Dual-channel Strategy Research Articles

Dual-channel Strategy Selection in Multinational Supply Chain in E-Commerce

Dual-channel Strategy Selection in Multinational Supply Chain in E-Commerce

The adoption of live streaming channel considering impulse buying and product returns

Live streaming commerce has experienced rapid development in the past several years. One of the prominent advantages of live streaming is that streamers can stimulate impulse buying. However, impulse buyers may return the product when they calm down, leading to a high loss for the retailer. In this research, considering impulse buying and product returns, we explore the retailer's channel strategy within three channel structures: single traditional channel, single live streaming channel, and dual channel. We find that dual channel strategy dominates single live streaming channel strategy, and adopting live streaming may not always benefit the retailer. When there is a large proportion of impulsive customers and the product has a low marginal loss of return, it is better to adopt the dual channel strategy. Interestingly, the retailer will be more inclined to add a live streaming channel when there are more loyal consumers in the traditional channel. Moreover, considering the influence of product returns will make the retailer less likely to adopt live streaming e-commerce. Additionally, our analysis shows that consumer returns will significantly affect live streaming price. Under the single live streaming channel strategy, as the streamer possesses superior sales ability or there are more impulsive consumers, it is better to reduce the price. If the retailer neglects product returns, he will raise the price. Under the dual channel strategy, the retailer considering product returns will announce a low price in the live streaming channel and a high price in the traditional channel. However, if the retailer neglects product returns, he will announce a high price in the live streaming channel and a low price in the traditional channel.

Product-specified dual-channel retail management with significant consumer service

If the product has been decided for the retail industry, single-channel retail management is enough to obtain profit for the retail management. Though a single-channel is enough, a dual-channel may provide much more benefit than a single-channel. If the single-product is to be specified, then a specific type of dual-channel can be improvised for that. A product-specific dual-channel strategy of a manufacturing firm is observed in this study for consumer non-durable goods. The manufacturing firm utilizes technical support to provide essential consumer services to consumers for non-durable goods. As consumer non-durable goods are fast consuming products, consumers buy these products more than once within a certain duration. This makes the consumer non-durable goods is an essential products within that certain duration. Due to multiple usage within a certain duration, consumers prefers to choose non-durable goods based on the quality and price of those products. The global maximum profit of the dual-channel is found by analytic method and established by numerical solutions. Results prove that internet of things-based blockchain essential consumer service increases the total profit of the manufacturing firm by 29.12% than no essential consumer services-based manufacturing firm. Six numerical experiments and four special cases are provided to establish the theoretical model. The sensitivity analysis is performed using profit increment. Essential consumer service is the most sensitive to the total profit of the manufacturing firm whereas the holding cost is the second most sensitive parameter. More increment in holding cost causes profit to decrease by 16.98%.

Dual-channel representation consistent recommender for session-based new item recommendation

Session-Based Recommendations (SBR) have become a crucial branch in the recommendation field. Usually, most previous SBR methods only recommend items existing in users’ historical sessions, facing difficulties with uninteracted items. Introducing new items to users is essential, but solving this issue termed as “Session-based New Item Recommendation (SNIR)” is not an easy task. The complexity arises from accurately characterizing new items and predicting user preferences without user-item interactions. To tackle these challenges, we propose a simple yet effective model named Dual-Channel Representation Consistent Recommender (DC2R). We design a dual-channel strategy to effectively model a new item by its ontology information and inferred representation. Specifically, the ontology information is captured by integrating the inherent attributes of the item into the learning. Meanwhile, leveraging the zero-shot learning technique, we can obtain the inferred item representation from additional attributes. Dual preferences are extracted from the two representations separately to avoid preference bias issues. To better mine user preferences, a Representation Consistent Encoder is utilized to ensure that user preferences and item representations are in the same linear space, thus more precisely reflecting users’ interests. Experiments are conducted on three representative real-world datasets, and the results demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed method. The source code of our proposed model is available at https://github.com/codeCyw/DC2R.

