Productivity Index Research Articles

Increased Productivity of Regional Potential-based MSMEs through Partnership Development

The current existing condition in Labuhanbatu Regency, where the number and performance of SMEs are not yet competitive enough, especially in the digital market which currently holds significant influence in the buying and selling process of SME products. There is a need for further training related to digital transformation, considering that technology now plays a crucial role in SME development. This research aims to examine the average productivity index of SMEs in Labuhanbatu, the region's potential, and partnership strategies in Labuhanbatu Regency. The study employs average index analysis using a perception measurement scale of 1-7 on 81 SMEs in Labuhanbatu and 8 local government organizations, as well as a SWOT analysis. Based on the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats analysis, SMEs in Labuhanbatu have strengths such as optimized production, adequate local potential, support programs for SMEs, and fairly good SME skills. Weaknesses include limited production support equipment and inadequate marketing networks. Opportunities for SMEs include the growth of SME industries, supportive skills training programs, improved communication, ease of licensing processes, and non-burdensome taxes for businesses. Meanwhile, threats include unstable product prices, inadequate financial support from local government, and insufficient marketing awareness efforts by the local government.

City-level green growth accounting: Evidence from China's thirteen urban agglomerations

Cities play a pivotal role in achieving 'Carbon Peak' and 'Carbon Neutrality' objectives through the implementation of strategies aimed at mitigating environmental risks. While the environmental impacts of industrial production activities have been widely examined, the nuances of their internal structures remain obscure. This study delves into the industrial sector across the 'thirteen urban agglomerations (TUAs)' in mainland China, covering the years 2006–2016, by developing a comprehensive (source-specific and variable-specific) decomposition framework for Malmquist productivity index. The framework is utilized to discern whether efficiency changes or technological advancements drive productivity growth, considering input/output variables such as capital and labor. Findings show that the average annual environmental productivity gain during the examined period was 2.6 %, suggesting a general enhancement in productivity within TUAs' industrial sectors. A detailed breakdown of productivity changes indicates that a combined contribution of 1.8 % to environmental productivity growth stemmed from energy use and pollutant variables, with emissions of industrial sulfur dioxide being the most significant at 0.9 %. Conversely, the 'catch-up effect,' or environmental efficiency change, was negative (−0.2 %), indicating the TUAs' inability to emulate the productivity levels of more advanced areas. Industrial energy use and capital inputs were the primary contributors to this negative trend, each accounting for a −0.2 % impact. The results underscore the importance of facilitating technology transfers from more developed to less advanced regions, especially regarding renewable energy and capital investment, to bolster environmental performance and productivity in the TUAs' industrial sectors.

Productivity analysis in oil palm plantations using the objective matrix method: case study PT. Dharma Satya Nusantara Tbk.

PT. DSN Group Tbk, a company operating in palm oil plantations, wood products, and renewable energy, manages a 112,450-hectare palm oil plantation, including 84,566 hectares of core plantation and 27,884 hectares of plasma plantation. This research aims to identify and measure productivity criteria in the palm oil plantation and suggest improvements. The Objective Matrix (OMAX) method was used to evaluate productivity, revealing that the highest productivity index in 2021 was 136.67% in March, while the lowest was -36.67% in September. In 2022, the highest index was 101.67% in August, with the lowest at -35% in May. The Fishbone Diagram identified causes for productivity declines: in 2021, human-related issues were the primary factor, while in 2022, failure to meet production targets was the main concern. Proposed improvements include redesigning harvesting tools to reduce worker fatigue, remapping the plantation, conducting regular checks for fruit quality, maintaining farm equipment, and training workers to prevent over-fertilization.

