National Distributor Research Articles

Analysis and structural characterization of the vid-pisco market

Abstract The objective of this was to determine the factors and social actors that characterize the vid-pisco market in Peru. Using a methodology with a non-experimental qualitative approach of exploratory and descriptive scope, a structural analysis was carried out with the support of a group of five experts familiar with the system studied and the Cross Impact Matrix Multiplication Applied to a Classification tool. The findings allowed us to identify the most influential and dependent factors of the system: the number of people identified with the vid-pisco as a Peruvian symbol, the number of liters of pisco consumed per person, and the percentage of market growth per person per year. On the other hand, the most important social actors turned out to be tourists who visit the country and consume pisco, local consumers, and national distributors. The key factors are important for the system since good management of these favors its development; in the same way that the actions carried out by the actors would complement their development. This study constitutes a starting point for the planning and design of strategies that support the evolution of the system in the medium or long term.

Application Of Linear Programming in the Minimization of Transportation Cost in Dangote Cement, Port Harcourt

This study delved into the optimization of transportation expenses for Dangote Cement in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. It aligned the quantities of products required by national distributors with the supply available from their depots, employing linear programming techniques to achieve cost minimization. Three sources (depots) - Onne, Rumuodumaya and Trans Amadi as well as six destinations (national distributors) - Aluu, Bori, Elelewon, Omagwa, Oyibo and Rumuola were examined. The secondary data was obtained from a field survey and it contained the unit cost (in Naira) of transporting the products per bag from their various sources to various destinations as at October, 2023. Also, the data obtained from Dangote Cement National Consumer Promotion 2020 (Redemption Centres Detail) contained the list of eleven national distributors in Port Harcourt; however, only six of the national distributors were used in this research. Initial feasible solutions for the secondary data collected were determined through the application of the North-West Corner Method, the Least Cost Method, and the Vogel Approximation Method resulting in values of ₦452,000, ₦380,750, and ₦370,500, respectively. Upon analyzing the outcomes, it was established that the allocation strategy proposed by the Vogel Approximation Method is the most advantageous for optimizing the company's transportation costs. As such, it is recommended to the company as it offers the potential to reduce transportation expenses to a minimum of ₦370,500.

Review of Technical Requirements for Brazilian Distributions Companies for the Integration of Distributed Generators - A Comparative Analysis on the Perspective of IEEE-Std 1547-2

The connection of distributed generators, also known as independent generators or independent producers in the distribution systems of medium voltage or low voltage, has been widely encouraged. However, this connection lacks clear and effective regulations regarding access to technical requirements for electrical systems techniques to ensure excellence in distribution systems. Thus, this work presents a comparative analysis between the regulations of national distributors for connecting distributed generators in low and medium voltage systems, weaving a comparative analysis with IEEE 1547-2 standard (IEEE Standard for Interconnecting Distributed Resources with Electric Power Systems).

0927 The Evolution of Costs for Telehealth versus In-person PAP Initiation for Patients with Sleep Apnea over the COVID Pandemic

Abstract Introduction During the COVID pandemic, at the San Francisco VA Healthcare System (VASFHS), positive airway pressure (PAP) set-up visits transitioned from in person to a mix of in person and telehealth for patients newly diagnosed sleep apnea. As part of a larger study examining the clinical outcomes resulting from telehealth versus in-person PAP initiation, we performed a cost analysis of these two treatment pathways within VASFHS. Methods The telehealth pathway included mailing of PAP machines to patients (initially from VASFHS and later through a centralized national distributor), with follow-up video/phone education by respiratory therapists (RTs) and registered sleep technicians (RSTs). We used a bottom-up analysis to examine the total variable direct cost of telehealth versus in-person PAP initiation at various points through the COVID pandemic for patients newly diagnosed with sleep apnea at VASFHS. Results The total variable direct cost of telehealth PAP initiation was $49.66 per patient mid-pandemic (Feb-Dec 2020) compared to $31.02 per patient post-pandemic (Oct-Dec 2022). The total variable direct cost of in-person PAP initiation was $16.76 per patient pre-pandemic (Jan-Dec 2019) compared to $22.71 per patient post-pandemic. The reduction in costs (37.5%) for telehealth PAP initiation mid- to post-pandemic was due to 25% less RT/RST time required and elimination of PAP shipping costs as PAP distribution became nationally centralized. The increase in costs (35.5%) for in-person PAP initiation pre- to post-pandemic was largely due to elimination of group PAP initiation sessions (33.3% more RT/RST time required for individual PAP initiation). Post-pandemic, telehealth PAP initiation cost was 36.6% more than in-person due to 25% more RT/RST time required and five times as much troubleshooting help required for the telehealth pathway. Conclusion With integration of telehealth for PAP initiation, as RT/RSTs gained more expertise with this interface through the pandemic and as distribution of PAP machines/supplies became centralized, costs were significantly reduced, making telehealth a financially sustainable workflow. Future cost analysis can evaluate if group rather than individual telehealth PAP initiation would yield additional cost savings, placing it on par with the cost of in-person PAP initiation. Support (if any) VA OCC FY21 RFA, VAGLAHS GRECC, K24HL143055

