Sustainable Competitive Advantage Research Articles

Research on Impact Mechanism of Organizational Resilience on Sustainable Competitive Advantage of Enterprises

This study is the first to comprehensively investigate the impact mechanism of organizational resilience on the sustainable competitive advantage of enterprises based on dynamic capability theory, social network theory, and resource dependence theory. It systematically analyzes the multidimensional effects of organizational resilience and reveals the moderating effect of the network digital atmosphere and environmental dynamism on strategic capabilities. Herein, six basic hypotheses and 19 sub-hypotheses are proposed. Through the analyses of 386 valid questionnaires in the Yangtze River Delta and Pearl River Delta regions, the results show that organizational resilience has a positive impact on the sustainable competitive advantage of enterprises, and strategic capability plays a mediating role through two dimensions, which are strategic formulation capability and resource integration capability. In addition, the network digital atmosphere and environmental dynamics regulate the relationship between organizational resilience and strategic capability in different dimensions. The research results provide empirical support for strengthening corporate strategic capabilities, responding to environmental changes, maintaining competitive advantages, and achieving the sustainable development of enterprises.

STRATEGIC VIGILANCE: AN EFFECTIVE MECHANISM IN ENHANCING SUSTAINABLE COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE - A STUDY OF A SAMPLE OF ALGERIAN INSTITUTIONS

Purpose: This article addresses the role of strategic vigilance in building and enhancing competitive advantage and sustainability in organizations; In order to monitor its external environment and predict future changes to strategic decision-making and achieving its objectives, the article aims to research the reality of the implementation of strategic vigilance and its role in sustaining the competitive advantage in the organization. Methodology: A comprehensive review of the literature and the analysis of studies that dealt with the subject of strategic vigilance and competitive advantage, and the analytical descriptive approach to familiarity with the subject, and the SPSS statistical program were used, by studying a sample of Algerian institutions. Results: The results indicate the need to adopt the strategic vigilance system to monitor and analyse strategic information to exploit opportunities and confront threats, and that achieving sustainable competitive advantage is an important strategic direction for organizations that seek leadership and success, which are achieved through knowledge and capabilities of human resources. Practical Implication: The study proposes several practical measures for the decision-makers in the institutions, through which it can enhance the competitive advantages of it, including the creation of an independent structure that performs the function of strategic vigilance in the organization, and the attention to the external environment of the institution by following all the transformations in it. To study it, then adapt and coexist with it, as well as the continuous encouragement of individuals to be creative and to provide the appropriate conditions that allow the establishment of continuous competitive advantages for the institution. The recommendations aim to create a suitable environment for activating the strategic vigilance system. Originality/Value: This article contributes to highlighting the growing need to adopt a strategic vigilance system that maintains an institution's position and contributes to its competitiveness, in addition to revealing the level or indicators of the practice of strategic vigilance, and guidance. The attention of decision-makers in Algerian institutions is the importance of investing in building a strategic vigilance system as ways to build sustainable competitive advantages.

Impact of Intellectual Capital on Organizational Performance: Mediating Role of Green Supply Chain Management Practices

The major purpose of this study was to look empirically at the missing mediating role of Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) practices in the relationship between intellectual capital(IC) and organizational performance(OC). Using concept from the resource-based view (RBV) theory, in the complex context of Pakistan's construction sector, the integration of Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) processes is not just a choice, but a must for attaining sustainable growth. The main objective of GSCM is to mitigate negative environmental impacts and improve operational effectiveness. For this, a sample of 327 employees was gathered from the managerial staff of the construction industries by using a nonprobability purposive sampling technique, as only respondents engaged in SCM and GSCM activities were contacted. The hypotheses were put to the test using Smart PLS-SEM version 4 via reliability, validity statistics, and mediation analysis using the Hayes and Preacher model. Overall, the results imply that intellectual capital is significantly contributing to improving OC. Also, results revealed the partially mediating role of GSCMP in the association between intellectual capital and organizational performance. This study also highlights the GSCMP approach for creating sustainable competitive advantage, which highlights various implications for prospective academicians and practitioners.

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.

