Market Trends Research Articles

Strategic Resilience and Financial Analysis of Merck & Co., Inc.: Navigating Challenges and Opportunities in the Pharmaceutical Industry

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK), a prominent player in the global pharmaceutical industry, known for its significant contributions to healthcare through the development of innovative drugs and vaccines. Merck's core focus areas include pharmaceuticals, vaccines, animal health, and healthcare services, with its flagship oncology drug Keytruda being a major revenue contributor. The company faces challenges such as regulatory changes in drug pricing and competition from biosimilars and generics. To mitigate these challenges, Merck has initiated restructuring plans, including the 2024 Restructuring Plan, to optimize operational efficiency and achieve significant cost savings. The paper also presents a comparison of Merck's financial performance with industry peers - Johnson & Johnson, AbbVie and Bristol-Myers Squibb - and evaluates liquidity, solvency and profitability metrics. Despite certain challenges, Merck's robust market positioning, strategic acquisitions, and active involvement in the development of COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics underscore its potential for sustainable growth. Overall, the study concludes that Merck's strategic investments, coupled with its strong financial position and proactive restructuring efforts, make it an attractive investment prospect, particularly in its core therapeutic areas of oncology and immunology. This paper suggests that future research could delve deeper into the long-term impact of R&D investments, the intricacies of restructuring plans, and evolving market trends to provide a more nuanced understanding of Merck's strategic planning.

Labour market trends and income inequality in Germany, 1983–2020

Labour market trends and income inequality in Germany, 1983–2020

Strategic Dynamics and Growth Opportunities in the Ready-to-Eat Food Industry: A Comprehensive Analysis of “Wei Zhi Xiang”

The comprehensive study on the ready-to-eat (RTE) food industry elucidates the strategic dynamics and growth avenues, focusing on the Chinese brand "Wei Zhi Xiang." It scrutinizes the industry's evolution, driven by cultural and social shifts towards convenience and nutrition-conscious consumption. The analysis navigates through the intricacies of market trends, consumer behaviors, and technological advancements that have catalyzed the proliferation of RTE foods. A particular emphasis is placed on the escalating demand for products that blend convenience with nutritional value, highlighting the industry's response to the modern consumer's fast-paced lifestyle. Through a detailed market analysis, the report dissects the competitive landscape, identifying key players and their strategic maneuvers within the industry. The future outlook section anticipates continued growth, propelled by urbanization and the burgeoning single-person household trend. A SWOT analysis of "Wei Zhi Xiang" reveals strengths in product diversity and distribution, while also pinpointing areas for improvement, particularly in health perception and environmental sustainability of packaging. Strategic recommendations for "Wei Zhi Xiang" suggest a focus on product innovation tailored to health trends, eco-friendly packaging, and market expansion into emerging economies. The report concludes that leveraging technological advancements and consumer engagement can fortify "Wei Zhi Xiang’s" market position and drive the RTE food sector towards a sustainable and health-conscious future.

Development model based on visual image big data applied to art management

This paper aims to explore the application of visual image big data (BD) in art management, and proposes and develops a new art management model. First of all, this study conducted extensive research on the overview and application of big data, focusing on analyzing the characteristics of big data and its characteristics and application methods in art management. By introducing image processing (IP) technology, this paper expounds on the application of visual image technology in art management in detail and discusses the classification of computer vision images to determine its application direction. On this basis, this paper proposes the application of visual images and big data in art management from three aspects: the accurate acquisition of visual images, the development model of art management, and the development of visual image technology in art resource management and teaching, and strengthens the development model of art management based on IP algorithm. Experiments and surveys show that the art management model development system built by the newly introduced visual image technology, big data technology, and IP algorithm can increase user satisfaction by 24 %. This result shows that the new model has a significant effect in improving the efficiency and quality of art management, providing strong technical support for the field of art management, while also providing designers with a more accurate tool for assessing market trends, helping to adhere to and promote good design concepts.

