The development of high quality software satisfying cost, schedule, and resource requirements is an essential prerequisite for improved competitiveness of life insurance companies. One major difficulty to master this challenge is the inevitability of defects in software products. Since defects are known to be significantly more expensive if detected in later development phases or testing, compa...

Proper Supply Chain Management (SCM) has proven essential for the competitiveness of organizations, since it ensures the effectiveness of supplies, and the proper coordination with suppliers, intermediaries and market needs. The use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the SCM has proven to have a positive impact in companies that have implemented it, particularly in relation to...

During the last few years, companies have had an increasing interest in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and its implications in economic performance and competitive environment. However, as a result of the recent economic decline, CSR and the overall attitude of companies towards socially responsible activities have been affected. This article discusses the shift in the perception of CSR ...

This paper is aimed to show the great importance of knowledge as a vital strategic resource for modern business, at the beginning 21st century. The turbulent business environment, with global trends and the stringent competition in the world market resulted in the significant changes that companies should introduce in their current business operations. The changes are necessary for survival in ...

Recently, several large companies have been involved in financial scandals related to mismanagement, resulting in financial damages for their stockholders. In response, certifications and manuals for best practices of governance were developed, and in some cases, tougher federal laws were implemented (e.g. the Sarboness Oxley Act). Companies adhered to these changes adopting the best practices ...

This paper discusses the implementation of quality management systems and business excellence models in the textile companies of Pakistan. The literature indicates that Pakistani companies are falling far behind in comparison to their international competitors in the dimensions of competitiveness like timely delivery, consistency, reliability, innovation and quality. However, higher level of ad...

“Food production and distribution in South Africa, as in most other countries, is undergoing major structural changes caused by changing and diverse consumer demands, new technologies (e.g. bioand information technologies), new product characteristics, changing firm sizes and more exposure to world markets... the structural realignment in agriculture and the formation of new supply chains are p...