Relationship Marketing Strategies in the Dimension Stone Sector

This research investigated the most effective relationship marketing (RM) strategies in the US dimension stone sector (DSS) market: the overall objective of this research was to investigate which RM strategies are the most suitable, in order to improve the international dimension stone market. Methodologically, qualitative research was implemented, focusing on grounded theory. We interviewed three Brazilian distributors established in the USA, and fifteen national distributors who export dimension stones. Data analysis indicated that the RM strategies which best suited the sector in the American market were: prospecting for new customers, international partnerships, and customer loyalty. Thus, we identified the profile which best suited American consumer potential.

Экспорт продукции российского АПК: опыт южно-российских территорий и новые возможности развития

The implementation of the Federal project “Export of agricultural products” strengthens and expands the export potential of the country, contributing to positions’ strengthening in the ranking of the world’s major exporters. Over the past three years, the Russian Federation has risen by three points, taking 17th rank in this aspect. This result was predetermined by the accepted and implemented concepts of agricultural products’ promotion to foreign markets. In turn, they allow us to increase export revenue, implement investment projects, modernize existing sites and open new production lines. The article demonstrates the dynamics of exports of agricultural products, presents the structure and volume of exports of agricultural products by regions of the Southern Federal District, studies the increase in exports. The given statistical indicators of exports of products in the context of industries confirm the expanding potential of the regions of the Southern Federal District. The investment opportunities for the export of agricultural products of Russia were studied; conclusions were drawn about the restriction of the implementation of export projects by small and medium-sized businesses due to the lack of financial resources. It is of interest to create a concept of a national distributor of agro-industrial complex products, contributing to the expansion of exports in target markets and entering new ones. Solving the current problems of prospective exporters (insufficient experience in organizing the process of deliveries to retail chains, lack of connections and contacts with foreign buyers, barriers in finding appropriate foreign partners, high logistics costs (mainly when shipping batches of trial products), a fairly low level of marketing support and expertise in promotion) will also be included in the main tasks of the national distributor. Realizing the importance in the development of such a mechanism, the task of the state is to expand financial support measures for enterprises involved in the promotion of agricultural products in this way.

Beyond procurement: Anchor institutions and adaptations for resilience

According to prior research, local food purchases at anchor institutions (AIs) support community development and food system resilience. AIs are placed-based organizations, such as schools, uni­versi­ties, and hospitals, that support their commu­nities by virtue of their mission. The COVID-19 pan­demic presents a unique opportunity to exam­ine how these institutions can support food system resilience during a period of increasing food inse­curity and supply chain disruptions. This study uses mixed methods, including interview and survey data, to investigate how foodservice operations at New England AIs adapted to COVID-19 and sup­ported local food systems throughout the pan­demic. The findings demonstrate that AIs experi­enced shortages of everyday food items among their broadline distributors—large, national distrib­utors that carry a wide variety of food products. However, AIs adapted to these shortages and found alternate sources for these products thanks to mutually beneficial relationships with local pro­ducers. Having relationships with both local and national distributors was an important source of functional redundancy within institutional food supply chains, reducing institutions’ reliance on a single supplier and enhancing their resilience. This finding suggests that local purchasing relationships help AIs adapt to systemic disruptions, further incentivizing farm-to-institution programs. This study also found that AIs engaged in a wide array of food access initiatives during the pandemic, including pop-up grocery stores and serving free or reduced-price meals. These initiatives supported staff members and communities through food shortages and increased food insecurity. We sug­gest that these diverse food access initiatives, some of which were created in response to COVID-19 and many of which were in place before the pan­demic, are an accessible way for AIs to support food system resilience in capacities beyond procurement.