Analysis of Sustainable Competitive Advantage Strategies in Embroidery Industry Centers in Tasikmalaya

The embroidery industry in Tasikmalaya is one of the creative economic sectors with significant potential for growth. However, facing increasingly intense competition requires effective strategies to maintain and enhance competitive advantage. This research aims to identify competitive advantages and the VRIO Framework in the embroidery industry in Tasikmalaya, as well as to develop strategies for sustainable competitive advantage within the embroidery industry centers in Tasikmalaya. The VRIO Framework is used to evaluate a company's resources and capabilities based on four criteria: Value, Rarity, Imitability, and Organization. The object of this research is the embroidery industry centers in Tasikmalaya. The research method used is quantitative with a descriptive approach, where data is collected through observation, questionnaires, and interviews structured. The types of data used are primary and secondary data. The tool used to formulate competitive advantage strategies is the VRIO framework. The results of this study indicate that the embroidery industry in Tasikmalaya has advantages in product uniqueness, competitive pricing, and difficulty to replace, and is positioned with a temporary competitive advantage and economic performance above normal.

THE MICROECONOMICS OF INNOVATION UNDER UNCERTAINTY AND THE RESOURCE-BASED VIEW OF BUSINESS STRATEGY

We link end-product innovations with those entrepreneurial endeavors aimed at developing firm-specific valuable, rare and unique resources (VRIO) under uncertainty. These resources are responsible for rent and sustainable competitive advantage by the resource-based view (RBV) of business strategy, yet their uncertain cost and productivity are not explicitly operationalised in RBV. We argue that acknowledging resource-uncertainty implies uncertainty in the path-dependent evolution of VRIO resources, which translate to heterogenous end-product attributes that shape the competitive environment. Resource-uncertainty requires management to be active in resource-risk-management, a role that ultimately reduces the uncertainty management observes, compared with the uncertainty that an outsider observes. Our framework highlights complementarities between those entrepreneurs responsible for disruptive innovations, and routinised innovation processes of established firms. Both cope with and manage innovation risk, and both are essential for the creative destruction process.

Orchestrating Sustainable Competitive Advantage in Start-Ups Through Artificial Intelligence

Orchestrating Sustainable Competitive Advantage in Start-Ups Through Artificial Intelligence

Resource-Based View Theory to Achieve a Sustainable Competitive Advantage of the Firm: Systematic Literature Review

The Resource-Based View (RBV) Theory explains the importance of VRIN/O resources and characteristics for achieving the sustainable competitive advantage. The purpose of this SLR is to analyze the role of RBV in the process of achieving SCA, especially in the supply chain and customer information field, as well as the role of RBV in previous research and for independent startup companies. This Systematic Literature Review (SLR) was created based on previous research that was collected and analyzed to obtain facts that support the current research findings. Data collection was carried out using the literature review method by classifying and eliminating data sources that did not meet certain indices, which then resulted in the finding that the RBV Theory plays a role in the supply chain in forming SCA by creating VRIN/O resources, namely maintaining good relationships with suppliers and then deploying and using resources. power properly. In addition, customer information can be a resource in VRIN/O, which is expected to increase and maintain customer loyalty, which is part of a sustainable competitive advantage. Based on previous research, RBV is not suitable for application in operations management research and startups. However, it encourages entrepreneurs to be more creative in managing their limited resources. Efforts have been made to write and collect facts in this SLR as much as possible, but like research in general, this SLR cannot be free from the limitations of dependence on actualization of previously collected data sources.

Harnessing marketing analytics for enhanced decision-making and performance in SMEs

In the contemporary business landscape, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly leveraging marketing analytics to enhance decision-making and improve performance. This paper explores the transformative impact of marketing analytics on SMEs, emphasizing its role in driving data-driven decisions that optimize marketing strategies, enhance customer engagement, and boost overall business performance. Through the systematic collection and analysis of data, SMEs can gain deeper insights into customer behaviors, preferences, and trends, enabling more targeted and effective marketing campaigns. The implementation of marketing analytics facilitates the measurement of key performance indicators (KPIs) such as click-through rates, conversion rates, and return on investment (ROI), providing a robust framework for evaluating the effectiveness of marketing initiatives. By utilizing various types of analytics, including descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics, SMEs can make informed decisions that not only respond to current market conditions but also anticipate future trends and opportunities. Moreover, the adoption of marketing analytics supports the personalization of customer experiences, allowing SMEs to deliver tailored content and offers that resonate with specific audience segments. This level of personalization fosters deeper customer relationships and increases the likelihood of conversions and customer loyalty. The continuous monitoring and analysis of marketing data enable SMEs to remain agile and responsive to changing market dynamics, ensuring that their marketing strategies remain relevant and effective. By embracing a data-driven approach, SMEs can minimize the risk of ineffective marketing efforts and allocate resources more efficiently, ultimately driving sustainable growth and competitive advantage. In conclusion, harnessing marketing analytics is crucial for SMEs aiming to enhance decision-making and performance. The ability to derive actionable insights from data empowers SMEs to optimize their marketing strategies, improve customer engagement, and achieve better business outcomes. As SMEs continue to navigate an increasingly data-driven world, the strategic use of marketing analytics will be pivotal in securing long-term success and growth.

