convergence and divergence in business and production practices among Pinot Noir producers in Burgundy, New Zealand and South Africa. Although there is a degree of convergence in marketing, distribution and competition strategies, differences exist in production practices and firms’ capabilities. Burgundy emphasizes tradition and terroir expression, contrasting with the modernization and innovation focus observed in New Zealand and South Africa. However, all regions share a commitment to quality as a competitive advantage.Research limitations/implicationsThis study acknowledges limitations such as the focus on a specific grape variety and regions, the absence of performance impact analysis and the need for additional variables like environmental, institutional and cultural factors and consumer preferences to provide a comprehensive understanding of industry dynamics.Practical implicationsThe insights from this study offer practical implications for winemakers, industry stakeholders and policymakers. Producers can optimize production and marketing strategies based on regional contexts and market segments, whereas stakeholders can identify emerging trends and opportunities in the global wine market. Policymakers can develop targeted policies supporting innovation, sustainability and competitiveness.Originality/valueThis paper provides a unique contribution by conducting a comparative firm-level analysis across distinct wine-producing regions, shedding light on the nuanced interplay of factors shaping competitive advantage among Pinot Noir producers. This study’s comprehensive data set and methodological approach enhance understanding and offer valuable insights for industry stakeholders and policymakers.

Unraveling the Mystery of Sustainable-Oriented Innovation: The Role of Big Data Knowledge Management, Resource Orchestration Capacity, and Competitive Strategy

Unraveling the Mystery of Sustainable-Oriented Innovation: The Role of Big Data Knowledge Management, Resource Orchestration Capacity, and Competitive Strategy

Advanced lithium extraction nanofiltration membrane with fast transport channels via competitive diffusion and reaction of rigid electropositive phenylbiguanide molecules

The utilization of nanofiltration membranes for lithium extraction from Salt-Lake holds the potential to address lithium resource scarcity and drive energy transformation. Nevertheless, the trade-off effect between water permeability and Mg2+/Li+ separation selectivity poses a challenge in the application of these membranes. In this work, rigid-flexible interpenetration and competitive diffusion reaction strategies were proposed to regulate the pore structure and charge density of the functional layer, thus enhancing the overall separation performance of nanofiltration membrane. Phenylbiguanide (PBG) possessing rigid structure, high positive charge density, and low energy transfer barrier was embedded into flexible polyethyleneimine-based polyamide network. This integration facilitated the formation of continuous and semi-permanent microcavities with rigid-flexible coupled structure, and meanwhile, elevated the density of positive charges. Consequently, the modification extended the water molecular transport channels within the functional layer, leading to a notable enhancement in pure water flux, from 7.40 to 26.43 L m−2h−1. In addition, due to the faster diffusion of PBG than polyethyleneimine with high molecular weight (70000 Da, as aqueous monomer in this work), it could react with excess 1,3,5-trimesoyl chloride (TMC) on the surface of initial membrane to form a new polyamide layer, which repaired the defects in the functional layer and also enhanced the charge density inside pore channels. Therefore, Mg2+/Li+ separation selectivity factor increased from 3.79 of TFC membrane to 22.98 of PBG membrane, i.e., by about 6 times. This study provided an effective strategy to develop nanofiltration membranes with both good water permeability and Mg2+/Li+ selectivity.

CSR strategies seasonal cycling: A new mechanism for coexistence among seaweeds

The stable maintenance of high biological diversity remains a major puzzle in biology. We propose a new mechanism involving the cyclical use of Competitive, Stress-tolerant, and Ruderal (CSR) strategies to explain high biodiversity maintenance. This study examines the interactions among three morphs of the cosmopolitan and commercially important seaweed Ulva Linnaeus. We measured biomass productivity, effective quantum yield, carbohydrate concentration, and nutrient competition across all seasons for one year and matched trait value combinations to CSR strategies. Our findings reveal that the Ulva morphs exhibited significant competitive interactions under eutrophic conditions, in a scramble competition dynamic. However, competition did not significantly affect their functional traits under naturally prevalent oligotrophic conditions. Season-by-season analysis revealed that each morph employed temporal niche partitioning by cyclically adopting different CSR strategies, thereby avoiding direct competition. This cyclical strategy, akin to a rock-paper-scissors game, prevents any single strategy from dominating year-round, maintaining the three-morph polymorphism. Our study further highlights the importance of year-long functional trait measurements to encompass seasonal changes in functional responses. Our CSR cycling conceptual model offers new insights useful for monitoring and conservation efforts.

