An Interpretive Structural Model for Utilizing By-Products to Achieve Competitive Advantage in the Sugar Industry
Keywords:
محصولات فرعی, مزیت رقابتی, صنایع قند و شکرAbstract
Objective: This study aims to identify and model the causal relationships among factors influencing the utilization of by-products for achieving competitive advantage in the sugar industry.
Methodology: The study adopts an applied mixed-methods (qualitative–quantitative) design. In the qualitative phase, factors were identified through semi-structured interviews with 20 experts and a systematic literature review, followed by validation using CVR and fuzzy Delphi techniques. In the quantitative phase, Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) was employed to determine the hierarchical relationships among the identified factors. Purposive sampling was used until theoretical saturation was reached.
Findings: The results reveal a five-level hierarchical structure comprising governance, entrepreneurship, networking, organizational resources, competitive intelligence, and competitive advantage. Governance emerged as the most influential factor, directly affecting entrepreneurship and networking. These, in turn, enhance organizational resources, which shape competitive intelligence. Ultimately, competitive intelligence directly leads to competitive advantage.
Conclusion: Achieving competitive advantage in sugar industry by-products depends fundamentally on strengthening governance, networking, and entrepreneurship, while aligning organizational resources and competitive intelligence through supportive policies and strategic management practices.
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