Competitive Market Research Articles

THE INFLUENCE OF QUALITY SERVICE FOR CUSTOMER SATISFACTION : CASE STUDY IN ZADJ PROSALON BALIKPAPAN

The objective of this research to determine the effect of Service Quality on customer satisfaction at Zadj Prosalon Balikpapan which is motivated by the phenomenon of more and more people who care about their appearance, namely beauty care and the emergence of various Beauty Salon Businesses in the Balikpapan community, therefore companies need to retain customers not only with good product quality but also through service quality that needs to be continuously monitored and improved in order to achieve optimal customer satisfaction because customer quality and satisfaction hold crucial stakes for success and survival in today's market competition. Customer quality and satisfaction are closely related to market share and customer retention. Increased customer retention implies greater positive word-of-mouth information distribution, reducing price sensitivity which ultimately results in better business performance. This study was conducted on customers who came and had treatments more than 2 times. The sampling technique was nonprobability sampling. The analysis method used in this study is multiple linear regression analysis and questionnaires as a means of collecting respondent data are then processed with the help of the SPSS Statistics program with a sample size of 295. Data analysis techniques used in this study are validity test, reliability test, multicollinearity test, heteroscedasticity, autocorrelation, F-test, t-test. Based on the results obtained from this study, service quality has a positive and significant effect on Customer Satisfaction at Zadj Prosalon Balikpapan. Quality has an effect of 75.2% on customer satisfaction, while the remaining 24.8% is influenced by service variables, other variables not examined in this study

Digitization and school library:role in the transformation of education

The purpose of the article is to analyze the role of the school library in the digital transformation of modern education. It was concluded that the current conceptual educational system is implemented in three main directions: digitization of the educational process; digital educational content; digitalization of educational management. And it is the modern school library that is able to implement the task of digitalization of the educational environment and ensure the information needs of its participants. Thus, digitization becomes an important and integral component of the activity of a modern school library and an opportunity for the development of education. The school library follows the path of creating digital educational content, provides and coordinates the information service of the educational institution, and the educational process — informational and methodical literature, works according to the strategic directions of the school's development. Digitization of the school library requires consistency in implementation and a comprehensive approach as important criteria for the success of modern education due to: expanding the possibilities of the educational trajectory; access to the most modern educational resources; spreading the circle of educational organizations around the world; expansion of children's educational opportunities; cost reduction due to increased competition in the educational market; increasing transparency and facilitating communication with all participants of the educational process.

Leveraging Machine Learning to Optimize Pricing and Restocking Strategies for Fresh Vegetables

In the competitive and diverse retail market, restocking and pricing perishable vegetables is challenging. Using big data and machine learning to analyze sales data, this research can build predictive models to refine these strategies and predict trends[1][2]. This research analyzed sales data from 2020 to 2023, identifying key trends in sales volumes, seasonality, and consumer preferences. It incorporated these findings into a multi-objective programming model that also considered wholesale and loss rates. This research used statistical tests like the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U to detect significant sales differences across vegetable categories, while the Spearman correlation showed strong seasonal and culinary impacts on consumer buying behaviors. To optimize freshness and maximize sales and profits, this research utilized genetic algorithms and regression analyses, including an effective XGBoost model. This model had a Mean Absolute Percentage Error of 16.97 and an R² of 0.94, aiding in predicting daily sales and improving pricing strategies and restocking schedules. These methods helped enhance decision-making, ensuring vegetable freshness and maximizing profitability, with projected profits reaching ¥41,582.87. This study not only highlights the effectiveness of integrating big data and machine learning in the retail sector but also sets a benchmark for operational efficiency in managing perishable goods.

The role of accounting conservatism in corporate innovation

AbstractWe provide evidence to determine whether conservative financial reporting is associated with firm‐level investments in innovation in China. We find that firms adopting a more conservative reporting policy invest substantially more in innovative projects. We also find that conservative reporting practices improve the association between executives' pay‐for‐performance and a firm's innovation efforts. The association between conservatism and firm‐level innovation is concentrated in firms that are in the non‐high‐tech industries, that have higher financial leverage and more product market competition. Our paper adds to public policy by providing evidence of the beneficial influence of accounting conservatism on higher innovation investment.