Останется ли цена ключевым фактором формирования конкурентных стратегий в период цифровизации?

Having a significant impact on separate commodity markets, digitalization affects competitive relationship within these markets. The competitive strategies’ formation in the digital economy has a very specific nature. This concerns primarily the prices’ formation and the occurrence of pricing violations of competition rules. In this article different aspects of digitalization’s impact on pricing condition are examined; the author of the article proves that despite the specifics of price formation in separate commodity markets, primarily price in the digital markets is still the main mechanism of competitive struggle and pricing violation of competition rules can still have an extremely negative impact on these markets.

Surface-enhanced Raman scatting microfluidic chip based on the identification competition strategy were used for rapid and simultaneous detection of liver cancer related proteins

Biomarker testing plays a crucial role in the early detection of liver cancer. Herein, we developed a dual-signal amplification approach utilizing magnetic aggregation and a recognition competition strategy for the simultaneous detection of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) in serum. 4-MBA@AuNPs@H1 and DTNB@AuNPs@H2 were synthesized by functionalizing Raman signaling molecules and aptamer complementary chains onto the surface of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The detection complex Raman signal molecule@AuNPs@H-Fe3O4@cDNA was assembled by conjugating 4-MBA@AuNPs@H1 and DTNB@AuNPs@H2 with two nucleic acid aptamers (cDNA1 and cDNA2) modified with Fe3O4 through partial base complementary pairing. The target protein exhibited specific binding with the aptamer, leading to the competitive displacement of 4-MBA@AuNPs@H1 and DTNB@AuNPs@H2 from the Fe3O4 array surface, consequently resulting in a reduction of the Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) signal. Through this approach, the limit of detection (LOD) for AFP and MnSOD in serum was achieved at remarkably low levels of 5.89 pg/mL and 6.23 pg/mL, respectively, with a reaction incubation period of only 5 min. Finally, the platform was utilized for the quantification of AFP and MnSOD in the serum of a nude mouse hepatocellular carcinoma model. The results obtained through SERS were consistent with those from enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), validating its accuracy. This methodology presents a novel approach for the swift and concurrent detection of proteins, holding significant clinical promise for the early diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Customer satisfaction optimization: Impact of PLN mobile application and price in the context of PT. PLN Palembang services

This study aims to evaluate the effect of the PLN Mobile application and price on customer satisfaction at PT. PLN (Persero) UP3 Palembang ULP Rivai. This study also examines the role of price as a mediating variable in the relationship between the PLN Mobile application and customer satisfaction. The method used in this study is a quantitative approach with data analysis using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Primary data were collected through a survey involving 100 PLN Mobile customer respondents. The results of the analysis show that the PLN Mobile application has a positive and significant effect on customer satisfaction, with a path coefficient of 5.588 and a p-value <0.001. Price also has a significant effect on customer satisfaction with a path coefficient of 4.434 and a p-value <0.001. Furthermore, the indirect effect analysis revealed that price functions as a partial mediating variable between the PLN Mobile application and customer satisfaction, with a path coefficient of 3.513 and a p-value <0.001. These findings indicate that the PLN Mobile application and price directly affect customer satisfaction, and price plays an important role in strengthening the influence of the PLN Mobile application on satisfaction. Based on these results, it is recommended that PT. PLN continues to optimize the features and services of the PLN Mobile application to improve customer satisfaction and consider competitive pricing strategies. This study also suggests further studies to explore other factors that may affect customer satisfaction in the public service sector.

