Service Output Research Articles

Infrastructure, trade openness and economic transformation in Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa member countries

This study investigates the effect of economic infrastructure and trade openness on the evolution of manufacturing and service sectors output using panel data for 14 selected COMESA member countries from 1993 to 2016. The Pooled Mean Group, Mean Group, and Dynamic Fixed Effects techniques were used to estimate the long-run effect. The results show strong evidence of a significant long-run dampening effect of trade openness on the relationship between economic infrastructure and manufacturing output on the one hand and between economic infrastructure and service output on the other hand. To achieve economic transformation, COMESA member countries need to introduce more projects to improve and increase access to energy infrastructure, especially electricity, and telecommunication related infrastructure. The presence of adequate infrastructure can make it possible for the countries in the bloc to benefit more from trade openness.

Роль банківського кредитування у розвитку економіки України

The purpose of the article is to analyze the situation with bank lending to the real sector and its impact on the development of Ukraine’s economy. In order to effect this purpose, the following tasks have been fulfilled: to analyze the dynamics of the total bank lending to the real sector, to analyze the structure of bank lending to non-financial corporations by loan terms and by currency; to determine the volume of loans granted to non-financial corporations in order to buy, build and reconstruct real estate property. To carry out in-depth assessment of the impact made by bank lending to the real sector on economic development, a correlation and regression analysis has been made, revealing that the increase in bank lending to non-financial corporations leads to the growth of the GDP, industrial output (in goods and services), exports, capital investment and average monthly salary and wages. It also reduces the amount of man-power employed, which may serve as the evidence of production intensification and automation caused by using loan proceeds. The polynomial function most appropriately describes the relationship between the volume of bank lending to non-financial corporations and GDP, exports and employment in 2005-2019, and the exponential function most adequately describes the relationship between the volume of bank lending to non-financial corporations and capital investment and the average monthly salary and wages.

Assessing the conundrums of the Cuban economy under the revolution (1959–2019)

This article evaluates the resilient challenges faced by Cuba’s economy during the six decades of the Revolution (1959–2019), mainly its historical external economic dependency upon a foreign country (the USSR and Venezuela) and the adverse consequences that occur when such relationship ends or deteriorates. Several hypotheses address that issue as well as others such as the hindrance of the US embargo/blockade aggravated by Donald Trump’s punitive sanctions and Cuban continuity of a centrally planned economy and predominance of state enterprises over the market and the non-state sector. The core is an analysis of performance of key economic indicators: GDP growth, gross capital formation, financial stability, mining-industry agriculture output, tourism and exports of professional services. Hypotheses are tested with long-term statistical series elaborated and scrutinized by the author over half a century based on Cuban official sources, as well as legislation, articles by Cuban scholars and from news media. Among the results: external dependency has declined somewhat but demands deeper economic reforms, there are no countries currently capable and willing to fully replace Venezuela’s substantial aid, the ongoing crisis provoked by the deteriorating Venezuelan economy cum Trump’s sanctions should have lesser adverse effects than the 1990s crisis that resulted from the USSR disappearance. The article is a significant contribution to the study of Cuba’s external economic dependence and its consequences, and should be also worthy for other small economies and socialist countries.

Ecological Efficiency and Sustainable Regional Development in Russia During the 20 Years of Resource-Based Growth

Climate change as well as ecological and social problems requires new goals and instruments of economic policy, based on the principles of sustainable develop­ment. However, over the past 20 years, an increase in energy prices has resulted in the raw material growth model prevailing in Russia. Has this growth led to sustainable regional development? We propose an approach to evaluating eco­logical efficiency of the Russian regions as the ratio of the output of non-primary goods and services to the input of resources (labor, capital, raw materials, and environmental costs). This is a new indicator of the quality of economic growth. The sustainable development model, combining growth of GRP per capita and ecological efficiency, has been observed for more than half of the period in most regions. The eco-efficiency of the average region has been growing since 2003, except crisis periods, following an increase of the services sector share and the closure of inefficient pollution-intensive factories. According to the econometric results, ecological efficiency was growing faster in densely populated regions with a high share of high-tech services, investment attractiveness and intensive tech­nology implementation (Moscow; Saint Petersburg; Sverdlovsk, Tomsk, Belgorod and Kaliningrad regions etc.); it decreased in most northern and Siberian regions. Great potential for raising eco-efficiency remains in most regions. In general, the results of regional development in Russia do not contradict the principles and goals of sustainable development (SDGs), although it was largely achieved due to the system of inter-budget transfers, distributing the oil rent surplus among the regions. In the future, an increase in investments in the non-primary sector, en­ergy efficiency and public transportation will be required. Corresponding changes can be accelerated in the context of an emerging economic crisis caused by the pandemic and falling oil prices.

