Cost Reduction Programs Research Articles

Preparation of Ir/TiO2 Composite Oxygen Evolution Catalyst and Load Analysis as Anode Catalyst Layer of Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolyzer.

Electrochemical water splitting is regarded as an emerging green and sustainable hydrogen production technology because of its zero-carbon process. However, the overall cost of anode materials in a proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer (PEMWE) is high due to the use of noble metal Ir. It has been proved that introducing carrier materials to reduce the content of Ir element is a feasible cost-reduction program. Here, the Ir/TiO2 composite material was prepared by the polyol method and used to catalyze the oxygen evolution reaction, which could effectively reduce the load amount of Ir in the membrane electrode assembly (MEA). In addition, the theoretical load of Ir was obtained by model calculation and the polarization curve test and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were used to discuss the relationship between Ir load in MEA and voltage loss and conductivity. The results show that MEA has lower voltage loss and better conductivity as the Ir load is in the range of 0.204-0.304 mgIr/cm2. Altogether, an effective method to reduce the Ir load of PEMWE anode was proposed under the premise comprehensive consideration of both catalyst design and MEA preparation in this work.

Financial Feasibility Study on Antam Pongkor Low-Grade Gold Ore Mine After Implementing Business-Level Strategy

The Pongkor Gold mine is under Production Operation Permit until 2031 while existing feasibility study stated that Pongkor gold Mine only have economical number until 2025 with ore volume in 1.5 million wmt and ore grades above 4 gpt. Pongkor Gold Mine has resources in low-grade gold ore (below 4 gpt) in 1.9 million wmt with the grades is 3.61 gpt. Having a gap period between mining permits (until 2031) and the latest feasibility study (until 2025) and abundant resources in low-grade gold ore, provides research opportunities to finding how to formulate business strategy level for Pongkor Gold Mine in order to maximize gap period by processing low-grade gold ore. This study started with business situation analysis, with VRIO and Internal Factor Evaluation (IFE) Matrix are conducted for internal analysis, while PESTLE (Political, Economic, Sociocultural, Technological, Legal, and Ecological) analysis, Porter’s Five Forces framework and External Factor Evaluation (EFE) matrix are conducted as external environment analysis. The result shown Pongkor Gold Mine in region V in internal-external (IE) matrix, the region indicated that hold and maintain strategies are suitable for Pongkor Gold Mine. Study continued with Porter generic competitive framework to define the strategy that most suitable with Pongkor Gold Mine condition. The result shown cost leadership strategy is the most suitable strategy with the detailed strategy are (i) implement a cost reduction program every year, (ii) substitute retired organic workers (permanent Employee) with outsourced or contracted workers, (iii) limiting investment only to things that have a direct impact on revenue and (iv) long-term contract in heavy equipment. The impact of these strategies will calculate in financial feasibility study. Financial feasibility study uses financial criteria of Net Present Value (NPV), Internal rate of return (IRR), and payback period (PBP). The results shown NPV in 25.33 million US$, IRR in 52.2% and payback period in 21 months, these number indicated the Pongkor project extension is feasible. This study also intended to determine the most affecting variable to the NPV by conducting sensitivity analysis. The results shown the extension project is feasible as long as the gold price not declined more than 18.4% from the base, production cost (COGS) not increased more than 22% and the productivity not decreased more than 16.94% from the base.

PENERAPAN KONSEP COST REDUCTION PROGRAM DALAM UPAYA MENURUNKAN BIAYA DISTRIBUSI RUMAH PAKAN LELE ABAH HERMAN

Abah Herman Catfish Feed House is one of the animal feed distributors in the Bandung City area that distributes catfish feed to the ciganitri and cijambe areas Over the past few years there has been an increase in shipping costs due to an increase in maintenance costs and other costs which has resulted in a decrease in shop profits. Therefore, a way is needed that can reduce the cost of such distribution. One way that can be done is to identify and analyze the factors causing the increase in distribution costs by applying the kaizen concept with the PDCA (Plan – Do – Check – Action) stage, which first selects the type of transportation mode that previously used cars to switch to using motorcycles. The process of data processing in solving problems with the PDCA method will be easier to do with the support of the points in the kaizen and cost reduction programs. The result of the evaluation of the implementation of the cost reduction program concept with Kaizen costing PDCA is a decrease in distribution costs by 6.5% after the replacement of transportation modes using 2 vario 150 motorcycles

