scholarly journals Market innovation and competitive advantage of telecommunication companies in Kenya

2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-46
Author(s):  
Peter Mugo ◽  
Jimmy Macharia

Research question. To survive, organizations must have a competitive advantage in order to stay ahead of the competition. Market innovation has remained the driving force behind most market expansions and stability in the turbulent nature of global economies. The research question for the study thus was, “do market innovations influence the competitive advantage of telecommunication companies in Kenya?” Design/Method/Approach. Using the philosophy of positivism, the study adopted an explanatory research design in testing the hypothesis. The main data collection instrument was a structured questionnaire using both physical conduct and online interactions to return 247 responses from mid and top-level managers in a total of 26 active telecommunications companies in Kenya. The study used both descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS computer application to analyze the data. Findings. The study findings established that innovative distribution channels significantly influenced the competitive advantage of telecommunication companies in Kenya, while advertising and promotions did not have a significant influence. This led to the conclusion that market innovation has a significant influence on the competitive advantage of telecommunication companies in Kenya. Practical implications. The study recommends that telecommunication companies need to form collaborations and partnerships for establishing market distribution channels that have indicated to bring influence onto the competitive advantage of the companies. Other recommendations include a wider coverage of the East African market for the telecommunications sector. The study provides insights into new companies with an interest in the region. Originality/Value. From the results, marketing and promotions are not the only major contributing factors in the competitive advantage of telecommunication companies in Kenya; one must consider distribution channels too. Research limitations/Future Research. The study faced limitations on visiting the field during the COVID-19 pandemic period, thus encountering entry restrictions into various premises. All protocols were observed to overcome that obstacle. Some of the telecommunications companies were facing difficulties in operations and hence could not participate. Paper type. Empirical.

2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adriana Roseli Wünsch Takahashi ◽  
Josué Alexandre Sander

Purpose/ Research question.  A promising way to understand the development of the dynamic capabilities and the knowing process is to build a bridge between the Institutional Theory and the Resource-Based Theory (RBT). Although being needed, this approach is missing in the extant literature. So we have a research question: It possible to construct a bridge between two dimensions basing on two theoretical bodies (Institutional Theory and RBT) using an “inverted binocular” to look at knowing process enacted in a process of organizational learning, for formation of competences and dynamic capabilities? Design/Method/Approach. This paper analyses two different theoretical frameworks in a theoretic way and proposes an interface between those. Findings. The exploration and explication of micro-institutional processes (organizational or individual) can be connected to the macro level (societal or field level) by combining Institutional Theory with Resource Based Theory (RBT) in a multiparadigmatic view between visions and levels (cross-level). Theoretical implications. The bridge between these two theories would enable to strengthen the comprehension of the organizational changes in the various levels of analysis, considering their mutual dependence, and the knowing process and dynamic capabilities. Originality/Value. One of the differentials of this paper is the attention given to knowledge as the main piece for the construction of the bridge between these theories. Research limitations/Future research. An interface between the RBT and Institutional theory is necessary for a further development and understanding of concepts such as dynamic capabilities. Paper type – conceptual.


Author(s):  
Tessa Campbell ◽  
Matthew Wayne Knox ◽  
Josh Rowlands ◽  
Zi-Ying Anna Cui ◽  
Luke DeJesus

This chapter discusses the intricacies of innovation and competitive advantage, the current leadership gap within FinTech firms, and how these occurrences are enabled and improved through the utilization of authentic leadership practices within the context of the FinTech industry. Following this discussion, the authors observe the future research directions and potential areas of exploration in which other scholars may divulge. Through the exploration of our research question, “How can authentic leadership behaviors enable innovation and competitive advantage in FinTech firms?” they found the importance of authentic leadership within any industry or organization may be enhanced and explored further, as it appears to have a positive impact on innovation within organizations which in turn has the potential to provide a variety of opportunities for growth and competitive advantage.


2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 218-231
Author(s):  
Jérôme Yves Lyon ◽  
Yevgen Bogodistov ◽  
Jürgen Moormann

Purpose: Process optimization in healthcare using artificial intelligence (AI) is still in its infancy. In this study, we address the research question “To what extent can an AI-driven chatbot help to optimize the diagnostic process?” Design / Method / Approach: First, we developed a mathematical model for the utility (i.e., total satisfaction received from consuming a good or service) resulting from the diagnostic process in primary healthcare. We calculated this model using MS Excel. Second, after identifying the main pain points for optimization (e.g., waiting time in the queue), we ran a small experiment (n = 25) in which we looked at time to diagnosis, average waiting time, and their standard deviations. In addition, we used a questionnaire to examine patient perceptions of the interaction with an AI-driven chatbot. Findings: Our results show that scheduling is the main factor causing issues in a physician’s work. An AI-driven chatbot may help to optimize waiting time as well as provide data for faster and more accurate diagnosis. We found that patients trust AI-driven solutions primarily when a real (not virtual) physician is also involved in the diagnostic process. Practical Implications: AI-driven chatbots may indeed help to optimize diagnostic processes. Nevertheless, physicians need to remain involved in the process in order to establish patient trust in the diagnosis. Originality / Value: We analyze the utility to physicians and patients of a diagnostic process and show that, while scheduling may reduce the overall process utility, AI-based solutions may increase the overall process utility. Research Limitations / Future Research: First, our simulation includes a number of assumptions with regard to the distribution of mean times for encounter and treatment. Second, the data we used for our model were obtained from different papers, and thus from different healthcare systems. Third, our experimental study has a very small sample size and only one test-physician. Paper type: Empirical 


