Niche Market Research Articles

The role of board interlocks in increasing the use of wood in Norwegian construction

This paper studies the existence of board interlocks between wood-based firms in the Norwegian construction supply chain and firms in other industries, and their role in enabling increased use of wood in construction. Wood-based construction remains a niche market globally. The literature highlights two main barriers to wood-based construction: 1) lack of expertise with the material, and 2) lack of coordination and collaboration across the supply chain. As a form of interfirm governance structure, board interlocks may promote innovation in construction, such as applying new materials, products and processes, by fostering strategic collaborations. Drawing on resource dependence theory (RDT) and the theory of dynamic capabilities, we explore this through analysis of registry data, interviews and case studies. It was found that the majority of wood-based firms have board interlocks and that a majority of the firms they are interlocked with belong to industries within the construction supply chain. It was also found that the role of these board interlocks is primarily to secure access to immaterial resources, such as knowledge, expertise and skills, which enables the wood-based firms to engage in processes (sensing, seizing, and reconfiguration) that are important for their dynamic capabilities and therefore closely related to their ability to innovate.

Sustainability as a market niche for internationalization of a born global SME: The case of a Central Eastern European firm strategy

Classical models often describe the internationalization of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as a gradual process and data underpins that SMEs are less likely to engage with foreign markets compared to larger firms. However, globalization and the proliferation of niche market opportunities stimulated some, primarily knowledge-intensive, SMEs to internationalize rapidly and to a great extent (Mushtaq et al., 2023). Such SMEs may play a crucial role in responding to global challenges, such as environmental sustainability, by offering economically viable solutions with global applicability. Yet, understanding the most important factors that affect the success and pace of their internationalization process requires further research. The purpose of the study is to contribute to the existing body of knowledge through the in-depth analysis of a born global (BG) Hungarian SME that offers an innovative and sustainability-focused service, with the aim of identifying the key driving forces behind its rapid international expansion. The paper uses a semi-structured interview-based case study method to respond to the call for geographical diversification in this research field and engages in the discussion by concluding that the entrepreneurs’ mindset and attitude play a pivotal role in capitalizing on a sustainability-oriented niche opportunity on the international stage, even amidst financial constraints

Различия в инновационном поведении субъектов малого и крупного бизнеса

The authors of the article studied the specifics of innovative behavior of enterprises depending on their size. This specificity was determined in accordance with the following areas of the company’s activities: personnel policy, search for sources of financing, search for market niches, production of innovative products (determined by the nature of the innovations produced and the level of innovative mobility), search for partners and contractors, placement of financial responsibility centers. In preparing the article, a system analysis methodology was used, based on a set of theoretical and empirical research methods, the key of which is the case-study method, based on the results of content analysis, as well as expert interviews and a questionnaire survey. The analysis showed that the qualitative results of the activities of small and medium-sized innovative businesses often have a greater impact on the economic development of the region than large ones. The results obtained during the study have both scientific and practical significance. At the level of regional authorities, understanding the specifics of the innovative behavior of entrepreneurial firms is important from the point of view of determining measures of state support for innovatively active enterprises.

Características físicas de ovos de galinhas domésticas caipiras da variedade Sura no Nordeste

ABSTRACT This study aimed to analyze the physical characteristics of eggs from free-range hens of the Sura variety. One hundred eggs underwent assessment of various physical parameters, namely, whole egg weight, equatorial diameter, egg height, shell color, presence of cracks via candling, air chamber height, yolk color, presence of flesh and blood spots, albumen width and length, yolk diameter, yolk weight, and shell weight. Additional analyses included determining the albumen weight (calculated by subtracting the weights of the shell and yolk from the total egg weight), percentages of egg components, shape index, and shell index. Statistical analyses were conducted using GLM SAS software (SAS Institute). The results revealed distinct physical traits; eggs from the Sura variety, regardless of size class (large or small), typically have a more rounded shape, light brown shells, and more orange yolks. These findings confirm that Sura variety eggs possess unique characteristics that could appeal to specific market niches, potentially promoting the production of these birds, supporting biodiversity, and aiding in the prevention of their extinction.