The Hungarian utility cost reduction programme: An impact assessment

In Hungary, regulated energy prices fell by a quarter in 2013–2014 due to a state intervention. The objective of this article is to measure the effects of this change on the Hungarian residential energy consumption and assess the rationale, the policy context and other consequences of such an intervention. We decompose residential energy-use change in 2010–2018. We calculate 13.2 PJ of excess consumption relating to the programme, and find that the higher income deciles benefited the most from the lower prices compared to low-income households using market-priced lower-quality fuels and living in inefficient homes. The intervention lacked a strong policy background. The energy policy documents were later adjusted to the situation and finally the programme was linked to energy poverty. We point to price-setting failures and discrepancies between energy-efficiency goals and measures as well as negative effects of these and the programme itself. In the future, the policy emphasis should be on energy efficiency and supporting those really in need.

More for Less: Evidence from Cost Reduction Management Trainings for Micro-Enterprises

Management trainings have shown to be effective in improving business outcomes. However, the impact on severely resource-scarce micro-enterprises which usually operate in Bottom of the Pyramid (BoP) markets remains unexplored. This is surprising, given their distinct need for cost reduction programs in this environment. We address two important questions: First, what is the impact of cost reduction management trainings on business outcomes of micro-enterprises? Second, which businesses are helped most by improving cost reduction management skills? Based on a randomized controlled trial in Zambia, this study finds that cost reduction management trainings improve several business practices. However, we only observe an effect on business profits for micro-entrepreneurs which are equipped with higher levels of capabilities and complementary. This implies that the effectiveness of management trainings is contingent on the available resources of micro-entrepreneurs in the emerging economy context.

Out-of-pocket cost reduction programs for prescription drugs in US

Out-of-pocket cost reduction programs for prescription drugs in US

The Residential Energy Cost Reduction Programme in Hungary

The article outlines the positive and negative effects as well as the policy context of Hungary’s residential energy cost reduction programme initiated in 2013. This programme has occupied a permanent and high-profile place on Hungary’s political agenda and has been shaping the country’s economic policy, energy policy and the everyday lives of Hungarian households. Both quantitative and qualitative methods are applied. The logarithmic mean Divisia index (LMDI) method is applied to decompose the absolute change in residential energy consumption between 2010 and 2017. The results show that decreasing energy prices for households had a positive impact on their energy use only in the first few years of the programme’s implementation. The authors conclude that the programme was realised without the necessary policy background. A significantly declining ratio of residential expenditure on energy services in total expenditure, decreased inflation rate and considerably improved socio-economic situation of the majority of the population are identified as positive effects. However, the programme discourages energy conservation and energy efficiency, erodes the competitiveness of renewables, reduces capital formation in the energy sector, deteriorates security of supply, and increases energy prices for non-household customers

Using regulatory fit in cost reduction announcements

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine whether and how the usage of regulatory fit in cost reduction announcements affects employees’ willingness to engage in the cost reduction program (CRP).Design/methodology/approachBased on the regulatory fit theory, a scenario-based experiment was conducted (n= 517) to investigate the effect of promotion- or prevention-oriented framing of the CRP on the acceptance and the motivation to actively contribute to the CRP using multiple ANOVAs.FindingsThe study results point out that the framing of the cost announcement messages should use feelings or emotions and ensure gains for promotion-focused employees to decrease the negative effects of regulatory nonfit. However, in the case of prevention-focused employees, facts and reasons should be used in combination with an assertion of nonlosses in the announcement message to prevent regulatory nonfit.Research limitations/implicationsThis research deepens the understanding on the decision-influencing role of managerial cost announcements on employee motivation and the impact of different regulatory orientations. By this, the authors enhance the current understanding of how employees can effectively be integrated into CRPs and expand previous research on how regulatory fit theory can be used by organizations dealing with negative events.Practical implicationsThe study findings offer several opportunities and implications for managers engaged in corporate communication. More specifically, the study findings provide helpful guidelines for organizations to align their cost reduction announcement with the regulatory focus of their employees to reach regulatory fit and thus enhance employee willingness to participate in the CRP.Originality/valueDespite the increasing attention of regulatory focus and regulatory fit theory and to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first attempt to search for combined effects of emotions and facts versus potential gains and ensuring nonlosses, which both were shown to influence outcomes predicted by regulatory fit.