The trust factor: Influencer marketing trends in 2024

In an era where consumers are inundated with advertisements from all corners, influencers have become a beacon of trust thanks to their authenticity and relatability. This trust can shape consumer behaviour, fuel engagement and, ultimately, drive purchasing decisions that positively impact the entirety of the marketing funnel. This paper discusses the current state of influencer marketing, with a particular focus on the role of trust. Drawing on extensive research conducted by IZEA, it explores how influencers are reaching an impressive 83 per cent of adults ages 18 to 60 years, why consumers find influencer content more compelling than traditional manufactured advertising and how trust in influencers is reshaping integrated marketing strategies.

Design of Business Ecosystem Mapping in the Black Soldier Fly Industry of Bandung City

BSF (Black Soldier Fly) maggot cultivation is an alternative organic waste management that is growing rapidly in the city of Bandung. This research aims to design a business ecosystem map for the BSF maggot cultivation industry in Bandung City. The method used is business ecosystem mapping with a qualitative approach modified by Zheng Ma. The research results show that the BSF maggot cultivation industry in Bandung City has six main groups of actors, namely maggot producers, maggot consumers, maggot raw material suppliers, maggot cultivation equipment and technology suppliers, government, and research institutions. Interactions between actors are driven by shared values, such as sustainability, circular economy and economic value. External factors that influence the development of the BSF maggot cultivation industry in Bandung City are government policy (politics), market trends (economics), public awareness (social) and technological progress (technology). Reconfiguration of the BSF maggot cultivation business ecosystem in Bandung City by incorporating elements of changes in external factors. The map of changes in the BSF maggot cultivation business ecosystem in the city of Bandung over the next 5 years includes: (1) increasing BSF maggot production to meet market demand, (2) developing new products and services based on BSF maggots, (3) increasing collaboration between actors, (4) strengthening human resource capacity, and (5) encouraging the development of environmentally friendly BSF maggot cultivation technology.

Тенденции в сфере слияний и поглощений в мировой нефтехимической отрасли на современном этапе

At present, M&A deals are typical for petrochemical companies in the world. This article analyses main persistent trends of the modern petrochemical market. The analysis is based on consultancies’ reports on the state on M&A in chemical sector, empirical data is represented by recent M&A deals overview. Numerical data on M&A deals number and value is analyzed for the past decade. It is concluded that traditional stimuli for M&A in the industry are still relevant, yet there are new factors which explain the shift in M&A deals participants’ motivation and relative regional activity on the petrochemical capital market starting from mid-2010’s.

Researching the possibilities of using digital financial instruments by future economists for sustainable development purposes

Introduction. The authors explore the problem of developing digital financial literacy as the most important characteristic feature of positive financial behavior in the context of the transition to the digital economy. The purpose of this article is to identify priorities and trends in using digital financial instruments by future economists for sustainable development purposes. Materials and Methods. The methodological basis of the study is the strategy of sustainable development, the ideological foundations of which determine the need for readiness to live and act in changing conditions, to plan socio-economic development taking into account the limitations of activities and the consequences of decisions made. The main method of the empirical part of the study is T. Saaty’s scale which was employed in order to identify global priorities in the use of digital financial instruments. A sociological survey was conducted among students of the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Omsk State University named after F.M. Dostoevsky, Omsk State Technical University, schoolchildren of specialized economics classes (Gymnasia 19, Omsk) to identify priorities and trends in the use of digital financial instruments by future economists, taking into account gender and age preferences. Results. The ideas about the level of awareness about the problem of developing digital financial literacy are systematized, explaining the relationship between digital and financial literacy from the point of view of the prospects of the socio-economic space. Global priorities of the use of digital financial instruments by respondents were identified: the general sample prefers to work with optimal combinations of 2 banking payment systems. Analysis of correlations by gender shows that male respondents are better than the sample at the range limits, and female respondents are in the middle. The interpretation of the answers characterizes the women’s choice as stable, middle options of behavior (2-3 cards), which are less risky. Men, on the contrary, consider risk as a challenge that encourages activity, and go to the border of the sample (1-4 cards). A similar trend is typical for the age groups between 17 and 20 years. This, on the one hand, is explained by the psychological peculiarities of gender, and on the other hand, by active advertising campaigns of digital sets of financial services offered by leading Russian banks. An assessment of students’ awareness of new models of the digital economy has been obtained, demonstrating a good correlation as respondents grow older, which determines the positive dynamics of digital financial literacy of future economists (1-4 year undergraduate students) in the light of current labor market trends. Conclusions. The results of the research confirm that active use of digital financial instruments determines affirmative dynamics of positive financial behavior of future economists for the purpose of sustainable socio-economic development.

