Upper Line Research Articles

How Education Shapes Ethics in Network Marketing: The Role of Identity and Training

Network marketing’s growth is plagued by ethical concerns, emphasizing the importance of implementing training programs that prioritize integrity. This study aims to analyze how different forms of network marketing training play a role in shaping the marketing ethics of trainees with different identities. It examines how network marketing training shapes ethical proneness of the trainees. Differences in trainee identity (college students vs. incumbent marketers) and training form (college course vs. online training) are also explored. Structural equation model (SEM) is established amongst adaptability, class cooperation, motivation, self-efficacy, and ethical proneness. Through textual analysis, questionnaires, and sim-structural interview, this research conducts three studies to empirically analyze the relationship between factors of marketing training and ethical proneness. It explores the influencing mechanisms of network marketing training on marketing ethics. The relationship between network marketing training and ethical propensity is partially confirmed. The shaping mechanism of marketing ethics is different under different trainee identities and training forms. Positive learning motivation and self-efficacy do not constantly improve trainees’ marketing ethics. Informal online training plays a more significant role in shaping market ethics than college courses in network marketing. Lastly, college students are less likely to have their marketing ethics shaped by training than in-job marketers.

State and Market: The Eurasian Dominant Development in the Context of the Formation of a Multipolar World and Increased Hypercompetition

The article is devoted to the results of the International Scientific Conference “State and Market: the Eurasian dominant development in the conditions of the formation of a multipolar world”, held on October 19–20, 2023 at the St. Petersburg State University of Economics. The conference examined a complex of topical problems of the relationship between the state, market and global networks in the process of deepening Eurasian integration and in the conditions of the formation of a multipolar world. Significant emphasis was placed on the problems of the formation of Eurasian political economy as a science in the conditions of the formation of a multipolar world. Much attention is paid to the specifics and patterns of Eurasian economic integration; the role of the Eurasian Economic Union in these processes is shown; various aspects of economic cooperation with China and other Eurasian countries are considered; the transformation of models of economic development of Eurasian countries under the conditions of sanctions restrictions is considered; Current environmental problems and issues of digital transformation of Eurasian countries were studied.

Social Media and Affordable Internet Marketing for Small Businesses

The article examines the features of social networks as an accessible marketing tool for small businesses. The current directions of marketing in social networks are specified and the features of such marketing are highlighted. Various tools are compared and their applicability in the context of small business Internet marketing is assessed. The potential advantages of marketing in social networks are clarified, associated with speed of response, relatively low costs, lack of focus on a local audience, etc. Marketing strategies in social networks are defined and disclosed, and issues of their development are addressed. Based on the results of the study, conclusions are drawn about the resulting importance of small business marketing on social networks.

Consumer Behaviour Moderates the Effect of Green and Social Network Marketing and Strategies on Textile Business Performance in Faisalabad, Pakistan

The purpose of the current study is to look into how marketing strategies, social network marketing, and green marketing affect the textile industry's performance in Faisalabad, Pakistan. Examining how consumer behaviour influences the relationships between green marketing, social network marketing, marketing strategies, and the business performance of the textile industry in Faisalabad, Pakistan. This study used quantitative methods, collecting data using self-structured questionnaires and SPSS analysis. The findings demonstrated a positive correlation between marketing strategies, social network marketing, and green marketing and the textile industry's financial success in Faisalabad, Pakistan. The results also showed that the relationship between the business performance of the textile sector in Faisalabad, Pakistan, and social network marketing, green marketing, and marketing strategies was positively regulated by customer behaviour. Future research on this topic will be beneficial, as will the regulatory bodies drafting regulations and implementing business performance-related policies.

An Empirical Investigation in Turkish Mobile Network Market

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impacts of total subscribers, net investment, mobile data traffic, and mobile number portability on the net sales revenues. In this study, the effects of total subscribers, net investment, mobile data traffic, and mobile number portability on the net sales revenues are tested by using Generalized Method of Moments. The data cover the period of 2010:01-2019:03 (quarterly) for Turkish mobile network market. The Turkish mobile network market is dominated by the three major firms Turkcell, Vodafone, and Avea. According to findings of this study, the most efficient variable that affects net sales revenues is the total mobile data traffic in Turkcell. However, the most efficient variable that affects net sales revenues is the number of total subscribers in Vodafone and Avea. While the number of total subscribers does not have a statistically significant effect on net sales revenues in Turkcell, does significant effect on net sales revenues in Vodafone and Avea. Also, total mobile data traffic does not have effect on the net sales revenues in Avea, but others.