Comparison of Product Life Cycle Cost Estimating Models Based on Neural Networks and Parametric Techniques—A Case Study for Induction Motors

The cost estimation of a product’s life cycle is a key factor in the product design process. The research is based on an innovative model of artificial neural networks (ANNs) compared to a parametric estimation. Introducing modern elements of information technologies in the area of cost estimation for a production company is a vital element of its sustainability in the era of Industry 4.0. The presented modern product life cycle cost estimation tool in the form of ANN is a reliable source of forecast that is the basis for the product life cycle cost reduction program, which is a crucial element of sustainability. Research shows that ANNs are a viable alternative to parametric cost estimation. The percentage error between estimated and historical cost values is 8.05 times lower for ANN than for the parametric approach. ANN is an adequate cost estimation model for technologically complex products. The second contribution is using technical specifications required by the customer directly to estimate the cost of a product’s life cycle automatically. This can translate both into a reduction of the time needed to provide information to the client and the workload of engineers.

Supplier Selection Of Upper Arm And Lower Arm Pantograph Jack Using AHP And TOPSIS Methods

Cost reduction and multi sourcing program is one of the ways used by companies to survive in business competition. Supplier selection process conducted by PT. MTM aims to get suppliers capable of supplying the needs in a sustainable manner with quality products and competitive prices. The company needs a method to select suppliers that can supply upper arm and lower arm components for pantograph jack products. The research is done through analyzing supplier selection process by PT. MTM, examines the criteria used, and then implements the AHP and TOPSIS methods in the process to gain alternative supplier priorities and reduced purchase costs. To speed up data processing, this study utilizes Expert Choice 11 software. The result of analysis using AHP and TOPSIS is two suppliers will supply the components in PT. MTM.Keywords: AHP, multi sourcing, cost reduction, panthograph jack, supplier, TOPSIS

Alfa Laval announces cost reduction program in response to Covid-19

Alfa Laval is launching a cost reduction program to address the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Measuring leanness index using fuzzy logic approach

Continuing competitive advantage will be a goal that will be increased by all types of industry to win the competition. The application of Lean production is a necessity for the industry to be able to increase the competitive advantage. This competitive advantage is achieved by waste elimination and cost reduction programs through the implementation of lean practice. In its implementation, there are many obstacles that occur, including lack of understanding and implementation of lean production that should be carried out. Leanness is a measure of the level of implementation of lean practices. In this paper, the dimensions that are the main areas of concern in lean production implementation are quality, customer, process, human resource and delivery-supplier. By using the advantages of fuzzy logic in performance appraisal and giving qualitative importance to avoid data impreciseness and vagueness. The built-in fuzzy linguistic level is used to identify the position of the industry at the level of application of lean production expressed by Fuzzy Leanness Index. The built model can be used for assessment and identify areas in the industry that have and have not contributed to the implementation of lean production.

Technical Considerations Influencing Purchase Decisions in the B2B Environment

Business organisations consider several technical factors while deciding to purchase their telecom products and services, which can be categorised as brand image, product price, ease of access, point of presence, technical quality, customer service and marketing factors. This study was undertaken to measure the extent to which these factors influence the telecom product purchase decisions of Indian organisations. Organisational buyers preferred, vendors offering products with better operational features and long-term cost reduction programmes, which are easily accessible when required with multiple branches, upgrade their networks and offer better quality and product customisation. Further, while technical considerations indeed affected the purchase decisions, price and point of presence managed to impact decisions independently. Technical considerations interacted with the size of the buying organisations and exerted substantial influence on the purchase decisions and among them, brand image and point of presence exerted a significant impact on purchase decisions along with company size.

