Strategic Information Systems and Their Role in Enhancing the Competitive Advantage of Business Organizations

Authors

Keywords:

information systems; strategy; strategic information systems; competitive advantage; Port of Ténès.

Abstract

This ​study analyses the role of strategic‌ information systems (SIS)​ in enhancing ​competitive advantage, wit​h application to the​ Port of Ténès, a key⁠ institution in Algeri​a’s maritime transport sector. Out⁠ of 150 distributed questionnaires, 97 valid​ responses were collected and analysed u​sing SPSS v26 through descriptive statistics, regression⁠ analysis, and ANOVA⁠. The findings indicate a​ significant positive relations​hip between S⁠IS and competitive advantage, particularly in terms of cost advantage and creativity & development,‍ while no significant effects were observed for quality, on-⁠time delivery, and flexibility. These results underline the selective contribution of SIS to strengthening competitiveness within this organizational context. The study recommends reinforcing investment in SIS, ensuring continuous employee training, and involving end-users in system design and development. Conducted on a single case study with a relatively limited sample, the research reflects the specific context of the​ Port of Tén​ès but offers valuable insights into the role of SIS in port organizations and provides a foundation for​ future comparative research in similar‌ settings.

References

Adhikari, G. (2021). Calculating the sample size in quantitative studies. Scholars' Journal, 4, 14–29. https://doi.org/10.3126/scholars.v4i1.42458

Ahmed, S. K. (2024). How to choose a sampling technique and determine sample size for research: A simplified guide for researchers. Oral Oncology Reports, 12, Article 100662. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oor.2024.100662

Al-Awawdeh, W. (2019). The effect of strategic information systems on competitive advantage for branches of Jordanian Banks operating in the Irbid City - Jordan. Arab Journal of Administration, 39(1), 113-144. https://doi.org/10.21608/aja.2019.27774

Alharafsheh, M., & Ezmigna, A. A. R. (2023). The impact of business strategy on competitive advantage and performance of small & medium enterprises in Jordan. International Journal of Professional Business Review, 8(6), Article e01534. https://doi.org/10.26668/businessreview/2023.v8i6.1534

Almajali, W. I., Awamleh, F. T., Alarabiat, Y. A., & Tawalbeh, M. (2025). Business intelligence systems and organization performance the role of competitive advantage as a mediator variable. Economics, 13(2), 333-349. https://doi.org/10.2478/eoik-2025-0042

Altamony, H., Masa’deh, R., Alshurideh, M. T., & Obeidat, B. (2012). Information systems for competitive advantage: Implementation of an organisational strategic management process. In The 18th IBIMA Conference on Innovation and Sustainable Economic Competitive Advantage: From Regional Development to World Economic (pp. 583-592). IBIMA. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/260082007

Andrade, C. (2020). Sample size and its importance in research. Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, 42(1), 102-103. https://doi.org/10.4103/IJPSYM.IJPSYM_504_19

Anokye, M. A. (2020). Sample size determination in survey research. Journal of Scientific Research and Reports, 26(5), 90–97. https://doi.org/10.9734/jsrr/2020/v26i530263

Arici, T., Usta, A. T., Cigerim, E., & Sahin Gok, M. (2022). Mediating role of information systems on strategy and performance: Innovation and competition perspective. Proceedings on Engineering Sciences, 4(2), 179-190. https://doi.org/10.24874/PES04.02.008

Arioua, M., Boubaya, H., & Zeghba, T. (2022). The contribution of strategic information systems to achieving & enhancing the competitiveness of Algerian insurance companies a sample study on insurance companies in the Wilaya of M’Sila. Roa Iktissadia Review, 12(1), 319-331. https://asjp.cerist.dz/en/article/205045

Arvidssona, V., Holmströma, J., & Lyytinen, K. (2014). Information systems use as strategy practice: A multi-dimensional view of strategic information system implementation and use. The Journal of Strategic Information Systems, 23(1), 45-61. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsis.2014.01.004

Avison, D., & Pries-Heje, J. (Eds.). (2005). Research in information systems: A handbook for research supervisors and their students. Gulf Professional Publishing.

