Niche Market Research Articles

Billfish in coastal visual art in Kenya: a resource for ocean science communication

Approaches to marine conservation and management issues has often been limited to using scientific research to propose technical and policy interventions. However, communicating outputs as scientific publications and policy briefs has limited reach and impact for non-academic audiences. Art markets in Mombasa and Kilifi Counties in Kenya were sampled to determine how the creative arts can be used to communicate ocean science. Artwork with terrestrial themes was popular and increasingly available to buyers compared to ocean art. Billfish as a representative species was popular in ocean art culture, underscoring its potential in a niche market for ocean art. Our study highlights opportunities for active collaboration between scientists and artists in communicating messages from scientific work to non-academic audiences. Engagement of Western Indian Ocean countries in the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development will benefit from the use of ocean art in science communication and enhance ocean literacy in the region.

Business Case for Transit Bus Automated Collision Avoidance Systems

Although the National Transportation Safety Board has strongly recommended the application of collision avoidance warning systems and automated emergency braking (CAWS/AEB), the transit industry has lagged behind autos and trucks. CAWS/AEB for buses is more complex than for cars and trucks and represents a niche market. If bus manufacturers and suppliers are to invest in developing this technology, they will need to be convinced there is a market for it. Transit agencies also will need to be convinced that the technology works and is affordable. For both vendors and purchasers, a business case could be made that some or all of the expense of procuring and deploying the technology can be recovered through savings from reduced insurance premiums and claims payouts by preventing or mitigating collisions. This paper describes two methods for estimating the business case for equipping transit buses with CAWS/AEB. First, industrywide data on the numbers of collisions and casualty and liability expenses incurred by transit agencies were examined, and statistical relationships were modeled to determine whether reducing the numbers of collisions would reduce casualty and liability expenses. Second, individual collision claims records for specific transit agencies were examined to determine whether the collisions could have been prevented by CAWS/AEB, and the potential savings.

Artificial intelligence as toolset for analysis of public opinion and social interaction in marketing: identification of micro and nano influencers

In the conditions of digitalization, which has penetrated all spheres of human life and society, artificial intelligence (AI) and ultra-precise neural networks influence our thinking and form consumer demand and loyalty. Modern AI applications cover all the essential areas of activity: education, manufacturing, marketing, management, law, medicine, and e-commerce. The study aims to build a methodology for analyzing the influence of public opinion in social networks, particularly micro and nano influencers, through AI and machine learning on the effectiveness of companies' marketing activities. The authors studied the stages of consumer interaction with marketing profits and highlighted the role of AI technologies in each of them. They showed that public opinion was the main driving force for effective sales of products on the Internet. Based on empirical data, a strong direct relationship was found between the number of influencers and the dynamics of marketing profit: it was revealed that the correlation coefficients between the marketing profit index and the number of micro and nano influencers were 0.86–0.99 in all surveyed companies implementing AI technologies, regardless of the market niche. Based on the expert method, the company's marketing system is investigated. An integral indicator of its effectiveness is introduced, consisting of sub-indices of analysis, diffusion and marketing information management. The authors considered the factors of profit from marketing activities of five companies actively implementing AI in brand promotion, including those using the leadership opinions of influencers. The applied value of the developed methodology is the possibility of using it to construct Internet marketing strategies by companies. By permanently monitoring the relationship between the marketing profit index and the degree of brand popularization in social networks, companies can manage sales at all stages of consumer communications, optimizing the costs of influencers promoting products on different social platforms. The prospects for further research are to study the relationship between the degree of interactivity of the influencer with the audience, the content posted by it with the conversion rate and sales volumes; grouping and identification of influencers based on the clustering method.

