Low Production Capacity Research Articles

Performance investigation on PVT collector with cerium oxide nano fluids

The constant temperature rise on the solar panel surface causes a deterioration of electrical power generation. This article is provided with the performance of photovoltaic thermal (PVT) collector through cerium oxide with water as a base fluid. A small percentage of incoming radiation is transformed into electricity and rest of them is wasted as hot energy, the panel surface temperature will confine the performance of PV module. The research's objectives were to develop and construct a photovoltaic/thermal collector and evaluate its thermal and electrical energy as an output. The experimental investigation of PVT collector with two different concentration of cerium oxide 0.5 and 1.0 LPM (litres per minute). As per the investigations on the PVT collector results were obtained as electrical performance of collector was attained about 18.56 %, 19.12 % for the flow rate of 0.5 and 1.0 LPM. Similarly, thermal performance was achieved 48.38 %, 54.03 % for the flow rate of 0.5 and 1.0 LPM. Thermal conductivity of cerium oxide nano fluid was much better than the air and water. It was observed that employing a nano fluid to the receiver might increase the efficiency around 5–10 %, compared to utilising water as a base fluid, water can only generate 3–7 %. As a cooling medium, air has a relatively low production capacity between 2 and 3 %.

Examining the relationship between channel disintermediation and chemical fertilizer application: Empirical evidence from smallholder farmers in central China

AbstractDigital advancements have reshaped the sales channels for industrial products like chemical fertilizers, allowing for the elimination of certain intermediaries. Utilizing survey data from 1374 rice‐growing smallholder farmers across counties in central China, this study explored the impact of disintermediation in chemical fertilizer sales channels on application rates among smallholder farmers. Benchmark regression analyses indicated that channel disintermediation significantly decreased chemical fertilizer application across various scenarios. Additionally, the alignment of contractual factors and technical services between chemical suppliers and farmers, facilitated by disintermediation, reduced chemical fertilizer application. Heterogeneity analysis revealed that the reduction in chemical fertilizer application due to channel disintermediation was more pronounced among farmers with higher digital literacy or lower production capacity. These findings highlighted the importance of encouraging chemical suppliers with direct‐to‐consumer channels to enhance their technical services and increase supervision over the quality of their products and services, thereby building trust among farmers and facilitating their adaptation to changes in the sales channel structure.

Debt is Not Always Bad Even in Difficult Economic Conditions

The problem faced by the company is the use of debt that is not according to plan. The purpose of this study is to determine whether debt policy affects company performance. This study was conducted on manufacturing sector companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange in 2018–2023 with a population of 296 companies, the sample used was 73 companies for six years. Thus, the number of samples used in this study was 438. The company performance variable is proxied by (ROE) while the independent variables in this study are debt policy proxied by (DER and DER*KE), investment decisions (KI), managerial ownership (MNJR), and economic conditions (KE). The data analysis method uses multiple linear regression methods with SPSS software version 26. The results of the study show that the debt policy variable (DER) has a negative and significant effect on company performance (ROE) and the debt policy variable*economic conditions (DER*KE) has a positive and significant effect on company performance (ROE). This means that when economic conditions are supportive, companies that use debt to finance operational activities or business expansion tend to experience increased performance. Funds obtained from debt can be used for investment, new product development, or market expansion. Proper use of debt can increase a company's return on equity (ROE), as long as the rate of return on the investment financed by debt is higher than the cost of debt. Timing the debt decision is crucial. In improving economic conditions, companies can take advantage of low interest rates and increase production capacity.