Optimal financing and sales channel strategies for a capital-constrained supply chain with different risk preferences

In a volatile market environment, it is an important issue whether a manufacturer with capital constraints should establish an online direct sales channel to encroach the retail market. In addition to loans from financial institutions, third-party logistics (3PL) financing provides an alternative way for the manufacturer to solve its capital difficulties. Considering that the manufacturer exhibits diversified risk preferences for uncertain demand, we build an analytical model to examine the financing and sales channel decisions of the manufacturer, retailer and 3PL. Further, the impacts of differentiated freight rates and portfolio financing on key decisions are explored. Our results mainly contribute to the literature in two aspects: In terms of financing strategies, the 3PL tends to conduct financial business at a lower interest rate under a single-channel strategy, but a reduction in the 3PL interest rate prevents the manufacturer from adopting 3PL financing. In contrast, a larger financing need promotes the 3PL to offer a loan with a higher interest rate under a dual-channel strategy, which in turn drives the manufacturer to enhance its preference for bank financing. 3PL financing is always more conducive to improving the retailer’s profit. In terms of sales strategies, a smaller establishment cost of the online channel or greater risk tolerance encourages the manufacturer to implement the dual-channel strategy, while lower price competition and online channel preference prevent the manufacturer from encroaching so that it only employs a single offline channel for sales. An increase in price competition between channels encourages the manufacturer to establish the online channel, and manufacturer encroachment weakens the retailer’s profit. Furthermore, differentiated freight rates reduces the participants’ propensity for 3PL financing, while portfolio financing enhances the manufacturer’s motivation to develop the online sales channel.

Novel dual-emission fluorescence imprinted sensor based on Mg, N-CDs and metal-organic frameworks for rapid and smart detection of 2, 4, 6-trinitrophenol

Rapid and real-time detection of 2, 4, 6-trinitrophenol (TNP) is of great importance for the living environment and human health. Herein, we constructed an innovative ratiometric fluorescence imprinted sensor with fast response and high selectivity based on magnesium and nitrogen co-doped carbon dots (Mg, N-CDs) and chromium telluride quantum dots (r-CdTe) self-assembled in zirconium-based metal organic frameworks (UiO-66) combined with imprinted polymers for the detection of TNP. In the protocol, the introduction of UiO-66 with large specific surface area and porosity using as carrier material significantly enhanced the mass transfer rate, which improved the sensitivity of the Mg, N-CDs/r-CdTe@UiO-66@MIP (LHU@MIP). And the Mg, N-CDs with high quantum yields and r-CdTe were selected as fluorescence emitting elements to yield fluorescence signal, achieving signal amplification. The dual-channel strategy enabled the sensor to not only display a fast fluorescence response, but also generate a dual-response signal under the action of internal filtering effect (IFE). Combining these advantages, the LHU@MIP had a wide linear range (1–100 μM), good detection sensitivity (0.56 μM), and a distinct color change (from blue to pink). Meanwhile, for accurate on-site analysis, we designed a portable smart sensing platform with a color recognizer application. The smartphone enabled visual sensing of TNP by capturing fluorescent images and converting them into digital values. More importantly, the platform was successfully utilized for the analysis of TNP in the simulated actual samples with considerable results. Therefore, the developed platform was characterized by low cost, portability, ideal specificity, and provided a strategy for on-site monitoring of TNP.

Boric acid-functionalized lanthanide metal-organic framework used as a ratiometric fluorescence probe for uric acid detection

Exploring high-performance fluorescent strategies for the highly sensitive determination of uric acid (UA) is of great importance for the early diagnosis of hyperuricemia. Herein, we constructed a simple and greatly sensitive ratiometric fluorescence sensor based on boric acid-functionalized lanthanide metal-organic framework (BA-Eu-MOF) for the determination of UA in complex environments. In this strategy, BA-Eu-MOF with dual-emission was first prepared by a one-step method at room temperature. It acts as a signal tag, allowing the sensor not only to exhibit a fast fluorescence response but also to generate an inverse response signal. This can be attributed to the inner filter effect, which enables amplification of the fluorescence signal and demonstrates satisfactory photostability, sensitivity and anti-interference capability. Benefiting from the efficient dual-channel strategy, BA-Eu-MOF sensor displayed a wide linear range (0–160 mg/L) for UA with a lower detection limit (0.06 mg/L). Moreover, the sensor has been successfully applied to the determination of UA in urine with satisfactory results. Accordingly, the developed ratiometric fluorescence sensors exhibit simple, fast, low-cost and highly sensitive properties that provide a reference for the detection of UA in complex clinical systems.