Effect of fermentation process on hygiene and perceived quality of lait caillé, an ethnic milk product from Burkina Faso

Lait caillé is a traditional fermented milk product in Burkina Faso. The objective of this study was to contribute to consumer acceptance of lait caillé. For this purpose, the production practices in rural and urban areas were identified through semi-structured interviews, while the perceived quality of lait caillé in urban area was investigated through a survey. Then, microbiological and physico-chemical parameters were analysed on samples from rural and urban sites. Finally, an attempt to improve the hygiene of the traditional processing was proposed by use of Lactococcus lactis and Leuconostoc mesenteroides stains as starter. These were previously isolated from traditional lait caillé. The results on the manufacturing processes revealed from the raw milk practices of spontaneous fermentation, backslopping and contact with bacterial biofilms attached to container. The survey on perceived quality indicated that traditional lait caillé possessed a niche market which could be enlarged by implementation of good manufacturing practices in the production sites. The microbiota of the end product was characterised by high loads of Enterococcus spp., Enterobacteria and Pichia spp. Fermented milks by starter cultures showed improved hygienic quality and a positive sensory appreciation. However, the use of selected strains might be followed by loss of some features of traditional lait caillé, which scientists should work to resolve.

«THERMAL COUP» OF VICE-CHANCELLOR R. HABECK: CONSEQUENCES FOR GERMANY’s ECONOMICS AND POLITICS

In the face of new challenges for the energy transition, since spring 2022, the German Cabinet of Ministers has been paying special attention to the energy saving of buildings, which are one of the main sources of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection has consistently increased the mandatory use of renewable energy sources for heating and electricity consumption. Since the beginning of 2023, at the initiative of its head, at the same time acting vice-chancellor, R. Habeck, a mechanism for the preferential use of heat pumps as a strategic basis for the so-called thermal transition has been discussed at the government level. The peculiarity was the absence of a traditional organized public discussion in such cases with the involvement of specialized interest groups. Moreover, facts of internal lobbying at the level of one of the state secretaries of the ministry were revealed. In April, the government coalition proposed a draft to make a number of qualitative changes to the Law on the Energy of Buildings. It provoked sharp criticism and rejection from the Free Democratic Party, the expert and business community, as well as representatives of federal subjects. Against this background, German and foreign manufacturers of heat pumps have stepped up efforts to conquer new market niches. The article examines the essence of the amendments proposed by the coalition, the prospects for their adoption, the content of criticism of the bill by specialized associations and unions, the possible consequences of the future law for economic and economic political processes in Germany.

The Problem with the Anthropocene: Kainos, Not Anthropos

The Problem with the Anthropocene: <i>Kainos</i>, Not <i>Anthropos</i>

Future Tendencies of Non-fungible Tokens

Abstract Blockchain has been one of the key innovations in information technology in the last 15 years. An important aspect of applying blockchain technology is the creation of so-called non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Although the name resembles cryptocurrencies because of the word token, in practice, NFTs do not represent electronic money but a digital certificate of ownership of an asset. They effectively behave like tokens whose total supply is one, and it is immutable. Considering their technical and conceptual basis, NFTs can be defined as digital certificates of ownership based on blockchain technology, the possession of which proves the indisputable ownership of the purchased digital asset. The subject of this paper is the conceptual basis of NFTs and the scope of their application in digital business. It aims to determine the value factors of NFTs and whether an expansion of their use can be expected in the future. The results of our research show that the essential advantage that NFTs bring to digital business is authentication. NFTs also enable the continuous collection of royalties by the author. The last, but potentially most powerful value generator of NFTs, is the creation of an ecosystem, where an online community is formed based on the initial forms of digital assets. Without standardization and regulation by states, NFTs will remain in the market niche of intensive Internet users.

Pterospartum tridentatum Liqueur Using Spirits Aged with Almond Shells: Chemical Characterization and Phenolic Profile.

With great cultural significance, spirits and distillate beverages constitute an important niche market in Europe. The development of new food products, particularly for the functionalization of these beverages, is increasing exponentially. The present work aimed to develop a new wine spirit beverage aged with almond shells and flowers of P. tridentatum for further characterization of bioactive and phenolic compounds, coupled with a sensorial study to evaluate the acceptance of this new product by the market. Twenty-one phenolic compounds were identified, mainly isoflavonoids and O- and C-glycosylated flavonoids, especially in P. tridentatum flowers, indicating that it is a highly aromatizing agent. The developed liqueur and wine spirits (almonds and flowers) showed distinct physicochemical properties, with the last two samples showing greater appreciation and purchase intention by consumers due to their sweetness and smoothness. The most promising results were found for the carqueja flower, which should be further investigated in an industrial context to contribute to its valorization in its regions of origin, such as Beira Interior and Trás-os-Montes (Portugal).

