Price Competition Research Articles

Evaluation of Lithium-ion Batteries in Electric Vehicles

Growing awareness of climate change concerns and the environmental impacts of fossil fuel vehicles has heightened interest in electric vehicles (EVs). Therefore, EVs represent a significant component of sustainable transportation solutions. Additionally, with advancements in battery technology, EVs now have longer ranges and are offered at more competitive prices. With their notable features such as high energy density, lightness, low maintenance requirement, and long life, lithium-ion batteries (LiBs) appear to be the most suitable battery option for EVs. Nevertheless, current LiB technology faces battery costs, energy storage capacity, charging times, and safety issues. In this context, it is clear that future research and development will focus on improving the efficiency of LiB technology and making these batteries more sustainable, reliable, and economical. This study aims to provide an evaluation of the LiBs used in the automotive sector by examining the historical development, basics of operational principles, various geometric types, cost evaluation, and their advantages and disadvantages. By covering these aspects, the study seeks to offer a comprehensive assessment of the LiBs employed in the automotive industry, spanning from their historical evolution to their presentday utilization. The study also intends to serve as a reference source for researchers planning to conduct studies on LiBs in EVs by providing fundamental concepts and evaluations related to these batteries.

Pengelolaan Cold Storage 1.000 Ton Di Muara Baru Jakarta: Perspektif Ekonomi Kelembagaan Baru

Fish cold storage was built by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries in various regions as one of the implementations of the National Fish Logistics System policy, which aims to maintain the availability of fish for industrial raw materials and domestic consumption. The cold storage of 1,000 tons was established to become a role model for the government's buffer stock facility in the Jakarta area. However, its implementation is still experiencing obstacles because its use is not optimal and has not attracted the interest of fisheries players in the broader scope. The research objective is to examine the institutional system implemented in managing cold storage of 1,000 tons from a business perspective. The research uses a case study method in government cold storages located in Muara Baru, North Jakarta. The institutional analysis of cold storage management was analyzed descriptively and qualitatively using the New Institutional Economic Theory approach. The research results show that the institution of cold storage of 1,000 tons still needs to improve its management. The aspects that contribute most to the lack of business performance in cold storage are property rights and, flexibility and adaptability. The implications that can be given are institutional improvements through 1) developing business models that are more tailored to user needs, 2) establishing bodies or institutions that are more authoritative in public services, 3) aligning incentives and building cooperation with a wider range of users, 4) implementation of standard procedures balanced with commitment to compliance from stakeholders and strong controls, 5) increased speed and flexibility of services and 6) competitive pricing.

Averting bankruptcies among the software development houses in Lahore, Pakistan

Pakistan, as the 4th largest technological market globally, is home to over 2000 registered software development houses. However, the industry is not without its challenges, and hundreds of these houses close yearly owing to insolvency, and even more crop up. To understand the financial difficulties these houses face, a sample of 20 small-size and 20 medium-sized software houses has been taken from the hundreds in Arfa Software Technology Park in Lahore, Pakistan. Financial Blueprints of 2 projects per house per year for five years, i.e., 2018-2022, have been obtained. These case studies have been contrasted with those written and published in the developed world. It is found that there is a dearth of costing and pricing mechanisms in software-related projects. This results in under/over-costing the cost and pricing of the projects, which is a leading cause of financial bankruptcy for most software houses. It is proposed that activity-based costing, as the costing technique, and competitive pricing, as the pricing mechanism, may be adopted as the best practice in the software development industry. These solutions, if implemented, could significantly reduce the risk of financial bankruptcy among software houses, potentially transforming the industry's financial landscape.

Assessing Business Viability for a Production Joint Venture in the Indonesian Medical Device Industry

Research Aims: This study examines the viability of a joint venture between Daenamic Health Inc., a South Korean medical device manufacturer, and PT. Kenari Jaya Perkasa, an Indonesian medical device importer, to establish a local production facility for high-end medical devices in Indonesia. Design/methodology/approach: The research follows a structured approach involving the analysis of business model compatibility, external market dynamics, and the financial and operational viability of the joint venture. Employing qualitative analysis from discussions, VRIO Framework, and quantitative analysis from Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), the study evaluates market conditions and strategic fit between the partners. Research Findings: Findings indicate that Daenamic Health Inc. and PT. Kenari possess complementary strengths, forming a synergistic partnership poised to become a leading local brand for high end medical technology, as well as enabling access to more export market. Motivated by the need to reduce Indonesia's dependency on import, especially highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic, this venture aligns with government policies to enhance local manufacturing and healthcare infrastructure. However, challenges such as navigating regulatory landscapes, managing a layered cost structure, and training local human capital must be addressed. Theoretical Contribution/Originality: Preliminary assessment for the joint venture’s establishment helps the partners to comprehensively assess their internal situation both as individual business and as future partners, prior to capitalizing the opportunity that comes with Indonesia’s vision towards healthcare self-sufficiency. As a result, partners’ synergistic strengths and aligned individual business needs positions the venture for competitive pricing and expansion in Southeast Asia and beyond. Keywords: Medical Devices; Joint Venture; Local Manufacturing; Market Dynamics; Strategic Fit