Data-Driven Fresh Food Supply Chain Management and Market Competitiveness Research

Data-Driven Fresh Food Supply Chain Management and Market Competitiveness Research

The Service Experience Equity on Repatronage Intention within Public Transportation Services

In a highly competitive market, service providers are often expected to enhance their profitability by delivering superior service quality. This principle is evident among many public transportation providers in Malaysia, who strive to elevate the passenger experience through refined service offerings. The objective of this study is to examine the factors influencing repatronage intentions among public transportation users in Malacca, Malaysia, using the Service Experience Equity (SEE) framework. To demonstrate the causal connections between the variables, a regression analysis has been employed. The findings reveal that service atmosphere and personnel interactions significantly impact users' willingness to continue using these services. The study emphasizes the importance for management to prioritize customer experience by investing in service environment strategies that foster user engagement and discourage customer churn. It further underscores that both the overall service experience and the quality of employee-customer interactions are critical determinants of future patronage. Consequently, it is recommended that transportation service providers leverage these elements to create a competitive edge, thereby encouraging repeat usage and building long-term customer loyalty.

Fulfilling the potentials of residential solar energy in Egypt

Energy plays a very important role in Egypt’s economic development, but the country has a gap between its produced energy and the demand of its growing population. Utilization of solar power systems in Egypt could help the country to close this gap and fulfil its national and international obligations. However, since 1980, the focus in Egypt has been on large-scale industrial solar projects. Limited attention is given to smaller systems for typical residential buildings. The aim of this research, therefore, is to highlight the potential of small residential solar systems (SRSS) in Egypt. With the huge number of residential buildings accommodating more than 115 million Egyptians, SRSS could be the unearthed gem of a sustainable source of energy in Egypt. The geographical location of Egypt and climate were used to generate solar data using the Global Solar Atlas application. The amounts of monthly and annual solar irradiations were calculated and analysed to decide the best orientation of the system (facing east, west, north, and south), identify the optimum tilt angle of the system, and determine the size of the solar panels. A case study was used to illustrate the procedures of designing SRSS for a typical residential building in Egypt. The results showed that a 26 kWp SRSS oriented facing the east with an optimum tilt angle between 15° and 30° could produce an annual total output of electricity more than the annual demand of the occupants of the studied residential building. Such a system would fit easily on the roof of the building. It was concluded that the installation of SRSS in Egypt could help the country meet the demand of its ever-increasing population if properly regulated, financed, and managed. It is recommended that Egypt develop and implement policies to make installations of SRSS an attractive choice among homeowners and investors by introducing encouraging incentives and creating a competitive market with affordable SRSS.

PRODUCT INNOVATION AND MARKETING MANAGEMENT OF UMKM FOOD AND BEVERAGES AMID GLOBAL COMPETITION: SURABAYA CITY CASE STUDY

This research aims to explore product innovation and marketing management in small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the food and beverage sector in Surabaya, which face the challenges of global competition. With the number of MSMEs in this field reaching around 12,000, Surabaya offers a vibrant ecosystem for analysis. The research method used includes a survey with questionnaires distributed to SMEs, to collect data on innovation strategies, marketing channels, and challenges faced in daily operations. The results showed that product innovation, especially in the aspects of developing new recipes and attractive packaging, contributed positively to increased sales. In addition, the application of social media as a marketing channel has proven effective in expanding market reach and improving brand image among consumers. However, many MSMEs still face significant challenges, such as limited resources and lack of support in research and development. Based on these findings, it is recommended that MSME players should be more active in involving consumers in the innovation process and utilize support from the government and related institutions. This research is expected to provide valuable insights for other MSME players in improving competitiveness and business sustainability in an increasingly competitive market.

Skill Sets for the Hospitality Sectors: A Review

This article reviews the key skills required in the hotel industry, analyzing the importance of soft skills, technical skills, management, and leadership abilities. It also discusses the critical nature of cross-cultural competencies and language skills against the backdrop of globalization. The article emphasizes the foundational role of soft skills such as service attitude, communication, teamwork, and customer service. It points out the crucial role of technical skills like foreign language proficiency, information technology, and professional knowledge in enhancing service efficiency and market competitiveness. Management and leadership abilities, including organization, time management, and decision-making, are vital for the operational efficiency of hotels. Furthermore, the ability to engage in cross-cultural communication is essential for improving international competitiveness and customer experience. In the future, the demand for skills in the hospitality industry will be more diverse, and digital technology, multilingual competence and cross-cultural communication, the spirit of innovation and new training methods will bring greater challenges to practitioners in the hospitality industry.

