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Article
Publication date: 25 May 2020

Krisztina Horváth and Esteban Lafuente

This study aims to evaluate how the configuration of competitive pillars impacts businesses' competitive efficiency by using a non-parametric model, namely, data envelopment…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate how the configuration of competitive pillars impacts businesses' competitive efficiency by using a non-parametric model, namely, data envelopment analysis (DEA), with a single constant input.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed DEA model evaluates technical inefficiency, which results from differences in the availability and allocation of resources, and configuration inefficiency, which we link to differences in the way businesses amalgamate their competitive pillars. The sample includes 115 Spanish businesses operating in manufacturing, construction, retail and knowledge-intensive business services (KIBS) sectors.

Findings

The results reveal that, on an average, firms can improve their overall competitive efficiency by 53.53%. The findings suggest that the configuration of competitive pillars has important implications for efficiency analyses: human capital and strategy are the most relevant aspects shaping competitive efficiency in manufacturing and construction firms; whereas innovation emerges as the most relevant competitive aspect driving competitive efficiency in KIBS firms.

Originality/value

The novelty of this study lies in the analysis of competitive efficiency in a model where efficiency can be explained by overall (industry-specific) competitive efficiency within the industry and by strategic choices on how resources and capabilities are combined within the business.

Details

Competitiveness Review: An International Business Journal , vol. 31 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1059-5422

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 November 2019

Dimitra Kalaitzi, Aristides Matopoulos, Michael Bourlakis and Wendy Tate

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the implications of supply chain strategies that manufacturing companies can use to minimise or overcome natural resource scarcity, and…

3432

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the implications of supply chain strategies that manufacturing companies can use to minimise or overcome natural resource scarcity, and ultimately improve resource efficiency and achieve competitive advantage. The relationship between resource efficiency and competitive advantage is also explored.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed research model draws on resource dependence theory. Data were collected from 183 logistics, purchasing, sustainability and supply chain managers from various manufacturing companies and analysed by applying the partial least squares structural equation modelling technique.

Findings

The results indicate that both buffering and bridging strategies improve resource efficiency; however, only bridging strategies seem to lead to firm’s competitive advantage in terms of ownership and accessibility to resources. The relationship between resource efficiency and competitive advantage is not supported.

Research limitations/implications

Future research could confirm the robustness of these findings by using a larger sample size and taking into account other supply chain members.

Practical implications

This research provides guidance to managers faced with the growing risk of resource scarcity to achieve a resource efficient supply chain and an advantage over competitors.

Originality/value

Studies have explored the appropriate strategies for minimising dependencies caused by the scarcity of natural resources in the field of supply chain management; however, there is limited empirical work on investigating the impact of these strategies on resource efficiency and competitive advantage.

Details

International Journal of Operations & Production Management, vol. 39 no. 12
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 April 2014

Janine L. Sanders Jones and Kevin Linderman

Much of the practitioner literature touts the universal benefits of process management and its impact on operational performance. However, in academic literature, empirical…

4255

Abstract

Purpose

Much of the practitioner literature touts the universal benefits of process management and its impact on operational performance. However, in academic literature, empirical evidence is mixed. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of the competitive intensity on the effectiveness of process management.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data from manufacturing plants were collected from through a global research project. Regression analysis was used to test hypotheses.

Findings

The influence of process design on efficiency and innovation performance is not dependent on competitive intensity; however, the impact of process improvement and process control on efficiency and innovation performance is in some instances moderated by competitive intensity.

Research limitations/implications

The inclusion of competitive intensity as a contingency variable helps to explain the contextual impact of process management on efficiency and innovation.

Practical implications

Process management can be an effective tool if the levels of process design, control, and improvement are customized to fit with the competitive environment.

Originality/value

This is one of the few studies to empirically examine process management as three core elements. Previous studies utilized a single construct of process management or multiple manufacturing practices such as customer/supplier involvement, statistical quality control, process focus, and cross-functional teams to measure process management. Using this measurement approach demonstrates how process management can influence both efficiency and innovation.

Details

Business Process Management Journal, vol. 20 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-7154

Keywords

Content available
Article
Publication date: 6 August 2018

Axel Merkel

The purpose of this paper is to empirically examine the relationship between intensity of competition and technical efficiency of large European container ports, accounting for…

1361

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically examine the relationship between intensity of competition and technical efficiency of large European container ports, accounting for regional diversities and spatial aspects of inter-port competition.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis consists of applying a stochastic production frontier approach to a dataset of 77 large European container ports over the period 2002-2012, with inefficiency terms simultaneously modeled as a function of (among other factors) a constructed index of competitive intensity at different spatial levels.

Findings

The results indicate that there is no significant negative effect of competitive intensity on efficiency. In fact, for competing European ports within a proximity of 300 km, a higher level of competition is found to be associated with a higher level of technical efficiency.

Originality/value

The originality of the paper stems from its particular focus on European port regions and its novel findings in this context, which have implications for the discussions regarding pro-competitive port policy and regulation in the European Union.

Details

Maritime Business Review, vol. 3 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2397-3757

Keywords

Abstract

Details

Handbook of Transport Strategy, Policy and Institutions
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-0-0804-4115-3

Article
Publication date: 9 October 2023

James Ntiamoah Doku and Gladys A.A. Nabieu

This study provides a bibliometric analysis of bank efficiency and competition over the past years (from 1993 to 2022) to (1) discover the past and current state of knowledge on…

Abstract

Purpose

This study provides a bibliometric analysis of bank efficiency and competition over the past years (from 1993 to 2022) to (1) discover the past and current state of knowledge on bank competition and efficiency, (2) identify leading and authoritative journals and scholars who made significant contributions to the distribution of knowledge and impact, (3) identify nations that made a significant contribution and impact to the literature and (4) identify the structure of collaboration that exists between scholars in the areas of bank competition and efficiency and key thematic areas.