COMBHelper: A Neural Approach to Reduce Search Space for Graph Combinatorial Problems

Combinatorial Optimization (CO) problems over graphs appear routinely in many applications such as in optimizing traffic, viral marketing in social networks, and matching for job allocation. Due to their combinatorial nature, these problems are often NP-hard. Existing approximation algorithms and heuristics rely on the search space to find the solutions and become time-consuming when this space is large. In this paper, we design a neural method called COMBHelper to reduce this space and thus improve the efficiency of the traditional CO algorithms based on node selection. Specifically, it employs a Graph Neural Network (GNN) to identify promising nodes for the solution set. This pruned search space is then fed to the traditional CO algorithms. COMBHelper also uses a Knowledge Distillation (KD) module and a problem-specific boosting module to bring further efficiency and efficacy. Our extensive experiments show that the traditional CO algorithms with COMBHelper are at least 2 times faster than their original versions.

Analisis Tingkat Pendapatan UMKM (Usaha Mikro,Kecil,Menengah) Terhadap Dampak COVID-19 di Kota Medan

Since the end of 2019 the Covid-19 pandemic has attacked all corners of the world. The Covid-19 pandemic has had a tremendous impact on the economic sector throughout the world because many restrictions on community activities have caused the world economy to become volatile again, including the Indonesian economy, especially the city of Medan. The presence of the Covid-19 pandemic certainly presents a new challenge for Indonesia with an unprecedented spectrum and magnitude. Indonesia is also in the midst of a health and economic storm as experienced by more than 200 other countries. This extraordinary situation requires governments in various countries to devote energy and thought to producing balanced policies on the health, social and economic side. Starting from the price of petroleum which is in free fall, as well as the prices of other commodities such as gas and palm oil which will continue to be pulled down. This research aims to determine the impact of the Covid 19 pandemic on MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises) in the city of Medan. The research method used was a qualitative descriptive method. Where in the data collection process carried out were interviews with several MSME actors who sell in the Medan City area, such as traders who meet consumer needs, namely Primary, Secondary and Tresier. The government's decision to carry out a Social Distancing program has further worsened the situation for MSMEs, showing that the impact of Covid-19 is very influential, where in general more than 50% of MSMEs have experienced a decrease in income, reduction in employees, difficulties in borrowing bank installments. This is because people's purchasing power has decreased, resulting in the market being empty of buyers, as well as the lack of people's activities outside the home because they choose to stay at home. Several business actors are able to survive by trading through the use of technological applications that are easy and widely available for MSMEs so that they are able to expand their market network online. Even though this method cannot completely restore the income of MSMEs, especially in the city of Medan, there are still many obstacles that occur.

The Ius Constituendum Implementation of Simple Patents for the Management of Traditional Medicines

<p>Traditional medicine in Indonesia actually has the potential to be developed and has economic value for society. One effort to develop it is by optimizing aspects of intellectual property, especially through simple patents. This research aims to answer two legal issues, namely: the urgency of a simple patent orientation for traditional medicines in Indonesia and the formulation of a simple patent orientation for traditional medicines in Indonesia. This research method uses normative legal research with a conceptual and statutory approach. The research results confirm that the urgency of a simple patent orientation for the management of traditional medicines in Indonesia has three benefits at once, namely from the aspect of technology development, developing types of traditional medicine products, to increasing economic value. In the aspect of technology development, a simple patent for traditional medicine entrepreneurs can increase the value of creativity and innovation to always develop existing technology. Future arrangements that can be made are by establishing special regulations that regulate increasing the economic value of traditional medicines through the development of simple patents. Ideally, this regulation must also regulate three main substances, namely: an inventory of the potential for traditional medicines in a place, the potential for technological development through simple patents, and an effective and efficient marketing network for traditional medicines.</p>

Enhancing Channel Performance: The Moderating Effect of Soft Skills Training Programs in the Relationship Marketing Context for MLM Sales Leaders in Malaysia

