Global Market Research Articles

Analysis of Channel Promotion of New Oriental Online Education in the Internet Era

With the rapid development of information technology and the popularization of the Internet, the field of education is experiencing unprecedented changes. Online education, as an important product of this change, has quickly become the new darling of the global education market with its characteristics of flexibility, convenience and personalized teaching. This paper takes New Oriental as a case study on the channel promotion strategy of online education industry. First of all, explain the channel marketing environment theories, including PEST theory, Marketing related theories, including the Omnichannel theory in the Internet era, and explain their characteristics and importance, and understand the marketing channel status of New Oriental online education based on the analysis of 4P marketing theory and the combination of questionnaire and interview conclusions as primary data and secondary data. Second, this study combines qualitative analysis with quantitative analysis. Quantitative analysis, interview records and literature analysis were carried out through the chart data collected by the questionnaire, and qualitative analysis was adopted in the data provided by the official website of New Oriental. The existing problems in channel promotion of New Oriental online education can be find and this research will try to sort out a reasonable solution.

Connectedness Structure and Volatility Dynamics Between BRICS Markets and International Volatility Indices: An Investigation

ABSTRACTThis research aims to explore and understand the dynamic nature of volatility connectedness between BRICS stock markets and various asset price implied volatility indices through a TVP‐VAR broadened connectedness approach. Results display nontrivial dynamic connectedness in the BRICS stock markets and uncertainties in different markets during the period 31 March 2019–31 August 2023. They also report heterogeneous patterns in the connectedness between stock indices and volatility indices. The time‐varying spillover effect seems to be strong during the black‐swan events. The variations of volatility connectedness among each volatility index and stock market increasingly depend on unusual stress caused by the outbreak of unexpected events. These finding provide significant guidance for investors seeking to enhance their risk management practices. By leveraging the insights into volatility transmission mechanisms and the roles of different volatility indices, investors can make informed decisions to protect and grow their investments in an increasingly volatile global market.

Omic-driven strategies to unveil microbiome potential for biodegradation of plastics: a review.

Plastic waste accumulation has lately been identified as the leading and pervasive environmental concern, harming all living beings, natural habitats, and the global market. Given this issue, developing ecologically friendly solutions, such as biodegradation instead of standard disposal, is critical. To effectively address and develop better strategies, it is critical to understand the inter-relationship between microorganisms and plastic, the role of genes and enzymes involved in this process. However, the complex nature of microbial communities and the diverse mechanisms involved in plastic biodegradation have hindered the development of efficient plastic waste degradation strategies. Omics-driven approaches, encompassing genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics have revolutionized our understanding of microbial ecology and biotechnology. Therefore, this review explores the application of omics technologies in plastic degradation studies and discusses the key findings, challenges, and future prospects of omics-based approaches in identifying novel plastic-degrading microorganisms, enzymes, and metabolic pathways. The integration of omics technologies with advanced molecular technologies such as the recombinant DNA technology and synthetic biology would guide in the optimization of microbial consortia and engineering the microbial systems for enhanced plastic biodegradation under various environmental conditions.

Can the European nuclear power industry compete with the Chinese nuclear power industry?

European commissioner for the Internal Market, Thierry Breton, told Le Journal du Dimanche in January 2022, “Existing nuclear plants alone will need 50 billion euros of investment from now until 2030. And new generation ones will need 500 billion”. This paper considers whether these values are realistic. Further, it asks whether these investments would yield an internationally competitive European nuclear power infrastructure given that the nuclear power industries in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development member countries have lost global nuclear market share to Russian and Chinese firms since 1995.The paper investigates whether the European nuclear industry even with massive investment can compete with the Chinese nuclear industries. It concludes that the European (in particular, the French) nuclear power industry will be unlikely to be cost competitive with the Chinese nuclear power industry unless financing and new plant orders are immediately forthcoming. To achieve carbon neutrality, the issue becomes whether European Union countries can afford indigenous nuclear technologies or will need to import nuclear power plants from Asia.

