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Digital technologies challenge incumbent firms to rethink their established approaches to customer relationships. This article examines how a corporate bank reconfigured its relationship-oriented business model to benefit from digital transformation. The case analysis reveals a gradual transition toward a blended service model that first replaces, then complements, and finally augments physical with digital in increasingly complex customer interactions. While replacing and complementing human-enabled services with digital offerings are necessary steps of the digital transition, the associated competitive advantages are perceived as unlikely to endure. In contrast, augmenting human-enabled services with sophisticated digital technologies holds the potential for sustainable competitive advantage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the effectiveness of regional intervention strategies aimed at enhancing 'low-tech' SMEs' sustainable competitive advantage and innovation activities, employing the food sector in Wales (UK) as a case study. It utilizes the triple helix model to analyse these interventions, emphasising collaboration between government, academia, and industry to stimulate knowledge-based economic development. The food sector represents an ideal subject for innovation-focused regional development policies because of its global importance, sustainability concerns, health impact and economic outcomes. A mixed-methods longitudinal case study approach was taken, evaluating a series of intervention programmes over an extended period (12 years in total), all funded by the European Union via the Welsh Government. Data sources included program reports, management committee reports, interviews, and case study testimonials. Frequent intervention activities included quality systems development, technical support, and skills training. They notably improved product and processing innovation for SMEs, key performance indicators revealing over 1,800 new products, safeguarding around 2,300 food sector jobs, and supporting 64 new business start-ups. Findings emphasized the value of consistent policies over an extended time period, albeit with the potential for lock-in effects. Future programme goals should be adapted for broader sustainable development outcomes – these are not uniquely Welsh challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of International Journal of Professional Business Review (JPBReview) is the property of Open Access Publications LLC and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This research explains how unexpected and uncontrollable chance events can facilitate or constrain competitive advantage in sport, through a study of Iran in five weight division-specific sports (i.e. weightlifting, wrestling, taekwondo, judo and boxing). The analysis relied on data collected from 25 semi-structured interviews. The study identifies six types of chance events impacting elite sport – economic crises, sport-specific crises, diplomatic tensions with foreign countries, political decisions by foreign governments, technological discontinuities, and new policies and rules of international governing bodies. The contributions of this paper to the literature reside in the identification of crises as a major type of chance events and the discovery of some chance events specific to elite sport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought may facilitate the invasion process of invasive plants, mainly because invasive plants can obtain a stronger growth competitiveness than native plants under drought. It is therefore imperative to illuminate the mechanisms underlying the successful invasion of invasive plants under drought, with a particular focus on the differences in the resistance of invasive and native plants to drought. This study aimed to elucidate the differences in the resistance between the invasive plant Amaranthus spinosus L. and the native plant A. tricolor L. to drought under a gradient of drought. The resistance of co-cultivated A. spinosus to drought was significantly higher than that of co-cultivated A. tricolor under light drought. Hence, A. spinosus may obtain a stronger competitive advantage than A. spinosus under co-cultivation conditions when treated with light drought. The resistance of the two plants to drought may be predominantly influenced by their height and biomass. This present study also defines a method for evaluating the stress resistance of a given plant species to stress by calculating the stress resistance index. This present study offers a robust theoretical foundation for determining the stress resistance of a given plant species and the environmental management of A. spinosus under drought. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Environmental & Social Management Journal / Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental is the property of Environmental & Social Management Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Based on contingency theory, resource-based view theory, and confusion theory, this research paper expresses new insights into various strategic and managerial theories that call for adaptation to environmental changes, especially during uncertain times. Further, it expands our understanding of organizational agility as a moderating role in the relationship between environmental uncertainty and organizational outcomes within the hospitality context. The data were obtained from top-level managers in five-star chained Egyptian hotels. The findings indicated that environmental uncertainty has a considerable detrimental effect on organizational creativity and competitive advantage. Additionally, the negative relationship between organizational outcomes and environmental uncertainty is significantly moderated by organizational agility. The study’s results have several