Innovations in android mobile computing: a review of best practices and emerging technologies

This review paper explores the dynamic landscape of Android mobile computing, focusing on best practices and emerging technologies driving innovation in the field. The paper begins by discussing the current state of Android development, highlighting key challenges and market trends. It then delves into essential best practices for designing intuitive interfaces, optimizing app performance, and ensuring robust security. Additionally, the paper examines the transformative impact of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, 5G, augmented reality, virtual reality, blockchain, and the Internet of Things on Android app development. Finally, the paper offers insights into future trends in the Android ecosystem, emphasizing the importance of continuous innovation to meet evolving user demands and maintain a competitive edge. This comprehensive review provides developers and stakeholders with valuable knowledge to navigate the complexities of Android mobile computing and leverage new growth opportunities

Innovative strategic marketing practices to propel small business development and competitiveness

In today's dynamic and competitive business environment, small businesses face unique challenges in establishing their presence and achieving sustainable growth. This paper explores innovative strategic marketing practices that can propel small business development and enhance competitiveness. The primary focus is on leveraging digital marketing, personalization, customer engagement, data analytics, and strategic partnerships. Digital marketing has revolutionized how small businesses reach and engage with their target audiences. By utilizing social media platforms, search engine optimization (SEO), content marketing, and email marketing, small businesses can create cost-effective and highly targeted campaigns. These strategies not only increase brand visibility but also foster customer loyalty through consistent and relevant communication. Personalization is another key strategy that drives small business competitiveness. By tailoring marketing messages and offers to individual customer preferences and behaviors, businesses can create more meaningful and impactful interactions. This approach enhances customer satisfaction and encourages repeat business, contributing to long-term growth. Effective customer engagement is critical for small businesses to build strong relationships and foster community. Utilizing interactive content such as polls, quizzes, and live chats on social media and websites can create a more engaging and immersive customer experience. Additionally, loyalty programs and personalized incentives can strengthen customer retention and advocacy. Data analytics plays a crucial role in informing and optimizing marketing strategies. By analyzing customer data, market trends, and campaign performance, small businesses can gain valuable insights that drive strategic decision-making. This data-driven approach allows for more precise targeting, efficient resource allocation, and continuous improvement of marketing efforts. Strategic partnerships and collaborations with other businesses, influencers, and community organizations can also enhance marketing effectiveness. These partnerships can expand reach, provide access to new customer segments, and enhance credibility. Co-marketing initiatives, joint events, and cross-promotions are examples of how small businesses can leverage strategic alliances for mutual benefit. In conclusion, innovative strategic marketing practices, including digital marketing, personalization, customer engagement, data analytics, and strategic partnerships, are essential for propelling small business development and competitiveness. By adopting these practices, small businesses can effectively navigate the competitive landscape, achieve sustainable growth, and secure a strong market position in today's ever-evolving business environment.

Formulating Global Branding Strategies in the Context of Cultural Differences

The article examines how cultural differences impact the development of global branding strategies, which is critically important in the context of globalization and market integration. It emphasizes that the essence of this issue lies in the need to consider the cultural characteristics of various countries and regions when creating and implementing global branding strategies. The article explores how cultural differences affect brand perception. It notes that what is positively received in one culture may be misunderstood or even offensive in another. It is crucial for brands to adapt their messaging to align with the cultural norms and expectations of their target audience. It is argued that global branding strategies need to be adapted to local conditions, which includes adjusting advertising campaigns, product assortments, packaging, and pricing policies. The article highlights the importance of language barriers and communication, noting that language is a critical component of global branding. Not only can the text of advertising materials, but also brand names, slogans, and even colors carry different meanings across different languages. The article also discusses the significance of cultural norms and values, which can influence consumer reactions to a brand. It stresses the importance of considering legal and ethical norms that may vary between countries, including regulations regarding advertising, consumer rights, and cultural taboos. It is determined that companies have a choice between two main strategies: adaptation or standardization. Adaptation involves modifying branding to fit local cultural conditions, while standardization focuses on maintaining a consistent brand identity on a global scale. The choice between these strategies depends on market characteristics and the company’s business goals. The necessity of thorough market research and analysis of cultural specifics for the successful implementation of global branding strategies is emphasized. This helps in gathering crucial information about consumer preferences, competitors, and market trends, which aids in developing effective strategies. The overall conclusion of the article underscores that accounting for cultural differences is critically important for successful global branding, and companies that can adapt their strategies to the cultural characteristics of their markets gain a significant competitive advantage. The type of article is theoretical.

