Guidelines of Business Alliance Development for a Competitive Advantagein the Digital Era

Abstract

This research aims to examine the approach to developing business alliances to create a competitive advantage in the digital era. The focus is on building Structural Equation Models (SEM) for developing industrial entrepreneurs. The research concept framework consists of one external variable, the Benefits Management element, along with three internal variables: Resource Management, Data Management, and Conflict Management elements. This study utilizes a combination of qualitative research methods, including in-depth interviews with 9 professionals and group conversations with 11 successful entrepreneurs. Quantitative research involved a survey using a company executive questionnaire with 500 consecutive 3-year business partner development guidelines. The results revealed partnerships in small-medium enterprises and large enterprises, with 250 respondents from each group. The study identified four elements of high importance in creating a competitive advantage through business partner development guidelines. The developed SEM aligns with empirical data, incorporating 28 observed variables across all five elements. The hypothesis test results showed that the causal influence between latent variables in the SEM model was supported at a statistically significant level of 0.001. This research will benefit the industry sector by enhancing workforce readiness, resource management, and addressing benefits and conflicts within alliance groups. This approach enables more efficient resource sharing, the development of competitive advantages, the promotion of innovation, and broader market access.