Depressurization-induced production of shale gas in organic-inorganic shale nanopores: A kinetic Monte Carlo simulation

Methane gas production from unconventional reservoirs, such as shale formations, is in high demand due to the global energy needs. However, maximizing production remains challenging due to the ultra-tight porosity, heterogeneity, and complex nature of shale rocks under high pressure. To address this issue, we employ a novel kinetic Monte Carlo (kMC) simulation to investigate the molecular-level behavior of shale gas in both homogeneous and heterogeneous organic-inorganic shale nanopores. This approach not only provides accurate computations of shale gas under high pressure but also aims to uncover the mechanisms of shale gas storage at reservoir pressure and production during pressure drawdown. Our findings indicate that organic shale ultramicropores (pore width < 0.7 nm) contribute significantly to the highest storage capacity of shale gas but pose challenges for production capacity solely through depressurization. In contrast, the free gas zone is the primary source of shale gas production from mesoporous shales, which has a high recovery efficiency but a low production capacity due to less pronounced interaction effects from the shale surface. The heterogeneous nature of shale surfaces leads to asymmetric distributions of density and potential energy across pore widths, with methane molecules favoring locations near organic pore walls due to stronger attractive interactions, while inorganic pore walls facilitate shale gas migration. Interestingly, the optimal ultramicropore size yields the highest recovery efficiency of shale gas via depressurization, characterized by a transition from near-commensurate to incommensurate molecular packing between reservoir and post-drawdown pressures. Based on these detailed molecular simulations, further research is necessary to develop innovative techniques for enhancing shale gas recovery, especially in micropores.

Sustainability and circularity assessment of the potential of a biofuel produced from black liquor as a substitute for conventional fuels

The European Bioeconomy Strategy aims to accelerate the deployment of a sustainable European bioeconomy to maximize its contribution to the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as well as to the Paris Agreement on climate change. In this context, transport is considered as a key sector, with aviation and shipping playing an important role due to the need to meet its huge demand. In order to reduce potential emissions from the transport sector, the use of biofuels could be considered as a solution. However, with the aim of using biofuels to replace conventional fuels, it is important to assess their cost-effectiveness and feasibility, and in this aspect the valorization of waste streams for their production could help to meet this challenge. This is the framework of this research report, which is based on the use of black liquor (BL) from pulp and paper production to produce biofuel through a hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) unit. Three technological designs and production capacities were considered: full extraction of the oil phase and its upgrading by catalytic hydrothermal deoxygenation (Scenario 1, S1), partial extraction of the oil phase (Scenario 2, S2) and full extraction but without upgrading (Scenario 3, S3). Low (100 t/d), medium (300 t/d) and high (600 t/d) production capacities were regarded.From the modelling data, a life cycle perspective was adopted, taking into account both the environmental analysis (LCA) and the life cycle costs (LCC), as well as the circular potential using different performance, resource-flow circularity and economic indicators. In addition, a composite indicator, CILCA-LCC-CA, has been proposed to obtain a single score taking into account the three assessments: environmental, cost and circularity. The results obtained show that S3, with a production of 300 t/d, has the lowest environmental impact and the highest profitability corresponds to a capacity of 600 t/d. In terms of circularity, S3 also shows the best performance, mainly due to its higher resource productivity and lower energy intensity. These results are in line with those obtained for the composite indicator, and also show that higher production capacities and a simple but efficient process technology, such as S3, is the alternative with the highest potential for both sustainability and circularity.

Development and validation of the Italian version of the pain attitudes and beliefs scale-musculoskeletal (PABS-MSK) among physiotherapists working with patients with musculoskeletal chronic pain