A review of electrical and piezoelectric properties of nanocellulose biocomposites

Abstract The increasing request for lightweight, environmentally sustainable materials with versatile functionality and strong mechanical properties is driving renewed interest in nanocellulose for electrical applications. Nanocellulose, a biologically derived polymeric nanomaterial, has seen significant growth in the global market due to advancements in nanotechnology and the increasing need for sustainable materials. This has accelerated research into the development of cellulose-based nanomaterials. However, nanocellulose on its own does not inherently possess the ability to function as a conductive material. To address this limitation, researchers have explored various modifications, such as combining nanocellulose with conductive materials or applying specific chemical treatments. These approaches have been shown to enhance the electrical conductivity of nanocellulose, making it suitable for use in electrically conductive composites. Over the past few decades, nanocellulose composites have been extensively studied for their applications in energy, electronics, biomedicine, health, and environmental sectors. Nanocellulose possesses a unique combination of exceptional properties, including biodegradability, renewability, and a distinctive fibrous structure, proving that it is the best choice for these uses. The superior electrical properties of nanocellulose-based composites, coupled with their flexibility, ease of production, and biocompatibility, make them highly desirable for various advanced technological applications. Significant advancements have been achieved by researchers in fabricating various types of nanocellulose materials and exploring their potential in nanogenerators, humidity sensors, gas sensors, and supercapacitors. The ability to modify the surface of nanocellulose and its robust properties offer numerous opportunities for creating hybrid materials within the electrical domain.

Challenging Institutional Path Dependence Through Field Configuring Events: Exploring the Collective Institutional Entrepreneurship of the Sustainable Stock Exchanges Initiative

ABSTRACTResearch Question/IssueHow can a global social movement, mobilized through a multi‐stakeholder initiative, promote the uptake of novel governance practices in distinct national institutional environments?Research Findings/InsightsUsing data from all 114 of the world's stock exchanges, covering over 99% of global stock market capitalization as of 2018, I find that exchanges in common‐law countries were more likely to become early partners of the Sustainable Stock Exchanges Initiative (SSEI) after its launch in 2012. However, exchanges based in civil‐law countries experienced a higher likelihood (i.e., risk) of adoption, as measured by the hazard ratio, particularly during a series of sustained field‐configuring events (FCEs) promoted by the SSEI. Over time, this increased hazard ratio indicated a rising likelihood of adoption for civil‐law‐based exchanges, eventually surpassing that of their common‐law counterparts.Theoretical/Academic ImplicationsWhile institutional environments' path dependency can facilitate or hinder the adoption of governance practices, collective institutional entrepreneurship (CIE) can moderate this path dependency and reveal new information regarding the structural fit between promoted governance practices and their institutional environments.Practitioner/Policy ImplicationsThe insights provided by this study can help practitioners understand why some practices face resistance in specific institutional environments, while others are more readily accepted. These insights also help practitioners communicate the elements of governance practices that implicitly align with the institutional environments in which they are seeking adoption.

From incipience to status quo: Development from theatre to streaming

This paper highlights the profound impact of streaming platforms on the profitability and distribution of mainstream films. Through digital innovations that have since transformed the entertainment industry, consumers have turned to video streaming services such as YouTube and Netflix, advancing accessible and affordable content instead of traditional theatrical releases. This transition, fueled by changes in consumer behaviour and accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has reshaped the film industry’s financial and cultural basis, with streaming platforms offering a viable and often preferable alternative to cinemas. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study analyses historical box office trends and industry professionals’ opinions to investigate the rise of streaming and the oscillating state of theatres. While box office revenues remain volatile, especially for mid-budget and independent films, streaming continues to grow: hitting a projected global market value over $184.3 billion by 2027. Insights from this research are crucial for future filmmakers, industry professionals, business leaders, and entrepreneurs to navigate the rapidly changing landscape of film distribution.

Micro-mechanisms of digitalization-driven financing for renewable energy: Growing capital pools and shifting flows

Recent facts from China suggest that the advancement of digitalization is altering the market expectations regarding renewable energy. Limited studies have offered evidence encompassing the stock effect of digitalization that enhanced corporate financing and the flow effect that initiated speculative behavior. However, a comprehensive discourse remains insufficient. This paper investigates the synergetic effects of digitalization's stock and flow on renewable energy financing, employing the business data of all listed companies in China from 2003 to 2023. The results demonstrate that: (1) Digitalization's stock has expanded the potential fund pool for renewable energy financing, yet it is challenging to influence the flow of funds; digitalization's flow has triggered a flood of funds into the renewable energy industry, but this relies on the new investors attracted by the stock. (2) The synergetic effect governs the systematic influence of digitalization on renewable energy financing and mitigates the measurement bias when considering only a single effect. (3) We further contemplate the indirect effects of renewable energy market expansion, technological progress, and global energy market fluctuations, alleviating concerns regarding the omitted variable bias. The results of the differential regression and generalized method of moments also indicate the robustness of the conclusion.