Analysis of the Environmental Performances of EU Countries and Türkiye

The paper aims to evaluate the environmental performance efficiency of (European Union (EU) countries and to calculate Türkiye's position among these countries. The performance of EU countries and Türkiye for the period 2010-2022 is assessed using the variables of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG), Material Flows (MF) and Tree Cover Loss (TCL). For this purpose, Decoupling Analysis and Malmquist Total Factor Productivity Index (MTFPI) were applied. As a result of the analysis, there was no productivity change in Lithuania, Slovakia, Sweden and Türkiye. In the same period, there is an increase in productivity change for 12 countries and a decrease for 12 countries. In general, total factor productivity increased in 1 country and decreased in 27 countries during the study period. The country with the highest increase in technical productivity change, in other words technological development, was Hungary with 3.7 percent. According to the decoupling elasticities of these 28 countries, the decoupling elasticity indices of GHG and MF are positive for Türkiye and Greece. For Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, France, France, Germany, Portugal and Spain, the decoupling index of GHG and MF from GDP is negatively elastic for that period. For the decoupling index of TCL from GDP, Germany shows an elasticity greater than one in that period.

Infl uence of various methods of rearing on the productivity and quality of meat of broiler chickens

Housing poultry by using intensive rearing methods often leads to stress, metabolic disorders in its body, and reduced productivity and meat quality. Therefore, along with traditional technologies, free-range technology of housing of meat chickens has recently attracted increasing interest. The purpose of the work was to study the infl uence of various rearing methods on the productivity and meat quality of meat chickens, as well as to provide an experimental justifi cation for rational rearing periods and stocking density of chickens in free-range conditions. The productivity, meat qualities, and meat quality of chickens of the new domestic cross Smena 9 were studied under free-range conditions in comparison with cage and floor poultry rearing methods. The rational rearing period and stocking density of meat chickens using free-range areas, as well as the animal science and economic effi ciency of free-range rearing of meat chickens of the cross Smena 9 were determined. The highest average live weight of the cross Smena 9 chickens was achieved with the free-range technology of rearing at the age of 56 days and amounted to 3960.3 g, which was by 3.02 and 3.36 % higher compared to cage and fl oor keeping of the chickens. Feed costs per 1 kg of live weight gain in chickens reared to the age of 56 days were 9.21 % lower compared to chickens reared to the age of 63 days. When fattening chickens to 56 days, the highest yield of edible parts in the carcass was obtained 82.60 %, including muscles 64.95 % and higher taste qualities of poultry meat. When rearing chickens at a stocking density of 12 and 11 heads/m2, the live weight of the chickens was 5.52 (p ≤ 0.05) and 5.61 % (p ≤ 0.05) higher, compared to chickens reared at a stocking density of 15 heads/m2. According to animal science indicators and economic efficiency, the best chickens were reared at a stocking density of 12 heads/m2, and as a result, the highest productivity index was obtained 359.3 units.

Influence of heterogeneity indicators on productivity index prediction efficiency (on example of carbonate reservoir deposits in the Ural-Volga region)

Influence of heterogeneity indicators on productivity index prediction efficiency (on example of carbonate reservoir deposits in the Ural-Volga region)

INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTIVITY ESTIMATION AND MAPPING (A CASE STUDY OF IRAN’S ECONOMY)

Recent empirical evidence underscores the vital role of industrial development in fostering structural change and promoting a country's long-run development objectives. Devising sound industrial policy institutions emerges as a key policy option to promote the reallocation of human, physical and financial resources to high value added sectors of the economy (Mbate, 2016). The total factor productivity (TFP) and partial factor productivity (PFP) are the prominent indices for the analysis of industrial development in countries or regions. This study addresses industrial productivity by using these indices. Furthermore, after these indices were estimated, the studied provinces were classified as high-productivity, medium-productivity, low-productivity, and poor-productivity groups through hierarchical clustering. The dispersion rates of all the TFP and PFPs were then shown on a geographical map of Iran. Before the productivity indices are estimated, theoretical and empirical foundations are first reviewed in the following section.

Ecosystem health assessment of East Kolkata Wetlands, India: Implications for environmental sustainability