Author(s):  
Riku Laanti ◽  
Fred McDougall ◽  
Georges Baume

This chapter focuses on the internationalisation processes of national telecommunications companies (telcos) from small and open economies (SMOPECs) who have moved from a domestic monopoly to an actor within the global industry. This chapter aims to increase our understanding of how these companies have internationalised, what factors have been the most influential in this process, and how the position of these companies has changed in the evolving value network of the industry. The basis of the analysis will be a theoretical discussion about the concept of value networks and research on the internationalization process of a firm. The study reported in this chapter is part of a wider research project on the internationalisation strategies of telcos from SMOPECs. Case examples from that study will be used to illustrate the internationalisation processes of telcos from SMOPECs within the context of the whole industry value network. Finally, conclusions will be drawn and future research opportunities suggested.


2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 40-55
Author(s):  
Peter Chege Mugo ◽  
Juliana Mulaa Namada

Innovation is key to achieving a competitive advantage. In a bid to achieve competitive advantage, companies have considered different types of innovation. Each firm establishes its own competitive niche depending on the conditions that allow it to be productive within that specific niche. Process innovations have emerged as some of the key competitive fronts for many firms including the telecommunications industry. This paper focuses on establishing the effect of process innovation on the competitive advantage of the telecommunication industry in Kenya. The study adopted a descriptive research design using a sample size of 26 active telecommunications companies in Kenya. The respondents were mid and top-level managers. The linear regression model showed process innovation statistically affects the competitive advantage of telecommunication companies in Kenya (β = .302t = 4.952, p<.05). The study recommends telecommunication companies to design processes that provide optimum returns and use disruptive technology to design innovative processes.


Crisis ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 172-178
Author(s):  
Brooke A. Ammerman ◽  
Martha K. Fahlgren ◽  
Kristen M. Sorgi ◽  
Michael S. McCloskey

Abstract. Background: Despite being a major public health concern, it is unclear how suicidal thoughts and behaviors differentially impact separate racial groups. Aims: The aim of the current study was to examine the occurrence of nonlethal suicide events, in addition to suicide attempt characteristics and factors contributing to suicide attempts. Method: A final sample of 7,094 undergraduates from a large northeastern university, identifying as members of three racial groups (White [67.30%], Black [17.30%], and Asian [15.40%]), completed online questionnaires. Results: White participants reported increased likelihood of endorsing lifetime suicidal ideation and plan, whereas Black participants reported decreased likelihood of these events; no differences were found in rates of lifetime suicide attempts. Black participants' suicidal behavior may involve greater ambivalence of intent. A higher proportion of Asian participants endorsed interpersonal factors as contributing to their suicide attempts, whereas a greater percentage of White participants reported internal contributing factors. Limitations: Findings are limited by the sample size and assessment of lifetime suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Conclusion: The findings present a more nuanced look at attitudes and actions related to suicidal thoughts and behaviors that may inform future research and risk assessment procedures.


Crisis ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 55-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Hansen-Schwartz ◽  
G. Jessen ◽  
K. Andersen ◽  
H.O. Jørgensen

Summary: This pilot study looks at the frequency of suicide among Danish soldiers who took part in the UN mandated forces (UNMF) during the 1990's. In a contingent of nearly 4000 Danish UN soldiers four suicides were documented, two of whom committed suicide less than one month before deployment and two who committed suicide within a year after discharge from mission. Contributing factors, prevention strategies, and implications for future research are discussed.


2012 ◽  
pp. 78-90
Author(s):  
Thang Nguyen Ngoc

Knowledge and the capability to create and utilize knowledge today are consid- ered to be the most important sources of a firm’s sustainable competitive advantage. This paper aims to advance understanding of the knowledge creation of firm in Vietnam by studying Alphanam Company. The case illustrates how knowledge- based management pursues a vision for the future based on ideals that consider the relationships of people in society. The finding shows that the case succeeded because of their flexibility and mobility to keep meeting to the changing needs of the customers or stakeholders. The paper also provided some suggestions for future research to examine knowledge-based management of the companies in a different industry segments and companies originating in other countries


2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  

This study examines whether board diversity affects firm performance. We investigate this study using panel data of a sample of S&P 500 firms during a 12 year period. After controlling for industry, firm size, and other board composition variables, we find that all three board diversity variables of interest – gender, ethnicity, and age have a significant influence on firm performance. While ethnicity and age have a positive influence on firm performance, it was found that gender has a negative influence. Implications for future research are discussed.


2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 111-118
Author(s):  
Inda Lestari ◽  
Miguna Astuti ◽  
Hariyanto Ridwan

This research was conducted to analyze the effect of innovation orientation and entrepreneurship on the competitive advantage of culinary MSMEs in the Cilandak Barat area, South Jakarta. The population used for this study was 36 actors in the culinary field of SMEC. The sampling technique uses a saturated sampling method. The data analysis tool used is PLS 3.0. The results of this study indicate that the innovation variable has a significant influence on the culinary competitiveness of SMEC. And, entrepreneurial orientation has a significant influence on the culinary competitiveness of SMEC. The researcher suggests SMECs to pay attention to other factors that can influence competitive advantage. Keywords: Innovation, Entrepreneurship Orientation, Competitive Advantage


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