Multi-level Marketing (MLM) business revolves largely around people due to its business concept connecting large groups of downlines' network business activities. In MLM industry, people costs are much higher than capital costs. This people-based business requires the influence of relationship marketing, which requires the initiative of showing trust and commitment between MLM sales leaders and their downlines to ensure long-term cooperation. This study intends to understand the consequences of relationship marketing amongst MLM sales leaders towards channel performance. The achievement of channel performance depends on the loyalty and retention between MLM sales leaders and downlines. The study also employs a soft skills training program as a moderator to examine the intensity between relationship marketing and channel performance. Cluster sampling is employed, and 64 Multi-level Marketing Organizations (MLMOs) are selected as the study sample. 320 sets of questionnaires were mailed out to the targeted downlines, and 210 duly answered the questionnaires (65% response rate). The study reveals that trust and commitment positively influence channel performance. Soft skill training is also found to moderate the relationship between trust, commitment and channel performance.

Chance-constrained co-optimization of peer-to-peer energy trading and distribution network operations

Peer-to-Peer (P2P) energy markets enable participants to trade locally produced electrical energy at a mutually agreed-upon price. Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) and flexible loads are fundamental components of P2P energy markets, facilitating the market participants to supply or consume energy in accordance with trading agreements. Consequently, it is vital to account for the stochastic nature of DERs and load demand while designing the P2P energy trading model in order to attain optimal operation of P2P energy markets and secure operation of the distribution network. The scenario-based and robust optimization techniques commonly used to characterize uncertainty suffer from data requirement, computational burden, and solution conservatism standpoints. This paper, therefore, proposes a chance-constrained model for P2P energy trading considering renewable energy uncertainty and distribution network constraints. The uncertain behaviour of renewable generation resources is modelled using chance constraints and integrated with the decision-making process of the P2P energy market and distribution network operation. The chance-constrained P2P energy trading problem is reformulated as a deterministic equivalent problem that can be solved by readily available commercial solvers. The ex-ante and ex-post-performance of the proposed chance-constrained formulation is evaluated on a 15-bus radial distribution network, while the scalability of the proposed formulation is demonstrated on modified IEEE 33-bus and 69-bus test networks. The results showcase the effectiveness of the proposed chance-constrained model in handling the uncertainty and respecting the network constraints while deriving the P2P energy trading outcomes.

Analisis Perbandingan Teori Dan Praktek Sistem Multi Level Marketing Pada Bisnis Paytren Dalam Perspektif Syariah

This study aims to find out how the application of the Multi Level Marketing Business system is applied to paytren, whether the practice in the field is in accordance with established sharia. The research method used in this case is library research and field research, with a qualitative descriptive research approach that is deductive in nature. Researchers used sources such as books, theses, articles, and conducted interviews with paytren business users. This study also uses a normative and comparative approach. Based on the research results, it can be concluded that the paytren business that uses a multi-level marketing system that has been certified by sharia in practice has many deviations both by its customers and by the system itself. The implementation of Paytren's multi-level sharia marketing is carried out in an unfair way, that is, whoever has subordinates or partners will also receive bonuses when their partners transact without having to work. In practice, paytren contains elements of usury, gharar and dzulm.

European administrative networks during times of crisis: Exploring the temporal development of the internal market network SOLVIT

AbstractEuropean administrative networks (EANs) are an increasingly prominent form of European Union (EU) governance. Although these networks are typically portrayed as important and flexible forms of organization, we lack knowledge of their temporal dimension, including their development in times of crisis. This paper provides a first analysis of network interaction as it unfolds before and during times of severe crisis for the EU internal market. Specifically, we examine interactions in the EU internal market network SOLVIT. This network offers member states both a formalized procedure for the bilateral resolution of cases of alleged misapplication of EU law, and an informal network for general discussions on internal market topics and SOLVIT‐related matters beyond specific case‐resolution. Based on unique three‐wave survey data, we develop a continuous‐time model (stochastic actor‐oriented model) to analyze the evolution of SOLVIT's informal interactions over time. In explaining these developments, we reflect on the importance of two crises: the exit of a central SOLVIT member (the United Kingdom), which drove informal interactions to a great extent, and COVID‐19, which led to great sudden uncertainty and challenges for the implementation of internal market law. Our results show that the network is remarkably stable and despite, or rather because of, these crises, has become denser over time.

