Businesses, Volume 5, Issue 2 (June 2025) – 5 articles

The rapid growth of the Internet of Things (IoT) presents emerging economies with an invaluable opportunity to reshape their market standings and reach a competitive advantage. Nonetheless, the acquisition and development of IoT technologies poses significant challenges for businesses in these areas. This study explores the factors affecting IoT technology acquisition and advancement by smart mobility businesses in this market. Through a review of literature and case studies, the research identifies key strategies and their characteristics. We focus on critical factors such as infrastructure constraints, technology acquisition, regulatory frameworks, business structures, and strategic alliances by analyzing related startups engaged in IoT products and services, each with distinct features. Additionally, this research utilizes the Capability Maturity Model to evaluate and enhance technological capabilities and business processes according to their readiness levels. Based on the results obtained, we emphasize the necessity of approaches tailored to specific needs and obstacles. Employing a mixed-methods approach, including conceptual studies, thematic analysis, interviews, questionnaires, and advanced machine learning techniques, the study sheds light on the strategic decisions, technological trends, and achievements of IoT-focused businesses. Therefore, it underscores the importance of recognizing technological trends and the pivotal role of data-driven analytics in strategic decision-making for technology adoption. Full article

The use of product and service brands by popular movie characters has long been a powerful marketing tool, boosting brand awareness and enhancing brand image. Product placement—the appearance of brands in films—not only increases visibility but also provides vital financial support for film production, particularly in big-budget blockbusters. However, an interesting question arises: to what extent do filmmakers and brands align brand values with the personalities of film characters? Is the goal solely to maximize exposure, or is there a conscious effort to create authentic pairings that resonate with audiences? This study examines the appearance of product and service brands in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, focusing specifically on two main characters: Iron Man (Tony Stark) and Captain America (Steve Rogers). We analyzed 11 Marvel Studios films released between 2008 and 2019, documenting brand appearances and evaluating their alignment with the characters’ personalities. By applying personality typology models (Aaker, Mark and Pearson, MBTI, NERIS Type Explorer), we developed detailed profiles of both the movie characters and the associated brands. The findings reveal that while brand placements are extensive, there is often a deliberate effort to pair them with characters in ways that reinforce authenticity and strengthen audience connections. This benefits filmmakers, audiences, and brands alike by enhancing credibility and fostering emotional engagement. Full article

Heat pumps (HPs) are considered as a key technology in the future energy system. Besides technical and ecological aspects, user acceptance and user friendliness are also essential. The aim of the study was therefore to research which aspects are decisive for the purchase decision, which different types of HP owners can be distinguished, how their specific user behavior can be characterized in terms of control and operation, and what their respective requirements and wishes are for the functions and operation of their HPs. A mixed-methods approach in an exploratory sequential design was used. Based on nine qualitative interviews and a survey with 510 respondents, both conducted in Austria, it is observed that the most relevant arguments for the purchase decision of HPs are high environmental friendliness and efficiency, as well as resource independence. Respecting certain usage and requirement patterns, four user types could be identified and defined—the minimalist, the functionalist, the tech-savvy tinkerer, and the anxious user. In the future, intelligent control and regulation approaches and the integration of HPs into a holistic energy and building management system (smart home) will become more important. Based on the results, tailor-made system solutions can be developed, user friendliness optimized, and new services developed. Full article

In today’s fast-paced technological landscape, businesses must adapt to evolving business models and harness the power of data to thrive. Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) face significant challenges in aligning IT infrastructure with business objectives while navigating digital transformation. This systematic review, conducted using PRISMA 2020 guidelines, investigates the role of Enterprise Architecture (EA) and Information Management (IM) in driving IT growth and sustaining competitive performance in SMEs. Through a synthesis of academic research, industry analysis, and case studies from the last decade, this review identifies key frameworks—such as TOGAF, Zachman, and FEAF—that support the alignment of IT capabilities with organizational goals. The integration of IM within EA frameworks is found to enhance decision-making, resource allocation, and operational efficiency. Emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cloud computing are highlighted for their transformative impact, enabling real-time data analysis, improved scalability, and enhanced agility. Our review reports that 43.44% of the studies focused on cloud-based solutions, while 24.59% adopted hybrid models, offering SMEs scalable and flexible IT infrastructures. The findings emphasize the necessity of strong governance frameworks to ensure compliance, adaptability, and long-term sustainability in a dynamic environment. This research contributes to a comprehensive roadmap for SMEs, enabling them to leverage EA and IM for sustained growth and competitive advantage in the digital era. Full article

The purpose of this bibliometric analysis is to understand what skill sets are needed for the entrepreneurial mindset, how the entrepreneurial mindset is practically operationalized, and where opportunities can be identified using the entrepreneurial mindset. The entrepreneurial mindset is crucial in entrepreneurship and innovation, leading to value creation, business development, and competitive advantage. The methodological approach involves a bibliometric analysis utilizing seven databases and a total of 478 articles that were selected based on the phrase “entrepreneurial mindset”. Data were extracted on 6 July 2024, and the bibliometric analysis consisted of four separate steps in the methodological approach. The findings identified six different clusters in which the entrepreneurial mindset adopted a process-oriented perspective, a concept that is underexplored in the current literature. The novelty in this study involves a cluster in the findings, labeled “the missing dynamics”, which warrants attention. Overall, the missing dynamics cluster in this bibliometric analysis offers originality and further research suggestions. By continuing to explore the process-oriented views of the entrepreneurial mindset, new value opportunities can be created, while the missing dynamics can be better understood. Full article