BackgroundDue to their high prevalence, long-term disability, work absenteeism, and low productivity capacity they often lead to, nociplastic and chronic pain are a major public health and social concern. Although high-level literature recommends the Biopsychosocial model, the traditional Biomedical approach is still very diffuse in clinical practise. It is recognized that the beliefs and attitudes of clinicians have an impact on those of patients. The Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was used to validate the Italian version of the PABS-MSK questionnaire. ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to translate the original PABS-MSK items into Italian and then assess the construct validity of the new Italian version of the PABS-MSK questionnaire, addressed to physiotherapists, to gain knowledge about physiotherapists’ attitudes and beliefs toward the management of chronic musculoskeletal pain and to correlate them with individual characteristics. MethodsAn EFA was performed to validate the modified-Italian-PABS-MSK questionnaire. Furthermore, multivariable regression models were implemented to assess any statistically significant differences in the total score of the two dimensions for sociodemographic and occupational characteristics. ResultsThe sample consisted of 563 subjects who are members of the order of physiotherapists.The Parallel Analysis suggested extracting two factors, and the EFA showed that the first scale (which we called Biopsychosocial) had higher factor loadings values, while two items (7 and 19) did not adequately represent the other scale (Biomedical).Moreover, the regression models showed that younger and freelance clinicians are more prone to adhere to the Biopsychosocial model. ConclusionsThe modified-Italian-PABS-MSK questionnaire appears to measure two factors related to the Biopsychosocial and Biomedical beliefs of physiotherapists in the management of chronic musculoskeletal pain. The results suggest that professional training based on the evidence and recommendations of international guidelines is necessary to improve the adherence of physiotherapists to the Biopsychosocial model. However, additional studies are needed to further validate the scales, and assess the test-retest reliability, responsiveness, and construct validity.

Determining optimal alternative strategies for solar panel machine productions at PT Len Industry (PERSERO)

Purpose: This study aimed to identify the root causes of low annual production capacity and propose optimal alternative strategies to enhance efficiency and output. Method: Employing a comprehensive approach, this research integrates five porter analyses, stakeholder analyses, and advanced decision-making frameworks, such as the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP).The study was structured across several phases, beginning with initial assessment and implementation planning. The subsequent phases include the procurement and installation of new equipment, integration and testing of advanced technologies, and full-scale operation and continuous improvement initiatives. Each phase addresses critical aspects such as technological modernization, regulatory compliance, market competitiveness, and customer satisfaction.

Breeding practice of indigenous village chickens, and traits and breed preferences of smallholder farmers.

Indigenous village chickens, or (IVCs), significantly contribute to rural livelihoods. Although natural selection has a disproportionate impact on the genetic structure of IVCs, farmers have developed locally tailored breeding practices to get the most out of their flocks. Small-scale farmers' insights on trait breed preferences and family flock breeding practices are presented in this cross-sectional study. A cross-sectional study was conducted in two agroecological zones using face-to-face individual interviews with 119 general informants. Farmers prefer IVCs because they are multipurpose birds. Unlike policymakers, who usually underestimate the importance of IVCs, small-scale farmers acknowledge the coexistence of local and commercial chickens. Only 15.7% of farmers recruited homegrown cocks, whereas 47.9% outsourced breeding cocks from local markets and 36.4% from neighbours (χ-squared=15.976, df=2, p=0.0003395). About 49.2% of small-scale farmers believed that consanguineous mating-induced inbreeding has only trivial effects. High flock turnover significantly reduces inbreeding. Regardless of the low production capacity, small-scale farmers prefer local (rank=1.47) chickens to commercial (rank=1.61). For cocks, fertility and growth traits were highly sought after, whereas for hens, maternal instincts and laying performance were prioritized. Compared to the highlands, the lowlands had a longer egg storage period (t=2.677, df=117, p=0.009, 95% CI: -3.7607, -0.5622). This study documented the wisdom of small-scale farmers and encouraged the incorporation of their insights into a sustainable genetic improvement program.

Effect of coffee husk biochar and inorganic NP fertilizer on soil properties, growth and yield of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) on acidic soil of southwest Ethiopia