PROMOTION OF SUSTAINABLE TOURISM IN MARGINAL RURAL AREAS: A GIS DATABASE FOR THE PLANNING AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF EQUESTRIAN TOURISM (CASE OF STUDY IN TUSCANY - ITALY)

A form of rural tourism in expansion is horse tourism. Equitourism is a form of hiking that allows for an intimate and natural use of landscapes and local territories. Equestrian tourism today no longer represents a small elite market niche, as it has become a true form of pastime for an increasing number of users. Trail planning and management need to consider the changes that are already occurring, as well as those that are predicted to lie ahead. The key trends that are expected to have an impact on recreational horse trail planning and management are highlighted in this research. Many of these trends have been emerging over decades and have rapidly increased due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. In recent years, in many Italian regions, especially in Tuscany, thanks to the enhancement of the Tuscan equestrian routes, projects for the promotion of equestrian tourism have been developed. In this work the methodology applied was based on the identification of an appropriate database created in the GIS context and specifically coded for equestrian tourism. The aim is to guarantee the creation of an innovative and functional product to meet the needs of this sustainable tourism sector, providing information capable of facilitating the end user, who, through their GPS, georeferenced images and maps, will have the possibility of planning and traveling the horse trail in complete safety. The final result of this research (the first case study in Italy) is the creation of a modern and complete information database of a horse trail that can be managed using GIS.

Uncharted Horizons: A Deep Dive into Unconventional Brand Innovation and Cutting-Edge Management Strategies in Niche Markets

This research delves into the intricate dynamics of brand innovation and management within niche markets, exploring the synergies between unconventional innovation practices and cutting-edge management strategies. Utilizing a diverse array of statistical analyses, including ANOVA and ANCOVA, our study reveals nuanced insights into the contextual complexities faced by brands operating in specialized segments. The findings highlight a robust positive correlation between innovation scores and brand performance metrics, emphasizing the pivotal role of innovation in driving success within niche markets. Additionally, the impact of management strategies varies across different industry types, underscoring the need for adaptive and tailored approaches. Our research contributes to the literature by offering practical recommendations for practitioners navigating specialized market segments, emphasizing the importance of contextual strategies and the adjustment of management approaches based on market segment characteristics.

Eşek sütünden yapılan fermente kımız

The study aimed to expand the range of dairy products by developing a recipe and technology for a fermented milk drink made from donkey milk with unique properties. Additional functionality is provided by the introduced probiotic cultures and phytogenic raw materials. Two functional drinks were proposed as experimental products: Koumiss-1 - koumiss with added probiotics and peony tincture, and Koumiss-2 - probiotic koumiss with added dried burdock roots. The initial raw material, donkey milk, was collected in the farm of the Ala Too State Farm located at an altitude of 800 m above sea level, in the Chui Valley of the Kyrgyz Republic. The standard methods of physicochemical, microbiological and organoleptic analyses were used for the study. The fermentation intensity (Is) and fermentation coefficient (δ) were determined for each case based on the data on the change in active and titratable acidity during the fermentation of milk with koumiss ferment. In the sample of koumiss-1 with the addition of peony tincture δ appeared in the first 3 hours, and δ in koumiss-2 was closer to 6 hours. Based on organoleptic evaluations, the developed drinks exhibit a pleasant sour-milk aroma and taste. The consistency is liquid with a slightly foamy texture, while the drink with added burdock roots has a pleasant creamy flavor. Lactic acid bacteria and yeast are similar to the specifications found in natural koumiss made from mare's milk. Throughout the experiment, sour-milk beverages were successfully produced, and they can potentially to fill the market niche for functional products with medicinal properties.