Reflecting sex, social class and race inequalities in reproduction? Study of the gender representations conveyed by 38 fertility centre websites in 8 European countries

BackgroundFertility centre websites are a key sources of information on medically assisted reproduction (MAR) for both infertile people and the general public. As part of a global fertility market, they are also a window to attract potential future patients. They give formal and practical information but in the way the information is displayed, they also convey social representations, and in particular, gender representation in its intersectional dimension. The objective is to analyse the sex, class and race representations regarding reproduction and parenthood that are embedded in the content of fertility centre websites in eight European countries.MethodsThe 5 most visible fertility centres that appeared in the first places on Internet search were selected for each country under study, except for one country which has only three fertility centres. In total, 38 fertility centre websites were considered for a thematic analysis using an iterative approach and a comprehensive perspective.ResultsEach centre details its services and techniques according to the legal provisions in force in its country. However, on all the websites studied, the fertility centres demonstrate a strong gendered representation. The logos generally depict women or parts of their bodies, as do the photos, which mainly show white women with light eyes. The description of the causes of infertility and the techniques offered by the centres also highlights gender differences. Sperm donation, where MAR is reserved for heterosexual couples, is included among the techniques for women with the comment that it will enable them to fulfil their dream of becoming mothers.ConclusionsMAR, and through it the project of having a child and procreative work, is presented as a matter for white, cisgender and heterosexual women, thus fueling stratified reproduction and limiting reproductive justice. The research team formulated guidelines for fertility centres to encourage them to adopt a more inclusive approach in terms of sex, social class and race, so that the diversity of infertile people feel involved and welcome in these centres, to avoid misperceptions about infertility in the general population and to reinforce autonomy and justice in reproductive matters.

Spatial Price Transmission and Dynamic Volatility Spillovers in the Global Grain Markets: A TVP-VAR-Connectedness Approach.

The global food market's escalating volatility has led to a complex network of uncertainty and risk transmission across different grain markets. This study utilizes the Time-Varying Parameter Vector Autoregression (TVP-VAR)-Connectedness approach to analyze the price transmission and volatility dynamics of key grains, including wheat, maize, rice, barley, peanut, soybean, and soybean meal, and their dynamic spillover directions, intensity, and network. By integrating the TVP-VAR-Connectedness model, this research captures the time-varying variability and interconnected nature of global grain price movements. The main findings reveal significant spillover effects, particularly in corn prices, with prices of soybean dominating other grains while prices of peanut and corn experience higher external spillover effects from other grains. The conclusions drawn underscore the imperative for policymakers to consider a holistic perspective of all types of grains when addressing global food security, with this study providing valuable insights for risk management in the grain sector at both global level and country level.

Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Approach for Optimal Energy Storage System Selection and Applications in Oman

This research aims to support the goals of Oman Vision 2040 by reducing the dependency on non-renewable energy resources and increasing the utilization of the national natural renewable energy resources. Selecting appropriate energy storage systems (ESSs) will play a key role in achieving this vision by enabling a greater integration of solar and other renewable energy. ESSs allow for solar power generated during daylight hours to be stored for use during peak demand periods. Additionally, the proposed framework provides guidance for large-scale ESS infrastructure planning and investments to support Oman’s renewable energy goals. As the global renewable energy market grows rapidly and Oman implements economic reforms, the ESS market is expected to flourish in Oman. In the near future, ESS is expected to contribute to lower electricity costs and enhance stability compared to traditional energy systems. While ESS technologies have been studied broadly, there is a lack of comprehensive analysis for optimal ESS selection tailored to Oman’s unique geographical, technical, and policy context. The main objective of this study is to provide a comprehensive evaluation of ESS options and identify the type(s) most suitable for integration with Oman’s national grid using a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methodology. This study addresses this gap by applying the Hesitate Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (HF-AHP) and Hesitate Fuzzy VIKOR methods to assess alternative ESS technologies based on technical, economic, environmental, and social criteria specifically for Oman’s context. The analysis reveals pumped hydro energy storage (PHES) and compressed air energy storage (CAES) as the most appropriate solutions. The tailored selection framework aims to guide policy and infrastructure planning to determine investments for large-scale ESSs and provide a model for comprehensive ESS assessment in energy transition planning for countries with similar challenges.

