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Copyright of GeSec: Revista de Gestao e Secretariado is the property of Sindicato das Secretarias e Secretarios do Estado de Sao Paulo (SINSESP) 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.)

Purpose: Using the theoretical framework of the substantive economy, this study aims to point out the main aspects of the substantive mode of operation that help the integration of disadvantaged people while at the same time shedding light on the barriers that hinder economically efficient functioning in a market economy. Design/methodology/approach: Research focuses on Hungarian rural work integration social cooperatives, which are engaged in producing activity by the employment of disadvantaged people. In the research, mixed methods were applied: results of a questionnaire survey covering 102 cooperatives, as well as 20 semi-structured interviews and experiences from the field. A total of 17 indicators were used to explore the substantive operational features, promoting mechanisms and problems in the following areas: organisational goals and outcomes; integrating roles and functions; productive functions; and the embeddedness of cooperatives. Findings: As for results, substantive operational mechanisms and tools that support the integration of disadvantaged people have been identified such as mentoring, social incentives, the ability to create local value or the expansion of local community services. At the same time, several barriers have been detected that make it difficult to operate economically, such as cooperatives being a stepping stone for workers, excessive product heterogeneity or the lack of vertically structured bridging relationships. Originality/value: The value of the study is to counterpoint the mechanisms promoting social purposes of work-integration social cooperatives and the obstacles to their long-term sustainability within the framework of the substantive economy, to better understand their functioning and the less quantifiable factors of their performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-transcendence and the associated decrease in ego-centeredness are understood to foster altruistic and positive behaviors that promote prosociality and pro-environmental actions. However, the lack of an agreed valid and reliable measure of self-transcendence has posed difficulties in examining this subject. The main aim of this study was to use the recently developed Ontological Addiction Scale (OAS), which assesses dysfunctional ego-centeredness as an inhibiter of self-transcendent change, as a proxy measure to examine whether self-transcendence is indeed related to such "selfless" prosocial and pro-nature behaviors. Secondary aims were to examine ontological addiction (OA) and these behaviors in relation to competitiveness and ego-driven manifestations of prosociality. These relationships were examined via self-report measures in a cross-sectional cohort study of 287 UK adult participants. Findings revealed associations with competitiveness that broadly reflect its association with ego-centeredness through significant correlations with OA, and significant negative correlations with both prosociality and pro-nature behavior. They also supported earlier findings of a significant relationship between OA and measures of anxiety and depression. However, the expected negative correlations between OA and both prosociality and pro-nature behavior were not evidenced, which raises questions regarding the notion of OA as a conceptual antithesis of self-transcendence and/or whether measures of pro-sociality and pro-nature behavior adequately account for "selfish" or "impure" motivations that may underly these behaviors. Implications and future research directions are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The literature and practice have proven the connection between competitiveness at all levels (company, region, national) and its position in international value chains, hence the need to "measure" their economic impact. Traditionally, this has been conducted by using complex quantitative data based on statistical sources translated into input/output tables that are difficult to calculate and interpret and rely on outdated data. While the contribution of clusters as drivers of economic competitiveness has been extensively debated over the last 30 years, it is more recently, after the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to tremendous disruptions in international value chains, that their role of generators and drivers of international value chains has been recognized, proven by the rapid response they have been able to provide in "repairing" the disturbances. The current paper proposes a cluster-based value chain analyses method in which the main measurement unit is the density of the chosen indicator along the value chain links (number of enterprises, turnover, R&D expenditure, exports). The results were checked by classical methods and proven to be congruent. The method allows for a rapid response to sudden disruptions and can be used for both cluster managers as well as economic policymakers at regional and national levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the relationship between national growth models and voters’ economic preferences. We theorise that centre-left voters are cross-pressured between a demand for higher wages and concerns about competitiveness, but the impact varies by growth model: the more a country is export-led, the more the competitiveness motive is internalised, moderating worker demands for wage increases. As a result, we expect a convergence in preferences between centre-left and centre-right voters as the reliance on export-led growth increases. We corroborate these claims through three sets of empirical analyses: a cross-sectional analysis of individual wage dissatisfaction in nineteen Western countries, a panel analysis of wage dissatisfaction in a typical export-led (Germany) and a typical consumption-led economy (UK), and an analysis of preferences for export-led growth in these two countries. Our findings contribute to the emerging literature on the politics of growth models and the waning of economic conflict in advanced capitalist democracies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Peruvian state has developed national policies that largely address the population seeking access to Technical Productive Education (TPE). However, these efforts prove insufficient in addressing the complex public issue of accessing elementary-level technical education. A significant portion of the population aiming to enter the National Center for Technical Education (CETPRO) as a prominent alternative does not necessarily find optimal conditions, leading to the perception of CETPRO as an unattractive option. Moreover, considering CETPRO as an integrated modality, the transition from elementary to higher education is not viewed as a viable opportunity to cultivate a competitive workforce in the labor market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Innovation capabilities (ICs) represent a crucial source of competitive advantage for firms. However, the literature on ICs is extensive, leading to a diverse understanding of their nature and measurement. A notable gap exists in delineating the dimensions constituting ICs. This article aims to address this gap by identifying and pinpointing the various dimensions of ICs through a systematic literature review (SLR). The initial step involves identifying the diverse dimensions used in ICs, providing a distinctive insight for assessing their metrics. Notably, this SLR stands out as the only comprehensive analysis of various ICs dimensions, organizing them coherently. Examining 103 articles from the Web of Science and Scopus databases spanning from 2001 to 2022, the results reveal an amalgam of scales and associated approaches