Bae, H.-s. (2021). The interaction effect of information systems of shipping and logistics firms and managers’ support for blockchain technology on cooperation with shippers for sustainable value creation. Sustainability, 13(8), Article 4493. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13084493

Barney, J. B. (1986). Organizational culture: can it be a source of sustained competitive advantage? Academy of Management Review, 11(3), 656-665. https://doi.org/10.2307/258317

Barney, J. B. (2001a). Is the resource-based "view" a useful perspective for strategic management research? Yes. The Academy of Management Review, 26(1), 41–56. https://doi.org/10.2307/259393

Barney, J. B. (2001b). Resource-based theories of competitive advantage: A ten-year retrospective on the resource-based view. Journal of Management, 27(6), 643–650. https://doi.org/10.1177/014920630102700602

Barney, J. B. (2007). Gaining and sustaining competitive advantage (3rd ed.). Pearson Education.

Basulo-Ribeiro, J., Pimentel, C., & Teixeira, L. (2024). Digital transformation in maritime ports: defining smart gates through process improvement in a Portuguese container terminal. Future Internet, 16(10), Article 350. https://doi.org/10.3390/fi16100350

Berisha-Shaqiri, A. (2015). Management information system and competitive advantage. Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences, 6(1), 204-208 https://doi.org/10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n1p204

Bhatt, G. (2003). Managing information systems competence for the competitive advantage: An empirical analysis. In International Conference on Information Systems (ICIS) (Article 12). Association for Information Systems. https://aisel.aisnet.org/icis2003/12

Bland, J. M., & Altman, D. G. (1997). Statistics notes: Cronbach's alpha. BMJ, 314(7080), 572. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.314.7080.572

Bocayuva, M. (2021). Cybersecurity in the European Union port sector in light of the digital transformation and the COVID-19 pandemic. WMU Journal of Maritime Affairs, 20(2), 173–192. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13437-021-00240-4

Bohari, A. M. (2013). Computeralization of seaport operation management: Competitive issues and need of ICT advancement. Information Management and Business Review, 5(5), 217-224. https://doi.org/10.22610/imbr.v5i5.1045

Bonett, D. G., & Wright, T. A. (2014). Cronbach’s alpha reliability: Interval estimation, hypothesis testing, and sample size planning. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 36(1), 3-15. https://doi.org/10.1002/job.1960

Burden, R., & Proctor, T. (2000). Creating a sustainable competitive advantage through training. Team Performance Management: An International Journal, 6(5-6), 90–97. https://doi.org/10.1108/13527590010348200

Clemons, E. K., (1986). Information systems for sustainable competitive advantage. Information & Management, 11(3), 131-136. https://doi.org/10.1016/0378-7206(86)90010-8

Costa, R. L. D., Cunha, A., Gonçalves, R., Pereira, L., Dias, Á., & Silva, R. V. D. (2023). The strategic impact of information systems in organisations: An empirical study. International Journal of Applied Decision Sciences, 16(1), 87-113. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJADS.2023.127943

Cousins, P. D. (2005). The alignment of appropriate firm and supply strategies for competitive advantage. International Journal of Operations & Production Management, 25(5), 403–428. https://doi.org/10.1108/01443570510593120

Djalic, N., Nikolic, M., Bakator, M., & Erceg, Z. (2021). Modeling the influence of information systems on sustainable business performance and competitiveness. Sustainability, 13(17), Article 9619. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13179619

Durán, C., Palominos, F., Carrasco, R., & Carrillo, E. (2021). Influence of strategic interrelationships and decision-making in Chilean port networks on their degree of sustainability. Sustainability, 13(7), Article 3959. https://doi.org/10.3390/SU13073959