Soil acidity and low soil fertility due to nutrient leaching coupled with low inorganic fertilizer usage is a major cause of low crop yields across Southwest Ethiopia. Recently, biochar potential to improve soil fertility has gained significant attention but there are limited studies on the use of biochar in combination with inorganic fertilizers. A field experiment was, therefore, conducted to investigate the effect of combined application of biochar and inorganic NP nutrient on soil physicochemical properties, growth and yield of potato in Andiracha district, Southwestern Ethiopia. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) and replicated three times. The treatment consisted of four levels of biochar rates (0, 2.5, 5 and 7.5 t ha−1) and four fertilizer rates of (0, 75,100 and 125% of recommended N P rates). Data were analyzed using SAS version 9.3 Software. Analysis of variance showed that combined application of biochar and inorganic NP fertilizer had highly significant (p < 0.01) effect on days to flowering, stem number, plant height, total leaf area, total dry biomass, marketable tuber number per hill and harvest index and significant (p < 0.05) effect on marketable tuber weight and total tuber weight ha−1. Combined application of 7.5 ton ha−1 biochar with 165 kg N and 60 kg P ha−1 resulted highest tuber yield (42.64 t ha−1), that increased yield by 28.99% compared with recommended NP fertilizer alone (165 kg N ha−1 and 60 kg P ha−1), and by 76.6% compared to the control. The increase was mainly attributed to the improvement in soil physico-chemical properties especially soil pH, CEC, organic matter, total N and available P which is a reflection of increase in soil fertility. Consequently, it was determined that the best course of action for potato production in the area was to apply 7.5 tons of biochar ha−1 together with 165 kg N and 60 kg P ha−1. Therefore, the study recommends adoption of low cost biochar production techniques and capacity building to ensure satisfactory knowledge of biochar use and its adoption by potato growers for soil fertility management and enhanced crop productivity.

Tradeoffs Between Maize Importation and Reliance on Local Production: A Case of Commercial Maize Millers in Kenya

The supply of maize in Kenya has often fallen short of the demand resulting to an influx of cheap maize imports from neighboring countries. Tradeoffs thus arise among commercial maize milling firms whether to import or use locally produced maize in their operations and which alternative maximizes their income. This study aimed to determine the effect of tradeoffs between maize importation and reliance on local production on the income of commercial maize milling firms in Kenya. Data was collected from 106 commercial maize milling firms that produced packaged maize flour. A census of the entire population was employed and a semi-structured questionnaire used to guide personal interviews and online surveys with the respondents. Data was analyzed using descriptive analysis, gross margins and two-stage least square regression. Results indicate that firms that used locally produced maize only were majorly micro to medium-scale, had relatively low-skilled employees, lower production capacity and employed relatively less sophisticated technology. Firms that used locally produced maize only in their operations realized higher incomes and lower cost of procuring maize monthly compared to firms that used both locally produced and imported maize. Additionally, the determinants of firm’s income were the miller’s decision on maize source, total number of employees, total cost of maize, mean monthly sales and mean production costs. Therefore, government policies should be geared towards lowering the cost of procuring maize from both local and import sources. These include reviewing import duties on food grain, streamlining cess collection across counties and improving road infrastructure.

Production Forecasting at Natural Gas Wells

In Romania, natural gas production is concentrated in two large producers, OMV Petrom and Romgaz. However, there are also smaller companies in the natural gas production area. In these companies, the deposits are mostly mature, or new deposits have low production capacity. Thus, the production forecast is very important for the continued existence of these companies. The model is based on the pressure variation in the gas reservoir, and the exponential model with production decline is currently used by gas and oil producers. Following the variation in the production of the gas wells, we found that in many cases, the Gaussian and Hubbert forecast models are more suitable for simulating the production pattern of gas wells. The models used to belong to the category of poorly conditioned models, with little data, usually called gray models. Papers published in this category are based on data collected over a period of time and provide a forecast of the model for the next period. The mathematical method can lead to a very good approximation of the known data, as well as short-term forecasting in the continuation of the time interval, for which we have these data. The neural network method requires more data for the network learning stage. Increasing the number of known variables is conducive to a successful model. Often, we do not have this data, or obtaining it is expensive and uneconomical for short periods of possible exploitation. The network model sometimes captures a fairly local pattern and changing conditions require the model to be remade. The model is not valid for a large category of gas wells. The Hubbert and Gauss models used in the article have a more comprehensive character, including a wide category of gas wells whose behavior as evolutionary stages is similar. The model is adapted according to practical observations by reducing the production growth period; the layout is asymmetric around the production peak; and the production range is reduced. Thus, an attempt is made to replace the exponential model with the Hubbert and Gauss models, which were found to be in good agreement with the production values. These models were completed using the Monte Carlo method and matrix of risk evaluation. A better appreciation of monthly production, which is an important aspect of supply contracts, and cumulative production, which is important for evaluating the utility of the investment, is ensured. In addition, we can determine the risk associated with the realization of production at a certain moment of exploitation, generating a complete picture of the forecast over the entire operating interval. A comparison with production results on a case study confirms the benefits of the forecasting procedure used.

