Competitive Manufacturing Research Articles

Towards a Time Data Library to Enable Process Optimization in Engineer-to-Order Industries: The Case of Control and Switchgear Manufacturing

This study addresses the crucial role of Time Data Management (TDM) in switchgear and control cabinet manufacturing, sectors integral to industrial automation and characterized by custom-made or small-batch production. The research highlights the challenges in accurately forecasting production times in these domains, where products often have unique, non-repetitive characteristics. This study systematically categorizes production to ensure precise TD collection and analysis. A possible approach to logically divide control cabinet production into distinct manufacturing areas and workflow structures is presented, facilitating a multiple case study method and a comparative TD analysis across different companies. The contribution of this study is threefold: providing detailed workflow structures for an under-researched industry, offering empirical data for academic and practical assessment, and enabling efficient TDM in ETO industries, traditionally hampered by process measurement difficulties and reliance on expert time estimates. This research promises significant advancements in TDM, ensuring more accurate production planning, and cost calculation, and enhancing market competitiveness in switchgear and control cabinet manufacturing.

МАРКЕТИНГОВИЙ МЕНЕДЖМЕНТ В СИСТЕМІ УПРАВЛІННЯ СКЛАДОВИМИ АГРАРНОЇ ЕКОНОМІКИ

The article examines the place and role of marketing management in the management system of components of the agrarian economy. Agrarian economy is an important branch, since agriculture determines the economic activity of a large part of the population of many countries and plays an important role in providing food and raw materials to other sectors of the economy. Marketing management in the agricultural economy management system is important. Its approaches, methods and tools help meet consumer needs, bridge the gap between producers and consumers, optimize the use of resources and ensure the competitiveness of agriculture. This increases the financial well-being of farmers, contributes to the overall development of the agrarian economy. Its components are the market of producers of agricultural products and their buyers. On the basis of the conducted analysis, the expediency of using digital marketing tools to increase the competitiveness of domestic manufacturers both within the country and abroad has been proven. The article proposes the stages of forming a marketing strategy to increase the competitiveness of agricultural producers. At each stage, there is a solution to a specific problem and the achievement of a specific goal, which agricultural enterprises set before themselves. It has been proven that for the effective implementation of all stages, it is necessary to use digital marketing technologies and tools. Marketing management is important in the management system of the agribusiness economy. Its approaches, methods and means make it possible to satisfy the needs of consumers, overcome the gap between producers and consumers, optimize the use of resources and ensure the economic viability of agriculture. This will increase the financial well-being of business entities, contribute to the development of the agrarian economy. Effective marketing management is critical to the success of the agricultural sector as a whole. It allows you to plan, organize and control the process of agricultural enterprises entering the market and their further participation in competition.

Towards continuous flow manufacturing of active pharmaceutical ingredients in Africa: a perspective

Building start-of-the-art, sustainable and competitive local API manufacturing in Africa using continuous flow technology.

Role of Organizational Learning on Industry 4.0 Awareness and Adoption for Business Performance Improvement

In this article, we examine the role of organizational learning on Industry 4.0 (I4.0) deployments for enhancing business performance within the manufacturing industries of developing countries. Based on a survey of 246 manufacturers from 12 developing countries recognized by Deloitte's global manufacturing competitiveness index report, a theoretically derived model was verified using structural equation modeling. This study's results show that I4.0 adoption mediates the impact of I4.0 awareness on organizational learning, and I4.0 adoption and organizational learning serially mediate I4.0 awareness and business performance toward creating smart factories. This study contributes: first, by conceptualization and operationalization of the constructs to clarify the role of organizational learning in I4.0 deployments; second, through an organizational learning hierarchy, it presents I4.0 awareness or familiarity as first-order learning, the experience of adopting I4.0 as the second-order learning, and learning that emerges from cycles of awareness and adoption together (cumulatively) as third-order or meta-learning. This study extends the microfoundations of learning capability in the I4.0 context and opens new agendas for future research and practice. It guides managers to consciously develop higher order learning in I4.0 deployments to safeguard I4.0 investments and enable competitive advantage in digitization.