Design/methodology/approach

A total number of 868 documents made up of articles, reviews, book chapters, book and conference papers from the Scopus database were gathered. This study used a bibliometric analytic approach.

Findings

The number of documents on bank competitiveness and efficiency has increased significantly, as have their total publications, citations and national output. Additionally, the most esteemed and prestigious academic journals of eminent academics who have had a significant impact on the dissemination of knowledge on bank efficiency and competition literature champion papers on banking efficiency and competition. In terms of citation performance and collaborative efforts, the United States tops the developed countries, led by China, which is also the most productive. Additionally, single-country publications predominate in the literature, with China ranking first among the top five countries with corresponding authors. While the Lerner index, H-statistic, concentration index and market power were used to measure bank competitive behaviour, the data envelopment analysis approach predominates efficiency estimation techniques that are linked to cost, profit or revenue, scale, technical and productivity indexes.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first to offer bibliometric evidence of both bank competition and efficiency. It also offers proof of the distribution of knowledge and intellectual structure of the concepts and concerns in bank competition and efficiency.

Details

Journal of Economic Studies, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3585

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 1 July 2004

Richard O. Zerbe and Sunny Knott

Merger review policy among countries varies according to the weight given to consumers relative to producers. When both receive their full welfare weight it is said that the…

Abstract

Merger review policy among countries varies according to the weight given to consumers relative to producers. When both receive their full welfare weight it is said that the efficiencies defense is fully realized. No well-developed economic rationale has been given for giving more weight to consumers. Such a rationale is given here by considering equity and efficiency both as goods for which there is a willingness to pay. The willingness to pay approach not only provides a rationale for giving consumers greater weight as with, e.g. a price standard, but also shows how in principle the weight is to be derived. The merger of Superior Propane and ICG Propane in Canada raises issues of the tradeoff of equity and efficiency. The willingness to pay approach is applied to this merger as an illustration.

Details

Antitrust Law and Economics
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-0-76231-115-6

Article
Publication date: 2 October 2007

Mohamed M. Mostafa

The purpose of the research presented in this paper is to measure the relative market efficiency of the top listed companies in Egypt.

2295

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the research presented in this paper is to measure the relative market efficiency of the top listed companies in Egypt.

Design/methodology/approach

Applying a two‐stage approach, this study uses production frontier analysis (PFA) to measure the relative market efficiency of 62 listed companies in Egypt, and Tobit regression to examine the dependence of efficiency on the specific operating environment of these companies.

Findings

The results indicate that the performance of several companies is sub‐optimal, suggesting the potential for significant improvements over both profitability and marketability dimensions. Separate benchmarks were derived for possible reductions in resources used, and the results indicate that several companies deploy a much larger number of employees than required by a best practice company, and significant savings are possible on this account.

Originality/value

From a policy perspective, this study highlights the economic importance of encouraging increased market efficiency throughout the business sector in Egypt.

Details

Journal of Economic Studies, vol. 34 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3585

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 October 2011

Sang M. Lee, DonHee Lee and Marc J. Schniederjans

The purpose of this paper is to examine supply chain (SC) innovation for improving organisational performance in the healthcare industry.

10715

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine supply chain (SC) innovation for improving organisational performance in the healthcare industry.

Design/methodology/approach

A research model is proposed which describes the impact of SC innovation, supplier cooperation, SC efficiency, and quality management (QM) practices on organisational performance. The proposed research model and hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling based on data collected from 243 hospitals.

Findings

The results of the study support that organisational performance is positively associated with constructs of each SC innovation factor. Innovative design of SC has a significant impact on selection of and cooperation with excellent suppliers, improved SC efficiency, and encouragement of QM practices.

Research limitations/implications

The data used in this study were collected from relatively large hospitals with more than 100 beds in South Korea. The generalization of the study results may be limited by the size of sample hospitals.

Originality/value

This study provides useful planning information in the healthcare industry. The results suggest successful implementation of SC management is attained through continuous SC innovation with supplier cooperation, which in turn improves organisational performance.

Details

International Journal of Operations & Production Management, vol. 31 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 May 2008

He‐Boong Kwon, Philipp A. Stoeberl and Seong‐Jong Joo

The purpose of this study is to benchmark the wireless mobile communication service providers in the USA for the relative efficiencies of assets and expenses in conjunction with…

1877

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to benchmark the wireless mobile communication service providers in the USA for the relative efficiencies of assets and expenses in conjunction with revenues. In addition, the impact of merger activities on the efficiencies will be investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use data envelopment analysis (DEA) to measure comparative efficiencies of wireless mobile communication companies. Data include annual reports showing assets, expenses, and revenues.

Findings

For the relative efficiencies of total asset utilization, eight decision‐making units (DMU) out of 16 are 100 percent efficient. Likewise, seven DMU's are 100 percent efficient in the current asset model. However, only five DMU's are 100 percent efficient in the expense model. Accordingly, the companies maintain relatively higher efficiencies for asset management than those for expense management. Merger activities adversely affect the efficiencies of the companies in the models. Thus, the companies need to make stronger efforts to improve their efficiencies after consolidation.

Research limitations/implications

This study is subject to the limitations of financial data and DEA that measures relative technical efficiencies of DMU. Results will vary according to data and DMU included in the model.

Originality/value

The major contributions of this study are that this is the first attempt of benchmarking using DEA in the wireless telecommunication industry in the USA and its investigation of the impact of merger and acquisition activities on efficiencies.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. 15 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

Keywords

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