Motor Vehicle Industry Research Articles

Implication of Different Data Split Ratios on the Performance of Models in Price Prediction of Used Vehicles Using Regression Analysis

Introduction; Artificial intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning have become buzzwords lately due to technological changes and data quality testing, especially in shape and finish analysis. Lots of research has been conducted for linear regression algorithms to predict the price in different sectors for share stock, rental properties, prices of used cars etc. This study provides suitable data split ratio for optimum cost estimation based on linear regression model. In present days there is an increasing demand for having own car for every middle class family therefore this have given opportunity to motor vehicle business to offer wide range of used vehicle for re-sale especially companies like Maruti Suzuki, Tata motors & Mahendra motors in Indian motor vehicle industries. Therefore, it is important to know the current value of your car before spending your hard-earned money on any item. Objective; The objective of this paper is finding appropriate value of cars in Metropolitans or even in state capitals. Features like model, mileage, AC, seating capacities, fuel type automatic will be taken into account when doing this. This estimate is designed to help customers find the right options to suit their needs. Methods; We have used a linear regression model to estimate the value of the respective car. Results; For doing this price prediction in this paper using liner regression we have tried to find the optimum accuracy of model by varying data split ratio for training and test data set and concluded with the result that 80/20 ratio is the best ratio with optimum model accuracy for business domain analysis with labelled data set. Conclusion; The findings underscore the importance of careful consideration when selecting a data split ratio for price prediction models in the used vehicle market. The insights gleaned from this study can inform future research and contribute to the development of more accurate and reliable regression models in similar domains.

An improved equilibrium efficient frontier data envelopment analysis approach for evaluating decision-making units with fixed-sum outputs

In recent years, significant development has been made in efficiency evaluation for Decision-Making Units (DMUs) with fixed-sum outputs. The Generalized Equilibrium Efficient Frontier Data Envelopment Analysis (GEEFDEA) approach introduced by Yang et al. (2015) is one of the most representative methods. In the GEEFDEA approach, all DMUs are adjusted to become efficient under the same set of weights, indicating that the Equilibrium Efficient Frontier (EEF) constructed consists of only one hyperplane. However, in practical scenarios under the Variable Return to Scale (VRS) assumption, the production frontier always consists of multiple hyperplanes, presenting a more complex shape. To fill this research gap, we propose an improved Equilibrium Efficient Frontier Data Envelopment Analysis approach. Our approach allows DMUs to have different weights for inputs, variable-sum outputs, and fixed-sum outputs, resulting in an EEF with multiple hyperplanes. It is noted that our new approach uses a non-linear model to obtain the EEF. We show that the model can be linearized in the case of a single fixed-sum output. In situations involving multiple fixed-sum outputs, we propose an algorithm based on the Expectation Maximization (EM) mechanism to solve the model to obtain an EEF. Finally, we illustrate the advantages of our new approach through a numerical example and a case study in the global motor vehicle industry.

Analyzing the energy metabolism of the automotive industry to study the differences found in this sector across EU countries

The automotive industry plays a key economic and political role in developed countries due to its contribution to exports, employment and revenues. Fragmentation of production and offshoring have distributed manufacturing stages among EU national automotive industries. An energy metabolic perspective allows us to explain differences in performance determined by the expression of different functions and the weight within the national economy. This paper analyses the Motor vehicles industry (MVI) and its sub-sectors in 8 EU countries in 2018 visualizing data in end-use matrixes, a Multi-Scale Integrated Analysis of Societal and Ecosystem Metabolism (MuSIASEM) tool. We study the relation over energy carriers (electricity, and thermal energy), GHG emissions, working time, and value added at three different scales: the whole national economy, the MVI sector, and the subsectors within MVI. Through this multi-scale and multi-dimensional characterisation, we cluster the countries according to their functional specialization in (i) manufacturing intermediate parts and modules, (ii) final assembly of vehicles, and (iii) management and engineering design. This representation provides an integrated overview of this industry in relation to its core-periphery dynamics in the spatial division of labour. Additionaly, we provide new insights to labor productivity, efficiency, decoupling and structural changes for sustainability.