Proposed Improvement of Forecasting Using Time Series Forecasting of Fast Moving Consumer Goods

<p>The company discussed in this paper is a national distributor firm that distributes FMCG products. The PPIC division in the company is responsible for forecasting the demand using the combination of the moving average method and intuition according to the interest of the company. However, the PPIC staff never measures the accuracy of their forecasting method. This research paper aims to evaluate the forecasting methods used to predict the demands of 12 classes of A SKU. Four-time series forecasting methods are particularly implemented, i.e., ARIMA, moving average (MA), double exponential smoothing (DES), and linear regression (RL). Forecasting using the ARIMA method is carried out by considering the stationarity of the average and variance of the historical data points. Forecasting using DES is carried out by using the optimal alpha and gamma values of the ARIMA method. The results show that the performance of each forecasting method varies, depending on which demands of class A SKU are predicted. Based on these results, the current forecasting method utilized by the company should be improved using the time series forecasting methods leading to the smallest error values for each class of A SKU.</p>

Calculation of the cost-effectiveness
 of subcutaneous administration
 of trastuzumab

Rational selection of medicines with an assessment of
 their pharmacoeconomic effectiveness is the most effective
 way to ensure safe and efficient treatment and economical
 use of budget funds allocated for drug therapy, as well as to
 reduce the time of hospitalization and treatment of patients.
 The purpose of the research was to evaluate the pharmacoeconomic effectiveness of using the subcutaneous and
 intravenous forms of drug Trastuzumab.
 Research tasks:
 1. Estimate costs when using subcutaneous trastuzumab in an outpatient chemotherapy room (OCR).
 2. Estimate costs when using intravenous trastuzumab
 in a day patient department (DPD)
 3. Estimate costs when using intravenous trastuzumab
 in a round-the-clock hospital
 Results: The paper presents the pharmacoeconomic
 analysis of targeted therapy with trastuzumab in two forms
 for intravenous (IV) administration and trastuzumab emtansine for subcutaneous (SC) administration in breast cancer
 by cost minimization method.
 The costs include the cost of used drugs according to the
 price-list of the unified national distributor SK Pharmacia as
 of January 1, 2018.
 At comparable efficacy and toxicity, the estimated
 cost-effectiveness of trastuzumab per 100 patients per year
 is KZT16,939,600 ($50,972) for SC administration in OCR and
 IV administration in DPD vs. KZT41,783,200 ($125,728) for SC
 administration in OCR and IV administration in a round-theclock hospital.

Calculation of the cost-effectiveness
 of subcutaneous administration of trastuzumab

Rational selection of medicines with an assessment of their pharmacoeconomic effectiveness is the most effective way to
 ensure safe and efficient treatment and economical use of budget funds allocated for drug therapy, as well as to reduce the
 time of hospitalization and treatment of patients.
 The purpose of the research was to evaluate the pharmacoeconomic effectiveness of using the subcutaneous and intravenous forms of drug Trastuzumab.
 Research tasks:
 1. Estimate costs when using subcutaneous trastuzumab in an outpatient chemotherapy room (OCR).
 2. Estimate costs when using intravenous trastuzumab in a day patient department (DPD).
 3. Estimate costs when using intravenous trastuzumab in a round-the-clock hospital.
 Results: The paper presents the pharmacoeconomic analysis of targeted therapy with trastuzumab in two forms for intravenous administration (IV) and trastuzumab emtansine for subcutaneous administration (SC) in breast cancer by cost minimization method.
 The costs of used drugs are according to the price-list of the unified national distributor SK Pharmacia as of January 1, 2018.
 At comparable efficacy and toxicity, the estimated cost-effectiveness of trastuzumab per 100 patients per year is
 KZT 16,939,600 ($ 50,972) for SC administration in OCR and IV administration in DPD vs. KZT 41,783,200 ($ 125,728) for
 SC administration in OCR and IV administration in a round-the-clock hospital.
 Conclusions: Based on the above, the subcutaneous form is economically feasible for conducting targeted therapy with
 trastuzumab.

Rockwell Automation: The Channel Challenge

Rockwell Automation's Allen-Bradley division was considering how to deal with the threat posed by national distributors in the maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) business for its industrial automation products. National distributors were consolidating the MRO distribution channel, offering national account customers an integrated multichannel solution for their MRO needs. Allen-Bradley had traditionally served its customers through high-touch, high-value-added local distributors, but this channel was inadequate for the demands of large MRO customers. An effort by Allen-Bradley and other manufacturers to create an industry-wide electronic sourcing consortium called SourceAlliance.com had failed. Now the company had to choose between redesigning its traditional channel by creating a virtual network of local distributors, striking an alliance with a national distributor, or withdrawing from the MRO market. It had to contend with difficult channel conflict issues in choosing a channel strategy.To analyze the competitive strategy of a company serving the MRO market.