for IC measurement. This study contributes to the literature by systematically identifying and analyzing the main dimensions employed by researchers to measure ICs. Additionally, it highlights the foundational theoretical approaches of the identified studies. In practical terms, the study consolidates and presents the identified dimensions and metrics in integrative tables, offering researchers and companies valuable insights into diverse innovation paths that impact performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a new clean energy source, lithium-ion battery is an important support point to achieve the goal of "double-carbon". In order to explore the competitiveness and influence of major lithium-ion battery exporters in export trade, this paper analyzes the overall pattern of lithium-ion battery export trade from 2012 to 2020, and analyzes the competitiveness of major countries in export trade volume, the control ability in trade flow and diversified trade channels; and analyzes the influence evaluation index of major lithium-ion battery exporters (China, Japan and South Korea). The results show that: (1) the global export scale of lithium ion battery shows a continuous upward trend and the spatial imbalance is gradually shrinking, from the beginning of the concentration in Europe, East Asia, North America to later basically covering the whole world. (2) China has an absolute dominant position in the export weak capacity and export structure; the United States and Germany have high trade intermediary control ability; Japan and South Korea have certain dominant advantages but both less in advantage than China. (3) The number of countries with different influence types of lithium ion battery export in China is evenly distributed and the number of trading partners is increasing; the number of countries (regions) in Japan and South Korea is "polarizing", with the least influenced countries(regions) and the most weak influence types. (4) The United States, Germany, France and some other developed countries are very strongly influenced by Japan and South Korea, and they are relatively strong or moderately influenced by China. In addition, based on the research conclusions, some suggestions are put forward to promote the development of China's lithium ion battery export trade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to determine strategies that have proven to be effective in improving supplier performance. This study uses SmartPLS SEM (Partial Least Squares - Structural Equation Modeling) software for analysis. The results show that the variables of commitment, trust, information sharing, and supplier performance affect competitiveness by 0.294 (29.4%), 0.133 (13.3%), 0.587 (58.7%), respectively. Meanwhile, commitment, trusted, and information sharing affect supplier performance by 0.359 (35.9%), 0.055 (05.5%), 0.599 (59.9%) and 0.417 (41.7%), respectively. Moreover, the variable of information sharing has a significant effect on supplier performance (P0.05). This study provides valuable insights and practical recommendations for organizations looking to improve their supply chain management and strengthen supplier relationships, contributing to the broader understanding of performance optimization in supplier networks. In addition, it is also useful as a reference for fried onion suppliers in order to improve performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cities have emerged as the epicenters of economic activities, innovation, and cultural exchange in the era of urbanization and globalization. The concept of urban competitiveness has garnered increasing attention as a means of understanding the factors driving cities to compete locally and globally. Given cities represent the driving force of economic, social, and cultural development, there is an increasing need to identify the stages of development and establish a system for ranking and positioning cities and regions in this process. Therefore, our study attempts to help Egyptian cities enhance their competitiveness by assessing the competitiveness of 42 cities. These cities have been identified as the most competitive by the government's Economic Development Strategy 2030 and the National Plan 2050. A total of 10 global power city index indicators for each city during 2015–2022 represent five categories: cultural interaction, economics, research and innovation, environment, and connectivity. The indicators were selected based on data availability by 11 experts. The indicators and alternatives were weighted and ranked using the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process and multi-criteria optimization and compromise solution (AHP-VIKOR) hybrid method. The geographic information system was then used to map Egyptian cities into four categories. Our findings, which are compatible with previous articles, reveal that in the case of Egyptian cities, high-government expenditure-based metropolitan cities are more competitive than small and natural resource-based peripheral cities. Egyptian cities' most effective competitiveness indicators are the gross domestic product (GDP) and unemployment rates of 0.58 and 0.26, respectively. At the same time, the lowest effectiveness is the number of universities among the 50 best in the world as well as the number of hotel rooms, which are 0.039 and 0.044, respectively. Through the proper utilization of opportunities following the competitiveness indicators, medium-sized Egyptian cities with potential will be cities with national and even transnational competitiveness within 10 years. Our results can potentially provide beneficial insights to enhance our comprehension of Egyptian cities' weaknesses and assist in formulating urban policies for enhancing urban singularity and competitiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) proposed by the United Nations Commission on the Environment seek to move as close as possible to achieving balanced sustainable development that considers the needs of present generations without compromising the needs of future generations. The aim of the paper is to present the results of the analysis of the process of implementation of the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the V4 countries for 2022 based on selected indicators. Since data on the achievement of individual goals was not available for all goals, we thus used the comparison of sustainable development indices of the countries in the analysis of the secondary data that were available. Given that sustainability is also linked to country competitiveness, we also analyze the country competitiveness index. In the analysis, we focused on finding statistically significant differences in the achievement of each goal in the V4 countries and statistically significant correlations between the SDGI and the WCI. The results of the analysis showed that the Slovak Republic is the most successful among the V4 countries in terms of competitiveness in sustainable development, and Hungary is the least successful. In addition to the above, the results of our research expand knowledge in the field of sustainable development in the V4 countries and can also serve as a basis for further study and research on sustainability with links to country competitiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aquaculture industry in China is not complete without the freshwater industry. The scientific assessment of the regional competitiveness of the freshwater aquaculture industry has significant theoretical and practical implications for fostering the industry's sustainable development. Based on the diamond model, this study developed a competitiveness evaluation index system for Chinese freshwater aquaculture industry which included six primary indicators and sixteen secondary indicators. The primary indicators included resource endowment, production capacity, science and technology promotion capacity, related and supporting industries, market demand and guiding development policy. The study analyzed freshwater aquaculture industrial competitiveness during 2012-2020 and classified the Chinese 18 major freshwater aquaculture provinces into five competitive levels. The results showed that the development of related and supporting industries has the greatest contribution to the competitiveness, followed by resource endowment and market demand capacity. The analysis and tier classification showed that the competitiveness of Jiangsu Province and Hubei Province has always been at the forefront, and the province of Guangdong, Fujian, Hunan, Jiangxi, Zhejiang, Anhui, Liaoning, and Guangxi were above the middle level. Moreover, the results indicated that the competitiveness of most provinces showed an upward trend. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the digital era, the marketing of local agricultural products faces new challenges and opportunities, necessitating innovative strategies to enhance competitiveness. This study aims to identify effective agricultural marketing strategies to improve the competitiveness of local products in the digital market. A qualitative research method with a case study approach was employed, involving in-depth interviews with agricultural entrepreneurs and secondary data analysis from various digital platforms. The findings reveal that the use of digital technology, such as social media and e-commerce, and the adoption of data-driven marketing practices play a significant role in expanding market reach and boosting sales. The most effective strategies involve a combination of product storytelling, content personalization, and direct consumer engagement. The study concludes by highlighting the importance of integrating digital technology into marketing strategies to strengthen the position of local agricultural products in the global market and the need to enhance the capacity of entrepreneurs to utilize this technology optimally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Foco (Interdisciplinary Studies Journal) is the property of Revista Foco 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.)

Purpose: The aim of this research was to examine the impact of organizational agility on the efficiency of enterprises. Design/methodology/approach: The research was conducted using a survey among 720 respondents from Poland in February 2023. Opinions on the impact of organizational agility on various aspects of enterprise efficiency were analyzed, such as image improvement, profitability, market position, competitiveness, building trust and relationships with customers, promoting social activities and ethical and sustainable operation. Findings: Organizational agility has a multi-faceted impact on the functioning of enterprises, including improving the image, increasing profitability, strengthening the market position, increasing competitiveness, building trust, promoting social activities and sustainable and ethical operation. The research results indicate that the majority of respondents agree with the statement that organizational agility contributes to improving the company's image and increasing its profitability. Research limitations/implications: The research is limited to respondents from Poland, which may affect the generalizability of the results to other countries and regions. Further research is needed across industries and regions to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of organizational agility on business performance. Practical implications: Research findings can help managers identify key areas where organizational agility can deliver the greatest benefits. This may include management strategies, employee development, customer relationship management and promoting social activities and sustainability. Social implications: Organizational agility helps build trust and relationships with customers and promotes social performance and sustainability. Agile companies engage in activities for sustainable development and compliance with high ethical standards, which positively affects their image and relations with stakeholders. Originality/value: The research provides new information on the impact of organizational agility on various aspects of the functioning of enterprises in Poland. They emphasize the importance of organizational agility as a key factor influencing competitiveness, profitability and building lasting relationships with customers and investors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the new approaches to development is the development model of industrial clusters, which has an effective role in product innovation and competitiveness, and the changing needs and demands of customers, the rapid evolution of technology, increasing competition in the market, and increasing economic prosperity have caused companies in various industries to innovate and provide new products with increasing speed, efficiency and quality. Therefore, the current research was conducted with the aim of identifying and prioritizing factors affecting the development of industrial clusters with a sustainable development approach in Sistan and Baluchistan province. The research method is applied according to the purpose, and mixed (qualitative- quantitative) with an exploratory approach, according to the type of data; In this way, by using the meta-combination method in the field of industrial cluster development, research indicators were identified, the identified factors and components were weighed with the opinion of experts and based on the Fuzzy Hierarchy Analysis Process (FAHP) model, the factors were analyzed and combined, and Finally, prioritization was done. The statistical community in the qualitative part of the research included 17 experts and managers expert in production, who were selected non-probably and judgmentally, and the required information was collected from them using the Delphi method. In the following, in line with the validation of the research model, a research questionnaire was designed distributed among 116 sample members including managers, experts, and agencies active in the industry, and university faculty members in Sistan and Baluchistan province, who were randomly selected by stratified method. In order to analyze the data, the Fuzzy Hierarchy Analysis Model (FAHP) was used, and finally, the findings of the research showed that the most was the development of industrial clusters with a knowledge-based approach. The criterion of strategies and the two criteria of resources and superstructures are prioritized as the next important components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the relationship between human capital development and competitiveness in selected European countries. Topics include an analysis of human capital levels in the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Sweden, the impact of education and health investments on economic performance, and the statistical methods used to evaluate changes in these variables over time.

The article focuses on the significance of human capital management (HCM) for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and their evolving perceptions of this concept. Topics include the challenges SMEs face in adopting HCM practices, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on employee perception, and the role of HCM in enhancing financial performance and competitiveness.

The article focuses on enhancing mutual agri-food trade between Kazakhstan and China amid rising international tensions that could impact export opportunities. Topics include the resource potential of Kazakhstan's agriculture, the comparative advantages and trade complementarity with China, and the current state of agro-food exports, highlighting the need for increased value-added exports to improve competitiveness in the market.