Franchise Potential in Food Industry Expansion Strategies in East Kalimantan

This study investigates the franchise potential in the food industry as part of expansion strategies in East Kalimantan, with a focus on the Wong Solo Group amid Indonesia’s capital relocation. Utilizing qualitative methods, including SWOT, PESTLE, Porter’s Five Forces, and the VRIO framework, the research provides a comprehensive analysis of strategic positions and opportunities for business expansion. The study reveals significant opportunities for growth driven by demographic changes, economic development, and increased consumer spending. Key findings indicate that Wong Solo Group’s established brand and operational expertise offer a strong foundation for expansion. However, challenges such as regulatory changes and intense competition need to be addressed. The SWOT analysis highlights internal strengths such as brand reputation and product innovation, while the PESTLE analysis underscores external opportunities and threats. Porter’s Five Forces analysis identifies competitive pressures within the food industry, and the VRIO framework assesses the group’s resources and capabilities. The study concludes with strategic recommendations for Wong Solo Group to leverage its strengths, address its weaknesses, capitalize on opportunities, and mitigate threats. These recommendations aim to ensure successful franchise expansion in the dynamic market environment of East Kalimantan, providing a roadmap for sustained growth and competitive advantage.

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.

Green Value Chain Costs and Their Role in Achieving Sustainable Competitive Advantage

Iraqi companies suffer from a significant waste of resources and an increase in the costs of operations and materials for producing the 2-ton window air conditioner. The reason is that these Iraqi companies did not apply green technologies in their activities and operations. The research aims to develop a 2-ton window air conditioner through the use of green value chain technology, focusing on the activities of green research and development, and green design through (replacement, redesign) to achieve the dimensions of sustainable competitive advantage represented by (cost, quality, flexibility, and concern for the environment). . In his study, the researcher relied on the company’s data for the year 2023, in addition to repeatedly visiting the factory and conducting personal interviews with relevant parties. The researchers reached several conclusions, including that redesigning the heat exchanger from 4 rows to 3 rows will lead to reducing costs by an amount of 20,306 dinars for materials and production processes and increasing the efficiency of cooling performance, in addition to reducing the time of production operations from 45 minutes to 35 minutes, and replacing the gas is unnecessary. Environmentally friendly using environmentally friendly gas will lead to increased performance efficiency, reduced costs, and preservation of the environment due to the inability of environmentally friendly gas to deplete the ozone layer.

Making platform firms’ competitive advantage sustainable: The roles of network orchestration capabilities and collaborative innovation

Currently, platform firms lack a sustainable competitive advantage (SCA). Most studies on platform firms’ SCA have adopted a market, rather than a resource, perspective. However, compared with traditional firms, platform firms are highly dependent on external resources, establish close ties with network members. Thus, this research introduces Network Orchestration Theory, defines platform firms as sponsor–orchestrators, rather than player–orchestrators as in existing studies, and develops a theoretical model in which network orchestration capabilities enhance SCA via collaborative innovation, and environmental complexity moderates the main effect. The regression results from Chinese platform firms show that network orchestration capabilities (knowledge mobility, innovation appropriability and network stability) enhanced platform firms’ SCA, collaborative innovation mediated, and environmental complexity weakened the positive effect of innovation appropriability on SCA. This research provides suggestions for platform firms’ SCA, supports research on the classification of network orchestrators, and advances platform research and Network Orchestration Theory.

