Cost Structure Research Articles

COMPETING FOR MANUFACTURING VALUE ADDED: HOW STRONG IS COMPETITIVE COST PRESSURE ON SECTORAL LEVEL?

Unit labour cost plays a pivotal role in shaping the regional distribution of manufacturing value added by influencing both export dynamics and business relocation decisions. Nonetheless, cost competitiveness is often regarded as playing a minor role in strategies promoting industrial upgrading. This perception stems from the belief that high-tech manufacturing sectors compete on the basis of quality rather than cost. This paper challenges this assumption and explores whether industries characterized by high levels of innovation and technological sophistication are indeed less reliant on competitive cost structures. In order to attain accurate estimations of sectoral value added elasticity in relation to cost, unit labour cost is conceptualised as a vertically integrated metric, accounting for the cost situation along the value chain. The analysis is centered on 18 manufacturing sectors across 28 European countries and covers the period from 1995 to 2018. The discrepancies in estimated cost elasticity across sectors appear to align more closely with their exposure to international markets and not with their degree of technological advancement. According to this sectoral-level evidence, cost competitiveness emerges as an essential prerequisite for industrial success.

Healthcare entrepreneurship: An integrative framework for future research

Healthcare entrepreneurship is of growing interest, but the area of research is not well defined and is disparate across disciplines. We take an integrative approach to examine the similarities and differences between the literature for the two parent domains (healthcare management and entrepreneurship). We present findings from an interdisciplinary four-phase Delphi study and propose a new framework to guide future research. Our proposed healthcare entrepreneurship framework not only reflects variations in key factors, such as actors, activities, processes and outcomes within the parent disciplines, but also suggests gaps, connections and future opportunities for research. Actionable summary and highlightsSince COVID-19, there has been an influx of healthcare entrepreneurial ventures, but, within a volatile market, mixed success. We find that healthcare entrepreneurship is different from work in healthcare or entrepreneurship alone. For healthcare entrepreneurs to achieve their targeted health outcomes as well as their operational and profitability outcomes, all stakeholders need to work together. For the clinician-turned-entrepreneur and the serial entrepreneur now in healthcare, we provide three actionable insights to address some of the practical challenges in healthcare entrepreneurship.1.We advise that venture teams include individuals from both entrepreneurship and healthcare backgrounds to shorten the learning curve, particularly as they develop the evidence base for the offering. Contacting entrepreneurship accelerators or university tech transfer and commercialization offices for which one may have had previous affiliations can be one approach to securing such team members.2.Healthcare entrepreneurs should consider how to include end-user or patient participation to create new healthcare solutions. Working with relevant patient advocacy groups can be one approach and may help to increase the relevance and patient-centeredness of the solution.3.Healthcare entrepreneurs may need to develop new business models and revenue streams. While healthcare is a human right, it requires financing to sustain offerings. One may strengthen one's “business and calling” mindset via joining healthcare entrepreneurship organizations for medical professionals, accelerators, and other local programs that support such entrepreneurial engagement in healthcare.In addition to these insights for healthcare entrepreneurs, we include practical insights for other key actors. Corporations may incentivize partnerships that normalize co-produced innovations. Venture capitalists might develop novel funding mechanisms linked to non-traditional outcomes. Non-profit organizations can serve as interdisciplinary conveners to raise awareness of healthcare entrepreneurship needs. Policy makers might consider ways to create business environments with competitive, yet reasonable, cost and pricing structures.

Cloud storage cost: a taxonomy and survey

Cloud service providers offer application providers with virtually infinite storage and computing resources, while providing cost-efficiency and various other quality of service (QoS) properties through a storage-as-a-service (StaaS) approach. Organizations also use multi-cloud or hybrid solutions by combining multiple public and/or private cloud service providers to avoid vendor lock-in, achieve high availability and performance, and optimise cost. Indeed cost is one of the important factors for organizations while adopting cloud storage; however, cloud storage providers offer complex pricing policies, including the actual storage cost and the cost related to additional services (e.g., network usage cost). In this article, we provide a detailed taxonomy of cloud storage cost and a taxonomy of other QoS elements, such as network performance, availability, and reliability. We also discuss various cost trade-offs, including storage and computation, storage and cache, and storage and network. Finally, we provide a cost comparison across different storage providers under different contexts and a set of user scenarios to demonstrate the complexity of cost structure and discuss existing literature for cloud storage selection and cost optimization. We aim that the work presented in this article will provide decision-makers and researchers focusing on cloud storage selection for data placement, cost modelling, and cost optimization with a better understanding and insights regarding the elements contributing to the storage cost and this complex problem domain.

