In this study, the significance of using Porter’s generic strategies in firms that operate in competitive environments is investigated. The aim is to indicate the effects of Porter’s generic strategies (low-cost strategy, differentiation strategy, and focus strategy) on firm performance. The questionnaires of the study have been prepared, the responses have been obtained, and the econometric model is constructed to measure these relationships. Findings stemmed by data that were taken from 113 firms that operate in the Republic of Kosovo.ttest, Pearson’s correlation analysis, and multivariate regression analysis were used to provide testing of hypotheses. Econometric results suggest that pursuing differentiation strategy provides higher firm performance compared to two other Porter’s generic strategies (low-cost strategy or focus strategy) that have a positive impact as well.

Aim. Many people believe that the Internet may revolutionise several disciplines byallowing easier and faster data collection, larger and geographically diverse samples, andtherefore collecting more representative data. However, others are skeptical of its usabilityas well as its practical value. The paper’s aim is to highlight both positive and negativeoutcomes in the online research.Methods. The paper is based on the e-methodological approach by using exclusivelyonline data and online research methods: secondary data/articles with an open accessabout the topic in the literature review section; and online forum as an online researchmethod for the data collection.Results. As the most common advantages are recognised: quick access to information,wide geographical scope, a larger sample size leading to greater statistical power, reducedcost of conducting empirical research, support from online search engines and data bases,open data sources, no need for face-to-face interaction, no paper wasted. The most commondisadvantages appointed by the respondents are: the need of evaluation for the accuracyof the online sources, the need for Internet access, limited access or high costs of some databases, the contrast between fresh and redundant data available, irrelevant data, the needand knowledge for precise formulation of the key phrases/questions, users’ multiple accounts,AI involvement, low motivation of the targeted respondents, unreliable answers, etc.Conclusions. It is interesting that the narratives confi rm the already highlighted positiveand negative outcomes in the online research process as they are already elaboratedin the theoretical frame. This research proves that is possible to use the online forums forgathering data, especially in the kinds of networks, where the most important attribute ofthe respondents is known solely by the membership itself. Because the internet is widespread,easily available, low costing, it is important to open a wide discussion about overcomingshortcomings on online research approach, and come to the useful and improvedsolutions.

Considering pursuing the differentiation strategy makes enable the organization to earn its success and to create, capture and sustain economic value. Despite this importance, it is relatively absentminded in empirical studies at the conceptual level. In response to this gap, the purpose of this paper is conceptualizing differentiation strategy model, developing the instruments of differentiation strategy, and testing the relationship between dimensions of the value chain, differentiation in the supply, competitive advantages, and organizational performance, using data from a sample of 123 manufacturing organizations. On this study, quantitative methods were applied to measure the proposed relationships, and questionnaires were used as a tool in gathering primary data. Relationships proposed in the framework were tested using structural equation modeling. The results of this study indicated that pursuing the differentiation strategy leads on increasing competitive advantage and improving organizational performance. Also, it pointed out that the manufacture organizations’ success is determined by their ability to be flexible on strategic planning and on integrating internal and industrial settings factors on differentiation strategy creating. This research contributes to strategic literature clarifying a successful differentiation model helping the practitioners on increasing the ability and knowledge on pursuing the differentiation strategy.

A perusal of the literature shows that a broad frame of references for organizational success is not adequately developed. Therefore, by taking an interdisciplinary approach with a relational perspective, this study takes an integrative and fresh approach toward illuminating the moderate role of competitive strategy in realizing the potential influence of supply chain management (SCM) practices on organizational performance of the manufacture organizations. Using the gathered data of 157 manufacturing organizations that operate in Kosovo, this study boosts the margins of the existing literature. The findings indicate a positive influence of SCM practices and competitive strategy on organizational performance. In addition, the findings also show that competitive strategy moderate the relationship between SCM practices and organizational performance. It highlights that differentiation strategy is necessary to increase the actual value of SCM practices and makes the organization flourish.

Recently, entering new firms into a competitive market is getting harder due to different industry barriers. Addressing this concern, the aim of this paper is to measure the relationship between industry barriers that prevent the entry of new rivals and increase the profitability of incumbent firms. The study was based on the data of one hundred and seven executives of firms that operate in the Republic of Kosovo, and it attempts to assert and order the market entry barriers. The responses were collected by questionnaires and the econometric model was constructed, to test this relationship. The findings were obtained using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multivariate regression. Econometric results indicated that seven dimensions of industry barriers have a direct and positive impact on the profitability of incumbents and serve as barriers for new firms to enter the market, and showed that business executives in Kosovo perceive capital requirements of non-incumbents as the most important entry barrier, whereas access to distribution channels as the least important. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed and explained.

Exposure to different chemicals is an inevitable part of our everyday lives. Within HBM4EU, focus group discussions were conducted to gather data on citizens’ perceptions of chemical exposure and human biomonitoring. These discussions were hosted in Cyprus, Denmark, Hungary, Israel, Latvia, the Netherlands, and North Macedonia following a protocol developed in the first round of discussions. Results indicate the very high concern of European citizens regarding food safety and the environment. Focus group participants were well aware of potential uptake of chemicals through food consumption (e.g., preservatives, flavor enhancers, coloring agents, pesticides, fertilizers, metals), drinking water, or from polluted air and water. One of the positive aspects identified here, is the high interest of citizens in awareness and education on personal measures to control exposure. The promotion of personal behavioral changes requires active involvement of society (e.g., commuting habits, energy choices, waste disposal, dietary habits). Activities should focus on raising awareness of the general public, implementation of policy measures, and mainstreaming of related topics into the education system. Raising awareness of the general public may promote engagement of citizens, which in turn may empower them to put pressure on politicians to take effective actions. There is also a need for further research which might focus on the impact of country-specific situations and of the COVID-19 pandemic on the exposure of citizens to chemicals.