Fahy, J. (2000). The resource-based view of the firm: Some stumbling-blocks on the road to understanding sustainable competitive advantage. Journal of European Industrial Training, 24(2-3-4), 94–104. https://doi.org/10.1108/03090590010321061

Fahy, J., Farrelly, F., & Quester, P. (2004). Competitive advantage through sponsorship: A conceptual model and research propositions. European Journal of Marketing, 38(8), 1013–1030. https://doi.org/10.1108/03090560410539140

Galliers, R., Swatman, P., & Swatman, P. (1995). Strategic information systems planning: deriving comparative advantage from EDI. Journal of Information Technology, 10(3), 149–157. https://doi.org/10.1057/jit.1995.19

Gonçalves, M., Salgado, C., de Sousa, A., & Teixeira, L. (2025). Data storytelling and decision-making in seaport operations: a new approach based on business intelligence. Sustainability, 17(1), Article 337. https://doi.org/10.3390/su17010337

González-Cancelas, N., Molina Serrano, B., Soler-Flores, F., & Camarero-Orive, A. (2020). Using the SWOT methodology to know the scope of the digitalization of the Spanish ports. Logistics, 4(3), Article 20. https://doi.org/10.3390/logistics4030020

Heilig, L., Stahlbock, R., & Voß, S. (2020). From digitalization to data-driven decision making in container terminals. In Handbook of terminal planning. Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-39990-06

Hemmatfar, M., Saleh, M., & Bayat, M. (2010). Competitive advantages and strategic information systems. International Journal of Business and Management, 5(7), 158-169. https://doi.org/10.5539/ijbm.v5n7p158

Hera, A., Al Rian, A., Faruque, Md. O., Sizan, M. M. H., Khan, N. A., Rahaman, Md. A., & Ali, M. J. (2024). Leveraging information systems for strategic management: Enhancing decision-making and organizational performance. American Journal of Industrial and Business Management, 14(8), 1045-1061. https://doi.org/10.4236/ajibm.2024.148054

Ismail, A. I., Rose R.C., Uli, J., & Abdullah, H. (2012). The relationship between organisational resources, capabilities, systems and competitive advantage. Asian Academy of Management Journal, 17(1), 151–173. https://ejournal.usm.my/aamj/article/view/aamj_vol17-no-1-2012_8

Issa-Salwe, A., & Aloufi, K. (2011). Integrating competitive advantage with strategic information systems planning: A review. Proceedings of Business and Information, 8(1), 1-11. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/235925365

Jafari, T., Zarei, A., Azar, A., & Moghaddam, A. (2023). The impact of business intelligence on supply chain performance with emphasis on integration and agility–a mixed research approach. International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, 72(5), 1445-1478. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPPM-09-2021-0511

Jegan Joseph Jerome, J., Sonwaney, V., Bryde, D., & Graham, G. (2023). Achieving competitive advantage through technology-driven proactive supply chain risk management: an empirical study. Annals of Operations Research, 332(1), 149–190. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10479-023-05604-y

Jiang, B., Haider, J., Li, J., Wang, Y., Yip, T. L., & Wang, Y. (2023). Exploring the impact of port-centric information integration on port performance: The case of Qingdao Port. Maritime Policy & Management, 50(4), 466-491. https://doi.org/10.1080/03088839.2021.2007551

Jouad, S., & Hamri, M. H. (2020). The impact of information systems on port performance: The Case of Morocco's Agadir Port. European Scientific Journal, 16(1), 38-49. https://doi.org/10.19044/esj.2020.v16n1p38

Lakens, D. (2022). Sample size justification. Collabra: psychology, 8(1), Article 33267. https://doi.org/10.1525/collabra.33267

Lemma Chuma, L. (2020). The role of marketing information systems on business firms competitiveness: Integrated review paper from business perspective. Journal of Marketing and Consumer Research, 72, 1-12. https://doi.org/10.7176/JMCR/72-01

Liao, S. H., & Hu, T. C. (2007). Knowledge transfer and competitive advantage on environmental uncertainty: An empirical study of the Taiwan semiconductor industry. Technovation, 27(6-7), 402-411. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.technovation.2007.02.005