A multi-commodity partial equilibrium model of imperfect competition in future global hydrogen markets

Techno-economic studies are investigating procurement costs of hydrogen and related derivatives across various international trade routes. However, the strategic behavior of exporters is rarely considered in this context, despite similar behavior frequently observed in the fossil fuel world and market characteristics indicating some potential. This work introduces a novel techno-economic model of oligopolistic trade tailored around the value chain of potential future global hydrogen markets. It is formulated as a mixed complementarity problem with a convex reformulation, allowing to solve both competitive and oligopolistic equilibria much beyond the capabilities of traditional complementarity models. Illustrative results show that assuming perfectly competitive price formation in early phases of future global hydrogen markets may lead to overly optimistic hydrogen price projections. This is especially the case within Europe, Japan, and South Korea. In contrast, strategically withholding quantities in export may decrease prices for some domestic markets.

Harnessing the Power of Social Media, Pricing Strategies, Brand Image, and Product Quality in Shaping Purchase Decisions

This research aims to determine whether there is an influence of social media, price, brand image and product quality on purchasing decisions for ASUS brand laptops. The population of this research is YARSI University students who buy or use ASUS brand laptops. The sampling technique uses a non-probability method, with a purposive sampling technique through distributing questionnaires. The data analysis methods used are multiple regression analysis. The research results show that (1) the influence of social media has a negative and insignificant effect on purchasing decisions. (2) price has a negative and insignificant effect on purchasing decisions. (3) brand image has a positive and significant effect on purchasing decisions. (4) product quality has a positive and significant effect on purchasing decisions. (5) Simultaneously, all independent variables have a significant influence on purchasing decisions. The managerial implications of this research indicate that companies must focus on integrated marketing strategies on social media to increase interaction and engagement with consumers. Competitive and transparent price management can increase product attractiveness, while a positive brand image needs to be built through consistent and innovative communication.

New Pipeline for Analysing Fruit Proteolytic Products Used as Digestive Health Nutraceuticals

Proteolytic products are extensively used in the nutraceutical sector to improve protein digestion and muscle quality in target populations (e.g., athletes or elderly). These products are processed using techniques that often lead to low purity but competitive pricing. Despite their widespread use and well-established production methods, the industry lacks standardized analytical methods for assessing these products and detecting potential fraud. This study proposes a comprehensive and harmonized pipeline for their analysis, which includes quantifying total soluble protein and proteolytic activity, as well as the determination of product stability and protein profile using SDS-PAGE and proteomic techniques. Despite the fact that protease extracts from pineapple had the highest protein content, most of the bromelain remained inactive, unlike in kiwi and papaya. SDS-PAGE revealed partial protein degradation of pineapple extracts, whereas kiwi extracts reflected a lower purification level but a higher protein integrity. The application of proteomic approaches strengthened the identification and origin tracing of the proteases. This study contributes to the development of a robust framework for analyzing proteolytic extracts, spanning from soluble protein quantification to protein profiling and activity determination. It may also ensure reliable supplier selection, high-quality manufacturing practices, and the implementation of optimal storage and formulation strategies in the nutraceutical industry.

ENHANCING CUSTOMER SATISFACTION FOR WINTERHALTER DISHWASHERS

This study investigates the influence of product quality, after-sales service quality, and price perception on brand trust, mediated by customer satisfaction. Data was collected from 285 Winterhalter dishwasher customers using a purposive sampling method and a Likert scale questionnaire from December 2023 to February 2024. Employing Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) via SmartPLS, the analysis reveals that product quality, after-sales service quality, and price perception significantly impact customer satisfaction and brand trust, both directly and indirectly through customer satisfaction. High product quality enhances customer satisfaction and brand trust, while reliable after-sales service contributes positively to both. Competitive price perceptions that align with product value also boost satisfaction and trust. Managerially, businesses should prioritize continuous product innovation, robust after-sales services, and strategic price management to improve perceived value. These strategies are essential for achieving higher customer satisfaction and building strong brand trust, ultimately supporting sustainable growth and increased market share