Assessment of the Potential of Adventure Tourism in the Mt. Kenya Region

Today, adventure tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors of the global tourism. It has experienced phenomenal growth in the last twenty or so years. However, despite this phenomenal growth, there is still conceptual ambiguity in literature on this niche market. Research on adventure tourism is limited but this is gradually changing. The purpose of the study was to discuss the prospects of developing adventure tourism in the Mt. Kenya region and challenges likely to be faced. The area has been a major tourist destination since colonial times, especially for mountaineers and campers. However, little effort if any has been made by various stakeholders to develop adventure tourism in the area. Available literature on adventure tourism in the Mt. Kenya region is scanty. This study aims to fill this research gap. A descriptive research design was used to collect both qualitative and quantitative data. Qualitative data provided information on opinions of tourists and industry officials interviewed concerning prospects and challenges for developing adventure tourism in the study area. Quantitative data provided information on major tourist attractions for adventure tourism in the study area. Data collection techniques such as questionnaire survey and interview schedules were used to assess the possibility of developing a viable adventure tourism industry in the area. SWOT analysis was used in the study to explain the current constraints and potential for adventure tourism in the Mt. Kenya region. In-depth literature review and SWOT analysis revealed that many prospects exist for adventure tourism in the study area. Mountaineering, rock climbing, camping and bungee jumping were identified as possible activities that can be developed and expanded for adventure tourism. Therefore, all the stakeholders in the tourism industry in the region should market the area more aggressively locally and internationally.

Olive Oil Benefits from Sesame Oil Blending While Extra Virgin Olive Oil Resists Oxidation during Deep Frying.

Fresh potatoes were deep-fried in olive oil (OO), extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), and their blends with 5%, 10%, and 20% v/v sesame oil (SO). This is the first report on the use of sesame oil as a natural source of antioxidants during olive oil deep frying. The oil was evaluated for anisidine value (AV), free fatty acids (FFAs), extinction coefficient (K232 and K270), Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), and total phenols (TPs) until the total polar compounds (TPCs) reached 25%. Sesame lignan transformations were monitored through reversed-phase HPLC. While the TPCs in olive oils increased at a steady rate, the addition of 5%, 10%, and 20% v/v SO delayed TPCs' formation for 1, 2, and 3 h, respectively. The addition of 5%, 10%, and 20% v/v SO increased the olive oil frying time by 1.5 h, 3.5 h, and 2.5 h, respectively. The addition of SO to OO reduced the secondary oxidation products' formation rate. The AV for EVOO was lower than OO and all tested blends, even those with EVOO. EVOO was more resistant to oxidation than OO, as measured by the TPCs and TEAC, while the frying time rose from 21.5 to 25.25 h when EVOO replaced OO. The increase in frying time for OO but not for EVOO, after SO addition, points to a niche market for EVOO in deep frying.

SME Internationalization and Export Performance: A Systematic Review with Bibliometric Analysis

Building from the authors’ plan to conceptualize an artificial intelligence (AI) solution that allows SME owners to make more sustainable choices in foreign-market-entry decisions, this systematic literature review (SLR) researches the state-of-the-art in SME internationalization from 1920 to 2023 (since 2014 in more depth). The authors gather all articles in Scopus, tagged with the keyword internationalization (25,303 as of January 2023), order them by citations, and download the top 2000 papers’ metadata for analysis and debate, then narrow it to reviews and SMEs, and use bibliometric visualization and qualitative data analysis software (VOSviewer and NVivo) to identify the key players and determinants of export performance/intensity, and finally draw conclusions. The results reveal key internationalization theories, top authors, reviews, and sources and expand Werner´s determinants via several tables and figures. The findings reveal the rise of relevance regarding theories related to social narratives and corporate activism, but also show that there is still much to do in SME internationalization, namely on what makes a small firm well established in their native market and have success in other countries. The contribution to science is an update on the topic and the pinpointing of several trends and gaps, such as a focus on services, theory integration, longitudinal studies between antecedents and performance, strategic fit versus opportunism, network theory on niche marketing, born-“glocal” strategies, disruptive technologies, and discourse variables, for the future of SME export success.