The East Kolkata Wetlands (EKW) in Kolkata, India, span 12,500 ha and are a vital ecological zone providing several benefits, including water purification, flood control, and biodiversity support. This study investigated land use and land cover (LULC) alterations in the EKW from 1991 to 2023, using a random forest (RF) machine learning model. Significant LULC changes were observed over the 32 years, with wetland areas decreasing from 91.2 km2 in 1991 to 33.4 km2 in 2023, reflecting substantial habitat loss and reduced ecosystem services. Conversely, agricultural land expanded from 27.8 km2 to 58.7 km2, driven by economic and food production needs, and built-up areas increased dramatically from 0.2 km2 to 10.5 km2, indicating rapid urbanization. This study evaluated the health, resilience, and ecosystem functionality of EKW by analysing human-induced land use changes and using ecological indicators and landscape metrics. Landscape and class level metrics such as PLAND, largest patch index (LPI), total edge (TE), edge density (ED), number of patches (NP), and patch density (PD) were used to analyse the spatiotemporal dynamics of the wetlands. This study revealed a significant increase in fragmentation, with the number of patches increasing from 2689 in 1991 to 4532 in 2023, despite a consistent decrease in core wetland areas. Ecosystem health indicators, such as the ecosystem structure index (ESI) and landscape deviation degree (LDD), were used to assess landscape metrics and fragmentation changes. The ESI and other metrics revealed significant temporal fluctuations, providing insights into landscape structure, connectivity, and heterogeneity. The ESI improved from 0.87 in 1991 to 1.03 in 2023, indicating enhanced connectivity and diversity. Conversely, the LDD increased from 20.6% to 56.85%, indicating a shift towards impervious surfaces. The vegetation productivity and ecosystem health index (EHI) decreased, indicating biodiversity loss and reduced carbon sequestration. The EHI also dropped from 0.67 to 0.55, signifying ongoing environmental stress. This study emphasizes the need for conservation efforts to maintain the ecological integrity of the EKW amidst urbanization and land use changes and recommends a balanced approach for sustainable urban development and enhanced wetland resilience.

Earned Value Analysis Terhadap Waktu dan Biaya Pada Proyek Pembangunan Gedung Pasar Padang Panjang

Along with the population and economic growth of West Sumatra, especially in Padang Panjang City, West Padang Panjang District, the need for public facilities is urgently needed, one of which is the Padang Panjang market. In a project, planning and controlling costs and time is part of overall project management, especially at the implementation stage of the case study reviewed by researchers, namely the Padang Panjang market building construction project. In this research regarding time and cost control, the earned value method is one method that can monitor project performance in terms of time and cost. Which aims to determine project performance in terms of time and costs each week and predict the time and costs to complete the remaining work. So that we can get corrective actions to be taken next to progress the project. In this research, to obtain a basic basis for writing, secondary data collection is used as supporting data for the analysis of the results themselves. The analysis and discussion carried out were calculating the BCWS value, BCWP value and ACWP value in order to obtain the time variance value (SV), cost variance value (CV), calculating the productivity index, calculating project performance and calculating the estimated analysis of total project costs and completion time. The results of the research carried out are, the overall BCWS value of the Padang Panjang market project is IDR 96,213,315,046.3, for the BCWP value at the end of the 22nd week of review IDR 12,688,575,967, the ACWP value at the end of the 22nd week of review is IDR. 12,389,476,444.2 . As for the analysis results obtained from several existing indicators, the SPI value was 1.384 > 1, while the CPI was 1.003 > 1, which means that the project was accelerated in terms of schedule but incurred actual costs that were smaller than the work that had been carried out. The ETC value is IDR 84,134,151,328.9 and the EAC value is IDR 96,523,627,773.1, while the ECD value is 373 days for the project completion time.

An Accurate Calculation Method on Blasingame Production Decline Model of Horizontal Well with Dumbbell-like Hydraulic Fracture in Tight Gas Reservoirs

Blasingame production decline is an effective method to obtain permeability and single-well controlled reserves. The accurate Blasingame production decline curve needs an accurate wellbore pressure approximate solution of the real-time domain. Therefore, the aim of this study is to present a simple and accurate wellbore pressure approximate solution and Blasingame production decline curves calculation method of a multi-stage fractured horizontal well (MFHW) with complex fractures. A semi-analytical model of MFHWs in circle-closed reservoirs is presented. The wellbore pressure and dimensionless pseudo-steady productivity index JDpss (1/bDpss) are verified with a numerical solution. The comparison result reaches a good match. Wellbore pressure and Blasingame production decline curves are used to analyze parameter sensitivity. Results show that when the crossflow from matrix to natural fracture appears after the pseudo-state flow regime, the value of the inter-porosity coefficient has an obvious influence on the pressure approximate solution of the pseudo-steady flow regime in naturally fractured gas reservoirs. The effects of relevant parameters on wellbore pressure and the Blasingame decline curve are also analyzed. The method of pseudo-steady productivity index JDpss can applied to all well and reservoir models.