Dual-channel supply chain coordination with online reviews

The strategic interactions of consumers and supply chain (SC) players are significantly influenced by online reviews. This study develops centralized and decentralized dual-channel SC game models with one manufacturer and one retailer, and explores the impacts of online reviews on the manufacturer’s channel strategies and SC coordination. The following conclusions were drawn: First, when online reviews are sufficiently favorable, the manufacturer chooses a dual-channel strategy under a centralized model. In the decentralized model, the manufacturer’s optimal channel strategy depends on the joint effects of online reviews and customers’ channel preference. As more consumers prefer the direct channel with online reviews, the dominance interval of the dual channel strategy widens. A higher review accuracy, on the other hand, may not be enough to incentivize a manufacturer to choose the dual channel strategy. Second, the dual channel mode can effectively improve SC efficiency only when online reviews are sufficiently favorable to the manufacturer and consumers’ acceptance of the direct channel is low. Third, we propose a revenue-sharing contract with a fixed transfer payment that can fully coordinate a dual-channel SC in the presence of online reviews. Our findings not only complement the dual-channel SC literature but also provide insights into how manufacturers can use online reviews to drive marketing strategies and design dual-channel SC coordinating contracts.

A Dual-Channel Strategy for Online Recovery Platforms to Increase Recovery Quantity and Profits

With the rapid development of information technology and communication technology, several online recovery platforms have introduced offline channels to encourage customers to participate in product acquisition and improve profits. Motivated by this reverse supply chain practice, we develop a game theory model under three scenarios (single offline channel, single online channel, and dual-channel structures) to assess the effect of a newly added offline channel for online recovery platforms and explore the factors that have significant impacts on the dual-channel strategy for recovery platforms. We conduct static analyses to solve the model and perform a numerical study to examine the robustness of the results. The results reveal that a recovery platform can always gain more profit and set lower recovery prices under the dual-channel structure. However, the relatively high shipping cost might cause the recovery platform to recover a smaller quantity under the dual-channel structure compared with the single offline channel structure. In addition, the recovery platform is more likely to adopt a dual-channel structure with low shipping cost, high average hassle cost or hassle cost uncertainty, and less uncertainty on the reservation value. Moreover, the recovery platform can use the price difference between online and offline channels as a tool to split product holders and induce them to choose the most appropriate channel. Our findings highlight the profit and recovery quantity benefits brought by the dual-channel structure, and provide management insights for recovery platforms.

Advanced structure selenium nanosphere@Ti3C2@graphene oxide with dual-channel and multiple protection strategies for Al–Se batteries

Rechargeable aluminum batteries (RABs) attract plenty of researchers due to their high theoretical energy density, first-rate safety performance, cheap and abundant mineral reserves. Nevertheless, how to solve the problems such as poor long-term cycle performance, low high-rate capacity, and low reversible capacity has become the key to realizing industrial production. Here we successfully prepare the selenium [email protected]3C2@graphene oxide ([email protected]) with an initial discharge capacity of 570.34 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1, and the discharge capacity remains 253 mAh g−1 even after about 4000 cycles. The Ti3C2 and GO layers are coated on the surface of the selenium nanosphere (SS) successfully, which have a lot of benefits to achieve higher performance. It is worth noting that the dual-channel selenium [email protected]3C2 (SSM) structure can provide the redox reaction of selenium inside the sphere and the reversible intercalation of [AlCl4]- on the sphere's out-surface at the same time, which is the key of the dual-channel strategy. This new engineering strategy has made a great breakthrough in long-term RABs. It also expands the idea for further preparing long-term stable RABs and encourages researchers to explore more excellent cathode materials of RABs.