theoretical and practical implications for the hotel industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, corporate investment in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) has gained significant attention, driven by increasing interest from both international and domestic investors. The aim of this research is to investigate the impact of ESG on Competitive Advantage and Firm Performance in Emerging Asia. The data used in this study consists of information from 481 firms over a period of 5 years (2018-2022). Regression results indicate that ESG has a positive and significant influence on firm performance with a p-value below 0.05. Competitive advantage also has a significant positive effect on firm performance. However, when competitive advantage is used as a moderating variable, the result is not significantly positive. This suggests that competitive advantage and ESG are not directly related. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Social Sciences Studies is the property of Social Sciences Studies and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The purpose of this research is to provide a model of the impact of open innovation on the competitive advantage of electronic services in the banking system (case study: Bank of Agriculture branches in Shiraz city). The statistical population included specialists and experts in the field of electronic services in the banking system of Shiraz Bank of Agriculture branches, who were selected as participants in the research using a targeted sampling approach. The data was collected by semi-structured interview method. In order to obtain the reliability and validity of the data, two methods of reviewing the participants and also reviewing the experts who were not participating in the research were used. The reliability of the model was evaluated using the Kappa index. The value of the Kappa index equal to 0.662 was calculated and it was placed at the level of valid agreement. Interviews and coding were analyzed using Maxqda software. Finally, based on the identified final criteria, the model derived from the foundation’s data analysis method is presented. In the results of axial coding, 76 primary codes are grouped into 11 categories. The categories include banking marketing, electronic banking, market research, and human aspects of innovation, banking performance, organizational factors, banking technology, banking users and customers, external environment. The bank has been a competitive advantage of the bank and service innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to identify the issues, challenges, practices, and research agenda of low-carbon warehousing that the manufacturing industry faces in the low-carbon era. The debate on managing low-carbon and sustainable warehousing has gained popularity. Managing energy consumption and carbon emission in the warehouse has become a critical success factor towards low-carbon practices. Semi-structured, in-person interviews and phone conversations were used to gather the information for this study. The convenience sampling technique was used. The results showed that the internal challenges, such as financial constraint, perceived knowledge in low-carbon warehouses, and the top management support were the frequently highlighted domains. The findings revealed that organisational support, international standards certification, local authorities, and customer pressure were key success factors in implementing low-carbon warehouse practices. The companies have taken proactive measures to address the best practice of low-carbon warehouses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research focuses on examining the impact of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 on the energy industry, specifically in the Hail region, by exploring the role of technological and economic strategies in fostering sustainable energy development. The study aims to identify key factors that facilitate the implementation of Vision 2030 to assess the current energy landscape in Saudi Arabia. By delving into the economic and technological dimensions of Vision 2030, the research seeks to determine the essential components that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia needs to establish systems and initiatives that align with global scientific and technological advances, ensuring competitiveness and progress in the global arena. By surveying 60 faculty members from Hail University, the study employs a descriptive-analytical approach to unravel how economic activities and technological advancements collaborate to shape a sustainable and competitive energy sector. The findings highlight the crucial role of technological innovations, including advances in administrative processes, human resource management, regulatory frameworks, and technical infrastructure related to energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies. Furthermore, the study evaluates economic aspects such as labor market reforms, skill development programs, and support for emerging energy enterprises. The results underscore the positive impact of technological and economic interventions on the energy sector in the Hail region, with significant improvements in energy project management efficiency and the creation of a conducive environment for sustainable energy practices. The study reveals that the integration of technological and economic initiatives has led to notable improvements in the energy sector, reflected in average values ranging from 68% to 84%. These results underscore the fundamental role of Vision 2030 in advancing sustainable energy development and underscore the importance of leveraging economic and technological strategies to achieve energy sustainability and competitive advantage. This research contributes to understanding how Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 is driving progress in the