Unveiling the linkages between entrepreneurial culture, innovation capability, digital marketing capability and sustainable competitive performance of manufacturing SMEs: evidence from emerging countries

PurposeAlthough the importance of entrepreneurial culture (EC) has been recognized, it remains unclear how EC affects sustainable competitive performance (SCP). This study aims to explore how EC affects SCP via the mediating role of innovation capability (IC) and the moderating role of digital marketing capability (DMC).Design/methodology/approachBased on data gathered from manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia, the proposed model was tested using partial least squares structural equation modeling via SmartPLS software.FindingsThe analysis results indicate that EC affects IC, which in turn has a positive effect on SCP. In addition, IC mediates the EC-SCP relationship. Importantly, DMC positively moderates the EC–SCP relationship.Research limitations/implicationsThis study combines IC, DMC and SCP under resource-based view and dynamic capabilities theory into a single framework. Results confirm EC's impact on SMEs' manufacturing sector SCP, with IC mediating this link. However, the cross-sectional design restricts deeper respondent analysis.Practical implicationsThis study offers SME managers/owners and decision-makers insights on enhancing EC for better performance and competitive edge. It highlights IC's crucial role in translating EC into innovation and value creation. Policymakers can also use these findings to design programs for SMEs in emerging markets.Social implicationsThis study underscores the significance of EC adoption not only to generate a sustainable competitive advantage for the firm but also to increase the social as well as economic well-being of the firm, especially in the context of emerging economies, such as Malaysia; which are characterized by diverse ethnic groups contributing to their unique social fabric.Originality/valueThis work fills the knowledge gap by providing empirical evidence for the mediating and moderating role of IC and DMC, respectively, in the link between EC and SCP, thus significantly contributing to emerging markets, where managers seek to enhance their understanding of using EC for fostering SCP.

Digitally transforming the organization through knowledge management: a socio-technical system (STS) perspective

PurposeIn today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, innovation is the cornerstone for every organization. Knowledge management (KM) is crucial for developing sustainable competitive advantage by fostering innovation. This study aims to identify the key drivers of KM in the context of digital transformation through qualitative research.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs a qualitative approach based on in-depth interviews with senior KM officers, including chief knowledge officers and directors who spearhead KM in their respective organizations. This research identifies four key dimensions, shedding new light on the drivers of KM in the context of digital transformation.FindingsThis study’s findings reveal that the integration of important drivers from the lens of social-technical system (STS) theory is categorized into the four dimensions of KM, namely, motivation, technology, people interaction and organizational drivers. These factors jointly impact and design the effectiveness of KM in the digital age.Originality/valueThis study makes a unique contribution to the field of digital transformation. It presents a conceptual framework from the lens of the STS theory that encompasses four critical dimensions of KM: motivation, technology, people interaction and organizational dimensions, each with sub-codes. This framework can be utilized by practitioners and scholars alike.

Exploring intrinsic factors that affect quality job and turnover intention in the Chinese educational services industry

Organizations must attain a sustainable competitive advantage via the workforce. Active employee engagement can foster motivation and provide intrinsic job satisfaction. This study aims to analyze the impact of prospective intrinsic factors on the turnover intention of academic staff in the educational service industry in Anhui, China. A quantitative study method was devised using the Daniel Pink’s theory with a survey questionnaire consisting of 51 items. The study used a 5-point Likert scale. Nonprobability sampling with the snowball method was exercised for 403 fully completed responses for data analysis using the SPSS program version 23. The Pearson correlation analysis revealed a significant and robust inverse relationship between employee turnover intention and all of the independent variables examined (r² = 55.06 for managerial behavior empowerment, r² = 54.76 for psychological empowerment, r² = 54.46 for career growth opportunity, r² = 63.84 for organizational commitment, and r² = 27.46 for compensation). The multiple regression analysis was subsequently implemented. The model evaluation yields an adjusted R² value of 0.685, signifying that the independent variables collectively account for approximately 69% of the variance in the dependent variable, except for compensation, which exhibits a significant positive correlation with turnover intention. However, it is impossible to disregard the impact of compensation as the silence factor. Appropriate delivery of this baseline reward is necessary to ensure that it satisfies the fundamental requirements of the employee and fosters intrinsic motivation. Acknowledgment This study received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

The Impact of Soft Skills Training on the Behavior of Multinational Technology Company Employees

This research aims to evaluate the impact of soft skills training on the behaviour of multinational technology company employees - Intel Corporation. A survey questionnaire was designed to gather quantitative data regarding the employees' experiences with soft skills training at Intel Corporation Malaysia, covering various dimensions of communication, leadership, teamwork, and conflict resolution in the data collection. A sample of 150 employees of Intel Corporation in Malaysia responded to the study, providing diverse perspectives on how soft skills training can impact employees’ behavior. The data analysis employed both descriptive and inferential statistics, including correlational and regression analyses. The results indicated that soft skills training significantly enhances employee cooperation, leadership acumen, and communication proficiency. The findings have significant implications for Intel Corporation. Enhanced interpersonal skills from such training contribute to better conflict resolution, improved collaboration, and increased employee satisfaction, ultimately boosting productivity and reducing turnover rates. In conclusion, the study underscores the necessity for continuous investment in soft skills training to cultivate a resilient and adaptive workforce, thereby ensuring sustained organizational success and competitive advantage.