Lin, B. W. (2003). Technology transfer as technological learning: A source of competitive advantage for firms with limited R&D resources. R&D Management, 33(3), 327–341. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-9310.00301

Ma, H. (2000). Competitive advantage and firm performance. Competitiveness Review, 10(2), 16–32. https://doi.org/10.1108/eb046396

Ma, H. (2004). Toward global competitive advantage: Creation, competition, cooperation and co-option. Management Decision, 42(7), 907–924. https://doi.org/10.1108/00251740410550961

Ma, L., & Turban, E. (2003). Strategic information systems for competitive advantage In N.-S. Koutsoukis & G. Mitra (Eds.), Decision Modelling and Information Systems: The Information Value Chain. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-0505-1_14

Madonsela, N. S. (2020). Integration of the management information system for competitive positioning. Procedia Manufacturing, 43, 375-382. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.promfg.2020.02.176

Mahfoud, F. (2024). Role of information system in achieving competitive advantage. Journal of Management and Entrepreneurship, 4(1), 59-71. https://asjp.cerist.dz/en/article/261333

Marinagi, C., Trivellas, P., & Sakas, D. P. (2014, August). The impact of information technology on the development of supply chain competitive advantage. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 147, 586-591. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2014.07.161

Mwithiga, L. T., Njihia, J. M., & Iraki, X. N. (2017). Strategic information systems integration and sustainable competitive advantage. International Journal of Economics, Commerce and Management, 5(5), 518-528. https://ijecm.co.uk/volume-v-issue-5/

Nanjundeswaraswamy, T. S., & Divakar, S. (2021). Determination of sample size and sampling methods in applied research. Proceedings on Engineering Sciences, 3(1), 25-32. https://doi.org/10.24874/PES03.01.003

Navarro, F. C., Carvajal, Y. R., Quiñones, A. M. V., Agama, P. G. A., Cristóbal, Y. Z. O., & Mejía, P. J. C. (2023). Classification of port systems for port competitiveness. International Journal of Membrane Science and Technology, 10(3), 706-718. https://doi.org/10.15379/ijmst.v10i3.1591

Nicolae, F., Bucur, M., & Cotorcea, A. (2018, June). Port performance evaluation. Case study: Ports in the Black Sea basin. In IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science (Vol. 172). IOP Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/172/1/012004

Osman Mohamed, A. A., & Khalfalla, W. A. (2023). The impact of strategic information systems on achieving competitive advantage: A study on a sample of service business organizations in Khartoum State. Arab Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 1(19), 85-112. https://doi.org/10.59735/arabjhs.v1i19.35

Owusu, J., Boateng, P. A., & Yeboah, N. (2024). Strategic decision support systems for enhancing competitive advantage in small and medium enterprises. 2024 IEEE SmartBlock4Africa, 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1109/SmartBlock4Africa61928.2024.10779545

Oyewole, & Olufemi, F. (2020). Influence of work automation on the performance of nigerian ports. Journal of Management and Science, 10(3), 12-24. https://doi.org/10.26524/jms.10.3

Pant, S., & Hsu, C. (1995, May 21-24). Strategic information systems planning: A review. [Paper presentation]. In Information Resources Management Association International Conference, Atlanta, United States.

Pearson, B., Lacombe, D., & Khatun, N. (2024). Likert scale variables in personal finance research: The neutral category problem. Econometrics, 12(4), Article 33. https://doi.org/10.3390/econometrics12040033

Peppard, J., & Ward, J. (2004). Beyond strategic information systems: Towards an IS capability. The Journal of Strategic Information Systems, 13(2), 167-194 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsis.2004.02.002

Polas, M. R. H. (2024). Sample selection in social science research: A holistic approach to methodological rigor. Insight-Statistics, 8(1), Article 740. https://doi.org/10.18282/i-s740

Porter, M. E., & Kramer, M. R. (2006). The link between competitive advantage and corporate social responsibility. Harvard Business Review, 84(12), 78-92.