Predictive analytics for market trends using AI: A study in consumer behavior

Predictive analytics for market trends using AI: A study in consumer behavior

The use of artificial intelligence in the management of investment portfolios

The ever-increasing complexity of financial markets, characterized by high market volatility, economic uncertainty, and the massive influx of various data pose a significant challenge in investment portfolio management. Traditional methods can fall short in addressing these challenges, requiring too much from an individual managing investment portfolios. The ability of AI to process a tremendous number of large datasets and to detect patterns offers a significant advantage for a manager, providing for more informed and timely investment decisions. The purpose of this annex is to encapsulate findings of the primary paper on the use of AI in investment portfolio management, highlighting the benefits and challenges, and also identifying areas for improvement and further research. The paper explores the possibility of using AI to enhance the effectiveness of an investment portfolio manager, through the improvement of analysis’ quality, help in data collection and processing, recognition of complex patterns, and faster decision-making. This could help optimize investment strategies through risk reduction, improved forecasting, and faster adaptation to market fluctuations. In addition, the paper aims to identify potential risks associated with AI integration, for example quality of data, algorithm transparency, and cybersecurity issues. Literature analysis demonstrated that application of AI can increase the efficiency of investment portfolio management. This is possible because of AI systems' ability to conduct advanced data search and analysis, providing for better decision-making. The use of AI algorithms allows investment portfolio managers to identify market trends more easily, optimize asset allocations, as well as minimize market volatility risks. А good example is BlackRock's Aladdin expert system, which provides comprehensive data insights, providing a competitive advantage. However, the paper also demonstrates, that implementation of AI systems is associated with several challenges, particularly - quality of provided data and opacity of AI algorithms, which can raise doubts regarding their effectiveness. Moreover, cybersecurity remains a significant concern. Overall, the use of AI presents opportunities for investment portfolio managers to improve results by providing competitive advantages. However, certain challenges need to be overcome. AI holds great promise for investment portfolio management, and future studies need to focus on AI integration, cybersecurity, and improvement of data quality.

RESEARCH OF MODERN DIGITAL MARKETING TRENDS

Today's digital marketing is undergoing significant changes due to digital transformation. The article explores the key trends shaping the modern digital marketing paradigm, including process automation, content personalization, the use of big data, as well as the latest digital technologies such as VR and AR, artificial intelligence. The article pays special attention to the challenges and opportunities that companies face in the process of adapting to the digital environment. The article analyzes modern digital marketing tools. Today's digital marketing tools are essential for any business because they allow you to reach your target audience through a variety of digital channels. They provide effective interaction with customers, including personalization of communications and offers. During the study, the practical aspects of the integration of digital technologies into marketing activity with the aim of increasing its efficiency and effectiveness were determined. Modern digital marketing trends play a primary role in the development of a company's digital marketing strategy. A digital marketing strategy allows you to respond more quickly to changes in the market and adapt to new conditions, which ensures the sustainable development of the company in the conditions of the digital economy. In today's world, where digital transformation is transforming business processes and consumer habits, digital marketing is becoming a necessity for businesses in all sectors of the digital economy. An analysis of modern digital marketing trends demonstrates that automation strategies, the use of big data, personalization of content and the introduction of the latest technologies are critical for successful competition and attracting the modern consumer. Modern digital marketing tools are analyzed, the advantages of the development of digital tools in the context of digital marketing are determined and substantiated, practical aspects of the integration of the latest technologies in marketing activities are proposed to increase their effectiveness and efficiency. The integration of digital technologies and tools allows companies to quickly adapt to changing market conditions and remain competitive. This contributes to the creation of more flexible, adaptive and personalized marketing strategies that meet the modern needs of consumers. The results of the conducted studies emphasize the importance of constant improvement of marketing strategies and adaptation to rapidly changing market conditions to effectively use the potential of digital tools in marketing activities.