Competitive Improvement Strategies of The Coconut Oil Industry at PT XYZ

This study aims to analyze and formulate an effective strategy in increasing the competitiveness of the coconut oil industry in PT XYZ. In the midst of increasingly fierce competition, PT XYZ needs to implement the right strategy to maintain and expand its market share. This study uses a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis approach to identify internal and external factors that affect the company's competitiveness. In addition, Porter's analysis of five strengths was also used to understand the industry dynamics and competitive position of PT XYZ. The results of the study show that PT XYZ must focus on improving production efficiency, diversifying products, improving quality, and expanding its distribution network to strengthen its position in the global market. The proposed strategy recommendations include product innovation, improving quality standards, and strengthening the company's branding.

Multi-fidelity multidisciplinary meta-model based optimization of a slender body with fins

Multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) involving aero-elastic simulations still proves challenging for computational cost. This paper proposes a competitive cost-effective multi-fidelity MDO strategy based on two ideas. Firstly, a new multi-fidelity fluid-structure interaction model (MF-FSI) is proposed, allowing a considerable saving of the FSI simulation cost. Secondly, the optimization cost is further reduced using a meta-model approximation of the MF-FSI computations during optimization. Therefore, the MF-FSI model is validated on an experimental case of supersonic projectile fins. Then, it is combined with a meta-model-based optimization strategy (MBO) to improve the fins design. The constrained multi-objective problem aiming to maximize the lift-to-drag ratio and minimize the fin mass is solved using both high-fidelity (HFMDO) and multi-fidelity (MFMDO). The results showed that the proposed MFMDO strategy could produce the same optimal solutions as the HFMDO one with a 52% lower cost.

Competitive Strategy Analysis and Formulation of Selected Strategy Alternatives Through the Blue Ocean Strategy Approach at PT XYZ

PT XYZ is a dairy manufacturing company in an industry that has high competition. Products from PT XYZ are not satisfactory even though the price is competitive, so they often do not reach sales and revenue targets. This research aims to find out the internal and external conditions of PT XYZ and formulate the right strategy to compete in the market. This study uses a qualitative method with a case study approach, collecting primary data through interviews, questionnaires, and observations, as well as secondary data from company literature and other sources. Sampling was carried out by the purposive sampling method and the validity of the data was checked using source triangulation. Data analysis was carried out using various matrices such as IFE, EFE, IE, SWOT, and QSPM, as well as blue ocean strategies for the implementation of the right strategy. The results of the study show that the IFE matrix score is 2.607 and the EFE matrix score is 3.435, so that the position of PT XYZ on the SWOT diagram in quadrant II. From the results of the SWOT matrix, the company has 11 alternative strategies, including 4 SO strategies, 2 ST strategies, 3 WO strategies, 2 WT strategies. An alternative strategy that is the main priority based on the eval_uation of the QSPM matrix is product innovation. The recommended strategy for PT XYZ to face competition is to innovate products. By developing new dairy products that have added value or new variants, PT XYZ can differentiate itself from competitors in the dairy market. These innovative products can attract the attention of consumers who are looking for variety or additional benefits from dairy products. Through this innovative product, PT XYZ can increase sales and expand the market.

USING THE "FOUR FILTERS" MODEL FOR CHOOSING THE OPTIMAL MARKETING STRATEGY IN INTERNATIONAL COMPANIES

The purpose. The purpose of the work is to develop practical recommendations for improving methodological approaches for determining effective marketing strategies of international companies in a competitive environment by means of mathematical modeling. Methodology. During the research, methods of system analysis and logical generalizations, statistical and comparative analysis, Porter's model, "four filters" model were used. The results. A scientific approach to choosing the optimal marketing strategy using the "four filters" model is proposed, which involves the consistent use of Wald, Savage, Hurwitz, and Laplace criteria. The scientific novelty of the obtained results lies in the improvement of methodical approaches to evaluation and selection of the optimal international marketing strategy, taking into account the criterion approach. The practical significance lies in the expansion of the theoretical plane and practical significance of modern and classical theoretical approaches to the content of marketing strategy in international business, the use of mathematical modeling to solve the problems of choosing competitive marketing strategies in the international business environment.