ECONOMICS OF THE INFORMATION SECTOR ON THE EXAMPLE OF POSTAL SERVICES

The implications of the information sector resulted in the creation of many new companies, but also development of certain sectors within existing companies that needed a new strategy for growth and development in the market. Corporations, in order to achieve higher overall level of efficiency and profitability are reaching for additional ways of strengthening individual sectors, i.e. through networking, activating those sectors they consider to have potential for further development. Thus, the information sector became a core activity that offered the potential for companies to explore new directions or even support the strengthening of already existing activities. The sales sector, especially in those corporations with a significant retail component, discovers through the economy of the information sector new sales channels or even new market niches that were previously inaccessible without networking. The operation of the information sector is based on various forms of networking, creating network effects that enable companies to achieve above-average business results, by utilizing the potential of designed activities. This paper analyses the activities of Hrvatska pošta d.d. and how networking has successfully multiplied the potential of that company, creating a new market segment. The traffic variable of the Yellow Click was analyzed using descriptive statistics. In the analysis, the years 2018 to 2022 were taken, so the number of observed years was 5. The table lists the minimum, maximum value, arithmetic mean, median, and value of the first and third quartiles. The mode does not exist on the observed data set. The variation range is the year with the most Yellow Click sales and the year with the least sales. The coefficient of asymmetry α3 is -1.018, which indicates a negative asymmetry of the distribution, while the coefficient of roundness α4 is 1.958, which indicates that the distribution of variables is more elongated than normal, that is, it is less flattened than with a normal distribution. The relationship between the variables yellow click and retail sales was analyzed according to the data from table number 1.6. The data for the year 2022 were excluded from the analysis, so the data from 2018 - 2021 were taken into the analysis, because in 2022 the sales growth trend was interrupted by the yellow click due to the introduction of the covid certificate, so that year was excluded from the analysis of the observed series of data as a clearer insight into the data could be obtained. A regression and correlation analysis of the yellow click turnover and retail turnover variables was carried out.

Effectuation Strategy and Niche Marketing for Competitive Advantage

This research was conducted on batik craftsmen in East Java, Indonesia. Competitive advantage for batik craftsmen is an effort to upscale by aligning their positions with corporate ones. Strategies that can be taken as an effort to achieve competitive advantage for batik craftsmen are effectuation strategies and niche marketing, where these strategies explore and exploit internal and external resources. Batik craftsmen, with their limitations, must be smart in dealing with their business in order to survive and be successful. The effectuation strategy teaches to maximize the resources you have to minimize the risk of loss. Creativity, innovation is the key to the effectuation strategy. Meanwhile, niche marketing is a strategy to avoid competing in the general market, but to focus on specific markets with consumers with definite demands.&#x0D; The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of effectuation strategy and niche marketing on competitive advantage. Research with a quantitative approach, in regression, with data obtained through distributing questionnaires. The research population is batik artisans throughout East Java who are registered in the provincial government database and the sample is calculated using calculator.net.&#x0D; The results of the study show that there is a positive and significant effect partially between the effectuation strategy on competitive advantage and niche marketing on competitive advantage. While the dominant influence is on niche marketing to competitive advantage. This is because batik is a unique product, so the market is segmented and specialized. So that the niche market is more potential as a market for batik craftsmen.

Assessing spatial characteristics to predict DRT demand in rural Switzerland

The niche market segment of demand responsive transport (DRT) services is meant to overcome structural economic problems of currently cost ineffective public transport (PT) services in rural areas. Simulation studies for mainly urban DRT services showed that demand for DRT trips is correlated with spatial characteristics. More knowledge of spatial characteristics of rural settings and their influence on DRT trips is necessary.In this study, trip data of a rural DRT service called mybuxi is used. Machine learning is applied for a better understanding of spatial characteristics of DRT demand in two different rural settings of the mybuxi service. Here in, the transferability from one mybuxi setting to the other is then tested.Results show that the number of inhabitants is the most important spatial characteristic for the prediction of DRT demand, followed by the distance to a train station and the presence of a restaurant in a given zone. The quality indicator of PT had low or no predictive power. The study shows that both DRT service areas experienced an increase in accessibility. For future transport planning, the increase in accessibility by DRT services in different rural areas must be taken as a legitimation for these services to be implemented instead of line-bound PT services.