Strategi Rebranding Sebagai Bentuk Kepedulian: Mendorong UMKM Kelurahan Kedungpeluk Kecamatan Candi Kabupaten Sidoarjo

The purpose of this study is to explain the strategy in encouraging MSMEs in Kedungpeluk Village, Candi District, Sidoarjo Regency, namely by rebranding. This research discusses the rebranding strategy for five MSMEs in Kedungpeluk Village, Candi District, Sidoarjo Regency as a form of care. Rebranding is one of the tactics that has proven effective in increasing the competitive ability and relevance of MSMEs. For MSME players, rebranding can have a positive impact, namely attracting consumer attention, contributing to increased sales, responding to changes in market trends, expanding the market, building relationships with consumers, strengthening positions in competitive industries, and realizing potential that can attract consumer attention to the importance of this and maintain existing Indonesian local culture. This rebranding also provides solutions for MSME players to improve the quality of their products, especially through more attractive packaging.

Global Value Chains: Sourcing Strategies for Resilience amidst COVID-19

COVID-19 has profoundly impacted the already vulnerable pharmaceutical, agricultural, and food supply chains, leading to disruptions in their sourcing processes. Hence, it is crucial to emphasize the universal imperative of enhancing resilience in Global Value Chains across various industries in today’s interconnected global economy. It seeks to explore how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted GVCs and influenced the availability of critical resources. We have investigated the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on Global Value Chains due to its widespread disruption of supply chains, which has posed immediate challenges for businesses and necessitated resilience strategies. Our research reveals a consistent relationship between impact levels observed in domestic and international contexts. Changes in domestic impact levels closely align with those observed abroad, indicating a robust positive correlation. This correlation emphasizes the interdependence of sourcing challenges across both domestic and international spheres. We propose near-shoring as a management strategy by integrating regional market trends alongside digital transformation to optimize supply chain resilience, enabling businesses to cope with fluctuations in markets and take advantage on new possibilities.

HERDING BEHAVIOUR MARKET INFORMATION AND INDIVIDUAL INVESTOR DECISION-MAKING AT THE NAIROBI SECURITIES EXCHANGE

This paper examined the relationship between herding behaviour and individual investor decision-making at the Nairobi Securities Exchange. In addition, the study assessed the moderating effect of market information on the relationship between herding behaviour and individual investor decision-making at the Nairobi Securities Exchange. The study was anchored on behavioural finance theory and was guided by a correlational research design. The study's target population was 2.03 million individual investors who traded at the Nairobi Securities Exchange through the 17 licensed brokerage firms in Kenya. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data and Internal consistency of the instruments was measured using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, where a coefficient of 0.865 was obtained. The obtained data was analyzed descriptively using frequencies, means, and standard deviation and inferentially by correlation and multiple regression models. The findings revealed that herding behaviour (r = 0.235; β =0.180 p<0.05) had a positive and significant relationship with individual investor decision-making. Jointly, the study established that herding behaviour explains a 59.6% change in individual investor decision-making. In addition, the study established that market information had a positive significant moderating effect on the relationship between herding behaviour and individual investor decision-making as the moderator increased the R2 from 59.6% to 61.0%, which is an R-square change of 1.4%. The study concluded that herding behaviour had a significant relationship with individual investor decision-making at the Nairobi Securities Exchange. The study recommended that investors understand market trends, financial statements, and economic indicators and continue seeking advice from financial experts. NSE should also provide regular market analysis, ensure transparency in market operations to build investor confidence and introduce investment products that cater to different risk profiles, such as low-risk mutual funds. The findings of the study could be of significance to policymakers, financial experts, academicians, scholars, and theoretical developments.