THE IMPACT OF THE EXISTENCE OF THE TAKALAR SUGAR FACTORY IN CREATING BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES IN THE COMMUNITY OF EAST POLONGBANGKENG DISTRICT, TAKALAR REGENCY

The study's main goal is to thoroughly investigate how the Takalar Sugar Factory impacts the creation of business opportunities within the community, as well as to assess the implementation of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) from the community's perspective. The research employs a descriptive qualitative approach, gathering data through observation, interviews, and documentation of a research object. The data will then be analyzed by conducting conclusive interviews with both the community and the factory's workforce, drawing conclusions based on past and present conditions. The findings from the research on the community and the factory's workforce reveal that opening grocery and culinary stalls presents the most promising opportunity to boost community income. This is especially beneficial for workers, as evidenced by the implementation of CSR programs. However, some individuals are unaware of these programs due to insufficient company outreach regarding CSR initiatives and potential business opportunities. The sugar cane crop produced by the factory has a daily milling production target, requiring extensive networks for quick consumer marketing. This presents an opportunity for the community to participate in sugar distribution to consumers.

Ecological And Economic Productivity Agrosilvopastura In Manimbahoi And Sicini Village Of Parigi And Gowa District

Agrosilvopastura as one of the branches of the agroforestry system is one of the land management systems that may be offered to overcome the problems arising from land conversion and simultaneously to overcome the problem of food availability. Manimbahoi and Sicini villages located in Parigi of Gowa Regency, where both villages have the potential of long standing agrosilvopastura system on brand lands, this research is to know (1) Management of agrosilvopastura (2) Level of diversity and value of agrosilvopastura ecological productivity. (3) Economic productivity resulting from agrosilvopastura management in meeting the daily needs and increasing the income of the local community. Methods of field survey research interviewed 30 respondents with purposive sampling and plot measuring 20X20 m to determine ecological and economical productivity and statistical analysis to determine the diversity ecological and economic income. The results of the research show the diversity in Manimbahoi village of 1.2 and 1.3 and 1.3, respectively, are at a low level of diversity. Sicini village, 1.7 pole 1.5 trees are of medium diversity, while 1, 3 stakes are at a low level of diversity while from the questionnaire found acceptance of Agrosilvopastura management of the economical productivity of Manimbahoi and Sicini Village of Rp. 11,112,000 every month, the total revenue of agriculture sector and Sicini Village farm is Rp. 6,446,000 every month. Forestry sector revenue does not exist, because farmers do not know the market network to sell forest products, farmers only use their own for household needs

Systemic risk prediction using machine learning: Does network connectedness help prediction?

The global financial crisis not only highlights the important role of financial network connectedness, but also urges regulators pay more attention to systemic risk. We study whether network connectedness helps systemic risk prediction by using machine learning techniques, including k-nearest neighbor (KNN), support vector regression (SVR), extreme gradient boosting (XGB), and feedforward neural network (FNN). Based on prediction results, we use the fingerprint model to deliver interpretability evaluations of financial variables and network connectedness. We find that (1) the linear and nonlinear effects of stock market volatility and network connectedness effectively interpret systemic risk; (2) the interaction effects between stock market volatility and other drivers have a stronger ability to predict system risk in SVR, KNN, and XGB approaches, while network connectedness performs more profoundly in FNN approach; and (3) the interaction effect between stock market volatility and network connectedness is evident in all approaches.

The on-line turnover of biologically active additives. Part I. Legal regulation of on-line market of imported biologically active additives in Russia

The interest of population to biologically active additives drastically increased both due to consequences of the COVID-19 corona-virus infection and dynamic development of online trade and active propaganda of healthy lifestyle through mass media. Such production contains in its compound substances that are necessary for maintaining normal vital activity of organism and increasing human immunity. In other cases it can be used as additional and auxiliary agent of treatment of various diseases. In Russia, biologically active additives can be sold through three channels: pharmacies, on-line market and network marketing. In Russia, the results of monitoring of on-line market in 2021-2022 testifies that purchasing of such biologically active additives at on-line platforms turned out to be the riskiest action for human life and health. The biologically active additives were sold at on-line market with serious violations that confirms their danger to health and in some cases for human life. The study demonstrated that nowadays there is no clear-cut legal regulation of turn-over of imported biologically active additives at on-line market. The article presents detailed analysis of normative legal field that regulates in Russia on-line trade of imported biologically active additives and relevant conclusions and recommendations.