Image Analysis: Textile Industry in Indonesia

<p>In 2014, the Indonesian textile industry exports 36% of their woven fabric's amount USD 4.1 to the United States, 16% to the European Union and Japan, and 5% to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). This research was conducted from August 2014 to April 2015 in Indonesia. The questionnaires were distributed to 350 respondents, by using a stratified sampling, purposively, and triangulation techniques. The questionnaires were distributed to an international and national distributors, textile company staffs, textile agency, textile shopkeepers, tailor, staff of the garment, and the staffs of the Trade Minister of Indonesian. The image analysis shows that the woven fabrics of Indonesia are competitive. In terms of an image analysis, this study found three gaps of the image’s expectation and performance. It is indicated that the plan of the Trade Minister of Indonesia would be done, as long as the plan is followed by increasing the production and finishing capacity of the textile industry, which were imported from several countries, such as Germany, Italy, and ASEAN country. They need the new technology of textile machine on getting a better quality and increasing the production capacity of the woven fabrics.</p>

Information and communication technology talent management alignment with outsourcing: case of a power company in Kenya

Increase in ICT investments and new talent management strategies have seen companies adopt ICT outsourcing strategy to improve ICT performance and business value. Best practice in technology solutions requires an organisation to address issues of technology-enabled talent management. The elusive crucial link between ICT Talent Management (ICTTM) and ICT Outsourcing (ICTO) could greatly improve ICT Performance if effectively aligned. This paper developed a best practice model for effectively aligning ICTTM with ICTO for improved ICT performance. This research adopted case study approach amongst staff in HR, ICT and Customer Services functional areas in the Kenyan national power distributor, Kenya Power. Questionnaires were used for collecting data. Descriptive statistics and factor analysis were used for analysis. The findings helped to develop a model which on adoption would contribute to improved ICT Performance and achievement of Information Technology Enabled Services (ITES) and therefore enable businesses through improved quality services.

Transient elastography in Canada: current state and future directions.

Transient elastography (TE) is a safe and effective technology to noninvasively assess hepatic fibrosis in patients with numerous liver conditions. TE is not readily available to all Canadians, and data regarding how this technology is incorporated into clinical practice are lacking. To describe TE practices in Canada, and to identify strategies to optimize access and usage. All Canadian centres with TE devices were invited to complete a survey after obtaining purchasing data from the national distributor of the device. Descriptive statistics were generated. Forty-two devices were available in Canada as of January 2015. Seventy-one percent are used in academic settings, 74% are hospital based and 26% are in private clinics. The test is performed by trained nurses in 48% of centres, physicians in 19%, technicians in 9.5% and by any member of the health care team in 19%. Nineteen percent of centres provide satellite clinics to perform the test. While the majority of the centres perform the test at no additional cost to patients, 29% charge a variable fee. In Canada, most TE devices are used in academic and⁄or hospital-based settings, thus limiting access to this technology to many patients. A sizeable minority of centres mandate patients pay variable out-of-pocket fees. Satellite clinics offered by some centres could increase access, but are not widespread. The lack of uniformity with TE practices in Canada suggests that a national policy is needed.

Pharmacy innovation across the nation

Pharmacy innovation across the nation

Analise estratégica na aplicabilidade do vendor managed inventory (VMI) na cadeia de abastecimento

Neste artigo, apresentam-se os resultados de pesquisa realizada sobre os aspectos estratégicos empresariais na aplicabilidade do Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) para a cadeia de abastecimento. Considerando que os desa¬fios logísticos das empresas estejam relacionados à cadeia de suprimentos, ao gerenciamento, ao planejamento e ao controle da cadeia de abastecimento, a pesquisa qualitativa realizada, por meio da coleta de dados de dez clientes de distribuidores nacionais, permitiu que, os resultados obtidos apontassem para a eficácia dos recursos sistêmicos no setor da cadeia de abastecimento de uma empresa no mercado de reposição. Descrevem-se, de forma integra¬da, os níveis competitivos e os ambientes em que a empresa está inserida e aponta-se para a importância acentuada do planejamento de implementação do Vendor Managed Inventory para amenizar os obstáculos culturais exis¬tentes nas informações, evitando-se assim barreiras na eficácia das trocas de informações e na eficiência de seus resultados.