A dual-emission carbon dots-based nonenzymatic fluorescent sensing platform for simultaneous detection of parathion-methyl and glyphosate

Simultaneous and high-performance detection of pesticides is still a considerable challenge and urgent need. Herein, a dual-emission carbon dots (CDs)-based nonenzymatic fluorescent sensing platform has been developed, which shows excellent sensitivity and selectivity in simultaneously detecting parathion-methyl (MP) and glyphosate. CDs with emissions at 440 nm (bCDs) and 660 nm (rCDs) were prepared by hydrothermal treatment of mulberry leaves and sodium hydroxide. bCDs response to hydrolyzed MP via inner filter effect, while rCDs sense glyphosate with the aid of Cu2+ by static quenching effect. Excellent linear correlations were found for MP (0.3–65.0 μM) and glyphosate (1.0–110.0 μM) with limits of detection at 0.14 and 0.60 μM. Notably, the presented dual-channel strategy was successfully applied in simultaneously detecting MP and glyphosate in food/herbal samples with acceptable recoveries, good precision, and high selectivity. Moreover, an ORlogicgatewas achieved for estimating food, herbal, or environmental safety.

On the introduction of return window to supply chains with online channel

In the E-commerce era, many firms offer return policy in the form of return window, allowing consumers to return for a full refund within a specific time, which has an important effect on supply chain operations. Motivated by practical observations, we explore a supplier’s distribution channel strategy when introducing return window in both centralized and decentralized supply chain systems. A game-analytical model is developed to study the interaction between channel strategy and return window. The equilibrium channel strategies, return windows, and prices in the two systems are derived. We find that a long return window always tends to be offered by the supplier when the direct channel is open (in a dual-channel or single direct-channel strategy) since it expands potential market demand. Also, the supplier provides a shorter return window in the decentralized than the centralized system as the existence of double marginalization, which enriches existing results. We prove that introducing return window always restricts the supplier to choose a dual-channel strategy, but it incentivizes (restricts) the supplier to choose a single retail-channel strategy in the decentralized (centralized) system in response to changing cost pressures. Our theoretical findings provide insights for managing supply chains when introducing return window as a market strategy.

Promoting the transfer of phosphorescence from the solid state to aqueous phase and establishing the universal real-time detection based on the smartphone imaging

Currently, room-temperature phosphorescent (RTP) materials inspire the great interest owing to their tunable wavelengths, large stokes shift or potential values towards various applications. Howbeit, synthesizing RTP materials with the desirable property such as the long lifetime still encountered the intractable challenge due to the spin-forbidden nature of triplet exciton transitions. Here we initially achieved one kind of solid state phosphorescence by preparing the carbon dots (CDs) doped with nitrogen and phosphorus while diethanolamine and phosphoric acid served as the specific precursors. Significantly, the CDs were effectively protected away from the interference of water and oxygen in the surrounding environment through introducing tetraethyl orthosilicate, thus leading to the successful emergence of their phosphorescence in aqueous. This study not only provided a way of activating the phosphorescent emission from the solid state to aqueous phase, but also broadened the sensing avenues based on the aqueous phosphorescence. Since both their fluorescence and phosphorescence intensity of the CDs were regularly quenched based on the inner filter effect (IFE) by adding p-nitrophenol with various concentrations, we thereupon proposed a regular dual-channel strategy for detecting p-nitrophenol. More meaningfully, both the Hue and Brightness of their fluorescence and phosphorescence of CDs exhibited obvious distinctions, providing the possibility of establishing a dual-channel smartphone assaying strategy through directly photographing. Thus, we hereby raised a convenient intelligent detection of p-nitrophenol, and this brand-new way not only achieved the real-time detection of p-nitrophenol, but also showed the possibility of serving as a universal approach for detecting other targets on-site.