Copyright of Mercados y Negocios is the property of Universidad de Guadalajara, Centro Universitario de Ciencias Economico Administrativas 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 Mercados y Negocios is the property of Universidad de Guadalajara, Centro Universitario de Ciencias Economico Administrativas 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.)

Crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russian-Ukrainian war, and challenges associated with sustainable development have emphasized the need for local food to increase the food system's resilience. Therefore, this research analyzes the food self-sufficiency ratio (SSR) and revealed comparative advantage (RCA) of cereals in Western Balkan countries (Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, and North Macedonia) and compares them with the same indicators for all European countries. The methodological framework of this research examined the food self-sufficiency and macro-level competitiveness for cereals in Western Balkan countries, as well as in Europe. The results of the research showed that all European countries have higher self-sufficiency in cereals (109.12%) and higher revealed comparative advantage (2.21) compared to the group of Western Balkans countries (71.89%; 1.53), which have lower values of the mentioned indicators. The results of econometric modeling for the Western Balkan countries showed that GDP per capita negatively influences the SSR of cereals, and agriculture value added per worker and area harvested under cereals positively influence the SSR of cereals. When it comes to the influence on the RCA of cereals in the Western Balkan region, the critical influence is GDP per capita, political stability, and agriculture value added per worker, all of which positively influence the RCA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the decision made by the Portuguese Competition Authority (PCA) to prohibit Vodafone Portugal's acquisition of Nowo Communications. The PCA raised concerns about the high level of concentration in the telecommunications market, limited diversification of offerings, and the low customer mobility. The article also mentions the potential entry of a new player, Digi, which could disrupt the market. The PCA rejected the commitments proposed by Vodafone to address the competition concerns. The article compares this decision to a similar merger in Spain, where the European Commission approved the merger with certain remedies. The article concludes by mentioning the emergence of potential buyers for Nowo, including Media Capital and Digi. [Extracted from the article]

Migration, from rural to urban settings is a common phenomenon in Latin America, due to social, economic, political, and other factors. Young people in search of economic and educational opportunities, financial, and social stability, have been migrating to larger urban centers, thus crafting important shifts in rural labor, generational transfer, and domestic economies. Through a systematic literature review of scientific literature, and documents from public institutions and international organizations, published between 2012 and 2022, this article addresses rural-urban migration of youth in Colombia and Guatemala's cattle sector, particularly identifying (i) driving factors, (ii) their impacts on cattle farming, and (iii) public policies implemented to counteract prejudicial effects. Results show that unemployment, lack of educational opportunities, and insecurity are the main reasons for youth migration to cities or abroad, with Mexico, the United States, and Spain being the most common destinations. Additionally, impacts on the cattle sector include shortage of labor and a perfectible generational transfer, hindering the modernization of the industry and investments in climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies. Despite various implemented public policies, the results are partial, and the issue of accelerated youth migration remains relevant. Consequently, without more effective measures adopted by national governments, the cattle sector will lag behind its regional and international competitors, deterring the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. As the main contribution of the study, the analysis of migration is highlighted based on its effects on a specific economic sector and not focused on its causes, as evidenced in a wide range of literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing demand for machined components of superior quality at competitive costs has driven machine and cutting tools manufacturers to innovate in machine tool technologies and cutting tools materials. Consequently, optimizing the machining process becomes an important subject of research. Particularly, optimizing machining parameters like cutting speed, depth of cut and feed rate stands out. Literature review highlights that optimization considers various "objective functions" such as minimum production cost, maximum production rate, and minimum energy consumption. However, one aspect not objectively considered is the customer's demand within a specific timeframe, known as takt time. The relevance, originality and contribution of this work is the development of a method that, considering the current machining parameters and the takt time for a given machining stage, defines the optimized cutting speed for each cutting tool to meet the takt time at the lowest production cost. An algorithm based on classical equations for calculating machining times and costs for machining processes with multiple cutting tools was developed. A software in Excel receives process data, "x and K" coefficients from Taylor's life equation and calculates the optimized cutting speeds. The present method was applied in a heavy machining industrial environment using actual production data and machining parameters. Taylor coefficients x and K were obtained through cutting tool life tests carried out on the part under analysis. Results showed potential machining cost savings of up to 6.2% compared to traditional methods for obtaining takt time on shop floor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural trade is the foundation of world trade and an important link in economic and trade relations between countries or regions. Exploring the competitiveness and complementarity of the agricultural trade between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, could provide a theoretical basis for tapping the growth potential of the agricultural trade between China and ASEAN and expanding the trade relationship. According to the theory of comparative advantage, trade complementarity theory, and intra-industry trade theory, and based on UN Comtrade data from 2013 to 2022, this study uses the Regional Revealed Comparative Advantage Index, the Trade Complementarity Index, and the Intra-Industry Trade Index to measure the competitiveness, complementarity, and intra-industry trade level of China–ASEAN agricultural trade, including HS01-24 commodities. The results show that the agricultural trade between China and ASEAN is both competitive and complementary. The competitiveness of China's agricultural exports to ASEAN is greater than that of ASEAN's agricultural exports to China, and the complementarity of the former is less than that of the latter. Both sides have their own comparative advantage products, and there is also a strong competitive relationship in some agricultural product fields. The bilateral agricultural trade is mainly intra-industry trade, and the level is relatively high, while some strongly competitive agricultural products urgently need to transform from inter-industry to intra-industry trade. China and ASEAN should participate in bilateral trade based on the comparative advantages of their own agricultural products; ASEAN should improve the quality of agricultural products to enhance international competitiveness; China should tap into the market demand for ASEAN agricultural products to enhance the complementarity of its agricultural exports to ASEAN; and the two sides should formulate different policies for different types of agricultural products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The northwest region of Mexico stands out as one of the areas with the greatest contribution to the national aquaculture industry, which has led its producers to reconsider the need to innovate in the processes of technological incorporation in sustainable ways. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the attitudinal and motivational context perceived in aquaculture companies in the region, related to the innovation, competitiveness and support programmes. By means of Likert scaling, it was possible to identify aspects of both domains that would facilitate the development of technological innovation within aquaculture. Such an escalation also showed the need to intensify efforts, with the participation of the state, public and private universities, as well as non-governmental organisations, to develop strategies and policies that facilitate the incorporation of innovative technologies. The research design is structured under a descriptive-explanatory approach, with a cross-sectional format, in which 108 surveys were applied. These surveys were designed using the Likert scale and validated with the McDonald's Omega method, with ω = 0.773. Cronbach's α and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) were employed, showing a correlation between the items of the construct and its subcategories. The values of the covariance of the items obtained through the exploratory analysis show that 56% of the items have a correlation greater than 0.05. This indicates that there is a positive attitude and motivation towards the implementation of technological innovation in aquaculture in the study region, with participation from all three levels of government. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reviews the legal mechanism of securing a claim in civil procedural law, which is considered one of the main tools for effective enforcement of court decisions. The focus is on how the mechanism of securing the claim deals with the protection of the rights and interests of the parties, and the right to damages serves the legal rights of the defendants. To protect the interests, so as not to cause unreasonable damage. The article discusses the importance of the principles of competition and inquisitivity, which ensure the fairness and impartiality of the legal process. The principle of competition aims at the equality of the parties, while the inquisitorial principle provides for the intervention of the court when the defense party is weak or there are other circumstances that It prevent an objective decision from being made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to find out how to increase product competitiveness in the global market through the analysis of market segmentation and positioning. The study employs a qualitative approach, utilizing a systematic literature review (SLR) design. The data is analyzed through identification, classification, conclusion drawing, and verification. The research contribution lies in its focus on enhancing the competitiveness of products in a highly competitive global environment by analyzing market segments and positioning strategies. This study provides valuable insights and practical guidelines for businesses seeking to optimize their market presence and differentiate their products in an ever-evolving era of globalization. In addition, the study explores the impact of cultural and local adaptation on the success of positioning strategies in diverse markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aegilops tauschii Coss., an invasive weed, has a detrimental impact on the winter wheat cultivation areas of China. Understanding how drought influences competitive ability of A. tauschii can help identify traits related to its invasiveness and guide management. Slight, moderate, and severe soil drought stress conditions were established using potted weighing and water control methods. Concurrently, the de Wit replacement experiment was conducted to assess changes in morphological structure, biomass allocation, and physiological characteristics under varying intensities of soil drought stress. Based on observations of alterations in plant height, total leaf area, and total biomass, two-factor variance analysis revealed that soil drought inhibited the growth and development of both A. tauschii and Triticum aestivum L. ('Xinmai 32'). Furthermore, one-factor variance analysis revealed that A. tauschii and wheat responded to soil drought stress by increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and proline content. However, as drought severity escalated, chlorophyll content in A. tauschii and wheat declined significantly, while relative electrical conductivity (REC) and thiobarbituric acid (TBA) content increased markedly. The results of the fuzzy membership function indicated that A. tauschii exhibited greater drought tolerance compared to the tested wheat variety. Lastly, considering adjustments in the corrected index of relative competition intensity (CRCI), it was observed that soil drought amplified the competitive inhibition of A. tauschii on wheat. In short, A. tauschii was more tolerant of the soil drought stress than wheat through the favorable adjustment of morphology, biomass allocation pattern and physiological features, and soil drought intensified its competitive inhibition on wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to evaluate changes in Italy's competitiveness in the global wood products market, with a particular focus on wooden furniture and wood panels, both final and intermediate products of the crucial wooden furniture supply chain. The analysis is conducted through a cross-country comparison using trade flow matrices and various descriptive indices: Market Share, Trade Competitiveness Index, Balassa's Revealed Comparative Advantage Index, and the Symmetric Balassa Index. Furthermore, this study also examines intra-industry trade using the Grubel–Lloyd Index. While each index has its limitations when used individually, their combined analysis can provide a more comprehensive view. The study covers the period from 1996 to 2019, using data from FAO and COMTRADE sources. The results show that Italy maintains a significant position in the international furniture market, although this position has deteriorated over time. Conversely, Italy remains a net importer of wood panels. Trade flows have become more concentrated, with Canada and Germany still holding importance in the international market. However, Asian countries have now become the core of the commercial network. China has emerged as the leading exporting country in all product categories considered, with Vietnam and Malaysia also increasing in importance. Noteworthy progress has also been recorded by Russia and Poland in Europe. Additionally, the study discusses the implications of these findings for rural development, particularly in regions dependent on the wood-product sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study examines how Peru could maintain the sustainability of its blueberry exports through market diversification and competitiveness. Using a quantitative approach, the Herfindahl–Hirschman Index (HHI) and the Balassa Index were calculated. The results showed impressive growth in key markets such as the United States, where exports grew by an average of 115.03% annually, and robust growth