The Significance and Influence of Human Resource Management (HRM) on Enterprise Performance in the Manufacturing Sector: An In-Depth Analysis of Enterprise Performance Management (EPM) Impacts

Purpose: Manufacturing industry in India is one of the largest sectors and its continuously attaining growth and development. As focused by the NMCC (National Manufacturing Competitiveness Council, it is put to contribute 25% to the GDP by the year 2025 compared to the recent share of almost 16%. Particularly, the industry contributed 66% to the exports of the nation in FY11 and has been reinforcing at a CAGR of 20% in the past five years. Manufacturing holds a major position in the economy of the country, India, reporting for almost 16% of actual GDP in FY12 and employing nearly 12% of the labour force of India. The growth and development in the industry has been matching a very strong rate in the whole growth and development of the GDP in the past few years (India Brand Equity Foundation, n.d).At present, India is the biggest producer of chemical products, basic metals, textiles, pharmaceuticals, electrical machinery and general machinery and equipment. Design: This research adopted the conceptual research by using a descriptive research design. Secondary data has been collected and analyzed to find out the factors affecting the manufacturing. industry. This will help them to cope with the work environment and to effectively handle different situations. Findings: The findings from studies on Leveraging a comprehensive exploration, the study delves into the profound impact of Human Resource Management (HRM) on Enterprise Performance in the Manufacturing Sector. Findings illuminate HRM's pivotal role in shaping Enterprise Performance Management (EPM), demonstrating a direct correlation between strategic HR practices and heightened organizational effectiveness. The research underscores the nuanced ways in which HRM practices contribute to enhanced productivity, workforce engagement, and overall operational efficiency within manufacturing enterprises. As organizations align HR strategies with EPM goals, the symbiotic relationship emerges as a critical catalyst for sustained growth and success in the dynamic manufacturing landscape. Originality/value: This study includes a detailed analysis of the Significance and Influence of Human Resource Management (HRM) on Enterprise Performance in the Manufacturing Sector: An In-Depth Analysis of Enterprise Performance Management (EPM) Impacts. Paper type: Conceptual Research.

What makes Vietnam a more attractive FDI destination than India

The study examines the crucial drivers that make Vietnam a preferred FDI destination over India following the ‘China plus one’ strategic initiative by the global MNCs to diversify their supply chains and expand operations beyond China. Findings reveal that Vietnam offers numerous benefits, including closeness to China, competitive manufacturing costs, a favorable investment climate, and excellent manufacturing capabilities. However, challenges like infrastructural development and talent shortages must be addressed. In addition, labor, trade, and financial freedom are the prospective areas where India need to expedite its reforms to provide conducive business environment.

Magnetic Laser Radiation Use for the Technological Characteristics Optimization of Raw Milk

The high-quality raw materials availability in Russia today is the main determining factor in the dairy market development. High bacterial contamination leads to a deterioration in taste, a decrease in the nutritional value of raw milk and products made from it, and also contributes to a significant reduction in its shelf life. The research aims at the magnetic laser exposure use to raw milk to optimize its technological characteristics. Depending on the power, radiation frequency and exposure time, a man run the experiment with raw milk selected from one batch of cows in the Federal State Unitary Enterprise “Streletskoe” of the Russian Agricultural Academy of the Oryol district of the Oryol region, in comparison with raw milk pasteurized at a temperature of (76 ± 2) °C for 20 sec. The researchers used the device “Mustang 1” (model 017) with and without a magnetic laser nozzle MLO-1 as a magnetic laser emitter. They studied the laser exposure impact on the organoleptic, physico-chemical and microbiological parameters of raw milk in order to create conditions for the high-quality, competitive fermented milk products manufacture. The magnetic laser radiation reduces the titratable acidity of raw milk by 1–2 °T, enabling an increase in the milk grade from the second to the first one and an extension of the bactericidal phase in compliance with organoleptic parameters. The authors adjusted the optimal mode of processing raw milk using magnetic laser radiation: power – 80 W, radiation frequency – 3000 Hz, exposure – 256 sec.