New flavors from old wheats: exploring the aroma profiles and sensory attributes of local Mediterranean wheat landraces.

During the 20th century, the worldwide genetic diversity of wheat was sharply eroded by continual selection for high yields and industry demands for particular standardized qualities. A collection of Israeli and Palestinian landraces (IPLR) was established to represent genetic diversity, accumulated for ten millennia under diverse environments, which was mostly lost in this transition. As our long-term goal is to study this pre- Green Revolution genetic reservoir, herein we focus on its flour and bread quality and sensorial attributes. Initially, a database was built for the entire IPLR collection (n=901) holding both Triticum durum (durum wheat) and T. aestivum (bread wheat) which included genetic and phenotypic characterization of agronomic traits, grain and flour quality. Then, a representative subset of the IPLR was selected and compared to modern varieties for dough quality, rheology, aroma and taste using both whole and refined flours and breads. The sensory panel used 40 subjects who evaluated common protocol or sourdough breads made by four artisan bakers. Results show modern durum cultivar C-9 had superior rheological properties (gluten index, elasticity, dough development time) as compared with landraces, while bread landrace 'Diar Alla' was markedly preferable for baking in relation to the modern cultivar Gadish. Baking tests and subsequent sensory evaluation clearly demonstrated a preference toward refined breads, apart from whole breads prepared using sourdough starters. In bread wheat, loaves baked using landrace flour were scored higher in several quality parameters, whereas in durum lines, the opposite trend was evident. Loaves baked from landraces 'Diar Alla' and to a lesser extent 'Hittia Soada' presented a markedly different aroma from the control loaves prepared from modern flours, both in terms of overall compositions and individual compounds, including classes such as pyranones, pyrazines, furans and pyrroles (maltol). Modern lines, on the other hand, were consistently richer in terpenes and phenylpropanoids. Further analysis demonstrated a significant association between specific aroma classes and sensory attributes scored by panelists. The findings of the study may help advance new niches in the local wheat market aimed at health and nutrition including adapting durum varieties to the bread market and developing flavor-enhanced wholemeal breads.

Investigating the deployment of initial public charging infrastructure: Planning-based VS market-based approaches

An efficient planning of public charging infrastructure is crucial for the uptake of electric vehicles, which requires not only the cost-effectiveness of charging infrastructure construction, but also the effects in accelerating the process of EV promotion. However, the existing studies on the layout of public charging facilities have rarely taken both of these aspects into account. This study aimed to enrich the available literature by evaluating planning-based versus market-based approaches to installing charging piles and optimizing the scheme for initially deploying public charging infrastructure. An agent-based model that integrated the individual heterogeneity of manufacturers and consumers was constructed, with parameter settings that were defined based on the Chinese market. The impact of the initial deployment of public charging piles was compared in terms of planning-based and market-based strategies. The main results indicated a significantly positive effect of public charging piles construction. The market share of passenger EVs at 2040 could increase from 23.58% to 39.38% at most compared to the baseline scenario. Among the two approaches to deploying charging piles, the planning-based strategy proved superior in cultivating a niche market; however, the market-based approach was more cost-efficient from the perspective of long-term market cultivation, allowing savings of up to 14.2% of the investment costs. The study findings provide new evidence and policy implications for the long-term promotion of electric vehicles.

Market exit and re-entry in a volatile emerging economy: a case study of Yamaha motorcycles in Pakistan