Конкурентні стратегії цифрової адаптації бізнес-процесів

The article represents the study of the directions of business adaptation to the modern paradigm of market systems functioning – digital transformation. The purpose of this article is to provide a theoretical and methodological basis for the formation of competitive strategies of companies, to identify the peculiarities of digital transformation of business processes, and to introduce modeling scenarios and implement procedures and algorithms for the digital adaptation of competitive strategies of companies. The article presents the competitive impact of the market environment on the formation of a strategic management system, which considers the influence of economic relations participants on the functioning of the selected object market, the influence of analog goods and the commodity market assortment, the impact and advantages of the aggregate, the influence of suppliers on the market architecture, the influence of buyers on the performance of market business entities, etc. It is determined that digital adaptation should take place while considering basic competitive strategies and the integration of digital tools. The authors present some competitive strategies for business development and describe the positive and negative levers of influence on the company’s activities for a particular strategy chosen for this study. In digital adaptation to a competitive strategy, the authors focus on cost, which is one of the basic strategies for gaining competitive advantages and is aimed at achieving a low cost of production or supply of goods in a narrow market niche. This competitive strategy allows the company to succeed by focusing on a specific market segment and providing customers with low-cost products. This strategy was chosen due to the existing opportunities for digital adaptation of the strategy in the current market conditions. It is demonstrated that the development direction of strategic business management has prerequisites for introducing digital adaptation models. A procedural approach and algorithmisation of integration of tools and technologies for digital adaptation of business to modern conditions are proposed, considering the substantive justification of the proposed solutions. Keywords: competitive strategy, digital transformation, digital adaptation, market activity, business entities, procedural approach, modelling, algorithmisation, efficiency.

When Central Asian Prefers Langkawi Island: Understanding Luxury Travel Motivations and Behaviour

This study investigates luxury tourists’ outbound travel motivation and how it influences their tourism destination selection, satisfaction, and future revisit intention. Two hundred and fifty-six (256) respondents participated in this study. The online survey link was shared using social media platforms where the snowball technique spread the questionnaire links to the respondents that fit the study's inclusion. Partial-Least Square-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to test and confirm the study model and hypotheses. Combining two theoretical underpinnings, Maslow’s theory of motivation and push and pull motivations theory, this study’s findings depict two major antecedents of luxury-driven experiences: social value and destination uniqueness. The results demonstrate that luxury tourists’ push and pull travel motivation predictors emerged as significant antecedents for their destination satisfaction and willingness to return. Furthermore, the mediating effect confirms that satisfaction plays a significant mediating role in the pull motivation and revisit intention inter-relationship. The findings of this study provide empirical support for understanding the psychological aspects of luxury travellers while offering insights for destination managers to develop niche marketing strategies for attracting luxury tourists. The present research also provides luxury tourism destination managers with a clear comprehension of the underlying mechanism of the luxury tourists’ loyalty generation process.

Towards a productive model for the Sacha Inchi value chain: A scientometric approach

The diversification of agricultural and livestock production matrixes has the potential to generate value-added products in industrial and promising crops. Specifically, the countries in the Amazon basin have in the Sacha Inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.) a species oriented toward market niches such as food, oils, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and biofuels, whose exploitation and use are aligned with the bioeconomy and circular economy megatrends. The aim of this publication was to identify and analyze the evolution of scientific and technological research in the Sacha Inchi value chain worldwide, based on a methodological design that combines technological intelligence, the analysis of scientific landscapes and bibliometric indicators and content analysis, to establish a baseline for the identification of key elements for the design of an agro-industrial production model. The methodology includes the integration of surveillance and scientific intelligence methods, scientometrics, and critical analysis of key documents selected through bibliometric indicators and expert judgment. The analysis made it possible to identify the research development lines in Sacha Inchi worldwide, and the reference documents that comprise key elements of the activities from cultivation to processing of the product obtained. The basic investigations identified will contribute to the development of productive models of Sacha Inchi in Colombia, where technical aspects must be adapted or validated in suitable agroecological zones or with productive potential to improve the yield and quality of seed for agroindustry. Medium-term research is required to genetically identify the planting material, to facilitate the selection of materials oriented to the production of fruits with the quality required by the agroindustry.