Efficiency of labor allocation: An observation in Indonesian Standard Industrial Classification (ISIC)

This study aims to analyze the efficiency and elasticity of the large and medium manufacturing industry sector in Indonesia from 2012 to 2020. The analysis focuses on the 24 subsectors within the 2-digit Indonesian Standard Industrial Classification (ISIC) principal groups 10 to 33. The efficiency level of the manufacturing industry sector was analyzed using the Cobb-Douglas production function model with linear logarithmic transformation. During the period 2012–2020, the production efficiency of the 24 ISIC 2-digit subsectors increased by an average of 445%, or 4 times higher than before. The ISIC 2-digit subsector (24 subsectors) had output elasticity values smaller than one (EL < 1) or inelastic 45 times. This indicates that the marginal value added of labor was lower than the average value added of labor. Therefore, the additional allocation of labor in large and medium industries tends to reduce the average value added of labor. The computer industry, electronic and optical goods computer, electronic and optical goods had the highest efficiency index in order, according to the data. This can be achieved by focusing on industries such as ISIC 17 (paper and paper goods industry), ISIC 31 (furniture industry), and ISIC 29 (motor vehicle, trailer and semi-trailer industry). To improve the efficiency of labor allocation, it is necessary to optimize the use of labor resources, increase productivity, and remain competitive in the market. To improve efficiency and elasticity, it is recommended to implement a robust workforce planning strategy that aligns labor resources with production needs. Additionally, matching the skills and abilities of the workforce with job roles is crucial. Finally, identifying tasks that can be automated using technology can also increase efficiency.

Key Factors Shaping Green Logistics in Thailand’s Auto Industry: An Application of Structural Equation Modeling

Background: Environmental responsibility is a critical focus in business and production. International partners have urged Thai businesses to adhere to global standards in environmental and social accountability. Green logistics management focuses on minimizing costs and boosting competitive efficiency in the industrial sector, while also promoting environmental protection. This study investigates the factors influencing green logistics in the motor vehicle industry. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection from 1638 participants. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were employed to identify causal links impacting green logistics effectiveness. Results: Findings indicate that government and organizational environmental policies, a company’s financial ability to implement green initiatives, commitment to eco-friendly investment, and public environmental attitudes significantly and directly affect the efficiency of green logistics. Conclusions: This research provides valuable insights for car manufacturers into key factors in green logistics management. These insights can help in developing strategic plans to achieve environmental sustainability in the context of future market competition.

Employee Work Values Orientation, Commitment and Performance in the Motor Vehicle Industry in Kenya

The objective of the study was to establish the role of employee commitment in the relationship between employee work values orientation and employee job performance in the motor vehicle industry in Kenya. This relationships was tested using corresponding null hypothesis. The motivation for the study arose from the observation of employee performance challenges that were witnessed in the motor vehicle industry in Kenya. Literature has shown that work values orientation has been associated with employee job performance. This study was based on the social exchange theory. The objective of the study was to eastablish the mediating role of employee commitment in the relationship between employee work values orieontation and employee performance. Descriptive cross sectional survey was used in the study. The study had a population of 2,895 employees out of which a sample of 351 respondents were randomly chosen for data collection. Data was collected by use of structured questionnaires that were dropped and picked back while others were scanned and emailed back. Data was analyzed using regression models. Test findings showed that employee commitment partially mediates the ralationship between work values orientation and employee job performance. The significant findings implied that the hypothesis that the relationship between work values orientation and employee job performance is not mediated by employee commitment was rejected, and the study objective to examine the effect of employee commitment in the relationship between work values orientation and employee job performance in the motor vehicle industry in Kenya positively determined. The study outcomes significantly contributed to theory, policy and practice of work values orientation and its influence on employee job performance. The limitation of the study comprised respondents’ attitude and subjectivity that may have crept in due to bias in choosing suitable responses, however the use of structured questionnaires and supervisor responses was meant to corroborate and reduce personal or subjective ways of responding to statements posed. It was also suggested that a further study be done using similar variables on a longitudinal design for generalizability of results. Further, the study recommended that the motor vehicle industry adopts work values orientation, employee commitment and employee competence as joint factors that significantly improve employee job performance.