Newcastle viral disease causation web correlations with laying hen productivity

Environmental conditions profoundly impact the health, welfare, and productivity of laying hens in commercial poultry farming. We investigated the association between microclimate variations, production indices, and histopathological responses to accidental Newcastle disease virus (NDV) infection within a controlled closed-house system. The study was conducted over seven months in a laying hen facility in Cairo, Egypt. Microclimate measurements included temperature, relative humidity (RH%), air velocity (AV), and the temperature humidity index (THI) that were obtained from specific locations on the front and back sides of the facility. Productivity indices, including the egg production percentage (EPP), egg weight (EW), average daily feed intake, and feed conversion ratio, were assessed monthly. During an NDV outbreak, humoral immune responses, gross pathology, and histopathological changes were evaluated. The results demonstrated significant (p < 0.05) variations in EPP and EW between the front and back sides except in April and May. AV had a significant (p = 0.006) positive effect (Beta = 0.346) on EW on the front side. On the back side, AV had a significant (p = 0.001) positive effect (Beta = 0.474) on EW, while it negatively influenced (p = 0.027) EPP (Beta = − 0.281). However, temperature, RH%, and THI had no impact and could not serve as predictors for EPP or EW on either farm side. The humoral immune response to NDV was consistent across microclimates, highlighting the resilience of hens. Histopathological examination revealed characteristic NDV-associated lesions, with no significant differences between the microclimates. This study underscores the significance of optimizing microclimate conditions to enhance laying performance by providing tailored environmental management strategies based on seasonal variations, ensuring consistent airflow, particularly near cooling pads and exhaust fans, and reinforcing the importance of biosecurity measures under field challenges with continuous monitoring and adjustment.

Towards organic farming in roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) cultivation- feasibility of changing its nutrition management from chemical to bio-organic

The high dependence on chemical fertilizers in the farming systems especially in the arid regions has become a serious challenge that threatens the stability and sustainability of crop production. Therefore, determining alternative nutrition systems based on the organic and biological sources is a critical issue of crops management. The objective of this study is to assess the response of the roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) to chemical, organic and biological nutrient systems. A two-year field experiment was conducted with a split-plot based on randomized complete blocks design with three replications. The main plots consisted of control (CL), vermicompost (VP), poultry manure (PM), and chemical fertilizer (NPK) (CF), while the sub-plots involved control (AM0), application of Glomus mosseae (AM1), and Rhizophagus intraradices arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM2). The results showed that PM and CF treatments led to the highest increase in fresh calyx yield (58.6%) compared to the control. While PM treatment showed the highest increase in dry calyx yield (23.9%) and seed yield (32.0%). AM inoculation resulted in a 27.3, 26.8, and 22.3% increase in mentioned traits, respectively compared to the control. PM treatment showed the highest values of dry calyx and seed water productivity (13.5 and 15.5 kg m−3, respectively). Also, AM2 treatment showed the highest values for these indices (13.5 and 14.5 kg m−3, respectively). The highest increase in calyx ascorbic acid (20.1%) was obtained from PM treatment, while the highest value of calyx anthocyanin content (0.307 and 0.292 µmol g−1) in the first and the second year was found in PM and CF treatment, respectively. VC treatment resulted in the highest increase in seed oil content (12.8%), while the highest increase in seed protein content (22.8%) belonged to the CF treatment. The average improvements in the calyx ascorbic acid, calyx anthocyanin content, seed oil content, and seed protein content due to AM inoculation were 11.2, 5.0, 9.2, and 7.8%, respectively. According to our findings, the use of mycorrhiza (especially Rhizophagus intraradices) in combination with poultry manure is recommended to achieve proper economic yields and improve water productivity and quality indices of the roselle in order to replace the chemical fertilizers in the cultivation of this plant in the study area.