Peningkatan Produksi dan Daya Saing Kopi di Desa Sumanding Kecamatan Kembang Kabupaten Jepara

One of the coffee farmers and processors in the Kembang Jepara district, Mr. Eko Siswanto, made a business called Vinzoei with coffee products branded The Boyo (Mitra), which has problems in the field of low production capacity. This is because partners process coffee using third-party services, which causes long queue times and high production costs. The product packaging design is still very traditional and unattractive. To overcome these problems, the methods used include outreach, mentoring, monitoring, and evaluation. The results of the increase in benefits from this regional partnership program are an increase in production capacity by 25%, an increase in coffee quality control knowledge by 100%, an increase in assets in the form of a grinder tool by 100%, an increase in product packaging design by 100%, an increase in knowledge about good business management by 100%.

PKW Budidaya Sayuran Hidroponik di Desa Pekalongan Kecamatan Batealit Kabupaten Jepara

One of the hydroponic vegetable cultivators in Jepara district, Mr. Ryan Arfian with his business named Bagus Hydrofarm (Mitra) has problems in the field of low production capacity. This is because partners only have 800 mature planting points. The production process of hydroponic vegetables is also still low because there is no quality control on the product. This problem arises because there is no partner's knowledge about the production process and quality control that is sufficient and good. there is no humidity and temperature measuring instrument. The results of the increased benefits from this regional partnership program are an increase in production capacity by 17.5%, an increase in knowledge of how to cultivate hydroponic vegetables by 100%, an increase in assets in the form of measuring instruments for PH and TDS by 100%, an increase in assets in the form of measuring devices for temperature and humidity by 100 %, increased knowledge about good business management by 100%.

Carbon and Methane as Indicators of Environmental Efficiency of a Silvopastoral System in Eastern Amazon, Brazil

Livestock systems have been identified as major emitters of greenhouse gases due to the use of extensive areas with degraded pastures. The objective of this study was to analyze carbon (CO2) and methane (CH4) fluxes in the atmosphere as indicators of environmental sustainability in silvopastoral systems. CO2 and CH4 fluxes from soil to the atmosphere were monitored in a degraded pasture (predominant species: Panicum maximum cv. Mombaça) grown in full sun and compared with areas with tree species (Bertholletia excelsa, Dipteryx odorata, and Khaya grandifoliola) and productive pasture (Panicum maximum cv. Mombaça) grown in full sun. The study area was in Mojuí dos Campos, western Pará state, Eastern Amazon, Brazil. The evaluations were conducted in a Technological Reference Unit with a silvopastoral system, where animals used the shade of trees during high-temperature periods. The fluxes were measured using an ultraportable greenhouse gas analyzer coupled with static polyvinyl chloride ring chambers installed at the soil–air interface. In conclusion, areas with integrated systems (B. excelsa + pasture and K. grandifoliola + pasture) were better mitigators of CO2 emissions; the highest emissions occurred in the degraded pasture area during the rainiest months. The CH4 fluxes were more intense in the areas with degraded pasture and K. grandifoliola + pasture. Converting degraded pasture areas into integrated crop–livestock–forest systems reduced greenhouse gas emissions in the Amazon over 10 years of implementation. The implementation of integrated crop–livestock–forest systems in long-deforested areas with degraded pastures and a low production capacity showed high potential for changes focused on developing sustainable agriculture in the Amazon.