Strategic portfolio rebalancing: Integrating predictive models and adaptive optimization objectives in a dynamic market

Adjusting investment strategy is one of the ways to handle dynamic market conditions. This study proposes a novel portfolio management strategy using appropriate optimization objectives for different stock market trends while also incorporating market trends and stock return predictions The optimization objectives that will be evaluated for different market trends are maximizing the Sharpe ratio, minimizing risk, and minimizing expected shortfall. This study utilizes simulation modelling with various predictive models on building the portfolios. The results show that, in an upward market trend, the strategy is to choose stocks with positive returns, and the objective is to maximize the Sharpe ratio. The portfolio that follows this strategy during upward market trends has greater returns than both the Indonesian Composite Index and LQ45, which serve as stock market benchmarks, with 90% certainty. Meanwhile, during the downward market trend, the strategy is to choose stocks with a negative correlation with the Indonesian Composite Index, and the proper optimization objective is to minimize risk. A portfolio that follows this strategy during downward market trends has greater returns than stock market benchmarks with 95% certainty. Across the evaluation period from 2018 to 2023, the portfolio using the proposed strategy outperforms both stock market benchmarks, with a higher quarterly Sharpe ratio of 0.3047 and cumulative return of 107.90%. The proposed portfolio has a higher quarterly return than the stock market benchmark with 99% certainty. Therefore, the proposed strategy shows a promising result in a dynamic market.

Open-Source Data Formalization through Model-Based Systems Engineering for Concurrent Preliminary Design of CubeSats

Market trends in the space sector suggest a notable increase in satellite operations and market value for the coming decade. In parallel, there has been a shift in the industrial and academic sectors from traditional Document-Based System Engineering to Model-based systems engineering (MBSE) combined with Concurrent engineering (CE) practices. Due to growing demands, the drivers behind this change have been the need for quicker and more cost-effective design processes. A key challenge in this transition remains to determine how to effectively formalize and exchange data during all design stages and across all discipline-specific tools; as representing systems through models can be a complex endeavor. For instance, during the Preliminary design (PD) phase, the integration of system models with external mathematical models for simulations, analyses, and system budgeting is crucial. The introduction of CubeSats and their standard has partly addressed the question of standardization and has aided in reducing overall development time and costs in the space sector. Nevertheless, questions about how to successfully exchange data endure. This paper focuses on formalizing a CubeSat model for use across various stages of the PD phase. The entire process is conducted with the exclusive use of open-source tools, to facilitate the transparency of data integration across the PD phases, and the overall life cycle of a CubeSat. The paper has two primary outcomes: (i) developing a generic CubeSat model using Systems modeling language (SysML) that includes data storage and visualization through the application of Unified modeling language (UML) stereotypes, streamlining in parallel information exchange for integration with various simulation and analysis tools; (ii) creating an end-to-end use case scenario within the Nanostar software suite (NSS), an open-source framework designed to streamline data exchange across different software during CE sessions. A case study from a theoretical academic space mission concept is presented as the illustration of how to utilize the proposed formalization, and it serves as well as a preliminary validation of the proposed formalization. The proposed formalization positions the CubeSat SysML model as the central data source throughout the design process. It also supports automated trade-off analyses by combining the benefits of SysML with effective data instantiating across all PD study phases.

Marketing Strategy Preparation Case Study On CV. Gapura Creative Engineering

This research aims to formulate an effective marketing strategy for CV. Gapura Creative Engineering through a qualitative approach. Intense competition, dynamic customer needs, and rapid technological developments require the company to formulate innovative and adaptive marketing strategies. The research methodology includes in-depth interviews with relevant parties with 5 respondents, direct observation, and document analysis to comprehensively understand the company's marketing situation. SWOT analysis was used to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats facing the company. The results show that the company's main strengths lie in product quality and good reputation, while weaknesses include limitations in digital marketing and distribution. Opportunities that can be capitalized on include the growth of the digital market and strategic partnerships, while threats include intense competition and rapidly changing market trends. Based on these findings, suggested marketing strategies include increasing brand awareness through more aggressive digital campaigns, optimizing the use of social media, and developing more innovative products in line with market trends. The implementation of these strategies is expected to increase the competitiveness of CV. Gapura Creative Engineering, expand market share, and support sustainable growth. This research provides valuable insights for the preparation of a more effective and targeted marketing strategy for the company.