Strategic management has emerged as a critical discipline for organizations seeking to achieve and sustain competitive advantage in increasingly dynamic and complex global markets. This paper provides a comprehensive review of theoretical foundations, strategic tools, and emerging drivers that enable firms to attain sustainable competitive advantage (SCA). Classical frameworks such as Porter’s positioning strategies and generic strategies are discussed alongside contemporary perspectives, including the resource-based view (RBV) and dynamic capabilities, which emphasize the unique resources of firms and their capacity to adapt and reconfigure in response to environmental turbulence (Barney, 2022; Helfat et al., 2022). Furthermore, this paper examines the strategic importance of digital transformation and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices as enablers of SCA (SAGE Journals, 2024; Ideas/RePEc, 2022). Digital capabilities, including data analytics, artificial intelligence, and platform ecosystems, enhance the firm’s ability to sense opportunities, respond to threats, and improve operational efficiency (Redwerk, 2024; Deloitte, 2024). ESG-oriented strategies enhance legitimacy, stakeholder trust, and reputation, serving as inimitable resources increasingly valued by investors, regulators, and consumers (Mailani et al., 2024). Additionally, this paper explores strategic tools such as SWOT, PESTEL, value chain analysis, and the Balanced Scorecard as mechanisms for integrating internal resources with external environmental demands (ResearchSynergyPress, 2023). Organizational ambidexterity, which balances exploration and exploitation, is discussed as a critical factor for sustaining long-term advantage (JOTMI, 2024). Overall, the integration of RBV, dynamic capabilities, digital transformation, ESG practices, and strategic management tools enables firms to achieve enduring competitive advantage in the twenty-first century.

Background: Abdominoplasty represents one of the most frequently performed aesthetic procedures worldwide, with particular challenges in post-weight loss patients. This systematic review examines the incidence, risk factors, and management strategies for complications following abdominoplasty in this specific patient population. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases from January 2000 to March 2024. Studies reporting complication rates following abdominoplasty in post-weight loss patients were included. Meta-analysis was performed where appropriate data was available. Results: Analysis of 42 studies comprising 24,861 patients revealed local complication rates of 10-20% and systemic complication rates below 1%. Seroma formation represented the most prevalent local complication (23.6%), followed by infection (13.9%), bleeding (11.1%), and hematoma (6.9%). Patients with BMI >30 kg/m² demonstrated significantly higher complication rates (15.2%) compared to non-obese patients (7.3%). Scarpa fascia preservation significantly reduced seroma occurrence (9.4% vs 26.2%, p = 0.011). Progressive tension sutures virtually eliminated seroma formation (0.1% incidence) compared to traditional rates of 5-43%. Conclusions: Post-weight loss abdominoplasty carries substantial complication risks that vary with patient characteristics and surgical techniques. Obesity, smoking, diabetes, and extended operative times represent primary predictors of adverse outcomes. Technical modifications including Scarpa fascia preservation and progressive tension sutures significantly improve outcomes. Comprehensive preoperative risk assessment and tailored surgical approaches optimize results in this challenging patient population.

The main aim of this exploratory paper is to examens the key characteristics of technological innovation in a sample of industrial organizations in Jordan. Gathering data from 45 Jordanian industrial companies through a questionnaire-based approach, the research aims to understand different aspects of their innovation practices. Six important domains are explored: the performed functions by R&D departments or units, the primary sources of technological innovations, the announced objectives leading innovation activities, the principal obstacles faced during the innovation process, the main causes of innovation failures, and the critical factors contributing ti innovation success declared by the companies. Each one of the areas was evaluated through multiple-choice items. The findings from this study provide a descriptive overview of the current state and challenges of technological innovation faced by Jordanian industrial companies, offering insights for both academic understanding and practical strategies aimed at enhancing industrial growth and competitiveness in the Jordanian environment.

In the context of rapid urbanization and increasing demand for infrastructure development, bidding activities in the construction industry in Ho Chi Minh City play an essential role in selecting competent contractors to ensure the progress and quality of works. This paper focuses on analyzing the current situation and proposing solutions to effectively manage bidding activities of construction enterprises, through qualitative research methods combined with surveys of 97 related subjects, including business owners, contractors, bidding parties, investors and appraisal teams. The survey results show that there are still many shortcomings such as cumbersome administrative procedures, lack of transparency, inappropriate intervention from related parties and uneven capacity among enterprises. Based on the theory of project management, fair competition and transparency of the bidding process, the article proposes a system of improvement solutions including: enhancing the application of digital technology in bidding management, improving the capacity of appraisal staff, making project information transparent and establishing an independent monitoring mechanism. The article aims to contribute to perfecting the bidding institution and improving management efficiency in the construction industry in the largest city in Vietnam.

In the context of widespread digital transformation in education, the digital management capacity of high school principals has become a key factor to ensure effective leadership, improve educational quality and adapt to innovation requirements. This article focuses on analyzing the needs and factors affecting the development of digital management capacity for high school principals in the Mekong Delta region, a region with diverse economic, social and technological infrastructure conditions. Based on a mixed research method, including a survey of 115 principals, vice principals, professional team leaders, and in-depth interviews with 12 managers, the article identifies necessary groups of competencies, such as educational data management, digital platform deployment in teaching and learning, information security, and digital transformation leadership. The research results show that five factors have a significant impact on the capacity development process, including: policy clarity, quality of technology infrastructure, innovation orientation in leadership, professional development opportunities, and coordination between schools and local authorities. From there, the article proposes policy and practical recommendations to build a roadmap for developing digital management capacity for principals, contributing to promoting educational innovation in the digital age in Vietnam.

This study investigates the impact of trade openness on Iraq's industrial sector, focusing on the period of financial and trade liberalization since the early 2000s. Iraq's efforts to transition from a centrally planned economy to an open market economy have been marked by significant reforms, including the reduction of trade barriers and the promotion of foreign investments. However, while trade openness has facilitated access to global markets, it has also led to challenges in Iraq's industrial sector, such as factory closures and increased unemployment due to competition from cheaper imported goods. The study examines the dynamics between financial and trade openness, economic stability, and institutional quality, highlighting the moderating role of institutions in determining the outcomes of liberalization. The findings indicate that while financial openness has contributed positively to Iraq’s economic stability, trade openness has had mixed effects on the industrial sector, necessitating targeted policies to safeguard domestic industries. Stronger institutional frameworks are found to be key in maximizing the benefits of openness. The study provides recommendations for policymakers to manage trade and financial openness effectively, ensuring long-term sustainable growth and stability.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in sales operations is revolutionizing the sales landscape across the globe by providing sophisticated analytics, automation, and improved customer engagement. However, the adoption of AI in Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is a significant challenge for the SMEs in emerging economies like Bangladesh due to limited resources, infrastructure constraints, and lack of technical expertise. Using the TOE framework, this paper explores the barriers hindering AI adoption in sales operations of Bangladeshi SMEs. Exploring technological, organizational, and environmental contexts, the research identifies significant barriers, including integration complexity, high implementation costs, and workforce skill gaps. Furthermore, the research studies how supplier readiness and competitive pressure drive AI adoption. The results inform small and medium-sized enterprises, policymakers, and technology providers regarding strategic steps that can facilitate AI adoption in resource-limited settings. Overcoming these obstacles allows SMEs to harness the power of AI to improve competitiveness, optimise sales processes, and increase business growth within emerging markets.