Numerical simulation of multi-fracture uniform propagation in naturally fractured reservoirs based on the continuum–discontinuum method

Multi-cluster fracturing technology with horizontal wells is significant for the production enhancement of unconventional reservoirs. However, affected by the natural fracture distribution in the reservoir, stress shadowing between multi-fractures and perforation erosion has non-negligible influence on the multi-fracture uniform propagation, which results in uneven reservoir stimulation and lower production capacity. In this study, a multi-field coupled stress-seepage-fracture model for hydraulic fracturing of fractured reservoirs based on the continuum–discontinuum method was developed, adequately simulating the full scenario of stress disturbances, perforation erosion, and fracture interactions during the fracturing process. The effect of different geological and engineering parameters on the competing propagation of multi-fractures was investigated in detail, and the results show: Different geological and engineering parameters have significant influence on the competitive propagation of multi-fractures; among the geological parameters, the elastic modulus has the highest impact on the uniform fluid intake of multi-fractures, while the horizontal stress difference has the least impact on the uniform fluid intake of multi-fractures. Among the engineering parameters, the effect of natural fracture angle on the standard deviation of the fluid injection volume is gradually reduced with the increase in perforation number, flow rate, and fluid viscosity. For a low number of perforations and high fluid viscosity, both have great influence on promoting uniform fluid entry in multiple fractures. In addition, geological parameters have a significantly greater influence on the merging of multi-fractures than engineering parameters, and the probability of merging of multi-fractures increases significantly under low stress differentials and long natural fractures.

Effect of calcium nitrate on hydration properties and strength development of calcium sulfoaluminate cement

Global lithium salt price surges drive up costs for high-performance repair materials, creating demand for cost-effective alternatives. Calcium nitrate (CN), with its low production costs and capacity to enhance early cement strength, emerges as a preferred choice. Limited knowledge on combining calcium sulfoaluminate (CSA) cement and CN prompts further exploration for a potentially cost-effective solution in repair materials. This study investigated the impact of varied CN contents on fluidity, setting time, compressive strength, electrical resistivity, heat of hydration, hydration products, and pore structure of CSA cement. The results show that CN can enhanced fluidity, significantly reduced setting time, accelerated hydration process, shortened the hydration induction period, and promoted the nucleation and growth of ettringite. When CN content was 8%, the compressive strength of samples reached its peak at 40.8 MPa, 44.9 MPa, and 47.3 MPa at 3 d, 7 d, and 28 d, respectively. Exceeding 8% CN content will increase the cumulative heat release which reach the maximum of 314.5 J·g−1 at 72 h. The addition of CN will generate the NO3-AFm phase and improve the stability of ettringite, as well as refine the pore structure of the samples but increase their total porosity.

Affordable method for batch supercritical extraction using solid carbon dioxide–Extraction of cannabis threshing residues

The change in the existing regulations in different countries regarding cannabis crops management and trading has enabled the commercial exploitation of the plant parts and of their extracts, metabolites and derivatives. Industrially, key metabolites such as cannabinoids and terpenoids are commonly extracted from the flowers by using supercritical CO2. However, supercritical units require an extremely high capital investment even at low production capacities becoming a main drawback for exploratory and de-risking research stages. In this direction, this works aims to assess a low-cost CO2 supercritical extraction technique for exploratory experiments employing solid CO2 (known as dry ice) within a high-pressure vessel. By heating the solid CO2 within the vessel, supercritical conditions can be achieved enabling extraction and recovery of the extract by subsequent depressurization. P-V-T curves were experimentally obtained to determine the required dry ice loadings to achieve specific supercritical conditions. Evaluated ranges corresponded to temperatures in-between 291 and 365 K, specific molar volumes of 47–90 mL/mol and the corresponding pressures ranging between 54 and 300 bar. Subsequently, the developed technique was validated in the lab-scale for the supercritical extraction of cannabis sativa threshing residues at CO2 loadings of 0.63–0.73 g/mL, temperatures between 313 and 343 K and the corresponding pressures of 91–176 bar. The proposed technique enabled extraction yields of 3.9–6 % wt. with respect to dry biomass, with cannabinoids contents in extracts of 191.86 mg/g for CBD and 28.48 mg/g for THC. Results were comparable with those obtained in commercial supercritical equipment.

