Dear Dr. Singh,
Dear Jayant,
Thank you very much for introducing this new discussion impulse. In fact, "How can companies maintain a competitive advantage" is a very important question and initiative, since it lies at the core of INFORMS and the entire OR-MS community, yes, the future competitiveness of our modern economies and free societies.
At this point I would like to mention two current research approaches and projects, both with the aim of helping companies better recognize and use existing potentials:
(i) Methods of statistical or machine learning (such as Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines) and artificial intelligence (such as Artificial Neural Networks) are used to compare and balance data, interests and needs between job-seeking students (graduates) and companies with unfilled positions.
(ii) Collaboration and coopetition between companies or divisions within companies, or even between companies and individual employees or job seekers. Modern game theory is used here.
Both approaches and projects are connected to the Poznan University of Technology. If you are interested in an exchange, I can name contact persons.
Many thanks to you again,
and also to the entire INFORMS team, which enables and maintains this valuable discussion forum.
With kind regards,
best wishes,
Willi (Gerhard-Wilhelm Weber)
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Gerhard-Wilhelm Weber
Professor
Poznan University of Technology
Poznan
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Original Message:
Sent: 01-26-2025 13:26
From: Jayant Singh
Subject: How can companies maintain a Competitive Advantage
Hello Colleagues,
It is inevitable that a a single day goes by when we don't hear about adoption of AI by different firms. For sure technological innovation and adoption is an important ingredient to a firm's success in this economy. But are technological breakthroughs enough?
Recently, I came across an excellent masterpiece by Michael E. Porter addressing the issue of Competitive strategy. Nowadays, in their scramble for growth and technology adoption many firms have lost sight of how to maintain a competitive advantage in the market. This book addresses core concepts of competitive strategy and also introduces some practical approaches to the industry leaders.
Some of these approaches include, but are not limited to;
- Which is a better strategy; cost leadership vs. product differentiation?
- Are all competitors a threat? Or can some competitors help us in our pursuit of growth, and
- Using product substitution to excel in the market.
Though this is a classic work, but the concepts are still highly relevant. Suggested audience; industry leaders, CEOs, as well as curious analysts.
link
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Jayant Singh
Analyst
Oak Park IL
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