energy industry and emphasizes the importance of integrating economic and technological approaches in shaping a sustainable energy landscape. The findings provide valuable information for policymakers and stakeholders in the energy sector, highlighting the need for concerted efforts to harness economic and technological advancements to promote sustainable energy development. By showcasing the transformative impact of Vision 2030 on the energy sector in the Hail region, this study underscores the originality and importance of research in advancing the goals of sustainable energy development in Saudi Arabia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study looks into how core competence which focuses on shared vision, cooperation, and empowerment affects competitive advantage in the food service business, which is facing pressures from disruptive competition and growing consumer demand for sustainable and better food options. The study measures competitive advantage through business flexibility and responsiveness. It employs a descriptive-correlational research design and a purposive sampling technique, intentionally selecting fifty employees from various food service establishments, including fast-food chains, restaurants, and cafes, as respondents. Data was gathered using a modified version of an existing questionnaire, which included sections on demographics, core competence, and competitive advantage. A five-point Likert scale was used to collect the responses. The study reveals that there was a high degree of core competence in the food service industry, in general. It also discovered that businesses in the food service sector frequently have a very high degree of competitive advantage. Further, the findings show a significant positive relationship between competitive advantage and core competency, underscoring the significance of empowerment, collaboration, and shared vision in fostering flexibility and responsiveness, consequently gaining a competitive advantage in the marketplace. These results suggest that for businesses in the food service sector to obtain a competitive edge, they should prioritize strengthening and expanding their core competencies. The study is important for workers, managers, owners of businesses, consumers, academic institutions, and upcoming researchers. However, this study may have certain limitations regarding its scope and objectives, as it was conducted within a specific context and time frame which may not encompass all possible scenarios or changes over an extended period. Thus, the result of this research should be interpreted within these limitations, and future research is recommended to validate and expand upon these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies about entrepreneurial marketing linked with competitive advantage and sustainability in SMEs are limited in the existing literature. This study therefore aimed to investigate the relationship between entrepreneurial marketing dimensions, focusing on the mediating role of competitive advantage, in ensuring the sustainability of firm performance. Descriptive research design combined with explanatory research to examine the relationships; and stratified sampling with simple random sampling techniques to select the enterprises were used. Data from 387 SMEs in Oromia, Ethiopia were collected and analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). The findings indicated significant connections among entrepreneurial marketing practices, competitive advantage, and sustainability of firm performance, with competitive advantage partially mediating the relationships. The finding also underlined SMEs that are entrepreneurial, strategic, and socially responsible are best positioned for long-term success. Practical implications suggested aligning marketing practices with overall strategies, optimizing resource usage, and enhancing innovation to improve competitive advantage and sustain firm performance. From a social perspective, embracing sustainable practices could positively impact, employment, environmental responsibility, economic stability, and consumer perception. The study offers valuable insights for academia, policymakers, and practitioners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to explore key pillars of supply chain competitiveness (SCC) and understand how top supply chains remain competitive in the long term. The research design is divided into two phases. First, an extensive review of the scholarly SCC literature is conducted to identify the core pillars that help achieve SCC. Second, the literature published in practitioner outlets on the five selected companies of Gartner's Supply Chain Top 25 is scrutinized to understand how top supply chains apply the core pillars of SCC in practice. A total of 193 scientific and practitioner articles were analyzed to develop the key pillars of SCC. This study identified six key pillars of SCC in the literature: innovation, sustainability, collaboration, information technology, agility, and flexibility. It has been found that a combination of these pillars, if not all, will be required to remain competitive in the post-COVID-19 era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organizations are extending their corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices to environmental corporate social responsibility (ECSR) to cope with environmental challenges. Yet, the process of translating ECSR into positive organizational outcomes is underdeveloped in the literature. The literature often ignored key boundary conditions, leaving the underlying mechanism underdeveloped. This research makes up for the deficiency by investigating the impact of ECSR on environmental performance and competitive advantage through the mediation of green product innovation and by examining important boundary conditions in a moderated mediation model. We collected data from 151 