Application of the Naive Bayes Method for Determining the Quality of Crude Palm Oil (CPO) at PTPN 2 Sawit Seberang

The palm oil industry is a vital pillar of Indonesia's economy, with Crude Palm Oil (CPO) as one of its leading commodities. The quality of CPO significantly impacts its competitiveness and market price internationally. PTPN 2 Sawit Seberang, as a prominent CPO processing company, faces challenges in consistently maintaining product quality. Key factors affecting CPO quality include moisture content, free fatty acids, and impurity levels, which are difficult to manage manually. To address these challenges, this study applies the Naive Bayes method as an efficient and fast classification tool for determining CPO quality. Naive Bayes was chosen for its simplicity in probability calculations and its ability to handle data classification with reasonable accuracy. The data used in this study include moisture content, free fatty acids, and impurity levels measured between February and June 2024. The data was split into training data (80%) and testing data (20%) and analyzed using RapidMiner software. The results show that the Naive Bayes method achieved an accuracy rate of 66.6%, with precision and recall values of 50% each. Although the accuracy could be improved, the application of this method has significantly enhanced the efficiency of determining CPO quality. Thus, the implementation of the Naive Bayes method in determining CPO quality at PTPN 2 Sawit Seberang is an effective step towards improving operational efficiency, classification accuracy, and decision-making quality related to product standards, ultimately supporting the company's competitiveness in the global market.

‘If Madonna can … ’: emergence of the female indipop star in the 1990s MTV cultural economy

ABSTRACT As cinema moved from exhibition theatres to cable television in the late-1980s pre-liberal License Raj 1 economy, the competitive music label market in India pushed its executives to look beyond the established modes of music making and selling. This development also collided with the growing cultural demand for new and ‘fresh’ female voices, and innovative audio-visual modes inspired by the MTV consumerism model of the West. Additionally, music videos of international popstars such as Madonna, Michael Jackson, etc. started making waves in India through direct and indirect channels. As a result, the influence of western music video culture led the music industry officials to rope in ‘westernized in style, desi at heart’ female performers to represent the new wave of alternative non-film popular music – collectively popularised by music labels and the media as Hindi Pop or Indipop. Moreover, the cultural impact of American popstar Madonna’s stardom, performativity, and politics also played a critical role in the way the emerging Indipop ‘divas’ projected themselves, both in and outside the diegesis of their music videos, during the 90s MTV boom in India. Engaging with the textual and extratextual world of indipop music videos that belong to the ‘new women’ of the neoliberal-90s – Jasmine Bharucha, Alisha Chinai, Shweta Shetty, etc.—this paper attempts to track and locate the emergence of these ‘non-film’ 2 female voices in the traditional ‘song and dance’ aesthetic substructure of Bombay cinema.

Hypothesis Test of Human Capital Investment Determinants on Institution’s Performance Using PLS-SEM Approach

Accelerating the quality of education institutions remains a priority for Malaysian Government as it forms the foundation for building a high caliber talent in the labor market. Focusing on improving the quality of universities one of the main concerns is to develop the human quality through increasing the quality and resilience of human capital as the enabler towards competitive global market. In general, this paper recognizes the findings on the role of human capital investment (HCI) determinants and their significant contribution to institution’s performance. It also emphasizes the roles of HCI in institution's success and survival in a highly competitive business environment as highlighted in The Twelfth Malaysia Plan (2021-2025) and Malaysia Education Blueprint 2015-2025. Human capital strategically contributes to the quality of academics in turn affects issues such as inefficient labor markers in achieving the greater quality of Malaysia's education system specifically. Hence, to analyze the contribution of determinants a theoretical model was constructed underlined by Human Capital Theory, Resource Based View (RBV) and Malcom Baldrige criteria. Then to obtain the feedback a survey consisting of sixty (66) items with a seven (7) Likert scale was used as the measurement instrument to gather the data from 309 lecturers in UiTM. Data then were analyzed using Structural Equation Modelling approach on the SmartPLS3 platform. The result explained coefficient of determination (R2) value of 66.9% suggested that the variance of institution performance could moderately be explained by HCI determinants where knowledge, skill and training positively influenced the performance of the institution.