in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Despite these increases, the study identified a high concentration in specific markets, particularly in the United States, where the HHI ranged from 2896 to 3828 throughout the evaluated period, indicating significant dependence. Regarding the RCA, the values showed that Peru has maintained a solid comparative advantage, especially towards the United States, where the values fluctuated between 0.09 and 0.55 throughout the study, indicating specialization and efficiency in the export of blueberries to this market. The conclusions highlight that, although Peru has achieved remarkable growth in its blueberry exports and has demonstrated competitive capabilities, it faces the challenge of effectively diversifying its export markets. Recommendations include expanding the exploration of new markets and improving logistic infrastructure and agricultural practices to foster environmental sustainability, as well as adapting marketing strategies to meet the demands of emerging markets and international regulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supporting the competitiveness of farms is one of the main priorities of the European Union's Common Agricultural Policy. Therefore, the analysis of transfer efficiency is an important element in the policy evaluation process. The primary aim of this partial research was to evaluate the development of farms' competitiveness in Slovakia, considering the financial support from the European Union and focusing on the legal form perspective. We assessed farm competitiveness using the Recourse Cost Ratio coefficient, which compares costs and revenues of entities in Slovakia's agricultural sector from 2004 to 2019. The analysis revealed statistically significant differences in competitiveness among farms based on their legal forms. From these findings, it is recommended that effective farm management is crucial for enhancing competitiveness, productivity, and profitability across all farms. Despite the specifics of individual legal forms of business, it is important to clarify that it is often the skills and abilities of the management of each enterprise that contribute to better acquisition of financial resources and also strengthen the competitive position of the farm in the market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the present work is to develop the validation process of a new instrument for measuring the competitiveness of tourism service companies (MCTE). The instrument consists of seven dimensions: Characteristics and tourism vocation, Routine and process management, Continuous improvement management, Human capital management, Market-customer management, Opportunity for Social Impact and development, and Evaluation of benefits. It can be used as an input to be applied at the national level in Mexico and Latin America. The validity of the instrument was conducted using Confirmatory Factor Analysis and Markov Chain Monte Carlo simulation, thus providing greater certainty about the usefulness of the MCTE in different sizes and types of companies. Respondents were directives of 267 enterprises based in México and Perú, mainly hotels, restaurants and tour operators. Results confirm the validity and reliability of the proposed instrument and thus support the proposed theoretical model. In conclusion in the digital era, when data becomes so important for knowledge and development, tourism enterprises in México and Perú, are still in a wide variety of development stages and without the habit to gather and share competitiveness information. The proposed measurement instrument might be helpful to do so. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-profit sport clubs are operating in an increasingly competitive market due to the growth of the for-profit sport sector and changes in sport participation patterns. To counteract competition, clubs are expected to take strategic action by investing in their organizational capacities. The aim of the present study is to explore if and how perceived competition from other organizations acts as an external capacity building stimulus for non-profit sport clubs. Longitudinal data were drawn from a nationwide online survey of non-profit sport clubs in Germany between the years 2011 and 2020 (ranging between n = 1366 and n = 5315 observations). The results highlight that clubs faced with competition from commercial providers are driven to invest in paid staff, whereas the number of volunteers' decreases and clubs are less likely to break even. Clubs faced with competition from other clubs are less likely to report having a strategic concept. The possession of club-owned facilities and gyms remains unaffected. The findings reveal the limited effects of competition on the development of organizational capacities, with significant effects occurring only in the human resource capacity as a driver of professionalization. Implications for theory and practice are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research study evaluated the dynamics and competitiveness of Nigeria's sesame (Sesamum indicum) production in international trade. Secondary data were used, in the data period of 1982 to 2022 (41 years). The data used were sourced from NBS, CBN, FAO, World Bank publication, and General Household Survey-Panel (GHS-P) in conjunction with Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. The econometric tools used were Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) unit root test, Johansen co-integration test, Zivot - Andrews (Z-A), Lee Strazicich (LM) structural break unit root tests, and vector error correction model (VECM). The result of the ADF unit root test shows that all the test variables were stationary at first difference I (1). The results of the Johansen co-integration test for the time series data shows that the trace test statistics indicate 2 co-integrating equations, the Max-Eigen values also indicates 2 cointegrating equations. The estimated long run effect using VECM shows that area, yield, and world trade in oilseed, were positively and significantly related to the dynamics and competitiveness of Nigeria's sesame seed in international trade. The real exchange rate had a negative coefficient and was non-significantly related to the dynamics and competitiveness of Nigeria's sesame seed in international trade. The coefficient of the error correction term (ECM) is with the expected negative sign and statistically significant at 1% level of probability, this is an indication of a move back towards equilibrium with a magnitude of -0.95. Policies that would encourage exportation of sesame should be pursued and enhancing research activities on improving quality of sesame produced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the history of Morocco's railway network, from its creation during the French colonial period to its current state. Initially deployed to serve international economic, financial, political, and strategic interests, the network in question was first employed for military purposes, for the protection of mining and the economic development of the colonies, particularly in coastal areas and major cities such as Casablanca. Today, these regions, which have benefited from important historical infrastructures, have a considerable lead over the rest of the country, accentuating territorial disparities and complicating any land-use planning. This article analyzes these territorial dynamics, highlighting the dual impact of the rail network on economic development and regional disparities. Finally, it presents the evolution of the Moroccan rail network from independence to the present day, analyzing its orientation, impact, and limitations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tourism country's competitiveness is important