POVERTY STATUS AND PRODUCTIVITY AMONG SMALLHOLDER RICE FARMERS IN IKOT EKPENE AGRICULTURAL ZONE, AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA

This study analyzed the Poverty status and productivity of smallholder rice farmers in Akwa Ibom State. The data were collected from 80 smallholder rice farmers in Ikot Ekpene Agricultural Zone of Akwa Ibom State. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, FGT poverty index, TFP index, and the ordinary least squares model. The findings indicated a high poverty incidence of 61.4% in the study area. The study further revealed that the total factor productivity estimates of the smallholder rice farmers peaked among the non-poor category with average TFP index of 3.3, but lesser in the poor category with an average TFP index of 2.3. Education (0.159), experience (0.023), farm size (2.779), quantity of seeds (0.263) and pests and diseases (0.818) significantly affected TFP of smallholder rice farmers in both categories. it is recommended that, financial and other credit facilities should be made accessible and affordable to the rice farmers in the study area to reduce poverty and increase productivity. Again, the productivity index was higher among the non-poor category than the poor and pooled category. As such various productivity parameters such as improved varieties, incentives and subsidies should be made available to the poor smallholder rice farmers so as to push them above the poverty line.

Bridging the gap: Integrating static and dynamic data for improved permeability modeling and super k zone detection in vuggy reservoirs

Permeability modeling in fractured and vuggy reservoirs presents significant challenges, especially in carbonate reservoirs like Brazil’s Barra Velha Formation. The interpretation of vug properties is often subject to misconceptions. It is common to mistakenly consider vugs as part of the matrix, attributing uniform porosity and permeability properties. Alternatively, they are sometimes regarded as fractures, attempting to replicate the influence on permeability enhancement. However, vugs exhibit distinct behavior compared to fractures. Their characteristics are contingent upon factors such as geometry, size, and their relationship with the matrix. Existing methods often overlook the substantial impact of vuggy porosity, leading to inadequate representation of permeability values obtained from core plug measurements or downhole static data, such as Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) logs. In contrast, dynamic data derived from drill-stem tests (DSTs) and inferred from the Productivity Index (J) provide a more holistic view of the reservoir’s permeability, yet typically yielding a single permeability value for each interpreted interval. This research introduces a novel methodology that addresses these challenges by integrating static and dynamic data, with a primary focus on vuggy porosity using a permeability indicator from a dynamic source. A key innovation lies in the development of a method for estimating total permeability in vuggy intervals, accounting for the effects of vugs and calibrating permeability with dynamic data such as J, DST and Production Logging Tests (PLT). We substantiated the impact of vugs on the augmentation of permeability and production through the application of a localized reservoir simulation model around a key well. Two sensitivity analyses were conducted, one employing a grid representing matrix permeability and another incorporating total permeability with adjustments accounting for the influence of vugs. Additionally, we present two approaches for estimating vuggy porosity: one based on acoustic WellBore Image (WBI) and the second through image segmentation, which can be applied universally across different wellbore image formats. Furthermore, this study explores the concept of superkzones, representing intervals with exceptionally high permeability. The partitioning coefficient (CP), quantifying the relationship between vuggy porosity and total porosity, is employed to generate a probability curve for the occurrence of superkzones in intervals lacking production data. This curve accounts for critical factors such as pressure drop and fluid viscosity, providing a more comprehensive understanding of reservoir behavior. Through a comprehensive case study, our research aims to shed light on the intricate permeability characteristics of the Barra Velha Formation, while identifying the presence of superkzones. The proposed methodologies offer a bridge between static and dynamic data, resulting in a continuous permeability curve that aligns more closely with production data. Ultimately, this work contributes valuable insights for reservoir management and the production strategies optimization in complex carbonate reservoirs within the Santos Basin.

Countries’ green brands within the context of sustainable development goals

This study aims to fill the gap in estimating the Green Country Brand Strength Index and its convergence among EU countries and Ukraine (as a potential EU candidate) from 2006 to 2020. Drawing upon data from the World Data Bank, Eurostat, and The Food and Agriculture Organization, the study employs various analytical tools including principal component analysis, the global Malmquist‒Luenberger productivity index, the entropy method, and σ- and β-convergence theories. The findings suggest a notable increase in the green brand values of the analyzed countries from 2006 to 2020, with a significant expansion of the measurement scale. Notably, France, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, and Sweden emerged as leaders in the Green Country Brand Strength Index by 2020. Furthermore, the study uncovers convergent policies among EU countries aimed at fostering green brands aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, as evidenced by a decline in σ- and β-convergences. This research provides valuable insights into the dynamics of green branding and policy convergence within the EU and prospective candidate countries. It introduces a distinctive approach to assessing and analyzing green brand strength, emphasizing its critical importance to the formulation of sustainable development policies and strategies.