Pratono, A. H. (2023). Multiple flexible suppliers and competitive advantage during market turbulence: the role of digital capabilities. Journal of Enterprise Information Management, 37(2), 437–455. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEIM-09-2022-0339

Rahman, M. M. (2023). Sample size determination for survey research and non-probability sampling techniques: A review and set of recommendations. Journal of Entrepreneurship, Business and Economics, 11(1), 42-62. http://orcid.org/0000-0002-7414-8281

Rose, R. C., Abdullah, H., & Ismail, A. I. (2010). A review on the relationship between organizational resources, competitive advantage and performance. The Journal of International Social Research, 3(11), 488-498. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/42637439

Setiawan, A. (2013). Impact of information systems performance on enterprise performance using resource-based view framework. In The 2nd International Conference on Information Systems for Business Competitiveness (ICISBC) (pp. 288-295). Diponegoro University.

Sharma, L. R., & Bhattarai, T. (2024). Determining an applicable sample size in research studies. International Research Journal of MMC, 5(4), 29-40. https://doi.org/10.3126/irjmmc.v5i4.70641

Siti, M. (2024). building competitive advantage through information technology integration in marketing and branding management strategies. Golden Ratio of Mapping Idea and Literature Format, 4(2), 111-139. https://doi.org/10.52970/grmilf.v4i2.356

Stroumpoulis, A., Kopanaki, E., & Karaganis, G. (2021). Examining the relationship between information systems, sustainable scm, and competitive advantage. Sustainability, 13(21), 11715. https://doi.org/10.3390/su132111715

Susanto, A., & Bong, M. (2019). Information system for competitive advantage. International Journal of Scientific & Technology Research, 8(1), 151-153. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/331972605_Information_system_for_competitive_advantage

Turban, E., Rainer, R. K., & Potter, R. E. (2005). Administração de tecnologia da informação: teoria e prática. Elsevier.

Wang, W. C., Lin, C. H., & Chu, Y. C. (2011). Types of competitive advantages and analysis. International Journal of Business and Management, 6(5), 100. https://doi.org/10.5539/ijbm.v6n5p100

Whittington, R. (2014). Information systems strategy and strategy-as-practice: A joint agenda. The Journal of Strategic Information Systems, 23(1), 87–91. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsis.2014.01.003

Yang, J., Leung, N. K. Y., & Young, B. (2020). The relationship between strategic information systems planning (SISP) and facilitators to achieve successful business outcomes in South Korean organizations. The Electronic Journal of Information Systems Evaluation, 23(1), 126-149. https://doi.org/10.34190/EJISE.20.23.1.009

Yau, K.-L. A., Peng, S., Qadir, J., Low, Y.-C., & Ling, M. H. (2020). Towards smart port infrastructures: Enhancing port activities using information and communications technology. IEEE Access, 8, 83387-83404. https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2020.2990961

Yoshikuni, A., & Albertin, A. (2018). Effects of strategic information systems on competitive strategy and performance. International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, 67(9), 2018–2045. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPPM-07-2017-0166

Zeng, F., Lee S. H. N., & Lo, C. K. Y. (2020). The role of information systems in the sustainable development of enterprises: A systematic literature network analysis. Sustainability, 12(8), Article 3337. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12083337

Zhang, M. J., & Lado, A. A. (2001). Information systems and competitive advantage: A competency-based view. Technovation, 21(3), 147-156. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0166-4972(00)00030-4

Downloads

Published

2025-12-22

How to Cite

BRAHIMI, A., AHMED BELBACHIR, W., & MENNAD, H. (2025). Strategic Information Systems and Their Role in Enhancing the Competitive Advantage of Business Organizations. Management Dynamics in the Knowledge Economy, 13(4), 357–375. Retrieved from https://www.managementdynamics.ro/index.php/journal/article/view/725

Issue

Section

Articles