Correlation of core strategic business factors in development of Albanian wood industry

Abstract

In Albania, a number of studies have been done for many different business categories, but there is little or no evidence for strategic management in the wood industry. Over the years, the wood industry in Albania has undergone drastic changes. Company owners say that their business is constantly changing the shape and it is important for them to change the operational model in order to: 1) improve efficiency; 2) reduce complexity; 3) reduce costs; The research was conducted in the district of Tirana and Durres. The data was collected in the wood processing companies and 30 questionnaires were processed in this regard followed by statistical analysis. The study has showed: 1) In terms of the product, companies have considered as a strong factor the development of a new product; 2) Operational management is still in its infancy, but its importance is well appreciated; 3) Most critical areas in operations management are being practiced, except for inventory and innovation. Based on the theoretical framework and the collected data, we find that although the companies aim to be leaders in the market, they are followers of the customer and innovation as a competitive advantage is missing in this field; 4) In terms of technology, 70% of companies accept the purchase of new machines as a very strong factor. 5) The development of new ideas related to the product is also accompanied by obstacles where the financial sector and developments in the region are listed in this direction; 6) The improvement of customer service and quick response in product distribution are strongly correlated; 7) Companies did not achieve the level of synchronization that would be required in an ideal supply chain management; 8) Companies should work on gathering feedback from suppliers and customers and find ways to improve their systems.