Measuring dynamic supply chain risks for the offshoring decision in the post‐COVID‐19 era: A longitudinal study

AbstractIn times of prolonged economic doldrums across the globe, multinational firms (MNFs) offshoring blunders can undermine their competitiveness in the marketplace. To help the MNF formulate a more resilient offshoring strategy and identify the most desirable offshoring destination, this article aims to identify dynamic risk factors that significantly hinder the efficiency of offshoring and then measure specific offshoring risks over time using two different versions of data envelopment analysis (DEA) models and Malmquist productivity index (MPI). After assessing the degree of risk resiliency of the offshoring host countries over extended periods and then conducting Tobit regression analysis to identify key factors that significantly influence offshoring risks, we found that the host country's logistics efficiency (i.e., logistics performance index [LPI]) and domestic market size were critical indicators of offshoring success in that country. Since low‐cost sourcing countries (LCCs) tend to have relatively low LPIs and smaller domestic market sizes, they are not attractive offshoring destinations. This finding defies conventional wisdom. This article is one of the first longitudinal studies to assess the comprehensive risk resilience of 87 different offshoring destinations (countries) during multiple periods (6‐year span).

Empirical evidence of the relationship between regulatory efficiency, market openness, and bank productivity in economies at different income levels: Evidence from selected Asian and MENA countries

Research background: Economic freedom plays a pivotal role in ensuring the progressive productivity of banks. It fosters a favorable economic climate and acts as a catalyst for the generation of innovative ideas. In addition, economic freedom allows new domestic and foreign entrants in the banking sector which leads to increased competition as well as wider range of product offerings and thus potentially affect bank efficiency. Purpose of the article: This study aims to identify the effects of regulatory efficiency and market openness in terms of economic freedom on the bank’s productivity at three income levels: lower-middle, upper-middle, and high-income economies. Methods: A sample of 15 countries are included in the study from differing income levels. The study uses the data envelopment analysis (DEA) based Malmquist productivity index (MPI) approach to measure banks’ productivity. This non-parametric approach measures the relative efficiency of banks by considering the production change while taking into account technical efficiency change and technological change in order to capture a comprehensive view over time. Then, regression analysis was performed utilizing the ordinary least squares (OLS) approach, fixed effect (FE), and random effect (RE) panel multiple regression estimation methods are utilized to measure economic freedoms and other determinants’ effect on banks’ productivity change over time. Findings &amp; value added: The results show that banks in high-income economies are more productive and have higher growth rates than those in upper- and lower-income economies. Furthermore, starting, obtaining permits, and closing businesses under business freedom have a detrimental effect on banks’ output, whereas the effects of labor freedom on employing, managing, and supervising staff members have a substantial favorable impact on banks’ productivity. Moreover, financial freedom and investment freedom under the market openness dimension negatively influence banks’ productivity. Government intervention is required to introduce regulations that allow foreign countries to provide labor at lower wages, introduce tax allowances, and control inflation rates. Thus, the empirical results of this study will benefit regulators and policymakers in developing a system and plan to increase banks’ productivity based on indicators of business, labor, financial, and investment freedom.