Employee Work Values Orientation and Job Performance in the Motor Vehicle Industry in Kenya

The objective of the study was to establish the relationship between employee work values orientation and employee job performance in the motor vehicle industry in Kenya. This relationship was tested using corresponding null hypotheses. The motivation for the study arose from the observation of employee performance challenges that were witnessed in the motor vehicle industry in Kenya. Literature has shown that work values orientation has been associated with employee job performance. Intrinsically oriented employees have been linked to more positive performance outcomes than extrinsically oriented employees. This study was based on the goal content theory, social exchange theory and competence motivation theory. The study had four objectives and four corresponding hypotheses that were tested to approve or disapprove the study predictions. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was used in the study. The study had a population of 2,895 employees, out of which a sample of 351 respondents were randomly chosen for data collection. Data were collected by use of structured questionnaires that were dropped and picked back while others were scanned and emailed back. Data was analyzed using regression models. Test findings showed that work values orientation significantly influences employee job performance. The significant findings implied that all four null hypotheses were rejected, and the study objectives were positively determined. The study outcomes significantly contributed to the theory, policy, and practice of work values orientation and its influence on employee job performance. The limitation of the study comprised respondents' attitudes and subjectivity that may have crept in due to bias in choosing suitable responses. However, the use of structured questionnaires and supervisor responses was meant to corroborate and reduce personal or subjective ways of responding to statements posed. It was also suggested that a further study be done using similar variables on a longitudinal design for generalizability of results. Further, the study recommended that the motor vehicle industry adopts work values orientation, employee commitment and employee competence as joint factors that significantly improve employee job performance.

Moderating Influence of Employee Competence on the Relationship between Employee Work Values Orientation and Job Performance in the Motor Vehicle Industry in Kenya

The objective of the study was to establish the moderating influence of employee competence in the relationship between employee work values orientation and employee job performance in the motor vehicle industry in Kenya. This relationships was tested using corresponding null hypothesis. This study was based on competence motivation theory. The objective of the study was to eastablish the moderating influence of employee competence in the relationship between employee work values orieontation and employee pefrmance. Descriptive cross sectional survey was used in the study. The study had a population of 2,895 employees out of which a sample of 351 respondents were randomly chosen for data collection. Data was collected by use of structured questionnaires that were dropped and picked back while others were scanned and emailed back. Data was analyzed using regression models. Test findings showed that employee competence moderated the ralationship between work values orientation and employee job performance,. The significant findings implied that the hypothesis was rejected, and the study objective was positively determined. The study outcomes significantly contributed to theory, policy and practice of work values orientation and its influence on employee job performance. The limitation of the study comprised respondents’ attitude and subjectivity that may have crept in due to bias in choosing suitable responses, however the use of structured questionnaires reduced personal or subjective ways of responding to statements posed. The study suggested that a further study be done using similar variables on a longitudinal design for generalizability of results. Further, the study recommended that the motor vehicle industry adopts work values orientation and employee competence as joint variables that significantly improve employee job performance.