Effects of Core Competitiveness on Strategic Alliance and Alliance Performance in Medical Device Industry

Along with the progress of economic development, the enhancement of national income, and the trend of population ageing in past years, people are annually increasing the medical expenses and enhancing the demands for medical devices. Being a part of healthcare, the requirements for the product safety and quality of medical devices are rather high. Manufacturers in the world therefore have to work hard to promote the competitiveness, attempting to achieve corporate goals and supply the best products to medical profession. Core competition combined resources are the sign of competitive advantage. Firms would build excellent competitive advantage through important resource combinations. A company tending to create competitiveness as well as build and lead new markets has to make investment earlier and continuously, apply the imagination to predict, develop, and investigate markets which have not been existed. The research focused on supervisors and employees in the medical device industry. The results reveal notable and positive effects of core competitiveness on strategic alliance and alliance performance, the understanding of how medical device firms apply strategic behavior in the competitive strategic means to reinforce the resource acquisition capability, and the reference for building the competitive advantage after strategic alliance and drafting appropriate competitive strategies for the business management of a domestic firm in medical device industry. It is expected to propose more specific suggestions for firms in medical device industry using core competitiveness in strategic alliance and dedicating to the promotion of competitive advantage.

ESG ratings and corporate competitive strategy: evidence from China

ABSTRACT This paper investigates the impact of ESG ratings on the competitive strategies of Chinese listed companies. Machine learning and text analysis methods are used to develop indicators for cost leadership and differentiation strategies. A time-varying difference-in-differences (DID) model is employed to quantitatively assess the impact of ESG ratings on these strategies. The findings show that ESG ratings positively affect both strategies. The heterogeneity analysis indicates that companies with lower bank concentration or insufficient financial asset allocation benefit more significantly from ESG ratings in enhancing their competitive strategies. This research provides theoretical insights and practical recommendations for the integration of ESG factors into corporate strategy, particularly in resource-constrained environments.

The Impact of Strategic Entrepreneurship Behaviors on Business Performance in Turkish SMES: The Role of Business Model Innovation and Competitive Intensity

Strategic entrepreneurship behaviors enhance business performance and sustainability in Turkish SMEs by fostering innovation and leveraging competitive intensity for sustained growth. Employing strategic leadership theory, this study examines the effect of strategic entrepreneurial behaviors on business performance through the mediation role of business model innovation (BMI) and the moderation effect of competitive intensity. A quantitative approach was used, and data from 313 managers and business owners in Turkish small and medium enterprises (SMEs) were collected using a structured questionnaire. The results have shown that strategic entrepreneurial behavior significantly and positively impacts business performance and business model innovation. Business model innovation, in turn, positively affects business performance. Competitive intensity moderates the relationship between strategic entrepreneurial behavior and business model innovation, strengthening it under higher competitive pressure levels. However, competitive intensity does not moderate the direct link between strategic entrepreneurial behavior and business performance. At higher levels of competitive intensity, the conditional indirect effect of strategic entrepreneurial behavior on business performance through business model innovation becomes more prominent. The findings of this study offer actionable insights for enhancing SME performance through strategic entrepreneurship, innovative business models, and competitive strategy adaptation.

Identifying the determinants of E-commerce offerings among grocery store locations in the United States: A spatial econometric analysis

This paper leverages store location data and analysis software from retail industry vendors to analyze the unique geographies of electronic commerce (e-commerce) offerings among major grocery chains in the United States. Join-Count statistics are calculated to identify patterns of clustering among offerings, and a spatial probit model is implemented to regress various trade area characteristics on a given grocery banner's decision to offer some form of e-commerce (pickup, delivery, or both) or no offering at a given store location. A regional case study of the Southeastern United States demonstrates how model results can shift based on scale, pointing to unique regional dynamics that deviate from broader national trends. This analysis carries implications for location planning and competitive defense strategies in the grocery industry, and also establishes avenues for future research.

An extended variational autoencoder for cross-subject electromyograph gesture recognition

Surface electromyographic hand gesture recognition has gained significant attention in recent years, especially within the field of human–computer interfaces. However, cross-subject tasks remain challenging due to inherent individual differences. To address this, a novel approach for hand gesture recognition is proposed that leverages a subject-generalized variational autoencoder. This approach involves an extended variational autoencoder designed to disentangle input data into three distinct feature-specific representations. The primary classifier within the variational autoencoder focuses on gesture recognition, while two auxiliary classifiers work together to extract subject-specific and gesture-specific features. The gesture-specific features capture generalized characteristics applicable across all subjects, enabling direct application to new subjects. To enhance accuracy and stability, a competitive voting strategy is implemented. The effectiveness of the proposed method was evaluated using a dataset comprising six representative gestures performed by eight subjects. Comparative analysis with baseline models shows that our approach outperforms others, demonstrating superior generalization with an average accuracy of 90.52% in cross-subject validation.