The performance of Croatian hotel companies – DEA window and Malmquist productivity index approach

The hospitality industry operates in a dynamic and competitive environment whereefficiency and productivity are crucial for sustainable success. The main goal ofthis paper is to assess the dynamic changes in the efficiency and productivity oflarge and very large Croatian hotel companies and to investigate whether theirlocation influences these factors. It also aims to determine how resilient thecompanies are to macroeconomic shocks and to identify the causes of inefficiencyand productivity changes separately for each location. The analysis is conductedfor 70 large and very large hotel companies in total and separately for those incoastal and the continental Croatia from 2017 to 2022 using the Window DataEnvelopment Analysis and the Malmquist Productivity Index. The results show aslight decrease in relative efficiency in 2020 due to the impact of the COVID-19pandemic. The main cause of inefficiency for coastal hotel companies throughoutthe period is management performance and other exogenous factors. Conversely,the main cause of inefficiency for continental hotel companies shifted from non-optimal production size to management and other exogenous factors after 2020.Productivity declined between 2019 and 2020 due to the decline in technologicalchange for companies in both locations. Prior to 2020, coastal and continentalhotel companies followed a similar trend. While coastal hotels recovered faster in2021, continental hotels recovered more steadily and achieved higher productivityin 2022. This research provides valuable insights for hotel managers andacademics seeking to navigate the ever-changing field of hotel management.

The role of predation, forestry and productivity in moose harvest at different spatial levels of management units

Management of ungulate populations to the desired density and/or demographic composition are challenged by contrasting aims of different stakeholders. For example, hunters may want to maximize hunting opportunities whereas commercial forest owners may want to minimize moose densities to mitigate browsing damage. In addition, the return of large predators such as wolves Canis lupus affects the possible harvest yield of ungulates and influences the population composition through their selection of specific age classes. The aim of this study was to gain a better understanding of factors related to the variation in moose Alces alces harvest. We used moose harvest statistics from the period 2012–2020, wolf annual monitoring data, annual brown bear Ursus arctos density, proportion of young forest per management unit, and proportion of agricultural land per management unit (index for productivity and roe deer Capreolus capreolus density) to explain variation in moose harvest across different management units at two spatial levels in two bordering countries, Sweden and Norway. The results showed variable responses in total harvest to changes in wolf territory density both at the regional and local management level. The proportion of young forest was correlated with both increased total harvest and proportion of calves. Increased proportion of agricultural land was linked to both increased total harvest and proportion of calves, likely due to that increased roe deer densities re‐directed wolf predation from moose to roe deer, and an inverse relationship with brown bear density. Differences between countries may be due to differences in the management regime of moose, both in an historical and present perspective. Improved monitoring for individual hunting areas over time will be important for both the understanding of how different ungulate populations are affected by various factors and for the desired management of wildlife populations shared across borders.

A novel semi-analytical pseudo-steady state finite-conductivity model for optimum horizontal-well completion design

This paper introduces a new technique to determine the optimum horizontal-well completion design in terms of the optimum horizontal-well length, the minimum wellbore/reservoir pressure drop, and the maximum wellbore/reservoir productivity index (PI) at pseudo-steady state (PSS). Frictional-wellbore pressure losses (FWPL) are accounted for based on a new general semi-analytical PSS finite-conductivity model (FCM) for a horizontal well under a rectangular bounded reservoir producing at a constant rate. The PSS FCM is coupling a PSS infinite-conductivity model (ICM) with a frictional-wellbore model (FWM) by using their correct-discretization resolution of the wellbore (CDRW), which has never been achieved before. The new FWM is developed in a general form to be coupled easily with any general ICM and can be applied at any time of the well production life. Two field examples are presented to show the effect of different reservoir, well, and fluid properties on horizontal-well performance.The new technique is based on the optimization of dimensionless well length (LD) between the two systems (i.e., ICM and FWM) of the FCM because LD is directly proportional to the PI of the first system and inversely proportional to the PI of the second system. Therefore, there is always a minimum point on the wellbore/reservoir pressure drop curve corresponds to a maximum point on the wellbore/reservoir PI curve.Results show that: 1. LD has the key role in the wellbore/reservoir coupling model.2. FWPL is crucial if both well production rate (qw) and horizontal permeability (kh) are high, where a notable drop in FCM PSS PI occurs, recommending shortening to the horizontal-well length.3. FWPL is insignificant if qw is low and oil viscosity (μo) is high, where no decrease in FCM PSS PI occurs, recommending lengthening to the horizontal-well length.4. Wellbore segment length (ΔL) of the FWM must be small, ΔL = 0.25 ft in this study. If it is not enough small, a critical overestimation may be occurred in the optimum horizontal-well length and the maximum PSS PI of the horizontal-well completion design.