Strategi Loyalitas Kerja pada Azalea Gorden

Azalea Gorden is a Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) engaged in the production and sale of curtains with the best quality and competitive prices since 2005. This study aims to determine employee work loyalty at Azalea Gorden. The focus of this study is to understand employee work loyalty strategies and their impact on employee productivity. The method used is descriptive and Observative, by describing the situation through observations that occur in the field. The data obtained are the results of interviews with the Owner / Shop Owner of Azalea Gorden. The results of the study indicate that there are several factors that influence employee work loyalty at Azalea Gorden. These factors include job satisfaction and a positive work climate, and it was also found that high work loyalty can have a positive impact on employee productivity. The implication of this study is the importance of MSMEs in creating a work environment that motivates and supports employees to remain loyal. In managing employees, companies must pay attention to job satisfaction and a positive work climate.

Perancangan Sistem Pendukung Keputusan Pemilihan Supplier dengan Metode Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) Pada CV. Safina Abadi

The contractor industry, including CV Safina Abadi, has a significant need for selecting the right suppliers to ensure smooth project execution. Optimal supplier selection can affect various critical aspects of a construction project, such as product quality, availability, competitive pricing, service, and reputation. However, due to the numerous supplier options available, companies often face difficulties in evaluating and choosing the most suitable supplier based on their needs and criteria. Therefore, utilizing a Decision Support System (DSS) with the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method presents an effective solution to assist companies in the supplier selection process. By employing AHP, companies can model a hierarchy of selection criteria, from main criteria down to more detailed sub-criteria. AHP further enables companies to measure and compare the relative weights of each criterion and sub-criterion, providing recommendations for the most optimal supplier based on the company's preferences and requirements. This research aims to design and implement a Decision Support System using the AHP method to assist in supplier selection for CV Safina Abadi. It is hoped that this study will contribute to improving the efficiency and effectiveness of supplier selection, thereby enhancing overall project performance in the construction industry.

The Influence Of Facilities And Prices On Tourist Satisfaction At Pantjoran PIK, North Jakarta

This study investigates the influence of facilities and prices on tourist satisfaction at Pantjoran PIK, North Jakarta. The research employed a quantitative approach with 115 respondents who had visited the destination. Using multiple linear regression analysis, the results show that both facilities and prices have a significant and positive effect on tourist satisfaction. Specifically, well-maintained facilities, such as cleanliness, parking availability, and comfort, enhance the overall experience of visitors. Similarly, reasonable prices that align with the quality of services provided also contribute to higher satisfaction levels. The findings suggest that improving facilities and maintaining competitive pricing can lead to increased tourist satisfaction and loyalty. Future research may explore additional factors influencing visitor satisfaction.

An Empirical Examination of BuyBox Assignments in Online Grocery Retail

ABSTRACTIn Amazon's marketplaces across the globe, multiple sellers sell the same product, leading Amazon to introduce BuyBox. This box‐like feature, located on the top‐right corner of product pages, prominently displays a single seller at a given time. Using a choice model and a panel dataset of over 290,000 unique grocery products from five countries, our study investigates the key factors that influence BuyBox assignments. We found that winning the BuyBox is primarily determined by competitive pricing—being the lowest‐price seller for a 180‐day period significantly improves the chances of a BuyBox assignment. Furthermore, maintaining low current product prices, low sales ranks, and minimal out‐of‐stock percentages are crucial in becoming a BuyBox seller. These findings affect Amazon and its extensive network of over 2 million third‐party sellers, who navigate the increasingly competitive and dynamic E‐commerce landscape.

Останется ли цена ключевым фактором формирования конкурентных стратегий в период цифровизации?

Having a significant impact on separate commodity markets, digitalization affects competitive relationship within these markets. The competitive strategies’ formation in the digital economy has a very specific nature. This concerns primarily the prices’ formation and the occurrence of pricing violations of competition rules. In this article different aspects of digitalization’s impact on pricing condition are examined; the author of the article proves that despite the specifics of price formation in separate commodity markets, primarily price in the digital markets is still the main mechanism of competitive struggle and pricing violation of competition rules can still have an extremely negative impact on these markets.

