Dietmar Pfaff
Author
Dietmar Pfaff
University of Technology, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
6 articles in IJPSC · 2025–2026 · 4 co-authors
Publications in IJPSC
2026
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Research Article · Vol. 2, No. 2
AI-based competitor dossiers as a strategic competitive advantage in the insurance industry
Patrick Hedfeld, Sascha Pohl, Dietmar Pfaff
Abstract
Rising energy costs, volatile electricity markets, and geopolitical uncertainties are reshaping the economic conditions of the manufacturing industry. Energy is therefore no longer perceived merely as an operational input, but increasingly as a strategic factor affecting competitiveness, resilience, and location quality. This article examines how energy self- sufficiency through solar energy is perceived and implemented in the manufacturing sector and identifies differences between Germany and China. The study is based on a qualitative, exploratory research design comprising six written expert surveys and a supplementary PESTEL analysis. The findings indicate that, in industrial practice, energy self- sufficiency is rarely understood as complete independence from the public grid; rather, it is perceived as a gradual and measurable reduction in external electricity demand. Photovoltaics seldom unfolds its strategic potential in isolation, but primarily as part of an integrated system consisting of storage, energy management, and load control. The main drivers include cost reduction, cost stability, security of supply, and resilience, while major barriers arise from grid connection procedures, approval processes, regulatory complexity, and investment constraints. The article thus demonstrates that PV-based self-sufficiency is far more than a sustainability technology for industrial firms; it is increasingly becoming an instrument of industrial risk and competitiveness management.
Keywords Photovoltaics; energy self-sufficiency; manufacturing industry; self-sufficiency; energy management; Germany; China; qualitative research
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Perspective · Vol. 2, No. 1
Dietmar Pfaff, Sascha Pohl, Patrick Hedfeld
Abstract
Rising energy costs, volatile electricity markets, and geopolitical uncertainties are reshaping the economic conditions of the manufacturing industry. Energy is therefore no longer perceived merely as an operational input, but increasingly as a strategic factor affecting competitiveness, resilience, and location quality. This article examines how energy self-sufficiency through solar energy is perceived and implemented in the manufacturing sector and identifies differences between Germany and China. The study is based on a qualitative, exploratory research design comprising six written expert surveys and a supplementary PESTEL analysis. The findings indicate that, in industrial practice, energy self-sufficiency is rarely understood as complete independence from the public grid; rather, it is perceived as a gradual and measurable reduction in external electricity demand. Photovoltaics seldom unfolds its strategic potential in isolation, but primarily as part of an integrated system consisting of storage, energy management, and load control. The main drivers include cost reduction, cost stability, security of supply, and resilience, while major barriers arise from grid connection procedures, approval processes, regulatory complexity, and investment constraints. The article thus demonstrates that PV-based self-sufficiency is far more than a sustainability technology for industrial firms; it is increasingly becoming an instrument of industrial risk and competitiveness management.
Keywords Photovoltaics; energy self-sufficiency; manufacturing industry; self-sufficiency; energy management; Germany; China; qualitative research
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Research Article · Vol. 2, No. 2
From Data to Meaning: Integrating Market Intelligence and Sensemaking into Strategic Decision-Making
Dietmar Pfaff, Franziska Abels
Abstract
This article examines the interplay of market intelligence and sensemaking to support strategic decision-making in dynamic markets. The study addresses the central research question: "To what extent and in what form does market intelligence support strategic decision-making in dynamic markets with the help of sensemaking theories?". In view of the increasing complexity caused by digitization and volatile competitive conditions, traditional decision- making models are reaching their limits. By means of a systematic literature review along the PIPO model (Purpose- Input-Process-Output), the study analyzes how the integration of market intelligence and sensemaking reduces uncertainties and contributes to adaptive decision-making processes. The results of the study suggest that market intelligence as a data-based input instance and sensemaking as an interpretive instance are complementary components of an integrative decision-making model that can sustainably promote the strategic ability of companies to act. The present approach contributes to strategic decision-making by demonstrating how integrative theoretical decision- making can take place that combines analytical tools and organizational meaning-making.
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Research Article · Vol. 2, No. 2
Dietmar Pfaff, Olivia Diewald
Abstract
Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in the consumer goods market and has a significant influence on the strategic orientation of companies. Especially in highly competitive and saturated markets, companies are faced with the challenge of differentiating themselves from competitors through ecological and sustainable positioning. This thesis examines the possibilities and limits of green marketing in the competitive consumer goods market and analyzes how competitive intelligence (CI) can support companies in identifying and strategically exploiting ecological differentiation potentials. The study is based on a systematic literature analysis that combines theoretical approaches to green marketing, sustainability-oriented consumer behaviour and CI as a strategic analysis tool. The results show that green marketing can create a wide range of competitive advantages, in particular through sustainable product design, transparent communication, stronger customer loyalty and improved brand positioning. CI enables companies to identify market changes, consumer expectations and competitive dynamics at an early stage and to derive strategic recommendations for action from them. At the same time, the analysis highlights key challenges, including the skepticism of many consumers about sustainability promises, the so-called sustainability attitude-behavior gap, and the risks of greenwashing, which can affect credibility and trust in sustainable brands.
Keywords Green marketing; competitive intelligence; opportunities for differentiation; positioning; competitive consumer goods market.
2025
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Research Article
Dietmar Pfaff, My Anh Dang
Abstract
Title Digital Leadership in Medical Technology – Developing an Innovative Competency Profile for Successful Leadership in the Digital Age Author Prof. Dietmar Pfaff Graduate School IIC, University of Technology, Phnom Penh, Cambodia Email: dp@dietmar-pfaff.de Author My Anh Dang Sales Excellence Specialist, Abbott Medical GmbH Email: myanh.dang@hotmail.de Journal / Publisher Details Journal: International Journal of Psychology and Strategic Communication Volume: 03 (2026) DOI: https://doi.org/10.61030/CZHY1883 Abstract This paper explores how leadership can be effectively applied in the medical technology sector amid digital transformation. The study addresses the central research question:…
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Research Article · Vol. 1, No. 2
Patrick Hedfeld, Dietmar Pfaff
doi:10.61030/IJPSC.25.v02pp01 PDF
Abstract
Academic education in AI-driven renewable energy systems is evolving rapidly, propelled by digitalization, interdisciplinary collaboration, and technological advancements. Online platforms and international research networks enhance access to specialized content and facilitate global networking among students and researchers. Concurrently, collaborations between universities, industry, and research centers foster practice-oriented training formats that bridge theory and practice. Innovative technologies like Edge AI are being integrated into energy research to maximize the efficiency of future renewable energy systems. The persistent demand for skilled professionals in this domain necessitates continuous curriculum adaptation, particularly concerning practical projects, regulatory frameworks, and ethical considerations. This study examines the challenges and opportunities in academic education related to AI and renewable energies, highlighting how technological innovations can drive the energy transition.
Keywords SMART Renewable Energy; Artificial Intelligence; Optimization; Green Energetics; Research; Future
Research areas
- Organizational Change 5
- Innovation 4
- Resilience 4
- Strategic Communication 4
- Crisis Management 3
- Psychology 3
Article keywords Photovoltaics; energy self-sufficiency; manufacturing industry; self-sufficiency; energy management; Germany; China; qualitative research; Green marketing; competitive intelligence; opportunities for differentiation; positioning; competitive consumer goods market.; SMART Renewable Energy; Artificial Intelligence; Optimization; Green Energetics; Research; Future
Affiliations
| Institution | Country | Years | Articles |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Technology, Phnom Penh | Cambodia | 2025 | 1 |
As stated in the articles at the time of publication; not necessarily the current position.