دانلود رایگان مقاله انگلیسی نقش نوآوری در بوجود آوردن مزیت رقابتی - الزویر 2018

ABSTRACT

This study examined the innovation that leads to a competitive advantage in the frozen food business in the context of small-sized and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The research process consisted of three parts: 1) a literature study; 2) an empirical research study using questionnaires as a data collection tool; and 3) an analysis and conclusion of the research results using exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and structural equation modelling (SEM). The findings showed that innovation enhanced the advantages in competition via external factors. These external factors were divided into two groups: micro-oriented factors and macro-oriented factors. The external factors at the micro level had more influence on the innovation development of the frozen food businesses than those at the macro level. The results showed that entrepreneurs, especially SME entrepreneurs, need to adapt and readily prepare themselves to face upcoming economic changes, which are about to occur not only at the global level but also at the regional and the country levels. In addition to the internal contexts within the organization, external factors are also important, especially those that will lead to the development of innovation. Innovation will become the strategic tool in this important competition for the improvement, creation, and enhancement of business to create competitive advantages equal to or better than those in foreign countries in order to realize sustainable development.

Conclusion and Recommendation

The objective of this study was to study the innovation factors that lead to the creation of competitive advantages in the frozen food industry at the SME level. The results showed that external factors that lead to innovation come in two forms. At the micro level, there is market orientation, which consists of customers, suppliers, and the industry, and at the macro level there is the international context, which consists of regulations and national support. The research results showed that leaders of SMEs need to adjust and be ready to face economic changes occurring globally, regionally, and locally. In addition, they need to adapt to these changes. Innovation is an important weapon that can be used to improve and strengthen a business so that it can create competitive advantages equal to or greater than those of foreign businesses and thereby realize sustainable economic development. This research has only examined the context of the frozen food industry at the SME level. In the future, a comparative study between small-scale and large-scale frozen food companies should be conducted to build an in-depth understanding of the conformity, similarity, and contrast of business development at different levels. Such a study would enhance understanding of the total picture thoroughly and could be used to pave the way for the development of the frozen food industry in Thailand.