Analysis of Factors Related to Levels of Lead in Urine Mechanical Official Workshops in Banjarbaru City Area

Lead (Pb) is a class of heavy metals that are most commonly used in the motor vehicle industry because lead reacts easily with other compounds. These compounds produce accumulative neurotoxic toxins that are very harmful to the human body. Workshop mechanics are potentially at risk of lead poisoning. Lead can enter the body through absorption mechanisms (respiratory tract, digestion, and skin). Lead is distributed in the body and eliminated 60% through the kidneys then excreted into urine. The purpose of this study was to analyze the factors related to lead levels in the urine of authorized workshop mechanics. This study is a quantitative study with a cross sectional design on 50 respondents of authorized workshop mechanics in Banjarbaru City area by total sampling. Data were analyzed using Spearman Rho test with 95% CI. There was a concentration of lead in the urine of authorized workshop mechanics between 0.024-0.062 mg/L. The results of correlation analysis of age (p-value 0.705), tenure (p-value 0.550) and smoking habits (p-value 0.565) did not have a significant correlation with urine lead levels. There is no relationship between age, length of service and smoking habits on urine lead levels of authorized workshop mechanics in Banjarbaru City area.

THE INFLUENCE OF MARKET ORIENTATION, TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT AND ENTREPRENEURIAL ORIENTATION ON BUSINESS PERFORMANCE IN THE AUTOMOTIVE MODIFICATION SECTOR

The development of the automotive modification industry is growing along with the development of the motor vehicle industry. Despite being hit by the Covid-19 pandemic, businesses in the automotive modification sector can still survive and are predicted to be a business sector with positive prospects. The purpose of this research is to examine the impact of market orientation, total quality management, and entrepreneurial orientation on business performance. The sample selection technique in this study used non-probability sampling techniques with purposive sampling and snowball sampling methods. The sample obtained in the study was 80 automotive modification business owners in the Jabodetabek area. The SEM-PLS method was used to analyze the data. The results showed a positive and significant influence on market orientation and entrepreneurial orientation on business performance. But total quality management has no significant effect on business performance.

Parallel turbochargers for small-scale power generation

For countries with insufficient power supply and failing power grid infrastructure, it is usually also expensive to import microturbines. Local manufacturing or local assembling in these countries is therefore an attractive solution. Off-the-shelf turbochargers used in the motor vehicle industry are readily available at relatively low costs because of large-scale manufacturing in this sector. A turbocharger can be developed into a microturbine for power generation; however, coupling a turbocharger shaft directly to a high-speed generator or gearbox can be challenging and complex due to the high speeds and high temperatures involved, as well as the limited space available on the shaft for such a conversion. The novelty of this work was to investigate the effect of mounting two off-the-shelf turbochargers in parallel, where the second turbocharger’s compressor wheel is replaced with a generator. This allows for a higher pressure ratio over the power turbine. A parallel configuration may also have an advantage over a series configuration in terms of cost since the power turbine can be smaller in size. Two different parallel configurations were modelled, namely, a low-temperature turbine (LTT) and a high-temperature turbine (HTT), where the only difference was the position of the power turbine in parallel with the main shaft. Both configurations were modelled at steady state up to compressor pressure ratios of 2, with and without a recuperator, and with and without pressure losses. It was found that the recuperated LTT configuration outperformed the recuperated HTT configuration in terms of efficiency when pressure losses were introduced. Results showed that the optimum LTT combination generated up to 4.06 kW of power at 87 kPa ambient pressure, with a thermal efficiency of 13.26 %, when coupled with a 90 % effective recuperator. For the same case, the HTT configuration produced a maximum efficiency of 8.66 % with a power output of 5 kW.

Motor Vehicle Registration Taxes (MVRT) across EU countries: MNEs’ profitability and the role of market concentration

This paper discusses the effects of one-off Motor Vehicle Registration Taxes (MVRT) and market concentration level on the profitability of multinational enterprises (MNEs) operating in the European Union motor vehicle industry. Our simple theoretical framework shows that firm profits depend on the demand function and therefore on taxes applied to prices. We overcome empirically the challenges of making informative theoretical predictions on the pass-through rate under imperfect competition. We find that MVRT,—both as ad valorem taxes and as specific taxes,—have a significant negative effect on MNEs’ profitability. Our findings show a statistically significant positive effect of market concentration on profitability. Finally, our results suggest that the degree of competitiveness in the motor vehicle market moderates the effect of MVRT on firm profitability only in EU countries where the MVRT is an ad valorem tax, with the negative effect of the ad valorem MVRT becoming higher as the motor vehicle market becomes less competitive.