Inpatient Infliximab Biosimilar Cost-Savings - Cost analysis of inpatient treatment with originator Infliximab (Remicade™) vs biosimilar Infliximab (Renflexis™) for acute severe ulcerative colitis. .

Infliximab (IFX) is a standard, salvage therapy for refractory acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC). Remicade™ is the originator IFX. Its biosimilar Renflexis™ offers a reduced cost structure. We performed a cost-minimization analysis to compare costs with Remicade and Renflexis for inpatient treatment of ASUC. Methods: Retrospective clinical and financial data was obtained from 34 patients with refractory ASUC who received Renflexis (n=17) or Remicade (n=17) between 2019-2021. Clinical data included admission and discharge lab values. Financial data included a decision support drug cost (DSDC), constituting the total cost associated with inpatient infliximab administration, and total inpatient cost of care. No differences were found in baseline or discharge clinical parameters. Median unadjusted ratio of DSDC to total inpatient cost of care was 0.387 vs. 0.241 in the Remicade vs. Renflexis groups (p=0.0025), respectively, representing an absolute difference of ~14%. Median adjusted rDSDC was 0.04 vs. 0.024 in the Remicade vs. Renflexis groups, respectively, representing a relative cost reduction of ~40% (p = 0.0001) Discussion: The unadjusted absolute cost reduction and adjusted relative cost reduction were respectively 14% and 40% in the Renflexis group as compared to Remicade. Our calculation included median decision support drug cost as a percentage of the total inpatient cost of care, controlling for infliximab dose and length of stay. This reduced cost structure promotes use of Renflexis for ASUC inpatients and may reduce costs for patients and hospitals.

STRATEGI PENGEMBANGAN TENUN SATU KARYA PANDAI SIKEK: Analisis SWOT dan Bisnis Model Kanvas

The creative industry has been a long time that driven by the Indonesia government to improve people’s economic. A hand weaving businesses as part of creative industry are expected to maintain the quality and increase their productivity to gain competitive advantage in the coming market demands. This study is aimed on Tenun Satu Karya Pandai Sikek due to one of favorites weaving business in the province of West Sumatera. By using business model canvas and SWOT analysis approaches on Tenun Satu Karya, it is expected to support competitive strategies on dynamic market demands. Results suggest that Tenun Satu Karya must focus on utilizing its strengths in the area of product quality and overcoming its weaknesses in the areas of partnerships, regeneration of the weaving craftsmen, and upgrading its marketing channels.

Innovation in Steel-Making Cluster in the Russian Federation and Factors of Innovation Development

The article analyzes the current condition and latest changes that took place in the steel-making cluster of the Russian Federation. It describes key problems and challenges that faced enterprises producing goods of ferrous metallurgy during COVID-19 pandemic and since the beginning of the special war operation. Key steps of the government of the Russian Federation aimed at supporting the cluster and stimulating its development were provided. At the same time the role and place of the steel-making cluster in global and home production were studied. On the basis of statistics the author depicted production dynamics in the industry, the level of innovation activity at enterprises, analyzed the structure of innovation costs in the cluster and showed priority tasks facing producers of goods of ferrous metallurgy and promising trends of their functioning. It was pointed out that in line with the global trend aiming at ecological innovation goods of ferrous metallurgy in the near future shall meet principles of carbon neutrality and high power-efficiency. Meanwhile, the development of digital infrastructure at industrial enterprises shall play an important role. Apart from that, the article provided factors of innovation development affecting seriously the balanced progress of home enterprises of ferrous metallurgy.

Formulating marketing strategy of Si Bijak microinsurance using SWOT analysis, marketing mix and Business Model Canvas

Life risks can happen to anyone, including low-income people who are vulnerable to the risk of death and loss of property due to unexpected events. This research uses SWOT analysis, marketing strategy, 7P marketing mix, and Business Model Canvas to find out the causes of sales failure and solutions that can be used as a reference for the sale of Si Bijak microinsurance in the future. This research method uses qualitative methods through literature analysis, data, and information from interviews with 4 (four) subjects directly conducted in November 2023-January 2024 and verified through repeated checks so that it can be analyzed. The results showed the need for repricing and the number of insurance benefits, the addition of diverse marketing communication channels and media, massive sales activities through cooperation with microfinance institutions, social institutions, and communities, development of microinsurance application technology, increasing education/literacy to the public, promotional activities for ease of sales, and supervision and support from regulators.