manufacturing companies using judgmental and snowball sampling to ensure that the target organizations perform certain ECSR activities and analyzed it using partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). The findings reveal that ECSR leads to competitive advantage (CA) and environmental performance (EP) through green product innovation, and this indirect path is moderated by organizational agility. The findings add substantial value to the literature by documenting the impact of ECSR on CA and EP with moderated mediation paths. The study also offers implications for policymakers and managers to amplify the impact of ECSR on favorable organizational outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the results of development and implementation of parameters for quality control and monitoring of electrical components of electrical systems of newly assembled cars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the results of development and implementation of a comprehensive calculation and statistics toolkit for mass quality control and monitoring for electrical components of electrical systems of newly assembled cars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Business competition forces companies, especially SMEs, to choose strategies to keep a competitive advantage and business sustainability. This study aims to test whether digitalization and creativity affect competitive advantage. In addition, this study also examines whether competitive advantage affects business sustainability. This research used a questionnaire given to 162 SME owners via Google Forms. The results of the study show that digitalization and creativity affect competitive advantage. SMEs that use digital technology and make products or services more creative will quickly achieve a competitive advantage. In addition, competitive advantage affects sustainability because an efficient business will easily compete and survive for a long time. The COVID-19 pandemic, which is starting to improve, requires SMEs owners to use the right strategy to keep their businesses running. The managerial capabilities of SMEs owners must improve with the rapid changes in the environment to maintain excellence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Promises ethics in service triangle context on higher education can be met if performance improves superior performance and be given the implications for competitive advantage. The purpose of this study was to analyze and determine promising ethics in service marketing triangle and competitive advantage of higher education. The research method used is survey method, namely descriptive and explanatory. The number of respondents in the study is 330 students of the polytechnic in West Java, which is determined by sampling technique, which is cluster proportional random sampling. The hypothesis testing was done using a multivariate statistical test of the Partial Least Square (PLS). The data processing was done with smartPLS 2.0 programs and Statistical Programs of Social Science (SPSS) for Windows. The results show that: The promising ethics in service triangle context and competitive advantage influence as well but not quite good. The promising ethics in service marketing triangle context can be met also if performance improves international collaboration on higher education as well, so that promises ethics can be achieved optimally and be given the implications for competitive advantage of higher education. The goal of internationalization of higher education are: 1) improve the quality of education; 2) improve the quality of research; 3) improve the competence and capacity of academic staff and researchers; 4) improve the competence and capacity of graduates; 5) enhance the college's reputation in the eyes of the international and financial gain; and 6) respond to the demands of the labor market of qualified internationally. There are five (5) general principles of corporate governance known as good corporate governance (GCG). Those are: Transparency, Accountability, Responsibility, Fairness and Indepandency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the influence of four critical top management team (TMT) characteristics: (i) shared mindset, (ii) education, (iii) social capital, and (iv) the presence of a chief data officer on a firm's ability to orchestrate big data analytic capabilities to achieve competitive advantage. Our study's results indicate that education and social capital of the TMT have a significant positive impact on the firm's ability to orchestrate big data analytics capabilities for competitive advantage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In today's dynamic business environment, the ability to build a competitive advantage is highly important. This can be achieved by employing high-quality specialists. After signing an employment contract, it is also crucial to introduce the new employee to their duties and conduct an acclimatization process to retain the employee and fully utilize their competencies and skills. The onboarding process is designed to help integrate the employee into the company. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the understanding of the concept of onboarding by HR specialists and to diagnose their business expectations regarding a properly conducted onboarding process in the organization. Design/methodology/approach: The research objectives were achieved through a literature review and in-depth individual interviews (IDI) that were partially structured. This approach provided a comprehensive understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of onboarding. Findings: The results of the research allowed for an updated definition of onboarding and a synthetic analysis of its understanding between scientific sources and the perceptions of HR department employees. The research identified the challenges that businesses face in ensuring the onboarding process is successfully conducted. Research limitations/implications: Certain limitations exist, such as the non-random selection of the research sample and the subjective nature of the respondents. However, the authors believe that the findings provide valuable insights that can serve as a basis for further research. Practical implications: The study provides important guidelines that can inform the practice of onboarding, aiding HR departments in improving their processes to better integrate new employees and harness their full potential. Social implications: The findings could influence public attitudes towards onboarding practices and potentially shape corporate social responsibility policies, improving the quality of life for new employees by ensuring they are effectively integrated into their new work environments. Originality/value: This paper offers original scientific value by synthesizing existing definitions of onboarding from the literature and comparing them with practical approaches used by HR specialists. The insights gained are valuable to both academics and HR practitioners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to explore the strategies and challenges associated with intellectual property (IP) management in early-stage technology ventures. By examining how these ventures navigate the complexities of IP, the study aims to provide insights into the practices that contribute to their innovation, competitive advantage, and long-term sustainability. This qualitative study employed semi-structured interviews with 27 participants who were actively involved in managing IP within early-stage technology ventures. Participants were selected through purposive sampling to ensure relevant experience in IP management. Data were collected until theoretical saturation was achieved. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed using NVivo software, following a thematic analysis approach to identify key themes and subthemes. The analysis revealed three main themes: the importance of IP, IP management strategies, and challenges in IP management. Participants highlighted the strategic role of IP in providing a competitive edge, attracting investment, and facilitating market differentiation. Key strategies identified included systematic identification and protection of IP, collaboration and partnerships, and enforcement mechanisms. Challenges encompassed financial constraints, legal and regulatory complexities, lack of IP knowledge, internal organizational issues, and external threats such as cybersecurity risks and global competition. These findings align with existing literature on IP management and underscore the multifaceted nature of IP in early-stage ventures. Effective IP management is crucial for the success of early-stage technology ventures. The study emphasizes the need for robust IP strategies, education and expertise in IP, strategic collaborations, and vigilant enforcement mechanisms. Addressing financial and regulatory challenges and investing in cybersecurity are essential for mitigating risks and sustaining competitive advantage. The insights gained can inform entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers in developing practices and policies that support innovation and growth in the technology sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to explore the adoption and implementation of emerging technologies in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). By understanding the motivations, challenges, benefits, and future plans of SME founders, this research provides insights into how these businesses leverage technology to enhance their competitiveness and operational efficiency. The study employed a qualitative research design, utilizing semi-structured interviews with 25 founders of SMEs across various industries. Participants were selected using purposive sampling to ensure diverse representation. Data collection continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. The interview data were transcribed and analyzed using NVivo software, following a thematic approach to identify key themes and insights related to technology adoption and implementation in SMEs. The study identified several motivations for technology adoption, including competitive advantage, cost efficiency, customer demand, innovation drive, and growth opportunities. Key challenges faced by SMEs included financial constraints, technical difficulties, resistance to change, regulatory and compliance issues, knowledge gaps, vendor dependence, and time constraints. The benefits realized from technology adoption encompassed improved operational efficiency, enhanced customer satisfaction, revenue growth, better data analytics, increased employee productivity, and greater market adaptability. Future plans of SMEs included continued investment in technology, scaling up implementation, focusing on employee training and development, forming strategic partnerships, enhancing cybersecurity measures, and improving customer engagement. The adoption and implementation of emerging technologies present significant opportunities for SMEs to enhance their competitiveness and operational efficiency. However, SMEs must navigate various challenges to realize these benefits. By adopting a strategic approach and leveraging external partnerships, SMEs can successfully implement new technologies and drive sustainable growth. This study provides valuable insights into the experiences of SME founders, informing both practice and policy in the context of technological advancement in small and medium-sized enterprises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of this research was to investigate the supply chain capabilities in the food industries by using indicators of competitive advantage, financial performance, and shareholder value to improve supply chain capabilities and ultimately design an appropriate structural model. Methodology: The present study is quantitative and descriptive-analytical in nature. The population of the study includes employees and experts in the food manufacturing industries, totaling 500 individuals. To determine the minimum sample size required, Morgan's table for limited populations was used, and ultimately, 217 completed questionnaires were returned and analyzed. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using structural equations and AMOS software. Findings: The results indicated significant relationships and components of the presented model. Factor analysis results showed that the paths and causal relationships between external and internal constructs in the structural model were confirmed with 95 percent probability. Conclusion: In general, initiatives based on cost reduction and productivity improvement are easier than others. For example, if an initiative focusing on reducing inventory levels leads to achieving previous sales levels, the benefits of this initiative are easily measurable. However, long-term growth requires an increase in revenue, and managers need to focus on all four methods mentioned above to enhance company value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Commercial banks in Kenya operate in quite dynamic financial market environment and continue to experience stiff competition in the provision of financial services. The liberation of the financial markets has resulted into an upsurge in the number of institutions providing financial products and services, threatening the future of Kenyan commercial banks. This study aimed at determining the effect of strategic alliances on competitive advantage of commercial banks in Kenya. The objectives were to determine effect of joint ventures, equity alliances, and joint research and development on the competitiveness of Kenyan banks where Resource Based View, competitive advantage, and resource dependence theories were used. Causal research design was adopted where all the 42 Kenyan commercial banks formed the target population. Census survey sampling design was applied and semi-structured questionnaire used. Using descriptive and inferential statistics analysis, the study found that joint venture (β=0.435, p=0.000) equity alliances (β=0.227, p=0.018), and joint research and development (β=0.0.612, p=0.000) had positive significant effects on competitive advantage. With a coefficient of determination (R-square) of 68.9% and overall p-value of 0.000, the study concluded strategic alliances have a statistical significant effect on competitive advantage. The study recommends that managements of commercial banks should fast-truck implementation of such alliances to for improved competitiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of China Mining Magazine is the property of China Mining Magazine Co., Ltd. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista Espacios is the property of Talleres de Impresos Oma and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract This study explores the effect of competitive advantage on sustainability within Ghanaian microfinance institutions (MFIs), emphasizing the mediating role of strategic capabilities. We conducted a quantitative analysis using survey data from 500 managers representing 150 MFIs in Ghana, analyzed through structural equation modeling. Our findings indicate that competitive advantages and strategic capabilities have a positive significant influence on MFI sustainability. Additionally, strategic capabilities were found to mediate the relationship between competitive advantage and sustainability within Ghanaian MFIs. This study expands the theoretical framework by incorporating cost differentiation, pricing strategy, focus strategy, market strategy, efficient operations and risk management, innovation in product offerings, target market considerations, and client relationship management. We highlight how MFIs can maintain competitiveness through technology, partnerships, training, career development, and knowledge transfer. This mediated relationship underscores the crucial role of strategic capabilities in achieving sustainable operations. The study provides a conceptual framework for understanding MFI sustainability and offers a roadmap to enhance competitive advantage. By integrating elements from the competitive advantage theory and extending the resource-based view theory, this research contributes to the existing knowledge by clarifying the connections between competitive advantage and sustainability in the context of MFIs. Furthermore, the study addresses the dynamics of competitive advantage, strategic capabilities, and sustainability in a context with limited research. It offers practical implications for policymakers and practitioners, providing insights that can inform targeted interventions to enhance capacities and foster sustainability in the microfinance sector.

This study investigates the impact of technological adoption, innovation management, and market demand on competitive advantage among firms in Indonesia. Using a sample of 400 companies across various industry sectors, this research employs multiple regression analysis to determine the relationship between these variables. The results indicate that technological adoption, innovation management, and market demand significantly and positively influence competitive advantage. The findings suggest that firms that effectively adopt technology, manage innovation, and respond to market demands are more likely to achieve superior competitive positioning. These insights provide practical implications for managers and policymakers aiming to enhance business performance and competitive edge. Future research should further explore these dynamics in different contexts and consider additional influencing factors to enrich the understanding of competitive advantage.