especially when countries strive for bigger market shares as European countries are. The COVID-19 pandemic has had devastating effects on tourism and the entire tourism industry must be rethinking and reshaping given some opportunities and challenges to the entrepreneurs, local communities, local administrations, governments of competitiveness destinations. In this paper we measured if the Google and Apple mobility indices cand predict (or not) the movement of TTCI during pandemic compared with pre-pandemic TTCI ranks by using grey system theory and statistical methods. The aim of the paper is to validate the Grey Relational Analysis (GRA) as identifier of the good predictor (statistically significant for p-value< 0.05) for European tourism competitiveness (measured by TTCI) in particular conditions, especially before and during COVID-19 pandemic time by take into consideration the Google Mobility and Apple Mobility data and their relationship with overnight stays for 11 European countries. To validate the GRA as method for good and accurate predictor for tourism competitiveness for TTCI 2021 (during COVID-19 pandemic time) a GLM – General Linear Model ANOVA with interaction effects and Tukey HSD Post Hoc Multiple Comparisons was applied. Our results validated the powerful of GRA for tourism competitiveness, statistically significant according to GLM with interaction effects, and emphasis (especially for entrepreneurs) that the overnight stays will give the right rank on top of tourism competitiveness, prior to other ITC support as Google and Apple Mobility indices proved by reflection of overnights on TTCI 2021 – during pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is an undeniable fact that nutrition is an important and integral part of human life. Unfortunately, nutrition is not always complete and balanced. It has been established that only rational nutrition is the lever by which it is possible to ensure normal growth and development of the body. Food industry enterprises are trying to create exactly such conditions for adequate human adaptation to the regalia of the surrounding world, namely, they develop and produce specialized products that contribute not only to disease prevention, but also to a stable increase in mental and physical performance. Moreover, these activities do not contradict the state policy in terms of improving the health of the population, through the introduction of healthy nutrition products into the retail network, through various assistance to manufacturing enterprises (subsidies, grant support). Regarding manufacturers of milk-containing food products, the importance of which is undeniable, they quite actively promote product lines for certain segments of the population, for example, children, pregnant and lactating women and the elderly. The main objective of the research is to develop a technology for a milk-containing product (drinking yoghurt) that includes several functions important for humans, namely, functional, diabetic, probiotic ones. The product is given the specified functions by including scientifically substantiated components in the recipe, including those from non-traditional raw materials. Standard and individual research methods have been used to confirm the quality indicators of the finished product. The main results of the research include determining the type of plant material that meets the specified requirements and characteristics and contributes to giving the finished product additional properties (prebiotic, functional, diabetic). The final result of the research is obtaining a product that helps increase the body resistance to the negative environmental effects. The use of secondary plant materials for food purposes, which contributes to the design of a food product with a certain quality composition and specified consumer properties, in comparison with existing analogues, can be considered the novelty of the research.

Digital transformation is an integral part of strategic management at the commercial enterprise, which ensures its sustainable development and competitiveness. Methods of implementing digital transformation keep on changing today. Traditional approaches lose their topicality, while new ones that take into account advanced trends in technology development, business-environment and customer behavior come into being. New methods require digitalization of processes of planning and managing digital transformation projects in conformity with current conditions of their implementation, which are included in the pass-through process of planning and carrying out today’s digital transformation. The goal of the research is to try to formulate the functional architecture of the project management block within the frames of the current system of digital transformation management. The research subject is processes of managing digitalization and digital transformation at commercial enterprises. The theoretical base of the research is formed by works by profile home and foreign scientists and organizations. Methodological base includes methods of systematic analysis and synthesis, optimal management, decision-making in conditions of uncertainty, expert alternative assessment and so on. Academic novelty of the research implies identification of functional architecture of the project management block of today’s digital transformation at commercial enterprises, selection of methodology for practical use. In practice it can provide their application for digital transformation in today’s conditions.

Purpose: is to work out the scientifically sound theoretical and methodical framework for the «smart» complementarity of trade flows, aimed at selecting and substantiating potential commodity niches in trade of Russian regions with foreign countries.Methods: the general methodological basis of the study is the critical analysis of the scientific literature that forms the theoretical and methodological basis for the global competitiveness of individual regions of a country presented in the theories of regional and spatial economy. The study has been carried out by methods of system, structural-logical and abstract-logical analysis.Results: the research resulted in some fundamental scientific novelties such as: the scientifically grounded theoretical concept of “smart” complementarity, which makes it possible to identify the presence of specific foreign trade niches in a geographical (country, region) and commodity contexts, based on an analysis of the complementarity of trade flows at the level of a Russian region and a foreign country, and assessment of the global competitiveness of the regional economy, as well as “fine” criteria that determine the activity of participants in foreign economic activity. The applied results included a specific configuration of "smart" complementarity – the algorithm for determining promising economic specializations of the region, allowing to combine trade statistics of a foreign country with data regional statistics, indicating the presence of foreign trade potential, taking into account regional economic specializations. The developed algorithm is intended for the use in an information and analytical system to support management decisions in the field of foreign economic activity of the region.Conclusions and Relevance: the concept and configuration of «smart» complementarity in their practical implementation in the form of an information and analytical system are proposed in the article to provide the participants of foreign economic activity with data on promising export groups for selected countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America. This approach allows moving the «center of gravity» of building trade and economic relations with foreign countries from the federal to the regional level.