Counterbalancing low expectations with high hopes: Integrating global technology and pre-1949 legacy in China’s motor vehicle industry in the 1950s

ABSTRACT The Sino–Soviet alliance paved the way for the implementation of a vast and systematic programme of industrial and military construction, as well as one of technology transfer. One of the earliest projects regarded a car-production complex in Changchun, situated in Northeast China’s Jilin province. While this factory was built following the highly verticalized model that the Soviets had derived from Fordism, car component clusters proliferated in other areas of China, cooperating with the big industrial complex and eventually surviving as an alternative model until Deng Xiaoping’s reforms. Scholars have so far identified the inventive indigenous use of technology during the Great Leap Forward (1958–60) as the main reason for the success of China’s dualistic industrialization process. The present article contends that the case of the car industry should be predated and better contextualized. Multi-archival research shows that from 1950 Chinese leaders had already seen the need to keep a foot in the global developments of technology and placed a bet on the pre-1949 Western European, Japanese and Republican legacy. These findings also add to the narrative of the Soviet-led industrialization process by integrating into the picture a strong transnational dimension and by recasting the debate on the Sino–Soviet alliance by placing high-quality technology, materials and human resources centre stage.

PP4 deficiency contributes to DEP exacerbated epithelial barrier dysfunction and airway inflammation in asthmatic patients

Abstract Diesel exhaust particles (DEP) emitted from motor vehicle or heavy-duty industries is thought to be the major source of air pollutants that lead to the rapid increase and worsening of allergic disease, such as asthma. In asthma, exposure to DEP has been linked to aberrant epithelial barrier integrity, which leads to the promotion of allergen delivery into the subepithelia and induced alarmins (IL-33, IL-25 and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP)) release to promote Th2-mediated inflammation. However, it is still not known the detail mechanism of airway epithelial barrier in response to DEP. In this study, we fund that PP4 expression was decreased in DEP-challenged human bronchial epithelial cells and air-pollution animal model. Moreover, silencing PP4 decreased E-cadherin and barrier integrity through and activated Src kinase and increased expression of Slug. Sequentially, transactivating the EGFR phosphorylation led to increased alarmin synthesis. Overexpression of PP4 wild type, but not phosphatase mutant, prevented DEP-induced loss of airway epithelial E-cadherin expression and decreased alarmin release, suggested that phosphatase activity is critical to maintain epithelial integrity and alarmin production. Primary human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs) from mild and severe asthmatic patients showed a significantly low TJ integrity in ALI cultures in response to DEP, compared with HBECs from healthy subjects. Our data demonstrate that exposure to DEP causes a significant reduction in expression of PP4 leading to decreased epithelial barrier function might accelerate the allergen-induced airway inflammatory response in asthma. Supported by grants from (MOST 110-2320-B-038-065-MY3) from the Ministry of Science and Technology of Taiwan.

Pengaruh Kualitas Pelayanan Terhadap Kepuasan Pelanggan pada suatu Layanan Purna Jual Motor Honda

ABSTRACTService quality assessment has been widely used in after-sales service, especially in the motor vehicle and automotive industry. The purpose of this study is to determine the factors that affect customer satisfaction in the after-sales service of Honda motorcycles at AHAS Gombong dealer by utilizing the SERVQUAL approach. Several SERVQUAL dimensions such as physical evidence or direct evidence (tangibles), (reliability), (responsive), (assurance), and (emphaty) are analyzed simultaneously on customer satisfaction. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) shows that among the five dimensions of SERVQUAL, reliability and empathy are found to have a significant relationship with Honda motorcycle customer satisfaction in Gombong. Interestingly, (tangibles), (responsive), and (assurance) were found to have no significant relationship with satisfaction. Dealers must provide good service quality to meet customer expectations and achieve customer satisfaction, which in turn builds customer trust in the company. With this, customer loyalty can be achieved by the company which can also increase company profits and competitive advantage.Keywords : Tangibles, reliability, responsive, assurance, empathy