为保障公众饮食安全和促进废弃油脂资源的合理利用，通过相关文献的系统调研与全面分析，结合专家咨询与实地考察，系统分析我国废弃油脂回收利用技术发展现状、产业化竞争优势及面临的挑战，并提出产业化建议。我国对废弃油脂的回收利用技术研究与成果转化非常活跃，已形成产业化。我国废弃油脂回收利用产业化具有市场规模大、能源转型与环保需求高、国家政策支持等竞争优势，但目前仍存在废弃油脂集运、处理技术及管理水平低，加工技术与管理水平不足，产品质量与利用水平有待提升等问题。从建立企业认证规范，统筹废弃油脂回收监督，加快产业技术创新，激发公众主体意识等方面提出了产业化发展的建议。综上，我国废弃油脂回收利用产业发展前景广阔，但仍面临较大挑战，亟待政府、高校、企业及公众共同努力推动废弃油脂回收利用的产业化发展。To ensure public food safety and promote the rational utilization of waste oil resources, the development status, industrial competitive advantages, and challenges faced by China′s waste oil recycling and utilization technologies were systematically analyzed, and industrialization suggestions were provided through systematic literature review, expert consultations, and field investigations. China′s research and achievement transformation in waste oil recycling and utilization technologies are active, forming an industrialized scale. The industrialization of waste oil recycling and utilization in China has competitive advantages such as large market scale, high demand for energy transformation and environmental protection, and government policy support. However, challenges still exist, including low levels of waste oil collection, processing technology, and management, insufficient processing technology and management levels, and needing to improve product quality and utilization level. Suggestions for industrial development include establishing enterprise certification standards, coordinating waste oil recycling supervision, accelerating industrial technological innovation, and stimulating public awareness. In conclusion, the prospects for the industrial development of waste oil recycling and utilization in China are promising, but significant challenges remain. It is urgent for the government, universities, enterprises, and the public to jointly promote the industrialization of waste oil recycling and utilization.

In today’s highly competitive business environment, organizations, particularly in the airline industry, are increasingly adopting electronic customer relationship management (E-CRM) to enhance customer engagement and achieve a competitive edge. This study aims to analyze the impact of E-CRM on the competitive advantage of EgyptAir, focusing on customer satisfaction as a mediating factor. Employing a descriptive and analytical methodology, the paper surveyed 355 EgyptAir customers, utilizing a structured questionnaire to gather data on E-CRM practices, customer satisfaction, and competitive advantage. The findings reveal a significant positive correlation between E-CRM and competitive advantage, with a correlation coefficient (R) of 0.56 and a determination coefficient (R²) of 0.315, indicating that E-CRM accounts for 31.5% of the variance in competitive advantage. Furthermore, the results demonstrate that customer satisfaction significantly mediates this relationship, with E-CRM explaining 43.9% of the variance in customer satisfaction (R² = 0.439) and a direct positive impact of customer satisfaction on competitive advantage (R = 0.38, R² = 0.247). Path analysis using AMOS v.24 confirmed these findings, showing both direct and indirect effects of E-CRM on competitive advantage through customer satisfaction. The model fit indices (CFI = 0.894, RMSEA = 0.000) suggest a robust model. The study underscores the crucial role of E-CRM in fostering customer satisfaction and enhancing competitive advantage in the airline industry, providing valuable insights for airlines aiming to leverage E-CRM for sustainable success. Acknowledgments The authors are thankful to the Deanship of Graduate Studies and Scientific Research at University of Bisha for supporting this work through the Fast-Track Research Support Program.

Abstract Studies about entrepreneurial marketing linked with competitive advantage and sustainability in SMEs are limited in the existing literature. This study therefore aimed to investigate the relationship between entrepreneurial marketing dimensions, focusing on the mediating role of competitive advantage, in ensuring the sustainability of firm performance. Descriptive research design combined with explanatory research to examine the relationships; and stratified sampling with simple random sampling techniques to select the enterprises were used. Data from 387 SMEs in Oromia, Ethiopia were collected and analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). The findings indicated significant connections among entrepreneurial marketing practices, competitive advantage, and sustainability of firm performance, with competitive advantage partially mediating the relationships. The finding also underlined SMEs that are entrepreneurial, strategic, and socially responsible are best positioned for long-term success. Practical implications suggested aligning marketing practices with overall strategies, optimizing resource usage, and enhancing innovation to improve competitive advantage and sustain firm performance. From a social perspective, embracing sustainable practices could positively impact, employment, environmental responsibility, economic stability, and consumer perception. The study offers valuable insights for academia, policymakers, and practitioners.