MONITORING THE ORGANIZATION'S RECEIVABLES WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF CONTROLLING

Increasing the competitiveness of manufacturers of industrial products based on controlling is an important strategic task for many companies. Controlling is a management system that allows you to collect, analyze and use information about financial, operational and other performance indicators of an enterprise. One of the main reasons for introducing controlling is the need to make smart decisions based on reliable and up-to-date information. Controlling allows you to get a complete picture of the current state of the enterprise, identify potential problems and opportunities, and also predict future development. The use of controlling leads to optimization of production processes and increased efficiency in the use of resources. By analyzing production data, companies can identify bottlenecks in the production chain and take action to eliminate them.
 This allows you to increase productivity and product quality, as well as reduce costs. The article shows that the introduction of controlling is an important step to increase the competitiveness of manufacturers of industrial products. An algorithm for decision-making within the framework of controlling accounts receivable is presented, with signal points being formed. This allows companies to make informed decisions based on reliable information and optimize production and management processes.

Does digital transformation enhance the core competitiveness?-Quasi-natural experimental evidence from Chinese traditional manufacturing.

In the era of the digital economy, building an internationally competitive manufacturing industry with intelligent manufacturing as its main focus is the only way to promote the transformation of a country into a manufacturing power and achieve high-quality economic development. To explore whether Digital transformation can improve the core competitiveness of traditional manufacturing enterprises, and what factors affect this process, this study establishes the core competitiveness system of enterprises through the principal component analysis(PCA) method and discusses the above issues through the construction of a double difference model. The results of this research from China's traditional manufacturing industry are as follows. (i) The digital transformation of enterprises has significantly improved their core competitiveness and has a certain time lag effect. (ii) In the process of enterprise digital transformation, enterprise management capabilities, environmental uncertainty, and enterprise operational efficiency will positively enhance the results of enterprise digital transformation. (iii) The enhancement of core competitiveness caused by digital transformation is more significant for the market leaders and laggards. (iv) Compared with non-state-owned enterprises, the Digital Transformationn of state-owned enterprises has a more obvious effect on promoting their core competitiveness. (v) In comparison with enterprises with low government subsidies, the Digital Transformation of enterprises with high government subsidies plays a more significant role in promoting their core competitiveness. In addition, this study proposes policy guidance and practical guidance for digital transformation to accelerate the promotion of core competitiveness of traditional manufacturing industry.

FORMATION OF PROTECTIVE COATINGS FOR PARTS OF GROUND LAUNCH COMPLEXES WITH ULTRA-DEEP MODIFICATION WITH MICROPARTICLES

Abstract.The rapid development of the latest technologies necessitates the widespread use of metal materials with unique properties. The main factors that determine the competitiveness of manufacturers of structural materials are a number of indicators, such as the creation of new effective technologies for the production of materials with a new set of physico-chemical and mechanical properties, the reduction of energy costs for the production of new materials and protective coatings for parts of the ground launch complex. The research is aimed at studying the impact of microparticles on metal targets using mass spectrometry and metallography. Experiments revealed the formation of new elements, in particular manganese, in metal structures as a result of bombardment with microparticles. Experimental data confirmed the possibility of reactions occurring in metal targets during bombardment with microparticles. Mass spectrometric analysis revealed the synthesis of new elements that are of interest for obtaining protective coatings on parts of rocket technology for ground-based launch complexes. The study shows deep structural changes in metals under the influence of microparticles, accompanied by the destabilization of atoms and the formation of new compounds. The formation of new elements, in particular manganese, on the surface of metals after exposure to microparticles was revealed. It is shown that the processes of penetration are provided by the formation of plasma in the contact of a microparticle with a target, which occurs due to quantum mechanical effects that cause the breaking of interatomic bonds. These results open prospects for improving the operational properties of ground launch complexes. Potential applications are proposed, including the use of the effect of plasma formation in the processes of obtaining protective coatings on parts of launch complexes and the development of the theory of ultra-deep penetration of microparticles into solid partitions. The obtained results not only supplement experimental data, but also lay the foundation for new research in the field of rocket engineering and materials science. This study makes a significant contribution to science, providing a deep understanding of the physical processes involved in the collision of microparticles with metal structures. The obtained results open new horizons for rocket engineering and stimulate further research in the field of creating materials with unique properties and application in technological processes.