Marketing in the Digital Age - Adapting to Changing Consumer Behavior

The digital age has transformed consumer-brand interactions, requiring a nuanced grasp of evolving digital consumer behaviors and expectations for effective marketing strategies. This study aims to investigate changing consumer behavior influenced by digital technologies and marketing. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted involving 204 respondents engaged in digital marketing technology. Self-administered questionnaire was distributed via Google Form through various social media platforms and emails, and collected data was analyzed using SPSS version 25. The findings revealed pervasive influence of digital platforms, with 79.9% awareness of digital marketing concepts and 94.1% making online purchases after encountering digital advertisements. Informed decision-making is found evident, as 86.3% review product information before online purchases, and 84.3% express trust in information from blogs and websites. The study found that the consumer perceptions of digital marketing, revealing positive sentiments towards content, satisfaction with social network marketing, and the role of digital media in aiding decision-making. The study highlights the significant impact of digital marketing on consumer behavior, emphasizing the need for businesses to strategically leverage social media, enhance online product information, and tailor marketing approaches to align with diverse consumer preferences.

Entrepreneurial Endeavors: Examining The Role Of Catering Businesses In Pasuruan's Economic Empowerment

This study explores the challenges faced by Muslim women in establishing catering businesses, primarily due to inadequate marketing strategies. To overcome these obstacles, the research proposes catering business assistance with a focus on utilizing the internet as a platform for product promotion. Incorporating the Marketing 4.0 concept, the study emphasizes the complementary nature of digital-based and traditional marketing to meet consumer demands. The evolution from the AIDA concept to the 4A and 5A models is examined, highlighting attention, attitude, action, and advocacy as essential elements in consumer engagement. The effectiveness of e-commerce is underscored by offering benefits for MSMEs, such as accessing buyers from different regions, cost efficiency, and improved communication. Online media, including platforms like WhatsApp, social media, and email marketing, is discussed for its positive impact on information processing, purchasing decisions, and expanding market networks. The study also emphasizes the need to combine online and offline strategies to enhance digital technology adoption, maintain a personal touch for consumer relationships, and widen business reach. This research emphasizes the importance of digital technology for MSMEs to thrive in the catering industry.

Content of Regional Library Communities on the VKontakte Social Network

Social networks are one of the platforms for posting official content and interacting with users, as well as providing remote access to information resources. The purpose of analyzing the content of communities in the VKontakte social network of the Oryol regional libraries (public, children’s and special) was to identify the structure and typology of communities, their characteristic features, and types of labels. The reason for choosing the accounts of regional libraries as the object of research was the social function they perform: regional libraries are the flagships of the development of the library system of a certain territory. The popularity of publications in communities was measured using the Engagement Rate coefficient. A direct correlation has been revealed between the type of publication and its popularity: the more popular the publication, the more publications of this type are posted in the community. For more effective functioning of library communities, it is necessary to develop a content plan that is based on the theory of management and marketing of social networks.

Pengaruh Strategi Multi Level Marketing, Harga, dan Product Knowledge Terhadap Keputusan Pembelian

This study aims to analyze the effect of multi-level marketing strategy, prices, and product knowledge on purchasing decisions. This research used causal associative research with a quantitative approach. This study used observation and questionnaires as the data collection techniques. The questionnaires were distributed to 70 respondents, namely all consumers of Herbalife products at Bless Fit Club Jombang. The data analysis used descriptive_analysis, questionnaire test, classical assumption test, multiple regression analysis, analysis of the coefficient of determination and hypothesis testing. The test results show that multi-level marketing strategy and product knowledge have a positive.effect on purchasing decisions, while price does not affect purchasing decisions. The results of this study can be concluded that multi-level marketing strategy, prices, and product knowledge together have a positive effect on purchasing decisions. Herbalife needed to improve communication with consumers. One of them is about the compatibility of price with product quality so that consumers are interested in purchasing Herbalife products. In addition, Herbalife needs to optimize the multi-level marketing and product knowledge strategies that have been implemented so as to influence consumer purchasing decisions.