Research on the Sustainability of Channel Strategy Selection on the Overall Efficiency of Listed Retail Enterprises: Evidence from China

Appropriate channel strategies can help to improve the operational efficiency of retail firms and stimulate the domestic demand market. To study the sustainability of retail enterprises in the COVID-19 era, this paper uses the data of 29 Chinese listed retail enterprises from 2012 to 2021 as a sample, and uses data envelopment analysis (DEA) to evaluate and analyze the efficiency of the listed retail enterprises that implement different channel strategies. The results of the study show that: (1) The implementation of channel strategy will re-integrate the information flow, capital flow, commercial flow and logistics of enterprises, and affect the efficiency of enterprises through four paths: market demand, channel resources, channel technology and channel system. (2) The implementation of dual-channel strategy enterprises, in the short term, has greater technical efficiency than single-channel strategy enterprises. (3) The channel integration strategy of online ordering and store delivery has a significant positive impact on the overall efficiency of listed retail enterprises. (4) The inventory turnover rate has a significant positive impact on the overall efficiency of the listed retail enterprises. The level of accounts receivable, the level of retail technology, the level of investment in fixed assets and the size of enterprises have a negative impact on the overall efficiency of the listed retail enterprises.

Intelligent servicing strategy for an online-to-offline (O2O) supply chain under demand variability and controllable lead time

With the advancement of technologies, industries tries to adopt the advantages of the technology. Customers are busy in their daily life, and the online platform is the best option for retail, whereas traditional customers still prefer to visit the retail shop. Few customers choose the product online but buy it offline or vice-versa. Owing to all those circumstances, current study focuses on an intelligent dual channel (online-to-offline) strategy in industry to arrange the optimal services for customers. The selling price of the product vary with different channel, which helps to determine the demand of product for entire supply chain. Two important factors, backorder and lead-time are examined precisely through marginal value which helps to arrange optimal service and calculate the exact profit. The profit for a centralized and decentralized case are computed for both the players. Some propositions are developed to prove the global optimality. Numerical results prove that a centralized case provides 7.77% better profit than a decentralized case due to bonding between the players.

A signal-amplified ratiometric fluorescence biomimetic sensor based on the synergistic effect of IFE and AE for the visual smart monitoring of oxytetracycline

The preparation process of Mg,N-CDs/Eu-MOFs@MIP and the process of ratiometric fluorescence sensing and smartphone-based visual assay of trace oxytetracycline in real samples. • A novel core–shell ratiometric fluorescence biomimetic sensor was constructed. • Imprinting sites endowed Mg,N-CDs/Eu-MOFs@MIP with desirable specificity. • The efficient dual-channel strategy significantly enhanced the sensitivity. • Smartphone-assisted device provided a new strategy for onsite analysis of OTC. • The platform achieved ultrasensitive and visual smart monitoring of OTC in samples. Exploring high-performance fluorescence strategies for onsite monitoring of oxytetracycline (OTC) is of great significance for protecting human health. Herein, an innovative ratiometric fluorescence biomimetic sensor featured with high sensitivity and selectivity was constructed based on magnesium and nitrogen co-doped carbon dots embedded europium metal–organic framework and incorporating molecularly imprinted polymer (Mg,N-CDs/Eu-MOFs@MIP). In this protocol, MIP layer functioning as recognition units endowed Mg,N-CDs/Eu-MOFs@MIP with satisfactory binding efficiency and anti-interference ability. Mg,N-CDs/Eu-MOFs as both supporter and signal tag enabled the sensor to not only demonstrate a fast fluorescence response, but also yield reverse response signals depending on the synergistic effect of inner filter effect (IFE) and antenna effect (AE), achieving signal amplification. Benefiting from the efficient dual-channel strategy, Mg,N-CDs/Eu-MOFs@MIP exhibited a wide linear range (0.02–50 μg mL −1 ) with a sensitive detection limit (6.6 ng mL −1 ) and a marked color transformation (blue-to-red), which was highly desirable for monitoring of oxytetracycline. Simultaneously, aiming at attaining precise onsite analysis, a portable intelligent sensing platform was devised by integrating Mg,N-CDs/Eu-MOFs@MIP and a smartphone-assisted device. The smartphone with an installed color recognizer application as signal reader and analyzer realized oxytetracycline visual sensing by capturing and digitizing fluorescence images. More significantly, the portable platform was successfully applied to the onsite monitoring of OTC in water samples and milk samples with acceptable results. Accordingly, the as-developed platform demonstrated low-cost, portability, easy implementation, desirable specificity and sensitivity, presenting great potential for point-of-care testing.