Analysis of Shallot Farming Business in Pringsewu Regency

Shallot farming in Pringsewu Regency, Indonesia, is a profitable business with an average income of IDR 298 million per hectare. However, the productivity is still low, at 15 tons/ha compared to the potential of 20 tons/ha. This research analyzes the cost structure, production, income, and income of shallot farming in Pringsewu Regency. The research results show that the total cost is IDR 115 million per hectare, while the average income is IDR 182 million per hectare. The feasibility analysis shows that shallot farming is profitable with an R/C ratio of 2.6 and a B/C ratio of 1. To improve the performance of shallot cultivation in Pringsewu and Pagelaran Districts, important suggestions involve providing proactive mentoring and advice from the Food Crops Agriculture Service, facilitated by PPL officers. Furthermore, farmers should explore the adoption of advanced shallot farming techniques to increase income. Additionally, it is recommended to extend the duration of shallot cultivation, supported by favorable returns on investment, as indicated by Internal Rate of Return (IRR) values of 97% and 93% for two planting periods in Pagelaran District, exceeding the bank interest rate of 12%. In summary, increasing productivity can further increase the profitability of shallot farming in Pringsewu Regency.

Strategi pengembangan usaha “Bakso Pak Wasino” dengan pendekatan business model canvas

The growth of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Indonesia is rapidly advancing, particularly in the food sector. Many SMEs emerge, but only a few manage to endure in the long run due to various challenges and intense competition. Bakso Pak Wasino is one such SMEs that has been operating since 1997 and continues to thrive. The owner's name is Mr. Wasino, but it has been passed down to his daughter named Sinta, or myself, for continuation and development. Currently, Bakso Pak Wasino is formulating development strategies, especially in marketing. Bakso Pak Wasino has started promoting itself on social media by creating content related to its business. Marketing through social media holds great potential to reach a broader target audience. Bakso Pak Wasino is also planning its development using the Business Model Canvas (BMC) and SWOT analysis. BMC development involves nine components, including customer segments, value propositions, channels, customer relations, revenue streams, key resources, key activities, key partners, and cost structure. Development through SWOT analysis is conducted by analyzing strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. With the use of BMC and SWOT, Bakso Pak Wasino is expected to plan its development more effectively, optimize productivity, reach a wider consumer base, and increase income generation.

Index of profitability of livestock production in Ukraine

Index of profitability of livestock production in Ukraine

Supporting Sustainable and User-Oriented Educational Technology Innovation with the University Innovation Canvas

Supporting Sustainable and User-Oriented Educational Technology Innovation with the University Innovation Canvas

Energy Sector Evolution: Perspectives on Energy Platforms and Energy Transition

Digital platforms are becoming more important in transforming the energy industry and altering the way we produce, distribute, and use energy. This paper explores the role of energy platforms in the transition towards renewable energy. We highlight, through real-life examples, that these platforms foster a participatory approach, convert consumers into proactive participants, democratize energy production, and encourage innovation in areas such as storage, electric mobility, and renewable project investments. Through a comprehensive review of the current literature, technological advancements, and emerging business models, we identify the possible key contributions of digital platforms to the energy sector. These platforms offer personalized user experiences, mutual benefits for users and companies, adaptability to market changes, support for peer-to-peer trade, and a reduction in bureaucracy. We then present a pioneering conceptual model by Liu et al. (2022), which integrates the energy cloud, digital platform, and transaction platform and we explore the business model of energy platforms. This business model is characterized by connectivity, innovative pricing, and revenue strategies independent of physical asset ownership. Advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and blockchain facilitate peer-to-peer energy trading, dynamic pricing, and a focus on transaction and access fees over traditional cost structures. Drawing on the business model and previous analysis we update the conceptual model for energy platforms to present a practical vision through a holistic approach.