Medicare cost reduction in the US: A case study of hospital readmissions and value-based purchasing

ABSTRACT The goal of this research paper is to provide a case study of two ACA initiatives focused specifically on Medicare cost reduction: Readmissions Reduction Program (RRP) and Value-Based Purchasing (VBP). The paper discusses generally how the ACA reforms are aimed to reduce Medicare costs through these two cost reduction programs and how hospitals are impacted by the financial penalties associated with these reforms. Through a case study of a Midwestern regional acute care hospital, detailed solutions will be provided on ways to limit financial losses. Additionally, consideration will be given to how much a hospital should weigh its investment in improving program metrics versus the net overall benefit.

DESAIN SLIDE ADJUSTER KURSI TRUK MENGGUNAKAN METODE TRIZ

The increasing competition in the selling price of the vehicle makes the OEM lot of cost reduction programs to obtain competitive prices. The OEM's main program is to provide handling of product design to production to suppliers. One of its products is the slide adjuster of truck seats. The difficulties encountered by local suppliers are complex design, lack of product knowledge and new players. In an effort to answer the challenge, the supplier uses TRIZ method to create the design concept. The results of the design concepts obtained can provide price reductions due to the results of function analysis can be done component reduction. The decision is based on the result of different component functions and patent study. For structural strength of the slide adjuster verification with CAE with maximal 357.4 MPa stopper strength in bracket lock. Rattle slide obtained maximum 2.775 mm y direction. Slide load obtained 82.5 N. TRIZ method can effectively be used to design slide truck seat adjuster products.

A decision support system for prevention and costing of occupational injuries

Shrinking budgets and decreasing economic growth force accident insurance institutions to focus on cost reduction programmes as well as on prevention measures. For this reason, we developed sophisticated decision support systems (DSSs) from 2001 to 2012 during three projects for the main of the four largest Austrian accident insurance institutions (Allgemeine Unfallversicherungsanstalt, AUVA), to support their policy makers three-fold. First, we apply complex calculation schemes with an underlying population model to predict short-term and long-term occupational accident costs on an individual case basis for the AUVA using micro-simulation. Second, a further analysis of these costs allows AUVA policy makers to define risk groups which is essential to derive prevention programmes and their corresponding budgets (e.g., utilization of personal protective equipment, improvement of transportation safety, enhancement of safe driving). Third, we reveal possible improvements in collecting and structuring data for the AUVAs data warehouse for better forecasting of subsequent occupational accident costs and the underlying risk groups. Beyond the focus on AUVA interests, we integrated main cost components for companies where casualties are working (e.g., continued remuneration) and for the economy (loss in productivity for professional/non-professional work, sickness benefit). As a main result of our DSS for all three projects from 2001 to 2012, protection clothes or specific timing of working breaks decrease costly accidents. The results of the first two project periods (2001-2005) helped reduce risks of falling, while the third project (2011-2012) pointed out to focus on traffic injuries in the next years. In the future, AUVA should focus on prevention strategies in the following industries: preparatory site operations, building installation, and other finishing trades.

Standardization of Acrylic Bone Cement Mixing Protocols for Total Knee Arthroplasty Results in Cost Savings.