Pricing and outsourcing strategies in different online sales models within a co‐opetitive supply chain

AbstractWe examine a dual‐tier supply chain where the brand entrusts its production to competitive and non‐competitive manufacturers. We explore three online sales models used by the brand and manufacturers: traditional, pre‐sale, and hybrid. Manufacturers serve the brand while competing with their own products. Considering consumer valuations across models, we create Stackelberg and Nash models. We analyze consumer valuation impact and the interplay of sales models and structural configurations on operational efficiency. We find that with competitive manufacturers' lower pricing, retailers tend to outsource to them. Retailers can choose sales models based on consumer evaluations, and higher dominance enhances profitability.

Analyze the Underlying Problems of Tesla Electric Cars and Other Similar Electric Cars

Tesla, as a globally competitive E-auto manufacturer and enterprise, has established its businesses all over the globe. This study would be disclosing problems and issues now faced by Teslas products, and products of the entire market of electric cars: slow charging speed, emerging competitors, and low performance of batteries under cold environments. This area of the study is important due to the fact that the sector of electric automobiles is a novel and promising market compared with traditional car manufacturing, this study could enlighten other electric car producers to adjust their products. The study uses researching and analyzing devices such as 4P, Cubic smoothing index, and SMLR. Three problems concluded by this study could be addressed via, first the slow charging speed: the method of circulating high-temperature gas heating. Secondly, to outcompete other brands, Tesla should make their product more price-appealing, and more affordable to more consumers. Thirdly, in order to operate ideally under cold environments, the internal heating method could be used. Nonetheless, due to limitations ground tests could not be done on actual Tesla Models, therefore more research should be done in the future to find out the best way to the situation.

Carbon reduction decisions in green technology collaborative R&D and spillover time lag effects

The time lag of green technology spillovers affects emissions reduction decisions and environmental policies. In this study, we model two competitive manufacturers sharing a common supplier. We investigate their optimal decisions in cooperative and non-cooperative R&D circumstances, considering the presence or absence of a cap-and-trade policy. Findings indicate that the time lag effect of green technology spillovers slows the carbon reductions without a cap-and-trade policy. However, the time lag effect is only emphasized under low carbon trading prices with a cap-and-trade policy. Excessive time lag decreases emission reductions for non-cooperative spillover free-riders. Intra-cooperative spillovers appear more advantageous for both parties involved in the spillover than non-cooperative spillovers. Manufacturers achieve carbon neutrality only at a limited market scale, and collaborative R&D can expand this market scale threshold. Furthermore, we identify the minimum time lag thresholds for manufacturers and supplier to meet the carbon allowance. Collaboration is more conducive to fulfilling carbon allowance in a low-priced carbon trading market.

The Effects of Import Competition on Unionization

We study direct and indirect effects of Chinese import competition on union membership in the United States, 1990–2014. Import competition in manufacturing induced a modest decline in unionization within manufacturing industries. The magnitude is small because unionized manufacturers competed in higher-quality product segments. Manufacturers in right-to-work states experienced more direct competition with low-quality Chinese imports. Outside of manufacturing, however, import competition causes an important increase in union membership, as less educated women shift away from retail and toward jobs in health care and education where unions are stronger. We calculate that Chinese imports prevented 26 percent of the union density decline that would have otherwise occurred. (JEL F14, F16, J16, J51, L60, P33)

“Two + Three is Not Equal to Five” - A Simple Mathematical Algorithm in Apparel Manufacturing to Reduce Cost, Material Consumption & Post-manufacturing Leftovers

In today's competitive manufacturing landscape, the efficient utilization of resources is paramount. At the heart of these pursuits is the recognition that we must find innovative and holistic solutions that balance the needs of the present with the needs of the future. It is a dynamic challenge, but one that offers immense rewards. By reducing wastage and embracing sustainability, we can not only lessen our environmental impact but also create more efficient systems, bolster economies, and improve the quality of life for people around the world. This study introduces a simple mathematical approach aimed at achieving cost reduction, optimizing material consumption, and minimizing post-manufacturing wastage. The key innovation lies in addressing the Simple pre-calculation of producible quantity while considering the non-intuitive mathematical phenomenon that "Two + Three is not equal to five." This research combines mathematical rigor with practical applications, making it a valuable tool for industries seeking to enhance resource utilization, reduce costs, and minimize environmental impact. As we explore the concept that "Two + Three is not equal to Five" in the context of apparel manufacturing, we uncover opportunities for innovation and improvement that challenge the status quo.