The influence of external factors on corporate strategy and strategies for adaptation in light of the global challenges

This study investigates the influence of external factors on corporate strategy and explores strategies for adaptation in the face of global challenges. The primary objective is to analyze how various external variables including economic conditions, technological advancements, regulatory shifts, and socio-cultural changes affect corporate decision-making and strategic planning. Utilizing a quantitative research methodology, the study involved a structured survey distributed to a sample of 116 corporate executives across diverse industries, allowing for a comprehensive analysis of the data collected. Statistical techniques were employed to identify correlations between the external factors and the strategic adaptations implemented by organizations. The findings reveal that economic fluctuations and rapid technological innovations are the most significant external influences on corporate strategies. Companies that proactively respond to these changes tend to exhibit greater resilience, enhanced market competitiveness, and improved long-term sustainability. The research underscores that organizations that incorporate external insights into their strategic planning are more capable of developing effective responses to evolving challenges. To address these findings, the study offers several recommendations: organizations should enhance their agility by investing in thorough market research and establishing flexible strategic frameworks that can swiftly adapt to external changes. Furthermore, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous learning within the organization is crucial for navigating the complexities of global challenges effectively. By embracing these adaptive strategies, companies not only prepare themselves to confront immediate challenges but also position themselves favorably for future opportunities in a rapidly changing environment. Ultimately, this research contributes valuable insights to the literature on corporate strategy, emphasizing the necessity of understanding external dynamics and implementing adaptive strategies for organizational success in today’s competitive landscape. The study provides a foundation for further exploration into how organizations can strategically navigate external influences while maintaining agility and responsiveness in their operations.

Exploring the Drivers, Challenges, and Opportunities of Supply Chain Technology Adoption for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have a crucial impact on the Malaysian economy, making major contributions to the functioning of the supply chain. Integrating supply chain technology has become a crucial element in enhancing the efficiency and competitiveness of SMEs in Malaysia. During recent years many developing and developed countries have witnessed the expansion of markets and supply chain networks; in the progress of these market and supply systems SMEs find various complexities when they are implementing or improving the technology integration of their supply chain. The current body of literature often addresses the adoption of technology in a general manner or within larger organizations, resulting in a significant gap in study about the specific circumstances and requirements of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This study employs a rigorous methodology that analyzes relevant papers to examine the drivers, challenges, and opportunities for adopting supply chain technology among SMEs in Malaysia. By implementing supply chain technology, Malaysian SMEs can increase their performance in many areas of key performance indicators. This includes improving efficiency, optimizing inventory management, achieving cost savings, enhancing customer service, and increasing market competitiveness. It is believed that the findings of the study can be useful for managers of SMEs, policymakers, and interested stakeholders. This will enable SMEs to navigate the challenges of adopting technology more effectively and enhance global competitiveness.

Impact of Brand Equity and Purchase Intention on Dietetics and Nutrition Consultation Service

The market value of a brand is reflected by brand equity. It signals consumers' recognition and preferability toward certain brands. In a highly competitive market, brand equity becomes crucial as it can lead to customer loyalty and product resilience. Strong brand equity helps a company to stand out among competitors and can significantly influence financial performance by driving higher sales volume and profitability. As more Malaysians shift their lifestyles and become more health-conscious after the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand in the healthcare market has expanded massively. By focusing on the healthcare market, especially on dietetics and nutrition consultation services, this paper seeks to evaluate how brand equity influences consumers’ intention in making purchases. Four dimensions of brand equity will be investigated, consisting of perceived quality, brand awareness, brand association and brand image. A total of 194 data were collected using the convenience sampling method in the Subang Jaya region, Malaysia. The findings of this study showed that perceived quality, brand awareness, and brand association have a positive significant impact on purchase intention for dietetics and nutrition consultation services while brand image was found to be insignificantly influencing purchase intention. This provides insight and implications for the dietetics and nutrition consultation services market and practitioners, especially in formulating their marketing strategies.

A Financial Analysis and Valuation of Apple, Inc.