Penerapan Strategi Pemasaran Pada Produk UKM Keripik Pare di Kecamatan Pasekan Kabupaten Indramayu

The need for healthy food is increasing along with population growth and increasingly limited agricultural land. However, many snack foods on the market contain additional ingredients that can be harmful to health. Therefore, healthy and nutritious snack products are increasingly needed. One interesting alternative is bitter melon chips, which are a snack product made from bitter melon, a plant that has high nutritional value. In an effort to publicize and market bitter melon chips, a business called Keripik Pare was founded by a group in West Java. The business proposal includes business ideas, capital, production planning, and marketing strategies to increase product competitiveness and business profitability and uses structured and effective implementation methods to produce quality products. By implementing SWOT analysis and the canvas business model, it is hoped that you will be able to identify business strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, and design the right business strategy. In addition, the marketing strategy used includes market segmentation, determining market targets, and appropriate product placement. Through this effort, it is hoped that it can increase public awareness of the importance of consuming healthy food, create new jobs, and increase the income of local farmers.

Application of Osterwalder and Pigneur’s Business Model - Canvas to E-Businesses

This research is used to present the application of Osterwalder & Pigneur (2010) business model on the three e-businesses given in the assignment description. Therefore, the report consists of the business model canvas for all the three companies along with detailed descriptions of each blocks in the canvas and their relevant discussions.

A solar assisted grid-tied polygeneration system for hydrogen and electricity production: Future of energy transition from electrons to molecules

Climate change and energy crises are twin challenges that require collective wisdom and polygeneration energy systems for sustainable development. Hydrogen is an abundant element in the universe that can shape the future of energy transmission and storage from electrons to molecules. This paper presents utilization of a solar PV assisted hydrogen and electricity production and storage system for a university transportation fleet of 43 student transit buses to reduce annual 9842 liter fuel consumption and 26.52 Mt CO2 emissions. The system is designed, modeled, and simulated using TRNSYS® energy simulation software and optimized in TrnOpt linked to GenOpt for dynamic weather conditions of Gujrat (Pakistan), Fargo (USA), London (UK). As a model, the results of a 27kWp PV system are presented that assists an alkaline electrolyzer generating 12696 m3 hydrogen, 6348 m3 oxygen, 16848 KWh electricity exported to national grid and 11.56 GJ thermal energy annually. The proposed system generates energy vectors including hydrogen, electricity, heat, and oxygen with optimal performance during intermittent weathers. In this paper, a business model canvas is developed for solar PV assisted hydrogen production and storage system. These outputs can be accredited to the hydrogen as an energy alternative for green and sustainable future for transportation sector.

OVERVIEW OF CHANGES IN THE STRUCTURE OF ASSORTMENTS AND COSTS OF BUILDING PROFILES IN UKRAINE

Purpose. The main purpose of the publication is a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the changes associated with the implementation of new standards for rolled steel in recent years in the domestic regulatory framework. Also, an additional purpose is to estimate changes in the cost structure of certain types of rolled metal in Ukraine over the past 5 years. Methodology. In order to achieve the main purpose, both the rolled steel standards currently in force in Ukraine and the canceled previous standards were examined in detail. Comparison of standards for sheet profiles was carried out according to the criteria of the number of standard sizes and the profiles themselves in the standard. Comparison of standards for shaped profiles was carried out according to several criteria – the number of available standard sizes of profiles, the number of profiles themselves, the mass indicators of the largest and smallest profiles, as well as the efficiency indicators (nuclear distance and the square of the radius of inertia) of the largest and smallest profiles according to the standard. To assess changes in the cost structure of assortment profiles of various types, a quantitative comparison of their absolute and relative market value was carried out based on data from open electronic resources for the past 5 years. Findings. At present, in the part of standards for the range of steel products in Ukraine, a systematic and full-fledged update of the regulatory framework is taking place, with the full preservation of our own national heritage. The need to develop and implement a standard for flat hot-rolled broad-banded sheet, specialized and improved standards for hot-rolled bars and for cold-bent square and rectangular profiles, as well as the need to provide the official status of the standard for I-bars with parallel edges of the shelves are the main problematic issues in the part of the assortment normative base at the moment. Originality. In this publication, a theoretical estimation of modern changes in the current normative base of Ukraine, which regulates the issue of the range of steel rolled metal, is presented. In particular, 2 types of sheet metal, 5 types of shaped hot-rolled steel and 3 types of shaped cold-bent profiles, which are the most widely used for steel building structures, were analyzed. The main performance indicators of profiles according to old and new standards are calculated. Practical value. In the practical part of the completed review, changes in the cost structure of the main types of rolled steel over the past 5 years in Ukraine were estimated. The main problematic issues of the current assortment base of Ukraine are separately identified and practical recommendations for their elimination are provided.