Organic Farming for Residue-Free Production

Organic farming has emerged as a sustainable agricultural practice aimed at producing food without synthetic chemicals, pesticides, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This approach promotes biodiversity, soil health, and environmental sustainability while ensuring residue-free food production. The key principles of organic farming include crop rotation, composting, natural pest management, and the use of organic inputs such as manure and biological controls. These practices not only enhance soil fertility and biodiversity but also contribute to mitigating climate change by sequestering carbon in soils. Residue-free production in organic farming is achieved through rigorous adherence to organic standards and certification processes. Organic certification ensures that farmers comply with strict regulations regarding inputs, practices, and traceability throughout the production chain. Consumers increasingly prefer organic products due to concerns about chemical residues in food and their potential impact on health. Organic farming promotes transparency and consumer trust by offering products that are free from synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. The global market for organic products continues to expand, driven by growing consumer awareness and demand for healthier and environmentally friendly food options. Organic farming presents opportunities for farmers to access premium markets, improve farm profitability, and contribute to sustainable agriculture. However, challenges such as certification costs, market access barriers, and competition with conventional agriculture remain significant. Future research and development in organic farming are crucial to addressing these challenges and enhancing the scalability and efficiency of residue-free production. Innovations in organic pest management, soil health management, and sustainable agriculture practices will further support the growth of organic farming worldwide. Overall, organic farming stands as a promising solution for residue-free food production, promoting human health, environmental stewardship, and sustainable development in agriculture.

Exploring the Potential of Vietnamese Traditional Medicinal Herbs: Trends, Challenges, and Global Market Opportunities

Traditional Vietnamese medicine (TVM) plays a significant role in healthcare, being deeply intertwined with cultural heritage and community practices. This research paper explores the potential of Vietnamese traditional medicinal herbs, focusing on consumer trends, challenges, and global market opportunities. This exploration highlights the intricate dynamics that influence the accessibility and sustainability of traditional remedies. Using a mixed-methods approach, a comprehensive literature review, and data analysis, this study examines the economic impact and market dynamics of traditional medicinal herbs from Vietnam, emphasizing their historical significance, contemporary relevance, and prospects. Key findings underscore the substantial growth potential and offer insights into how Vietnamese medicinal herbs can establish a more prominent presence in the global market

Examining trade strategies in Europe and Ukraine: Navigating challenges and building economic strength

Today, the global community operates within an integrated global economic system. Against the backdrop of globalised integration of the socio-economic sphere, international trade is positioned as a significant factor in the intensification of economic development. In this context, trade strategies can create new opportunities or risks for the national economy. This article aims to conduct a comparative analysis of the trade strategies of the European Union (EU) and Ukraine in the context of potential advantages and related challenges for economic resilience. The study finds that international trade helps to mitigate the limitations of national resource potential and the narrowness of the domestic market, intensifies the potential for innovative industrialisation, and accelerates economic growth. The specifics of forming the modern concept of international trade development in the context of the European community and Ukraine are identified. The main principles of modern trade strategies are considered, their strengths and weaknesses are analysed, and directions for improvement are highlighted. The impact of trade strategies on the level of economic resilience is examined. It is substantiated that a high level of competition in the global market requires the adaptability of producers’ trade strategies and the formation of appropriate structures to coordinate the functioning of the external economic relations infrastructure complex. The main success factors of a trading strategy when entering new markets are highlighted, including preliminary research of local legislation requirements and market dynamics, the development of adaptive marketing strategies, and effective management of customs processes. Active participation in the international trade environment has proven to open additional opportunities for realising economic potential. At the same time, it is necessary to specify the development strategy to ensure long-term competitive advantages.