Analysis of Bilateral Trade between Bulgaria and Ukraine

This study examines the state of trade in goods between Bulgaria and Ukraine for the 2016-2022 period. One of this research’s main objectives is to analyze each trading partner’s role in bilateral trade. Using statistical analysis methods, we estimate each country’s share of bilateral trade for imports and exports of the top imported/exported products. Based on the analysis, it is found that in some product groups such as Group 72 “Iron and Steel”, Group 86 “Railway or Tramway Locomotives, Rolling Stock and Parts Thereof” and Group 27 “Petroleum Oils and Oils Obtained From Bituminous Minerals”, Bulgaria and Ukraine have already established long-term relationships. For the five-year 2016-2021 period, Ukrainian exports to Bulgaria have increased by 100%, and imports have increased by 214%. The results of this study may contribute to further scientific research to determine the direction of development of international trade in both countries. The positive trends in each country’s exports to the other encourage additional investments, particularly in the manufacture of these products and in the search for new market niches.

Регионы-лидеры по объемам производства сыров и сырных продуктов на российском рынке

The article introduces a map of Russian regions with the highest production volumes of cheese and cheese products. The author traced the production dynamics, described the current pattern of cheese consumption, and revealed the prospects for the domestic cheese industry, which proved to be a highly-profitable and promising market niche. The best practice analysis of cheese producers with the best quality rating made it possible to formulate the basic success principles for Russian cheesemakers.

UNMANNED TRANSPORT AND THE REFORMATTING OF HUMAN NEEDS: NICHE AND EVOLUTIONARY SCENARIOS

There are quite a few phenomena in human civilisation that could be compared to transport in terms of the scale and irreversibility of their impact on the development of society. The domestication of the horse and the invention of the wheel are rightly regarded as some of mankind’s greatest achievements. The current stage of transport development claims to be a Revolution 2.0: the advent of the Global Navigation Satellite System (GPS) has made it possible not only to locate but also to remotely control unmanned vehicles. In the near future, this could radically change both the transportation system and human life as a whole.The purpose of the article is to consider niche and evolutionary scenarios for the development of unmanned vehicles. It is proved that unmanned transport involves large scale and very similar transportation of homogeneous products in order to cover higher investment costs through economies of scale. In addition, such transport requires extreme predictability in the entire chain: from the receipt of raw materials to the delivery of the finished product to the end user. The accident intolerance of unmanned vehicles can be solved by creating an isolated transportation system along closed circuits in which there is no room for a person.The article notes that there is a non-zero probability that unmanned vehicles will not be able to outperform traditional transport in terms of their characteristics and will therefore only operate in certain market niches.

Hedonic Values and Utilitarian Values to Improve Behavioral Intentions and Consumer Satisfaction on Product

This study investigates the impact of hedonic and utilitarian values on customer satisfaction and behavioral intentions in the Muslim clothing market, focusing on CV. Rabbani Asysa Ponorogo's products. Employing a quantitative approach, the research uses questionnaires analyzed with SEM-PLS 4.0 and involves a purposive sample of 100 respondents. This study is significant for its specific examination of the Muslim fashion industry, addressing a gap in understanding consumer behavior in this niche market. The findings reveal that while hedonic values significantly influence both customer satisfaction and behavioral intentions, utilitarian values only impact customer satisfaction, not behavioral intentions. Customer satisfaction is also a significant determinant of behavioral intentions. The research concludes that balancing both hedonic and utilitarian aspects is crucial for enhancing customer satisfaction and behavioral intentions in this sector.