Charting the Sustainable Course: Navigating the Saudi Arabia Medical and Wellness Tourism Roadmap with Business Model Canvas (BMC)

Medical and wellness tourism has emerged as a pivotal sector with significant economic implications globally, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. This study delves into the landscape of Saudi Arabia’s medical and wellness tourism, recognizing its importance as a key player in the tourism industry. The study aims to elevate this sector to new heights on the global stage by employing the Business Model Canvas (BMC) as a strategic tool. BMC allows for a comprehensive analysis of the medical tourism industry in Saudi Arabia, breaking down key elements across its nine blocks: key partners, key activities, key resources, value propositions, customer segments, channels, customer relationships, cost structure, and revenue streams. The results of this study shed light on the unique selling proposition (USP) as a crucial strategic step for Saudi Arabia to distinguish itself and enhance its position in the international medical tourism arena. By identifying and maximizing the unique aspects within each BMC block, the study presents a roadmap for Saudi Arabia, navigating the challenges and capitalizing on the potential of the medical and wellness tourism sector. This research serves as a guide, emphasizing the strategic importance of a well-defined business model to shape the future of medical and wellness tourism in Saudi Arabia and establish a prominent global presence.

Implementation of Omnichannel Improves Business Performance Based on Integrated Marketing Communication

This research will examine a company engaged in the food and beverage industry. This research aims to create a business design based on the Business Model Canvas (BMC) approach and SWOT (Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunity, Threat) analysis as an innovation to improve the company's business performance. The object of this research is PT Tongku Raja Nauli located in Padangsidimpuan city. This research was conducted in the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) industry engaged in food processing made from egg rolls. The data collection procedure in this research is to use a qualitative approach by obtaining through direct observation, company records, in-depth interviews, and documentation in the form of photos and videos. The results of the SWOT analysis on the nine elements of the Business Model Canvas (BMC) show that there are internal and external factors that are strengths and weaknesses for the company in carrying out its business model and also what are the opportunities and threats from external that affect the business processes of PT Tongku Raja Nauli. This research resulted in the Tongku Snack Innovation program, a program that optimizes the Company's marketing. This program is assisted by Integrated Marketing Communication theory with the concept of Omnichannel Marketing which is proven to help companies increase sales, competitiveness and business continuity.

Cost Structure and the Usefulness of Earnings

We investigate the relation between the usefulness of earnings and firm cost structure. We document that the usefulness of earnings to external users decreases in the degree of operating leverage, which measures the proportion of fixed to variable costs, and that this decline extends at least partially from the relation between the degree of operating leverage and two earnings properties: aggressive revenue recognition to meet an earnings target and earnings volatility. Our results illustrate how firm fundamentals influence a firm’s information environment and thereby the usefulness of earnings to external users. This paper was accepted by Ranjani Krishnan, accounting. Supplemental Material: The data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2021.03023 .

Seeding Atomic Silver into Internal Lattice Sites of Transition Metal Oxide for Advanced Electrocatalysis.

Transition metal oxides (TMOs) are widely studied for loading of various catalysts due to their low cost and high structure flexibility. However, the prevailing close-packed nature of most TMOs crystals has restricted the available loading sites to surface only, while their internal bulk lattice remains unactuated due to the inaccessible narrow space that blocks out most key reactants and/or particulate catalysts. Herein, using tunnel-structured MnO2, this study demonstrates how TMO's internal lattice space can be activated as extra loading sites for atomic Ag in addition to the conventional surface-only loading, via which a dual-form Ag catalyst within MnO2 skeleton is established. In this design, not only faceted Ag nanoparticles are confined onto MnO2 surface by coherent lattice-sharing, Ag atomic strings are also seeded deep into the sub-nanoscale MnO2 tunnel lattice, enriching the catalytically active sites. Tested for electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (eCO2RR), such dual-form catalyst exhibits a high Faradaic efficiency (94%), yield (67.3mol g-1 h-1) and durability (≈48h) for CO production, exceeding commercial Ag nanoparticles and most Ag-based electrocatalysts. Theoretical calculations further reveal the concurrent effect of such dual-form catalyst featuring facet-dependent eCO2RR for Ag nanoparticles and lattice-confined eCO2RR for Ag atomic strings, inspiring the future design of catalyst-substrate configuration.