Problems and prospects of methodological features of accounting and audit of import operations

In the context of globalization and integration of world markets, import operations occupy an important place in the activities of enterprises, forming a significant part of their economic processes. Effective management of these operations requires accurate and timely accounting and high-quality auditing, which becomes especially relevant in modern conditions. The study of methodological features of accounting and auditing of import operations is a relevant and timely area that helps improve the quality of financial reporting and management decisions. The purpose of the study is to analyze the problems and prospects of methodological features of accounting and audit of import operations, as well as to develop recommendations for their improvement. The study examined the main methodological approaches, existing problems and challenges, and proposed solutions aimed at increasing the efficiency and reliability of accounting and auditing in a global economy. The improvement of methodological approaches to the accounting and auditing of import operations will improve the accuracy and reliability of financial reporting, reduce the risks of non-compliance with regulatory requirements, as well as improve management decision-making and the overall financial stability of companies. The development and implementation of effective accounting and auditing methods that comply with international standards and best practices will minimize financial risks and increase the competitiveness of enterprises in the global market. A study of the problems and prospects of methodological features of accounting and auditing of import operations has revealed a number of key issues that require attention and solutions. The main challenges are the complexity and diversity of regulatory requirements, currency fluctuations, the diversity of imported goods and services, difficulties in assessing and recognizing imported goods, and the lack of qualified specialists.

The Effect of Fatty Acids Profile in Potato and Corn Chips on Consumer Preferences.

The global market for potato and corn chips is rapidly expanding due to the modern fast-paced lifestyle. However, the high fat content, especially saturated fats in these deep-fried snacks, poses significant health risks such as hypertension, coronary heart disease, and diabetes. In this study, fatty acid profiles of commercially available corn and potato chips are analyzed and their impacts on consumer preferences in Turkey is examined. The findings reveal notable differences in the nutritional content between potato and corn chips, with potato chips generally having higher fat and protein content. The survey results indicate that consumer preferences are significantly influenced by age, education level, and occupation. The factor analysis identified three main components affecting purchasing decisions: nutritional value and additives, hygiene and brand quality, and price and affordability. Considering these insights, manufacturers should be encouraged to reformulate their products to meet the increasing demand for healthier options, emphasize food safety standards, and balance product quality with affordability to appeal to a broader range of consumers.

Cannabinoids-Multifunctional Compounds, Applications and Challenges-Mini Review.

Cannabinoids represent a highly researched group of plant-derived ingredients. The substantial investment of funds from state and commercial sources has facilitated a significant increase in knowledge about these ingredients. Cannabinoids can be classified into three principal categories: plant-derived phytocannabinoids, synthetic cannabinoids and endogenous cannabinoids, along with the enzymes responsible for their synthesis and degradation. All of these compounds interact biologically with type 1 (CB1) and/or type 2 (CB2) cannabinoid receptors. A substantial body of evidence from in vitro and in vivo studies has demonstrated that cannabinoids and inhibitors of endocannabinoid degradation possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumour and antifibrotic properties with beneficial effects. This review, which spans the period from 1940 to 2024, offers an overview of the potential therapeutic applications of natural and synthetic cannabinoids. The development of these substances is essential for the global market of do-it-yourself drugs to fully exploit the promising therapeutic properties of cannabinoids.

Unravelling the EU’s promotional integration strategy in the MENA region: a dialectical analysis of the Agadir and GAFTA Agreements

Given the rhetoric of the EU on the necessity of economic integration for the MENA region, this article sheds light on the ‘puzzling’ fragmentation in its regional integration strategy through the cases of the GAFTA and Agadir Agreements. It problematises mainstream analyses and employs a dialectical approach based on the philosophy of internal relations, aiming to surpass existing critical literature that has only partially illuminated facets of the EU’s strategy. The article situates the EU strategy within the dynamics of neoliberal capitalism (and its interconnected tensions) and considers its spatial and temporal scales. It argues that the complex interplay of developments at the EU scale, global competition scale and MENA scale across three distinct time frames (1995–2003, 2004–11, 2012–21) has shaped the EU’s fragmented strategy. On the EU scale, while Brussels presents itself as a leading proponent of neoliberal ideology for global market openness, it strategically elevates the Agadir Agreement at the expense of the GAFTA to meet its economic needs. The global competitive dynamics, however, have constrained this preference, as the EU has been contested by the US in the Agadir Agreement area and China and, to a lesser extent, Russia in other GAFTA member states. Lastly, the agency of MENA states has been noticeable, since the EU encounters difficulties in influencing GAFTA’s regulatory framework and dealing with the diverse interests of state elites in the region. We conclude that the dialectical method of the article holds promise for analysing the regional integration strategies of other global powers.