Manufacturer's channel and logistics strategy in a supply chain

We examine a manufacturer's channel selection and logistics strategies in a supply chain where the manufacturer can sell either through an e-tailer only (single channel) or through the e-tailer and also directly to the consumer (dual channel). With a dual-channel structure, the manufacturer needs to decide how to deliver products sold in its own direct channel: an independent logistics system or the e-tailer's logistics system. We identify the manufacturer's optimal channel selection and logistics strategies. The results show that the manufacturer's channel decision depends on the logistics gap between channels and the self-demand sensitivity. When the logistics gap is relatively large and the self-demand sensitivity is small, introducing a direct channel reduces the manufacturer's profit. When both the logistics gap and self-demand sensitivity are large, the manufacturer should choose the dual-channel structure and use the e-tailer's logistics. When the logistics gap is small, the manufacturer should choose the dual-channel structure and use its own logistics system. We also examine the implications of promised delivery time (PDT) in the direct channel and show that PDT makes the direct channel more attractive and the manufacturer is more likely to adopt the dual-channel strategy.

Research on manufacturer's dual-channel pricing strategy based on power structure

Research on manufacturer's dual-channel pricing strategy based on power structure

Low-carbon strategies in dual-channel supply chain under risk aversion.

In a low-carbon supply chain (LCSC) constructed by a single manufacturer and a single retailer, three decision-making models are established by introducing channel preference attributes. That is, a single sales channel model, an online and offline dual channel model, and a dual channel model in which the manufacturer share revenue with her retailer. Using the mean variance (MV) method to characterize the risk aversion utility function of the manufacturer and the retailer, the following r are found. i) Consumers' preference for low-carbon products is conducive to raising the price of low-carbon products and the firms' profits. ii) The deepening of the retailer's risk aversion promotes the increase of the manufacturer's price, while the impact of the manufacturer's risk aversion has an opposite effects. Although the arbitrage behavior of the retailer can not be completely avoided in the risk aversion environment. However in a limited risk aversion environment, dual-channel development is conducive to increasing the profits of the manufacturer, but may harm the interests of the retailer. iii) Consumers' preference for online channel helps the manufacturer increase prices and profit. iv) The sharing of revenue by the manufacturer to the retailer is conducive to increasing the revenue of the retailer. Based on this, in order to improve corporate profits and promote long-term transactions, the manufacturer can carry out low-carbon promotion and implement a dual-channel strategy. The retailer can actively seek channel cooperation with the manufacturer.

Coaxial cable-like dual conductive channel strategy in polypyrrole coated perovskite lanthanum manganite for high-performance asymmetric supercapacitors

Perovskite transition metal oxides are promising materials for supercapacitor electrodes due to their high theoretical capacities. However, these materials still suffer from poor conductivity, low specific capacitance, and moderate cycle stability, restraining their practical applications. In this study, LaMnO3@CC-PPy materials were prepared by two-step electrodeposition based on the inspiring design of coaxial cables. To this end, electrochemically active LaMnO3 was first grown on carbon cloth (CC) with good flexibility and conductivity and then followed by further coating with polypyrrole (PPy) layer. The best PPy load was identified by adjusting the deposition time. The resulting LaMnO3@CC-PPy electrodes showed excellent specific capacitance reaching 862F g−1 at 1 A g−1 with retention rate of 75% at high current density of 10 A g−1, indicative of excellent rate performance. The cycle stability of the electrodes also improved after 3000 cycles at 10 A g−1 with a retention rate reaching 66%. To assemble asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) devices, NiCo2O4@CC cathodes were prepared by electrodeposition. Ultra-high energy density of about 73 Wh kg−1 and good cycle stability were recorded with the devices. The high performance of the as-obtained materials was attributed to the existence of internal and external double electric channels, as well as the abundant internal space. These features ensured good conductivity, rapid charge transfer, and fast ion diffusion, thereby significantly improving the overall material cycle stability. In sum, these findings look promising for future preparation of high-performance perovskite supercapacitors.