Numerical study on crack propagation of CO2 fracturing in tight sandstone reservoir considering fluid-solid-temperature coupling

Tight sandstone has a tight structure and low natural production capacity, usually requiring the use of fracturing technology to achieve industrial production. Supercritical CO2 fracturing has attracted much attention due to its clean and efficient properties. In this paper, using the principles of damage mechanics, the crack propagation law during supercritical CO2 fracturing was studied by using numerical methods. The influence of different factors on the fracture propagation patterns is analyzed. Results indicate that supercritical CO2 fracturing can form complex fracture distribution patterns. This mode is divided into three different stages: slow fracture propagation, rapid fracture propagation, and rigid fracture propagation. In addition, highly heterogeneous formations generate more secondary fractures but limit their expansion.

Improving the production and managerial performance of tempeh chip MSMEs

The Community Service Program of STTKD Lecturers is funded by the Directorate of Research and Community Service of the Ministry of Education and Culture due to the problems faced by Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) of tempeh chips brand "Tempe Krees", including; low production capacity, inability to meet market demand, poorly organized managerial processes, and unattractive product branding that hinder online market penetration. The solution provided by the Community Service Team in the technological field is to increase the productivity of tempeh chips by using appropriate technological equipment, such as a soybean skin separator machine, tempeh slicing machine, and oil separator machine. In the managerial field, management and marketing training is conducted to reach a wider market share and improve packaging design to increase product branding in order to penetrate the online market. The result of this program is that the managerial competence of the partners has improved, as can be seen from the results of the posttest which has a better value than the pretest results. With the application of appropriate technology equipment, the production of tempeh chips increased from 50-55 pieces @ 250 grams per day to 100-110 pieces @ 250 grams per day. Production costs have decreased from Rp11,025 to Rp9,932, so the profits of MSME partners have increased from before. The next step after this community service is to encourage partners to penetrate the modern market so that partner businesses can develop well and trigger economic growth in the community around the location of MSMEs.

Strategic Preferential Procurement Policy for Localisation and Inclusive Growth for Micro Small Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Gauteng Province

The study aims to develop interventions to address the low productive capacity and competitiveness levels of township Micro Small Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to enable meaningful participation in the mainstream economy. Most township firms continue to be informal and underdeveloped. Despite countless interventions by the development finance institutions, most township enterprises remain perpetual survivalists. The study is anchored upon the neoliberal theory, which emphasizes value for money and market efficiencies in procurement, as well as interventionist theories promoting the inclusion and participation of MSMEs in business, and advocating for the localization of products through various policy interventions. The researcher adopted a mixed-method approach to gather primary and secondary data. Secondary data was used for analysis and supported by the primary information or empirical evidence. The secondary data enriched the research content and complemented the primary data. Databases and reports on township suppliers from the Gauteng Provincial Treasury (Procurement Division) and Gauteng Department of Economic Development helped determine the extent of MSMEs' access to development and financial support opportunities. The study found that the high informality level of township businesses, low level of development, poor economic infrastructure, and lack of access to finance hinder MSMEs' participation in public procurement. Programs and products offered by government agencies do not adequately respond to public procurement challenges facing MSMEs, e.g. product testing and accreditation. The high barriers to entry due to complicated administrative processes and procedures continue to deter MSMEs from participating in the mainstream economy. The Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) were found to be a challenge due to a mismatch between the resource structure to drive economic development and the products offered. The study recommends that to increase the participation of MSMEs in public procurement, there needs to be a targeted growth continuum strategy that tracks interventions from the beginning to the end. Additionally, there needs to be a shift from a quantitative approach with minimal impact to a customised one with qualitative, tangible and tradable products and skills aimed at increasing participation of MSMEs. Furthermore, the political will is required to address the resource mismatch, repurpose resources, or develop specific products by the well-resourced Development Finance Institutions to suit the material conditions of township MSMEs with lesser stringent measures.