ВПЛИВ FINTECH НА РОЗВИТОК СТРАТЕГІЙ РЕАЛІЗАЦІЇ ТА ПЕРСОНАЛІЗАЦІЇ ІТ-ПРОДУКТІВ

Modern FinTech solutions significantly change traditional approaches to the development, implementation and sale of IT products, allowing companies to create unique financial instruments, reduce transaction costs and increase competitiveness. But the questions remain unclear which FinTech tools have the greatest impact on IT product implementation strategies and whether the use of financial technologies really affects the personalization of IT products in terms of efficiency and scalability. The purpose of the study is a comprehensive study of the influence of financial technologies (FinTech) on the development of strategies for the implementation and personalization of IT products, with the identification of key FinTech tools that contribute to the improvement of the processes of development, implementation and adaptation of IT products in accordance with the specific needs of users and markets. The object of the research is payment services as an innovative segment of FinTech and their marketing in the modern market, namely aspects related to the development, implementation, promotion and use of payment services. Scientific publications and monographic editions, magazine articles and materials of scientific and practical conferences became the methodological basis of the research. During the research, content analysis of scientific periodicals was used; comparative critical analysis of existing approaches and methods of analysis of financial stability and tax burden; statistical methods of analysis. The main hypothesis of the research is that FinTech technologies allow IT companies to more accurately adapt their products to the individual needs of users, which contributes to increasing the level of customer satisfaction, increasing loyalty and competitiveness of companies in the market. Presentation of the main material. The study analyzed the main FinTech tools, their impact on the business processes of IT companies, as well as possible risks and barriers to their integration. The relationship between the use of FinTech solutions and the improvement of the effectiveness of personalization of products, which positively affects the competitiveness of companies on the global market, is determined. Based on the results of the research, practical recommendations were formulated for IT companies regarding the optimal use of financial technologies in the processes of product implementation and personalization. Originality and practical significance. Key FinTech tools and their impact on the effectiveness of implementation strategies are considered, as well as the main challenges and risks associated with the integration of financial technologies into the development and implementation of IT products are identified. Based on the results of the research, recommendations are proposed for the use of FinTech to increase the effectiveness of personalization and scaling of IT products on the global market. Conclusions and prospects for further research. The analysis showed that the use of FinTech solutions allows IT companies to bring products to market faster, reducing the time for processing payments and interaction with customers, which improves the efficiency of business processes and allows companies to focus on the development of innovative products. Thanks to access to users' financial data and the latest algorithms for processing this data, companies can develop products that more accurately meet the needs of individual users. This contributes to increasing customer satisfaction, as well as the formation of long-term brand loyalty.

Design of Connector Assembly Equipment for the Automotive Industry

The automotive industry is one of the most demanding sectors of all manufacturing industries due to its competitiveness. It is necessary to innovate through the implementation of automated and robotic equipment, leading to cycle time and labor cost reduction. This work aims to design semi-automatic equipment to assemble cabling connectors used in the automotive sector, replacing a manual process currently taking place in an automotive components company. In the proposed equipment, the operator places a connector in the equipment, and the components (pins and seals) are automatically inserted. A vision sensor with artificial intelligence then confirms the correct application. The equipment operation defined as Finite Element Method (FEM) was applied for structural verification; the materials and fabrication processes were detailed; the associated costs were calculated, and the equipment subsets were validated. The design was successfully accomplished, and the imposed requirements were fulfilled, with significant advantages over the current process, providing new knowledge on how semi-automatic systems can be deployed to enhance the productivity and quality of manufacturing processes. The design principles and insights gained from this work can be applied to other automation challenges, particularly where manual processes need to be replaced by more efficient semi-automatic or automatic systems. The modularity of the overall solution and the design concepts of the component inserter, component feeder, and assembly process allow for its use in different assembly scenarios beyond the automotive sector, such as electronics or aerospace, providing a contribution to increased competitiveness and survival in the global market.