The topic of digitalization has become increasingly relevant as it plays a critical role in shaping the competitiveness of European countries in a globalized economy. This research paper aims to examine the impact of digitalization on the competitiveness of selected European countries by analysing key indicators that define digital progress and economic performance. Digital transformation has been identified as a fundamental driver of economic growth, innovation, and efficiency across various sectors, emphasizing the importance of digital technologies in shaping contemporary economies. The study utilizes a combination of correlation, canonical, and regression analyses to systematically explore the relationship between digitalization and competitiveness. Data for 10 European countries – Finland, Sweden, the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, France, Spain, Luxembourg, Denmark, and Portugal – was collected from the European Commission, World Economic Forum, and official sources from IMD and WIPO over the period from 2017 to 2022. The key indicators analysed include the Digital Economy and Society Index, Global Competitiveness Index, Global Innovation Index, E-Government Index, and R&D expenditure as a percentage of GDP. These variables were selected to comprehensively assess the state of digitalization and its correlation with national competitiveness. Findings from the analysis suggest that digitalization has a profound influence on the competitiveness of the countries studied. High DESI and GII scores, indicating advanced digital integration and innovation capacity, are positively correlated with a higher GCI score, reflecting global competitiveness. Moreover, R&D expenditure emerged as a significant factor contributing to digital readiness and economic performance. The disparities in digitalization levels across countries highlight the uneven progress in adopting digital technologies, suggesting a need for policies that enhance digital infrastructure, skills development, and innovation ecosystems. The discussion emphasizes that digitalization drives the transformation of traditional business models, improves efficiency in manufacturing (Industry 4.0), and fosters innovation in services such as fintech, e-commerce, and public administration. However, challenges like the digital skills gap, regulatory barriers, and differences in infrastructure and policy readiness persist, impacting the overall ability of European countries to leverage digital transformation for competitiveness. The paper concludes by advocating for continued investment in digital infrastructure, balanced regulatory frameworks, and skill development initiatives to maximize the benefits of digitalization and enhance the competitive standing of European nations in the digital economy.

Population growth led to massive construction development, with increasing demand every year. One of those demands is housing construction. The high demand for this house has led to the emergence of new contractors on a local scale, with products and services of unstable quality. Hence, the contractors need to be more competitive in the industry. This research aims to identify and analyze the important factors influencing quality assurance (QA) and the competitiveness of local contractors in housing construction projects. The analysis is grounded in three primary frameworks: ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management Systems), PMBOK 6th Edition (Project Management Body of Knowledge), and Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing Regulation No. 4 of 2009. The research design used statistical analysis, Relative Importance Index (RII), and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to identify key factors. Research findings indicate that leadership commitment, project resources, and quality documentation are the three most critical factors. Regardless of the identified critical factors, all factors contribute to a significant influence on successful performance. The proposed strategic approach involves sequentially improving the "quality of work output," followed by "customer retention" and "project cycle efficiency." These findings can serve as a guideline for contractors in making decisions to enhance their competitiveness.

Objectives The aim of the study is to assess the competitiveness of Poland's voivodeships and to identify those areas of competitiveness that constitute the strengths and weaknesses of the Polish regions. Material and methods The study used a comparative analysis on the basis of the Regional Competitiveness Index (RCI) of 2016 and 2022, as well as a detailed assessment of the sub-indices of the RCI index. In this way, Polish regions were compared among themselves, in relation to the national and the EU average competitiveness. Results Apart from the Warsaw-Capital region, none of the Polish regions achieved the EU average level of the RCI index. The highest competitiveness among the remaining regions was found in the Śląskie and Małopolskie voivodeships. In contrast, the four regions of eastern Poland, i.e. Warmińsko-Mazurskie, Świętokrzyskie, Podlaskie and Lubelskie, in particular, were characterised by low competitiveness. Conclusions Considering the particular areas of regional competitiveness in Poland, it should be noted that only in primary and higher education and labour market efficiency is a level above the average EU competitiveness achieved. The major problem of Polish regions is the low level of business sophistication and poor infrastructure.

Background: Competitiveness is an essential psychological concept that affects various aspects of life. As online classes transform the educational landscape, it is essential to explore their effects on student competitiveness. This study sought to validate the Competition Psychology Scale for College Students (CPS-CS) specifically for Iranian university students involved in online learning.Methods: This cross-sectional survey utilized a psychometric approach and validation methods, targeting students at Tehran University during the first semester of the 2022-2023 academic year. A total of 1,231 students were selected through stratified sampling. The study employed the CPS-CS and the Hyper-Competitive Attitude (HCA) scale. The evaluation of content, concurrent, and construct validity, along with internal reliability, was conducted rigorously.Results: The CPS-CS demonstrated excellent content validity. Its concurrent validity indicated a positive correlation with the HCA scale (r=0.763, p

The aim of the research is to determine the impact of innovations and Industry 4.0 solutions on the international competitiveness from the perspectives of representatives of food industry enterprises. The empirical layer used information collected on the basis of a survey using the CATI method conducted on a representative sample of representatives of food industry enterprises. Descriptive statistics, the Kruskal-Wallis test, Mann-Whitney test, multiple comparison test and box-plot plots were used to analyse the data. The study confirmed that implementing certain innovations and solutions, both intangible and tangible, is important for maintaining and improving competitiveness on the international market. This applies particularly innovative, modern ways of reaching the customer, developing innovative products, the use of IT systems and the use of innovative methods in advertising and promotion. The conclusions present direct implications for managers of food enterprises who formulate competitive strategies.