Endogenous Merger Decisions Among Competitors: Impact of Limited Capacity and Loyal Segments

We study endogenous merger decisions among three competing firms with asymmetric capacity: one large firm has ample capacity, and two small firms have limited capacity. Each firm can either operate independently or merge with another firm. Because of antitrust laws, all three firms merging is not permitted. When two firms merge, the merged entity and the remaining independent firm use the resulting capacity to capture their own “loyal buyers” and compete in price for price-sensitive “disloyal switchers.” We first consider a base model in which the size of loyal buyers for different firms is symmetric. We find that, in equilibrium, either there is no merger or the large firm will merge with a small firm as a “mixed merger.” We explain how this equilibrium structure is driven by the mergers’ impacts on market competition and firms’ pricing aggressiveness. Specifically, the mixed merger that can most effectively reduce price competition is the equilibrium under relatively competitive market conditions (i.e., the size of loyal buyers is small and capacity is large but limited). We also extend to the case with asymmetric size of loyal segments and show that two small firms merging (“small merger” structure) can be the equilibrium structure when the large firm has a much larger loyal segment than the small firms and the small firms’ capacity is sufficiently large. The impacts of mergers on social welfare and consumer surplus provide practical implications from the antitrust perspective. The antitrust agencies can approve a mixed merger to improve social welfare under certain conditions, but if the agencies pay more attention to consumer surplus, then mixed mergers should not be permitted. Small mergers, though sometimes not the equilibrium structures, can improve social welfare and consumer surplus. In such cases, the government can appropriately promote mergers that are beneficial for society and/or consumers by adopting some restrictive measures or offering incentives. This paper was accepted by Jeannette Song, operations management. Funding: The work of D. Wang was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grant 72401275]; the work of X. Wu was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grants 72025102, 72293560/72293565]. Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.01943 .

Customer satisfaction optimization: Impact of PLN mobile application and price in the context of PT. PLN Palembang services

This study aims to evaluate the effect of the PLN Mobile application and price on customer satisfaction at PT. PLN (Persero) UP3 Palembang ULP Rivai. This study also examines the role of price as a mediating variable in the relationship between the PLN Mobile application and customer satisfaction. The method used in this study is a quantitative approach with data analysis using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Primary data were collected through a survey involving 100 PLN Mobile customer respondents. The results of the analysis show that the PLN Mobile application has a positive and significant effect on customer satisfaction, with a path coefficient of 5.588 and a p-value <0.001. Price also has a significant effect on customer satisfaction with a path coefficient of 4.434 and a p-value <0.001. Furthermore, the indirect effect analysis revealed that price functions as a partial mediating variable between the PLN Mobile application and customer satisfaction, with a path coefficient of 3.513 and a p-value <0.001. These findings indicate that the PLN Mobile application and price directly affect customer satisfaction, and price plays an important role in strengthening the influence of the PLN Mobile application on satisfaction. Based on these results, it is recommended that PT. PLN continues to optimize the features and services of the PLN Mobile application to improve customer satisfaction and consider competitive pricing strategies. This study also suggests further studies to explore other factors that may affect customer satisfaction in the public service sector.

What lies behind export-led growth? An inquiry into the role of price and non-price competitiveness

The paper enters the current debate at the intersection of comparative political economy and international trade on the role of price and non-price competitiveness in influencing export. Through an econometric exploration, we identify price competitiveness as a non-negligible factor in driving export for a set of Organisation for the Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries from 1994 to 2019. The documented price sensitiveness, combined with the institutions and policies adopted to promote export-led growth, casts an unsettling light on the prospects for a recovery, particularly for the Euro area. These worrying conclusions are not, however, unescapable. The emergence of the export-led growth model – with its twin brother, the debt-led one – answered the demand-generating problems created by years of wage share decreases and a steady retreat of the State from its traditional demand management role. Drastically inverting these tendencies would contribute to strongly narrowing the need for export-led strategies.

PENGARUH STRATEGI PEMASARAN TERHADAP MINAT BELI PELANGGAN PADA PAKET WISATA DI NUANSA TOUR AND TRAVEL BANDUNG (STUDI KASUS PADA NUANSA TOUR AND TRAVEL BANDUNG TAHUN 2023)

This research aims to identify and analyze the impact of marketing strategies on consumer purchase intention at Nuansa Tour and Travel Bandung. This research uses a descriptive quantitative method with a survey approach, utilizing questionnaires distributed to consumers who have seen Nuansa Tour and Travel content on social media. The variables studied include the marketing mix (product, price, place, promotion, people, process, and physical evidence) and consumer buying interest, which are measured using a Likert scale. The data analysis technique uses a simple linear regression test to determine the relationship between marketing strategies and purchase intention. This research provides insight for Nuansa Tour and Travel in developing more effective marketing strategies to increase consumer buying interest. Recommendations include improving service quality, adjusting competitive prices, optimizing distribution channels, and strengthening promotions through social media. Thus, Nuansa Tour and Travel can better fulfill consumer needs and preferences and increase their competitiveness in the tourism market.