Case—Keeping Logistics Under Wraps

1. Company Background Stationery Demand is a national distributor of customized paper goods and office supplies located in Blawnox, Pennsylvania. The company was founded in 1963 by John Karthan, a former Westinghouse engineer who left the nuclear business to satisfy his entrepreneurial fervor. From the company’s earliest days John emphasized personal interaction with his customers, often making evening sales calls himself at the homes of other small business owners. More companies saw the value of placing their logo on stationery and other office supplies, and Stationery Demand’s business grew exponentially in the 1970s and 1980s. John hired a large sales force to serve the new customers and expand the business to geographical areas outside of western Pennsylvania. He required that these salespeople complete an extensive training program to ensure that they exemplified his personal selling philosophy. By 2005 Stationery Demand had a national presence and annual revenues exceeding $30 million. Control of the firm passed to John’s son, David Karthan, in 1992. To raise capital, David transformed the proprietorship into an S Corporation in 1996 by offering shares of stock to selected investors. Before retiring, John converted his sales force into a network of independent distributors to provide extra sales incentives and reduce his company’s benefit obligations. Stationery Demand currently has approximately 400 of these independent distributors, each serving a small portion of the United States. John Karthan clearly defined his company’s customer base early in its operations. He focused his sales efforts on small business owners like himself that larger office suppliers might ignore. The personal sales approach established trust quickly, as his customers felt that their business was valued because they were dealing directly with the owner. This provided another impetus for the decision to transform the salespeople into independent distributors. Karthan hoped, and ultimately found, that his distributors could provide a competitive advantage in landing new accounts by reflecting this same interest in the customers.

Case study of processing firm‐distributor firm outsourcing alliance

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review and discuss a distribution outsourcing alliance between a small‐to‐medium scale food processor and a national distributor of frozen and chilled food products. The paper discusses the influence of market dynamics, core and differentiated competencies and strategic intents on alliance formation and operations in the small‐to‐medium scale food enterprise sector.Design/methodology/approachThe dyadic relationship of a small‐to‐medium scale food processor and its distributor is investigated through reviewing past studies of processor‐distributor alliances, conducting in‐depth face‐to‐face interviews with senior managers in both firms, and reviewing documents and correspondence between the firms.FindingsThe partners do not complement their core and differentiate competencies to achieve greater customer value creation through a joint enterprise business model. The alliance focuses pre‐eminently on short‐term sales development and cost savings targets. Non‐achievement of these targets adversely influences partners' trust and commitment to the alliance. A significant strength of the alliance is its capacity to identify customer needs and use this knowledge to speedily develop and introduce new products. In its present form this alliance is unsustainable. The partners should adopt a new philosophy and vision to pursue an alliance that will use their core and differentiated competencies more effectively.Research limitations/implicationsTo generalise the findings and inform theory building, the research has to be replicated in other businesses and market environments. The findings are specific to the market environment and strategies of a single small‐to‐medium scale food processor and a single national distributor of frozen and chilled foods. Multi‐case studies in multi‐contexts (capturing varying sizes of business, industry sectors, target market segments, competitive environments and market environments) have to be completed to enable generalisation and theory building.Practical implicationsThis paper demonstrates the disadvantages of pursuing distribution outsourcing alliances with a short‐term and enterprise level perspective. The case study provides real life evidence of the benefits of pursuing distribution outsourcing alliances based on a joint enterprise philosophy.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to knowledge on distribution outsourcing alliances, a topic that several recent studies have identified as not having been explored in great detail in extant supply chain studies.

Use of Templates to Identify Source of Norovirus Outbreak

Use of Templates to Identify Source of Norovirus Outbreak

Engineering and economic evaluation of gas recovery and utilization technologies at selected US mines

Methane liberated in underground coal mines is a severe safety hazard to miners. It is also a major contributor to the build-up of greenhouse gases in the global atmosphere. This report presents an engineering and economic evaluation of several methane recovery and end-use technologies which can remove, purify, and utilize methane from coal seams. The methane recovery technologies evaluated are widely applicable to US underground mines, and include conventional systems such as vertical extraction wells, gob area wells, horizontal boreholes, and cross-measure boreholes. More advanced and developmental technologies, such as the nitrogen injection process, have also been examined. Methane utilization technologies examined include the use of gas turbines for the generation of on-site power, compression and transport systems needed to sell the gas to a national distributor, and the generation of electrical power for off-site sale. The applicability and performance of each technology were assessed at nine representative coal mine sites, and the economic and emissions reduction performance between existing and alternative recovery operations were examined.