Digitalization as an enabler of business model dynamics

The purpose of the articles is to answer a research question related to the extent of the impact of digitalization on a business model (BM) of a focal company. An original primary, qualitative research has been conducted. It draws on multiple, in-depth case studies on a globally active B2B incumbent manufacturing companies that recently implemented a digital platform-based customer relationship management system. The data was gathered through participative observation and semi-structured interviews with system users and project leaders. The contribution of the research is in linking the business model dynamic change with a customer relationship management system (CRMS). It identifies the element HOW - value creation - as the mainly affected element of BM of the focal company

Application of Branding Concepts for Development of Competitiveness

Předložená diplomová práce je zaměřena na aplikaci konceptů značky sloužící k rozvoji konkurenceschopnosti produktu instituce vysokoškolského vzdělávání, konkrétně studijního oboru “Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development”. Na základě teoretických poznatků, metodiky dle Ko Floora a konceptu Brand Prismu je zhodnocena stávající situace studijního oboru. Zároveň jsou provedeny analýzy konkurentů a požadavků zákazníků, společně s analýzou odvětví k určení pozice značky studijního oboru na trhu. Na základě výsledků ze všech provedených analýz jsou následně stanoveny návrhy řešení konceptu značky na podporu rozvoje konkurenceschopnosti studijního oboru.Posed master’s thesis is focused on application of branding concepts for development of competitiveness of product of educational institution, specifically “Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development” field of study. Based on literature review, Ko Floor methodology and Brand Prism concept, current situation of field of study is evaluated. Furthermore, analysis of selected competitors and customer requirements, together with industry analysis, are obtained in order to identify brand position of field of study within the Czech Republic market of higher education. Based on the results from conducted analysis, proposal of solutions towards development of concept of brand for development of competitiveness of ESBD field of study are identified.

The evolution of digital transformation in SMEs in the manufacturing industry in the different blocks of the BM Canvas since the beginning of the pandemic

Purpose – The following article focuses on assessment of the evolution of digital transformation in SMEs in the manufacturing industry since the beginning of the pandemic. The digital transformation is assessed in the different blocks of the BM Canvas. The main objective of the paper is to evaluate the impact of the pandemic on the development of digital transformation, and to assess whether it is still influencing it now, or vice versa, or no longer has such an impact. Research methodology – The digital transformation is examined in each block of the Business Model Canvas (BM Canvas) from the beginning of the pandemic to the current state. The individual data is obtained from a survey conducted among 18 SMEs. Small and medium-sized enterprises in the manufacturing industry are examined. The survey is based on semi-structured interviews with SME´s management representatives. The collected data is then processed by examining the average rate of digital transformation in each block, the modus, and the median. The focus was again on developments and changes in the digital transformation of enterprises. The data was collected for three periods – before the pandemic (2019), during the pandemic (2021) and now (July 2022). Findings – The paper shows the evolution of digital transformation in the different building blocks of the BM Canvas for SMEs in the manufacturing industry since the beginning of the pandemic. The evolution of digital transformation varies across the BM Canvas blocks. For the Channels block, as of July 2022, there has been a decrease in the average digital transformation rate. The other blocks have seen an increase and continue to develop. However, the increases are no longer as high as in 2021. Whether digital transformation will continue to develop for individual blocks in future periods is a suitable research question for further research. The findings show that the changes and developments vary from building block to building block. It was found that the importance of each building block changed during the pandemic for each firm representative. The results provide the basis for the analysis of the development and change of BM Canvas for individual companies. Research limitations – At the moment, the current situation in Ukraine, in addition to the COVID-19 pandemic, is playing a major role in SMEs activities as it affects companies. This conflict was not considered in the research, and the development since the beginning of the pandemic was followed. Practical implications – This research highlights how the digital transformation of individual SMEs in the manufacturing industry is evolving. It highlights the impact of the pandemic, which has undoubtedly increased the growth of digital transformation rates. For future research, these results can be very useful, as other influences on the rates of digital transformation can be investigated. Originality/Value – The research was carried out on the basis of primary data collected by the authors themselves. The data were processed and evaluated. The results of the research show how the level of digital transformation in different blocks of the BM Canvas has evolved from the beginning for each SME in the manufacturing industry