EUROPEAN INTEGRATION DOMINANTS OF WASTE MANAGEMENT OF ROAD TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE

In the modern conditions of the implementation of the European strategy of sustainable mobility and adaptation to climate change, the requirements for the responsible management of waste from motor vehicle infrastructure are growing. The subject of the study is the theoretical, methodological and practical bases of the formation of organizational and economic vectors of waste management of motor vehicle infrastructure objects. Methodology. The theoretical and methodological basis of the research are the basic regulations of foreign and domestic science in the field of responsible management of motor vehicle waste in relation to environmental protection, EU regulations, normative legal acts of Ukraine. The research methodology is based on the dialectical method. General scientific and empirical methods were used to solve the problems, namely: methods of analysis and synthesis when studying the conceptual provisions of the formation of the motor vehicle component of waste management and determining the European benchmarks for the development of the motor vehicle industry, system-structural methods – when determining the direction of transformation processes, observation methods – when applying environmental standards of motor vehicles, abstract-logical – when justifying directions for improving the environmental safety of a car at all stages of its life cycle, the SWOT analysis method – for forming strategic guidelines for the development of the motor vehicle industry with the leveling of negative impact on fishing, methods of comparison and analogy, methods of statistical analysis. The purpose of the study is to identify the priorities in the responsible management of waste from motorized transport infrastructure and the vectors of implementation of the European strategy for sustainable mobility. The realization of the goal determined the formulation and solution of the following tasks: analysis of the conceptual basis of the company's waste management; study of the problem of state regulation in the field of waste management; analysis of compliance with the company's waste management priorities to ensure the implementation of the European Strategy for Sustainable Mobility. Results. The unregulated standardization of motor vehicles and the lack of an effective state policy to stimulate the renewal of private and public transport have led to the fact that Ukraine is constantly turning into a reserve of used non-ecological motor vehicles from abroad, while its own auto industry is on the verge of extinction. Based on the results of the research, it is proven that today the motor transport system, based on the experience of the European Community and implementing the requirements of sustainable and intelligent mobility, can achieve its green and digital transformation and become more resistant to the current crisis. Conclusions. The set of received provisions forms a systematic approach to the analysis of known and synthesis of new ways of increasing the environmental safety of vehicles in the processes of European integration of design and operation, their evaluation and selection according to the criteria of fuel efficiency and the level of environmental pollution. Therefore, currently the main task in the field of environmental and road transport state policy should be to ensure a balance between the availability of vehicles and the observance of environmental rights of citizens in Ukraine. The conditions for improving the ecological situation in Ukraine and minimizing the environmental impact of the motor vehicle infrastructure have been established.

Assessing and Forecasting the Long-Term Impact of the Global Financial Crisis on New Car Sales in South Africa

In both developed and developing nations, with South Africa (SA) being one of the latter, the motor vehicle industry is one of the most important sectors. The SA automobile industry was not unaffected by the 2007/2008 global financial crisis (GFC). This study aims to assess the impact of the GFC on new car sales in SA through statistical modeling, an impact that has not previously been investigated or quantified. The data obtained indicate that the optimal model for assessing the aforementioned impact is the SARIMA (0,1,1)(0,0,2)12 model. This model’s suitability was confirmed using Akaike information criterion (AIC) and Bayesian information criterion (BIC), as well as the root mean square error (RMSE) and the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE). An upward trend is projected for new car sales in SA, which has positive implications for SA and its economy. The projections indicate that the new car sales rate has increased and has somewhat recovered, but it has not yet reached the levels expected had the GFC not occurred. This shows that SA’s new car industry has been negatively and severely impacted by the GFC and that the effects of the latter still linger today. The findings of this study will assist new car manufacturing companies in SA to better understand their industry, to prepare for future negative shocks, to formulate potential policies for stocking inventories, and to optimize marketing and production levels. Indeed, the information presented in this study provides talking points that should be considered in future government relief packages.