Microwave-Supported Modulation of Functional Characteristics of Gluten-Free Breads

Currently, the market for gluten-free products is experiencing a significant growth due to, mainly, the increase in the number of gluten-intolerant patients diagnosed and to the merging of a new niche market for consumers who optionally avoid gluten. Native flours are perceived as viable alternatives for industrially used starch and hydrocolloids blends, which lack in the vitamins and minerals that are in abundance in non-refined raw materials. This study delves into the potential of microwave technology in enhancing the functional and nutritional attributes of gluten-free breads. The research was conducted by employing 900 W microwave power for 8 min for buckwheat and teff flours modification with an initial moisture content of 30%. The modified flours were blended with rice flour and baked to verify the potential of microwave high moisture treatment for adjusting the texture and nutritional quality of the bread. The results revealed that microwave treatment of flours helped in retaining a higher level of essential nutrients and bioactive compounds in gluten-free breads.

Exploring buyer’s preferences to propose strategies to improve dog welfare in Brazil

ABSTRACT This study aimed to investigate trends and concerns related to the commercialization of dogs in Brazil. The authors analyzed 1,500 ads for the sale of Miniature Schnauzer, Chihuahua, and German Spitz breeds using the methodology of hedonic price analysis. Marginal and relative values of attributes were calculated for puppy sex, coat, age, pedigree, vaccination and deworming, seller type and region, using ordinary least squares. The most valued attributes for each breed were identified as selling by kennels, pedigree, and coat color. The results suggest that this market niche is willing to pay for guarantees of better dog breeding, which represents an opportunity for the development of certification labels for origin and good practices for kennels. Such labels could become an effective strategy to ensure greater transparency and better welfare standards in the Brazilian dog market. This study also provides valuable insights for the development of guidelines and public policies aimed at improving animal welfare and reducing information asymmetry in the pet market.

Hydrothermal Treatment via Microwave Radiation Improves Viscoelastic Properties of Native Gluten-Free Flours for Extrusion 3D Printing

The market for gluten-free products is experiencing significant growth due to the increase in the number of gluten/wheat affected patients diagnosed, but largely as a result of the emergence of a new niche market dedicated for consumers who optionally avoid gluten. Native flours are perceived as viable alternative for industrially used starch and hydrocolloids blends, mainly due to their lack of vitamins and minerals, which are abundant in non-refined raw materials. Edible inks for on-demand printing are under significant consideration, while texture building capacity remains an issue. As heat-moisture treatment has proved to be useful for stabilizing the pasting and rheological behavior of various native flours, HMT supported by microwave heating was investigated as printable ink stabilizers. For Spanish and Polish buckwheat flours and two different varieties of teff (white and brown) flour pasting, structural and textural characteristics after the microwave supported heat moisture treatment in 30% of initial moisture content were evaluated. The peak viscosity was reduced by 54% and 60% for Polish and Spanish flour, respectively, while for teff, the reduction was 15% and 43% for the white and brown varieties, respectively. Significant improvement in viscoelastic modulus G’ (for Polish and Spanish buckwheat flour, 32% and 16%, respectively; for white and brown tef varieties, 14% and 18%, respectively) was observed for all the treated samples regardless of the species or variety; this resulted in better performance during 3D printing.

DEVELOPING ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT TO COPE WITH UNCERTAIN CHALLENGES

The world is not all right recently. There are many issues that happen recently that create a lot of changes at the business environment. There is nothing that business organizations can do, except to adapt with the changes. While all organizations may already aware that “what does not change is the change itself”, the organization member, nevertheless, feel tired to continuously adapt with the changes that not only come more frequent, but also bigger in magnitude. Entrepreneurs are usually tougher to face these changes. They even see the changes as the opportunity to fill the opening of market niches with their products or services. The spirit of not giving up that entrepreneurs have is named by the authors as “Entrepreneurial Spirit”. While Entrepreneurial Spirit is often owned by entrepreneurs for the sustainability of their business, organization members (who are employees) may also utilize the spirit to make their organizations keep afloat during the turbulent business environment. Unfortunately, entrepreneurial spirit is abstract and cannot be explained by the weight, color, or size. It can only be described by their elements. The authors name the elements as: seek for improvement, discipline, persistence, and hard work. Acquiring Entrepreneurial Spirit can only be done through practice and determination.