Navigating Complexity: Potentials and Paradoxes Within Governance Strategies for Public and Third Sector Collaboration

Contemporary governance increasingly emphasizes cross-sector collaboration to address complex societal challenges. This article examines how state strategies approach cross-sector collaborations involving the third sector, and delves into the interplay of authoritative, competitive, and collaborative governance strategies within these policies. Motivated by concerns about child poverty and social exclusion, the Declaration on Leisure Activities exemplifies Norway's reliance on partnerships between government, municipalities, and third sector organizations in the leisure and culture policy field. Employing a qualitative document analysis, the study reveals both potentials and paradoxes inherent in these approaches, offering valuable insights for designing effective cross-sector policies and navigating the complexities of cross-sector collaboration.

Nexus between Competitive Business Strategy and Firm Performance: Moderating Effect of Competitive Intensity

ABSTRACT Business strategy literature argues that firm survival and growth in any competitive environment depend on the adaptation of suitable competitive business strategies. Despite the growing interest in strategic management within the fish farming industry, there is a notable lack of empirical evidence exploring how the competitive environment influences companies’ business strategy and performance. This paper examines the direct effect of competitive strategy and the moderating effect of competitive intensity on business strategy-performance relationship. Using hierarchical regression to analyze 306 samples gathered from fish farming firms of south-Benin, empirical evidence shows that competitive strategy including cost-leadership, and both product quality and marketing differentiation strategies impact positively firm financial performance. This research highlights the relative importance of product quality differentiation strategy. In addition, findings indicate that competitive intensity structure contribute to firm success. Surprisingly, findings show that competitive intensity does not significantly moderate the effect of cost-leadership and product differentiation strategies. Besides, the effect of marketing strategy on firm performance becomes more negative under high competition in the domestic market. Study recommends that firms should gain organizational economic outcomes by pursuing cost-leadership strategy and product differentiation strategy whatever competitive intensity states in the domestic market of fish farming.

ORGANIZATIONAL AND ECONOMIC MECHANISM FOR DAIRY INDUSTRY ORGANIZATION COMPETITIVENESS ENSURING

The article is devoted to the current problem of increasing the effectiveness of the competitiveness strategy of a dairy industry organization through the formation of a model of an organizational and economic mechanism that allows choosing strategic vectors of development, taking into account the integration impact of various factors. The conducted theoretical analysis of the categories “organizational-economic mechanism” and competitiveness made it possible to define an approach to understanding the content of the interaction of the studied categories as a logical sequence of actions of the organization to achieve the goal, including marketing research of the internal and external environment, identifying development problems, assessing the ways and possibilities of their solution, taking into account the maximum number of influencing factors at various levels. An analysis of statistical data related to the development of the dairy products market at the level of trends in the Russian Federation and the Republic of Tatarstan was carried out. A conclusion is made about the possibility of increasing the volume of dairy production, and the need to build effective inter-industry connections through the formation of an organizational and economic mechanism for increasing the competitiveness of organizations in the dairy industry of the Republic of Tatarstan. Using the example of Kasymovsky Dairy Plant LLC, marketing tools for analyzing competitiveness were tested and calculations were made, some of which are presented in the article (calculation of the need for dairy products in 2026, analysis of nomenclature, sales dynamics and assessment of consumer awareness of dairy consumers). A methodological approach to building an organizational and economic mechanism for achieving a certain level of competitiveness of a dairy industry organization is proposed. The theoretical three-level model of the organizational and economic mechanism for increasing the competitiveness of dairy industry organizations determines the vectors of regulation and criteria for the effectiveness of selected strategies. Within the framework of the methodological approach, a generalized algorithm for the development of the organization and a scheme for forming the process of selling dairy products are proposed.