Autogeddon or autoheaven: Environmental and social effects of the automotive industry from launch to present

The automotive industry is one of the most significant and increasing sources of pollution worldwide. Previous studies examining its impacts focus on the post-1950 era as data available before this period is scarce. This study carefully reconstructs six datasets from the early 20th century to 2019 for the UK: annual number of motor cars, road lengths, road fatalities, NOx and CO emissions, and fuel consumption. Interpolation was prudently used to fill gaps in the data sets. Results highlight changing health, social and environmental effects throughout the growth of the automotive sector. Ratios of fatalities to cars indicate social ingraining of the car and rapid response to legislation. Significant emissions resulted from the early industry. Successful remediation of emissions occurred in the late 20th century. All variables studied were interrelated, but expansion of road networks particularly contributed to a range of both positive and (unintended) negative consequences. World War 2 appears to have been a landmark for the automotive industry, producing capacity for mass production, personal mobility and research and therefore a struggle between impacts and social policies. We have demonstrated that technological developments and regulatory interventions relating to the motor industry, alongside events that have catalysed societal change, have been crucial in terms of subsequently providing benefits to society whilst also acting to mitigate (but not prevent) the adverse and frequently devastating impacts of motor vehicles on human health and the environment. A periodic, regular, overarching, independent review (~ every 5 years) of the collective positive and negative impacts of the motor vehicle industry and appropriate interventions are essential to maintain and improve social benefits and public and environmental health, as well as supporting delivery of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 and beyond.

The Motor Vehicles Industry in Slovakia, 2005 – 2015

This note examines the evolution of the Slovak motor vehicles sector during 2005-2015, drawing on the latest update (December 2018) of OECD's Inter-Country Input-Output (ICIO) model database. The review takes a global value chain (GVC) approach and looks at the linkages from the gross production and value added perspectives. The overall contribution of the motor vehicles sector to Slovakia's gross production and domestic value added increased twofold during the reference period. There was an ongoing change in the structure of the GVC linkages. The reliance on domestically-sourced inputs increased over the years. The (indirect) value added created in the production of domestically-sourced inputs gradually approached the level of the (direct) value added generated within the motor vehicles sector. Subsequent to the global financial crisis, the share of intermediate goods in exports, the forward linkage of the GVC, and the upstreamness of the production process were all on a rising trend. The sourcing pattern of imports of intermediate inputs and the market for exports steadily shifted away from the euro area towards non-EU countries. It is estimated that a hypothetical 10 percent negative shock to global final demand for motor vehicles would lower Slovak GDP growth by 1 percentage point.

The Influence of Employee Organizational Identification on Employee Performance in the Motor Vehicle Industry in Kenya

The purpose of this study was to establish the influence of employee organizational identification on employee performance in the motor vehicle industry in Kenya. Recent surveys done in the motor vehicle industry in Kenya have shown presence of employee divided loyalty challenges and sabotage that were likely to impact on employee performance. A cross sectional descriptive survey was used to analyze this relationship. A sample of 332 respondents was picked through simple random sampling method from the population on an equitable distribution ratio from 10 organizations in the industry. Data was collected by use of structured questionnaires that were measured on 5 point Likert scale format. Analysis of data was done by SPSS. Descriptive and inferential results were presented in tables and figures. The findings of the study indicated that employee organizational identification significantly influenced employee performance. The study recommended that organizations in the motor vehicle industry should review their policies and practices to include factors that enhance employee loyalty, value similarity and belongingness that the objective of this study have identified, thereby improving employee performance. The limitations of this study were occasioned by use of single variable, adoption of cross sectional survey method for a behavioral study and studying a segment of an industry that has many horizontal players. Future studies should address these limitations by analyzing additional variables that would cover the gaps, considering a longitudinal research design to explain consistency in behavior and expanding the context of the study to cover the entire industry. Key words: Employee Organizational Identification, Employee Performance