Cost reduction is important in total joint replacement surgery. Bone cement is used to fixate implants in most knee replacement procedures. The authors instituted a 4-pronged approach to reduce the cost of cement. Their approach included reducing the cost of the cement powder, changing the type of mixing method, using less antibiotic cement, and decreasing the amount of cement required for smaller implants. The authors evaluated the implementation of this program and measured the overall costs of cementation during knee replacement. A retrospective review of total knee replacement cementation technique and cost was performed before and after the cost-reduction program was implemented. The type of cement and cement mixing equipment used, the amount of cement used, and the cost of cement and cement mixing equipment were examined. The authors also reported the short-term complication rate including 90-day readmission rate and 30-day revision rate. The program resulted in an overall decrease in cement-related costs from approximately $310 to $105 per case. Reductions in the amount of cement used and the use of antibiotic cement were shown. Among the 3 surgeons, adoption of the program varied. Bone cement is an expense of modern total knee replacement. Implementing a cost-reduction program can reduce cement costs without changing quality of cementation. [Orthopedics. 2018; 41(5):e671-e675.].

Analisis Pemakaian Listrik pada Pompa Drainage Unit dengan Menggunakan New Quality Tools

Every company tries to minimize the cost of production to get the product with the price of flocking. A Chemical Company in Cilegon has a production cost reduction program. However, in the process of creation, still found some factors that cause high production costs, especially the cost of electricity in pumping equipment. This study aims to determine the causes of high electricity consumption in the drainage pump unit, provide suggestions for improvement and evaluate the results of revision. This research uses some new quality tools consisting of affinity diagrams, interrelationship diagrams, matrix diagrams, tree diagrams, and Process Decision Program Chart (PDPC). Based on the results of the research, the factors causing high electricity consumption in the drainage pump unit are DCS-Man forgot to stop at the G-1875 pump, the C-1851 sealing output goes to the slimy pit, and the G-1871 sealing output goes into the dirty hole. The remedial step is to move the C-1851 sealing output from the muddy ditch to the clean trench, moving the G-1871 sealing output from the filthy ditch to the clean ditch, fixing the leak in the sample product box, and the G-1875 pump made auto start-stop. These drainage improvements resulted in drainage units operating two times per week from the previous 18 times per week or decreased by 89% and can save as much as Rp 1,677,205 per year.

Review of Frameworks for Sustainability Implementation

AbstractSustainability enables the creation of new opportunity through innovation to achieve competitive advantage and drive cost reduction programs. Organizations that acknowledge and embrace the key drivers for sustainability will obtain the ultimate benefits of market opportunities and efficient business operations. Numerous organizations are involved in sustainability initiatives and they need a holistic vision to achieve sustainability. This requires a comprehensive framework that shows the perspective of sustainability. This study aims to review the existing sustainability frameworks and highlight the gaps and inconsistencies in the related literature. The literature revealed that there are two important paradigms that need to be considered in sustainability implementation frameworks. They are the sustainability paradigm (environment, social, and economic) and the decisional paradigm (strategic, tactical, and operational). The sustainability and decisional paradigms show the main perspective of sustainability implementation. The integration of these two paradigms is significant for a successful sustainability implementation project. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment

Chrysler Group Supplier Cost Reduction Program (a)

Chrysler's innovative supplier cost reduction (SCORE) program had made over $7 billion in savings for Chrysler during the 1990s, but issues of program management are raised after the 1998 merger with Daimler Benz. Prompted by worsening automotive industry conditions and Chrysler's third-quarter losses in 2000 of over $500 million, the new Daimler-Chrysler management team is considering major changes in the SCORE program for 2001. Excerpt UVA-OM-1064 Rev. Jan. 20, 2017 Chrysler Group Supplier Cost Reduction Program (A) In the fall of 2000, John Tremain, director of strategic operations for the Chrysler Group's procurement and supply office, faced a problem. He administered the company's much-vaunted SCORE (supplier cost reduction) program and was charged with proposing revisions to the program for the upcoming 2001 calendar year. SCORE was a Chrysler program that had been implemented as part of its collaborative extended enterprise concept. Chrysler's extended enterprise and SCORE, which Chrysler had been working to develop during the previous 12 years, had become industry benchmarks for collaborative supplier relationships and supply chain management in the automotive industry. Many observers thought these programs were important contributors to Chrysler's reduced product-development cycle time, Lean R&D budgets, and increased profits per vehicle during much of the 1990s. Although the SCORE program had been an industry benchmark for a number of years, the fall of 2000 brought a series of new challenges: . . .