PurposeThis study aims to understand the dynamics underpinning the exit and re-entry strategies adopted by multinational enterprises (MNEs) in an emerging market, Pakistan.Design/methodology/approachThis study undertook an in-depth historical case study of Yamaha Motorcycles, which had initially entered Pakistan as a joint venture but had then exited and re-entered as a wholly owned subsidiary.FindingsThis study found that, despite its status as a market leader and one of the older players in the Pakistani market, changing market dynamics in the 2000s – especially the increased competition brought by more affordable (inexpensive) Chinese motorcycles and the weak enforcement of industrial policies – had pushed Yamaha Motorcycles to exit. Another factor that had contributed to its exit were differences in risk perception and strategies with its local joint venture partner (a Pakistani business group). Hence, both firm-level and institutional factors had played significant roles in Yamaha’s market exit. This study further found that re-entering in a wholly owned subsidiary operation mode had been beneficial for the firm, as it gained a significant market share due to its focus on innovation and on capturing a market niche, which had earlier not been its main focus. The findings also suggest that opportunity logics and multiple forms of learning can be important for a firm’s re-entry into a host market – such as experiential (i.e. learning from experience) and vicarious learning (i.e. learning from other organizations, including suppliers and competitors) in an emerging market context, in which institutions evolve amid political and policy uncertainty. Finally, this study found that exit and re-entry timing is an important factor for the development of competitive advantage in a host market.Originality/valueThis study is among the few to have investigated the exit and re-entry strategies of MNEs in emerging markets. The relatively short time during which Yamaha Motorcycles had been out of the market had benefited it on its re-entry, as the firm had been able to capitalize on its prior learning and ties to suppliers’ networks.

Exploring consumer behaviour based on handicraft and creative programmes in Hungary

ABSTRACT Within cultural tourism, creative tourism is gaining popularity in international and domestic tourism. Primary research in creative tourism, however, especially from the point of view of consumers, is still in its infancy. Therefore, the aim of this article is to explore a niche market in creative tourism. Specifically, the demand for handicraft, and creative motivation, is researched using a quantitative consumer behaviour survey of 252 respondents carried out in Hungary in April and May, 2021. The survey examined the awareness and image of handicraft activities and workshops, as well as consumer behaviour related to these activities. Results contribute to deepening the knowledge of the market segment of creative tourism and, through this, new aspects are added to further studying and understanding rural development.

Hedonic preference of airline passengers

The purpose of this study is to determine which airlines Davao City-bound and outbound passengers prefer. Passenger information was acquired via survey questionnaires employing the Likert scale. In this study, non-experimental quantitative research employing a casual research method was employed. Using descriptive and informal research methodologies, this study investigated whether demographic variables and airline service quality influence the airline service choices of Davao City passengers. This investigation employs artificial neural network research to determine which factors influence airline preference. The majority of air carrier respondents are between the ages of 21 and 35, are predominantly female, and are employed by private companies. The airline preferences of passengers are influenced by price, cabin services, flight schedule, safety, on-time performance, and employee conduct. Important airline demographics included age, occupation, and sex. Price is the most significant criterion when selecting an airline, followed by flight schedule, on-time performance, and employee conduct. Flights should offer discounts to students and senior citizens. They may adjust fares based on the findings. To attract a broader age range of customers, airlines should strategically organize their marketing and focus on specific market niches. To increase sales, airlines may consider offering discounted, low-cost, or one-peso fares during certain times. To assist time-sensitive travelers in reaching their destinations in the event of airline delays or cancellations, alternative flights are advised. To gain a deeper understanding of airline carrier selection, research should be extended, employing a larger sample or alternative statistical methods.

Leveraging (in)formal early-mover and diligent-follower advantage mechanisms to attain international niche market leadership: insights from Basque “hidden champions”

PurposeThis paper aims to study whether international niche market leaders (INMLs) gained their leading position as early mover or diligent follower, and assess whether they leveraged hard or soft forms of technological, supply pre-emption and customer lock-in advantage mechanisms.Design/methodology/approachEmpirical material stems from qualitative and quantitative data on a sample of 20 niche companies from the Basque Country (Spain) that operate in business to business markets.FindingsThe sample predominantly followed an early entrant strategy and applied soft measures to reach niche market leadership.Research limitations/implicationsFindings imply that early entering fosters conquering leadership in niche markets, that pioneer advantage is easier to sustain in niches than in mainstream markets, and that soft measures are more effective in niche markets than in larger markets. A limitation to our findings is that they follow from explorative research on a sample of firms from a reduced geographic setting.Practical implicationsHidden champions and INMLs can be important sources of technological progress and economic value for the localities that host them. Therefore, despite their traditional low profile and the fact that they are not always the largest firms around, policymakers may want to pay more attention to this type of companies.Originality/valueTot he best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper to research entry timing and its outcome for market leadership with regard to niche players or hidden champions-type of firms. It introduces an original taxonomy to operationalize and distinguish between hard and soft measures to leverage advantage mechanisms related to market entry timing.