Achieving energy efficiency and sustainability in galvanization process: A case study on Indian tower manufacturing industry

Abstract There is a significant gap between India’s energy production and its demand. Dependency on energy imports to meet the energy requirement affects the economic growth & overall development. The manufacturing sector consumes a substantial portion of the country’s energy but also holds considerable potential for reducing consumption. This paper presents a case study on an Indian tower manufacturing industry, aiming to achieve energy efficiency and sustainability in the galvanization process through the application of the statistical tool Design of Experiments (DOE). By systematic implementation of 22 factorial model of DOE, the study identified that the excessive zinc coating thickness is the major cause of energy consumption in hot-dip batch galvanization process (HDBGP). It was found that average LPG consumption is minimized at moderate coating thickness. Applying DOE resulted in a 38.67% reduction in LPG consumption when the zinc coating thickness was maintained at a moderate level in HDBGP. DOE provides a systematic mechanism based on experimental data to identify potential causes of problems and offers statistical validation of results. This research focuses on creating an energy-efficient production system and demonstrates the practical application of statistical tools and techniques to achieve sustainable competitive advantages. Highlights Experimental work using the Design of Experiments tool identified excessive zinc coating thickness as the primary cause of high energy consumption in the hot-dip batch galvanization process. Validation of optimized parameters showed that average energy consumption is minimized at moderate coating thickness, resulting in a 38.67% reduction in energy usage. Design of experiments tool provides a systematic mechanism based on experimental data to identify potential causes of problems and offers successful validation of results. Discussion While the significant reduction in LPG consumption enhances energy efficiency and sustainability, excess reduction in coating thickness may compromise the quality and durability of galvanized products, potentially leading to higher long-term costs for maintenance and replacements. Additionally, the focus on statistical tools like DOE alone could divert attention from exploring alternative potential energy-saving technologies and methods that might offer greater benefits. Therefore, it is also essential to consider the broader implications and potential limitations of various approaches in the quest for sustainability and competitive advantage suitable for the existing manufacturing setups. Graphical abstract

Strategic Dimensions of Eco-Innovation Adoption in Manufacturing SMEs in the Context of Mexico City

This paper investigates the strategic dimensions influencing the adoption of environmental innovations (EIs) in small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises (SMEs) in Mexico City. The study aims to understand the fundamental strategic dimensions defining eco-innovation and examine how SMEs manage the complexities of incorporating these practices. Employing a mixed-methods approach with documentary analysis and expert interviews, the study identifies key factors influencing EI adoption through causal maps and the viable system model. Findings highlight the significance of external and internal factors such as competitive pressure, economic constraints, technological capabilities, political support, and social influence. This integrative approach emphasizes the importance of adaptability and responsiveness, presenting eco-innovation as a source of sustainable competitive advantage for SMEs.

The role of organizational performance in sustaining competitive advantage through reverse logistics activities

PurposeReverse logistics (RL) activities are becoming crucial in today’s business environment because of their ability to enhance organizational capabilities to manage waste and resources effectively and efficiently as an approach for achieving sustainability. These capabilities can eventually create sustainable competitive advantage (SCA). Drawing on resource-based view (RBV), this study posits RL as a tool to develop capabilities gained from high performance (financial and nonfinancial) to enhance SCA.Design/methodology/approachCovariance-based structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyze 1,207 responses collected from manufacturing organizations operating in Egypt. Data were gathered through an online survey sent via email to manufacturing organizations operating in Egypt, particularly Cairo, Giza and Alexandria, as these governorates contain most business activities in Egypt and hence high a percentage of waste.FindingsResults indicated that RL activities (recycling, remanufacturing, repair, recondition and disposal) can fully mediate the relationship between organizational performance (financial and nonfinancial) and SCA. However, the remanufacturing and recycling mediating roles between financial performance and SCA were not significant.Research limitations/implicationsApplying this research in a developing country (Egypt) will help extend RBV and incentivize organizations to apply RL activities, which can potentially solve several environmental issues such as decreasing waste.Originality/valueUsing the research variables in combination will help in filling the literature gap as previous research focused on RL and only organizational operational performance, where RL was used as an independent variable with no illustration of how its dimensions affect performance or its mediating role between performance and SCA.