Unraveling the Impact of Carbon Markets on Corporate Green Technology Investment Behavior: an Evolutionary Game Approach from the Lens of Competitive Manufacturers

Unraveling the Impact of Carbon Markets on Corporate Green Technology Investment Behavior: an Evolutionary Game Approach from the Lens of Competitive Manufacturers

Technology licensing contract design considering royalty transparency and demand information asymmetry with downstream co-opetition

This paper studies how technology suppliers can optimally design licensing contracts when there is incomplete information on the licensee’s demand potential for the product in a high-technology supply chain. A licensing contract typically contains an up-front payment and royalties on product sales. The licensor decides to license one technology to a licensee, which designs products based on the supplier’s technology and outsources the product manufacturing to a competitive downstream manufacturer. We apply principal-agent models to formulate the licensor’s contracting problem while considering the transparency of the licensing royalty and find that under demand information asymmetry, the optimal contract structure changes with the demand potential. More specifically, both the separating and pooling strategies can be the optimal strategies for the licensor under the observable contract case. Conversely, under the unobservable case, only the separating strategy is the optimal licensing strategy. And the licensor can always charge zero royalty to a high-type design firm regardless of the menu strategy or the single contract. Furthermore, we examine the effect of licensing royalty transparency on licensing decisions and firms’ profits and highlight the effect of downstream competition on the licensor’s profit. Our results show that the licensor can be better off in the observable contract case. By contrast, the design firm may be better off in the unobservable contract case. We provide a rationale for the licensing contract design under demand information asymmetry and further shed light on the choice between public and secret licensing terms.

Information transparency and business mode selection in online platforms under manufacturer competition

In this study, we investigate the interaction between an online platform’s information sharing strategy and its business mode choice in a supply chain with two competing manufacturers both selling through a common online platform under demand uncertainty. The online platform possesses private demand information and arranges with each manufacturer either a reselling mode (R) or an agency mode (A). We find that the online platform prefers not to share information in the RR mode, but prefers to do so with manufacturers that adopt the agency mode in the AA and AR/RA modes. Interestingly, in the AA mode, the online platform prefers to share information with only one manufacturer, rather than both, depending on the level of upstream competition. Counter-intuitively, although both manufacturers always benefit from information sharing, they do not always prefer to possess an information advantage over their competitor, especially when the competitors adopt the reselling mode. Furthermore, we find that the impact of information sharing on business mode choice depends on the level of upstream competition, commission rate and the information value. The transparency generated by the platform’s information sharing will enhance the probability of the AA and AR modes being adopted. Our findings can provide important managerial implications for the differentiated information sharing strategies of online platforms such Amazon and Tmall.

Enhancing Manufacturing Competitiveness in UAE SMEs: The Influence of Process Quality Improvement and Lean Practices

This research investigates the relationship between process quality improvement, lean practices, and manufacturing competitive performance in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) within the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The UAE has emerged as a dynamic hub for SME manufacturing, making it crucial to examine factors that contribute to their competitive advantage. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative data from in-depth interviews with key industry experts and quantitative data obtained through structured surveys distributed among a diverse sample of SME manufacturing firms across different sectors. The study focuses on evaluating the adoption and implementation of process quality improvement initiatives and lean practices within these organizations. The findings highlight a strong positive correlation between effective process quality improvement and lean practices and improved manufacturing competitive performance among UAE SMEs. Firms that successfully integrated lean methodologies into their processes demonstrated higher levels of operational efficiency, reduced waste, increased productivity, and improved product quality. Additionally, the research identifies critical success factors and challenges in the implementation of process quality improvement and lean practices in the context of UAE SMEs. Factors such as top management commitment, employee involvement, and access to training and resources are instrumental in fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Evaluating the cost competitiveness of metal additive manufacturing – A case study with metal material extrusion

Evaluating the cost competitiveness of metal additive manufacturing – A case study with metal material extrusion