Maximizing Profitability and Occupancy: An Optimal Pricing Strategy for Airbnb Hosts Using Regression Techniques and Natural Language Processing

In the competitive landscape of Airbnb hosting, optimizing pricing strategies for properties is a complex challenge that requires revenue maximization with high occupancy rates. This research aimed to introduce a solution that leverages big data and machine learning techniques to help hosts improve their property’s market performance. Our primary goal was to introduce a solution that can augment property owners’ understanding of their property’s market value within their urban context, thereby optimizing both the utilization and profitability of their listings. We employed a multi-faceted approach with diverse models, including support vector regression, XGBoost, and neural networks, to analyze the influence of factors such as location, host attributes, and guest reviews on a listing’s financial performance. To further refine our predictive models, we integrated natural language processing techniques for in-depth listing review analysis, focusing on term frequency-inverse document frequency (TF-IDF), bag-of-words, and aspect-based sentiment analysis. Integrating such techniques allowed for in-depth listing review analysis, providing nuanced insights into guest preferences and satisfaction. Our findings demonstrated that AirBnB hosts can effectively utilize both state-of-the-art and traditional machine learning algorithms to better understand customer needs and preferences, more accurately assess their listings’ market value, and focus on the importance of dynamic pricing strategies. By adopting this data-driven approach, hosts can achieve a balance between maintaining competitive pricing and ensuring high occupancy rates. This method not only enhances revenue potential but also contributes to improved guest satisfaction and the growing field of data-driven decisions in the sharing economy, specially tailored to the challenges of short-term rentals.

Price and carbon emission reduction technology competition in the electricity supply chain based on power structure

This study considers the research on electricity pricing and carbon reduction technology decisions of electricity supply chain enterprises under different power structures, and constructs a two-level electricity supply chain game model composed of two electricity producers and a single electricity retailer. By comparing the equilibrium solution results, the main research results are as follows: (1) In the market structure where electricity producers and electricity retailer make decisions at the same time, electricity producers are more willing to invest in low-carbon technologies and increase carbon emission reduction. The electricity retailer also set the lowest electricity prices at this time, and electricity demand is the highest. (2) In the case of the Stackelberg game for electricity producers, the wholesale electricity price is the highest, and the electricity producers obtain the most profits. In the case of the Stackelberg game for electricity retailer, the electricity price is the highest, and the profit of the electricity retailer is the highest. (3) In the market structure dominated by electricity retailer, the electricity price is the highest, and the electricity producers reduce the investment in carbon emission reduction technology after observation; the carbon emission reduction intensity is the least, and the electricity demand is also the least. (4) With the increase of price competition coefficient, the carbon emission reduction intensity, electricity demand, electricity producers and electricity retailer profit increase. However, as the competition coefficient of carbon reduction technology increases, these equilibrium solutions decline. We verify the above conclusions using multi-agent simulation.

Under the context of competition between platform sales and live streaming sales, who has the pricing power of products?

The rapid rise of live-streaming selling and the increasing diversity of e-commerce channels have sparked ongoing debates regarding product pricing power. This price competition behaviour of online dual channels triggered by the supply-side pricing dilemma is a topic of significant research interest and forms the focal point of this paper. Therefore, we leverage the principles of game theory to construct a three-party evolutionary game model consisting of a brand, a steamer, and a traditional e-commerce platform. Within this framework, the brand holds the primary pricing authority. Our analysis examines the equilibrium strategies adopted by the various players under diverse scenarios and explores how the evolving behaviours of these parties impact the overall game system. Additionally, we employ the “people-goods-scene” perspective to deconstruct the intricate dynamics within this complex supply chain ecosystem. Our findings reveal two distinct evolutionary stable strategies: one in which brands maintain a stance against low-price negotiation, streamers avoid bargaining, and platforms avoid providing subsidies; the other in which brands are open to negotiating low prices, streamers engage in bargaining, and platforms provide subsidies. Notably, in most cases, brands tend to avoid explicitly stating their opposition to low-price negotiation. However, if a brand’s strategy shifts towards rejecting such negotiation, the negative implications of price wars across channels become a critical consideration. Conversely, when a brand opts for a more concessive pricing strategy, we need to consider the potential positive impacts of low-price competition.