Abstract: This paper will take an in-depth look at Apple's financial performance and provide a detailed comparative analysis with its main competitors. Apple, as the world's leading technology giant, has always been known for its innovative products and strong market influence. However, in an increasingly competitive tech industry, continued financial health is key to its success. This paper first compares the performance of Apple and its competitors in key financial indicators such as liquidity, debt repayment ability and profitability. This comparison not only reveals Apple's financial position in the industry, but also helps us understand its robustness in responding to market movements. Next, this paper analyzes Apple's financial report of the latest year in detail, and deeply discusses the change trend of its revenue, expenditure, profit and other key financial data. This analysis is able to capture Apple's financial performance and strategy in the face of global economic fluctuations and changes in market demand. Finally, this paper will discuss Apple's business strategy and the business risks it faces. This includes its product innovation strategy, market expansion plans and potential risks due to factors such as technological change, market competition and global policy changes. Through a comprehensive analysis of Apple's business model and go-to-market strategy, this paper aims to provide a comprehensive perspective on how Apple can maintain its leadership position in a dynamic market.

Consumer Confusion: The Sole Focus of Trademark Law

Abstract: In recent years, the expansion of the global marketplace, driven by the digital revolution, has led to a growing complexity in trademark disputes. The balance between protecting intellectual property and preventing consumer confusion has become increasingly delicate. Traditionally, trademark law was designed primarily to prevent consumer confusion and ensure fair competition. However, with the introduction of the dilution concept, this focus has shifted, resulting in expanded trademark rights that can inhibit innovation and free competition. This paper revisits the original intent of trademark law, advocating for a refocus on consumer confusion as the core principle. Through an examination of legislative intent, theoretical underpinnings, and case law, this paper demonstrates the need to reorient trademark protections to ensure they serve the broader goal of market fairness and economic development. This research highlights that excessive protection of trademark rights can lead to monopolistic practices, which ultimately harm both consumers and market competition. It contributes to the ongoing discussion about how to balance trademark rights with consumer protection, aiming to guide future legal reforms that foster both innovation and competition.

Perceived corruption, economic freedom, and firms in India

Abstract Research has shown that the relationship between economic freedom and corruption is rather complex. While some studies suggest a negative relationship, others show the matter to be more nuanced. While more regulations are known to foster corrupt institutions, a competitive market can also incentivize bribery and corruption. Our study examines the role of economic freedom as it relates to perceived corruption, measured via a survey for India. Using firm-level data, we explore the relationship between perceived corruption in the formal sector and economic freedom across Indian states. In our baseline results for Indian firms, we find a significantly negative relationship between perceived corruption and lagged economic freedom. These results hold when we design matching models and include a number of potentially confounding factors to control for identification issues. Additionally, we show that small and young firms and those with sole ownership perceive greater benefits from higher economic freedom. In contrast, older firms perceive higher corruption when economic freedom is higher. This lends support to the idea that competition facilitated by economic freedom can increase rent seeking behavior. Our study contributes to the literature by emphasizing that the relationship between economic freedom and corruption in India is layered, with firm characteristics playing a crucial role.

Reflections on Creative Recruiting Solutions to the Nationwide Nursing Shortage

There is possibly no nobler profession than the field of nursing. An individual selflessly cares for another human being, working long hours for little pay. With the aging population in the United States, there has been a shortage of nurses that can effectively meet the needs of patients. Hospitals are developing new incentives to attract and retain top talent. This paper will review relevant literature on the nationwide nursing shortage. It will show that this is not a new phenomenon, unique only to the United States. We will compare recruiting strategies from the past and develop best practices for recruiting and retention in today’s competitive market. An applicable hiring model will be presented.

An Analysis of MUJIs Successful Strategy in the Chinese Market

Abstract: The Chinese consumer market has changed significantly in the last few years due to a tendency toward simplicity and a change in customer sentiments. MUJI has effectively entered the Chinese market by using its sustainable development idea and minimalist style, allowing it to adapt to this shift. This paper aims to examine the innovative marketing strategy employed by MUJI in the Chinese market, its capacity to achieve long-term growth, and its role as a symbol of the minimalist lifestyle, while demonstrating an ability to adapt to the changing needs of its customers. In this paper, both literature review and data analysis are employed to provide an in-depth study of MUJIs strategy to enter the Chinese market. The results show that Chinese consumers preference for MUJI products not only stems from their simple and practical design, but also coincides with the concept of minimalist aesthetics in traditional Chinese culture. In addition, MUJI's unique advantages in product quality, brand image and marketing strategy further enhance its competitiveness in the Chinese market. Through specific analysis, it comprehensively discusses the success factors of this Japanese brands minimalist design style in the Chinese market, which provides a reference for the design and marketing of other international brands in the Chinese market.