A Blue Ocean Strategy for Herbal Liniment: Escaping Tight Competition in Indonesian Market

The herbal liniment industry operates in a highly competitive and saturated market. This study focuses on developing a blue ocean strategy for Yodosan Herba Natur, an herbal liniment manufacturer, to treat musculoskeletal pain. Through qualitative interviews with 17 participants in Surabaya, customer preferences and latent needs for musculoskeletal pain treatment were explored. Data analysis utilizing NVIVO v.12 software revealed seven main themes: effectiveness, experience, ease of use, sensation, availability, recommendation, and other factors. This research assessed the competitive landscape comprehensively using blue ocean strategy analysis tools. The blue ocean strategy is to develop an odorless product with long-lasting heat, a strong brand image, widespread availability, compact size, and affordable prices. New factors introduced are packaging designs, niche marketing, and strategic partnerships. The findings highlight the potential for Yodosan Herba Natur to revolutionize musculoskeletal pain treatment and capture the untapped markets of second and third-tier non-consumers.

PSIX-17 Preliminary Assessment of Preweaning Growth Performance of Dexter and Mashona X Dexter Calves

Abstract Non-traditional cattle breeds are often considered by managers for niche beef production and marketing systems. Some of these alternative breeds are small-framed and thus desired by small-farm operators but have received little research attention because they do not fit traditional commodity beef production systems. Very few of these small breeds also offer heat tolerance. This project was designed to evaluate preweaning performance of straightbred (n = 76) and F1 crossbred calves (n = 81) produced by mature Dexter cows across three years and two Tennessee State University research farms. Spring-born calves were sired by Dexter (n = 7; DD) and Mashona bulls (n = 6; MD) in single-sire, natural service breeding groups following 60-d breeding seasons. Breed of sire was balanced across cow age and farm locations. Calves were weighed within 24-h of birth, at 4 months (125 d of age) of age, and at weaning (227 d of age). Calves were not creep-fed and bull calves were not castrated until after weaning. No cases of dystocia were observed as a result of crossbreeding. Calf performance traits were evaluated using MIXED models of SAS. Fixed effects included sire breed, sex, farm location, and the interaction of sire breed and sex. Random effect terms were production year and sire nested within sire breed. For all the traits evaluated, models were consistent in that the sire breed x calf sex interaction was not significant (P > 0.1), whereas sire breed and calf sex were consistently important (P < 0.01) sources of variation. Bull calves had greater weight and ADG values than heifer calves from birth to weaning. Mean body weight was heavier for MD than DD calves at birth (28.4 ± 0.8 vs. 23.9 ± 0.7 kg), at 4 months of age (120.6 ± 9.7 vs. 96.7 ± 9.6 kg), and at weaning (154 ± 8.6 vs. 124.4 ± 8.6 kg). The MD calves had greater ADG than DD calves from birth to 4 months of age (715.8 ± 36.1 vs. 599.1 ± 36 g/d), from 4 months of age to weaning (334 ± 44.3 vs. 256.8 ± 44 g/d), and from birth to weaning (547 ± 35.7 vs. 447.1 ± 35.7 g/d). Mean 205-d adjusted body weight was heavier for MD than DD (140.2 ± 7.6 vs. 114.7 ± 7.6 kg). Preliminary results indicated that crossbreeding with Mashona bulls significantly increased preweaning growth of calves produced by Dexter cows, while the F1 calves maintained small statute. The spring-born MD F1 calves likely benefited from heat tolerance provided by the Mashona influence and heterosis generated by crossbreeding.