Bantuan Benih Unggul Dan Pelatihan Membuat Susu Kedelai

Increasing soybean production is still experiencing many obstacles. Senting village farmers, Sambi sub-district, Boyolali district, used to grow soybeans with seeds purchased from local village markets of poor quality. Given that the importance of seeds in influencing soybean yields, farmers need to be supported the help of superior seeds. The seeds for farmers' help are intended to show that new varieties of soybeans will produce higher yields. Community service is complemented by training in making soymilk for PKK mothers in the local village. The output of community service in 2019 is expected to be able to show an increase in crop yields and be useful for mothers to generate ideas and be brave in developing soy milk. Students who help this service are expected to learn directly from the community and also on soybean farms.

Nonprofit public libraries and technical efficiency: An application of data envelopment analysis to technology-based outputs

Nonprofit public libraries (NPPLs) with technically efficient production functions attain greater program and service outputs per registered user in comparison to peers with less efficient production functions. An output-oriented nondiscretionary data envelopment analysis (DEA) model with variable returns-to-scale is used to assess the technical efficiency of 339 NPPLs in the United States (US) in attaining electronic-, physical-, and Internet-based program and service outputs. Based on the output-oriented DEA analysis, 46% of the NPPLs are technically efficient in producing program and service outputs per registered user. On average, US NPPLs are moderately inefficient in attaining their program and service outputs. The DEA analysis also reveals that the inefficient NPPLs should increase their electronic, physical, and Internet service levels per registered user to achieve technical efficiency as annual input levels are held constant.

Introducing the marketplace or not? Risk analysis of channel strategy for online retailers

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to help online retailers who have an existing reselling channel to figure out the risk of introducing an additional marketplace channel and identify the introduction threshold with an overall consideration to the fulfilment cost and services. Design/methodology/approach In order to evaluate the risk of the marketplace channel strategy, this paper develops a Retailer–Stackelberg pricing model. Products are divided into two categories according to different fulfilment cost–value ratio to get a more targeted strategy. Findings The results show that the strategy of introducing the marketplace is not always satisfying. Retailers prefer this strategy when they are the prevailing parties in service output. The overall trend is that retailers have to encourage their marketplace partners to improve services for the product with a big fulfilment cost–value ratio. Otherwise, retailers should block the marketplace from entering. Research limitations/implications For an intuitive conclusion, this paper assumes that the operating costs (except fulfilment cost) are equal in two channels. This suggests a need to further investigate the impact of other costs. Meanwhile, it would be interesting to examine the competition among suppliers and retailers. Practical implications This research provides the suggestions for online retailers who want to introduce and well manage the marketplace channel. Social implications This research also helps both academia and industry become more intelligent about the significant influences of category management on channel strategy. Originality/value Most prior research is unaware of the risk of introducing a new channel, which also rarely considers how to manage it. This research points out that the effectiveness of this channel strategy differs in different categories. Moreover, retailers can benefit from managing the marketplace’s service output.

Costing for universal health coverage: insight into essential economic data from three provinces in Cambodia

BackgroundKnowledge of the costs of health services improves health facility management and aids in health financing for universal health coverage. Because of resource requirements that are often not present in low- and middle-income countries, costing exercises are rare and infrequent. Here we report findings from the initial phase of establishing a routine costing system for health services implemented in three provinces in Cambodia.MethodsData was collected for the 2016 financial year from 20 health centres (including four with beds) and five hospitals (three district hospitals and two provincial hospitals). The costs to the providers for health centres were calculated using step-down allocations for selected costing units, including preventive and curative services, delivery, and patient contact, while for hospitals this was complemented with bed-day and inpatient day per department. Costs were compared by type of facility and between provinces.ResultsAll required information was not readily available at health facilities and had to be recovered from various sources. Costs per outpatient consultation at health centres varied between provinces (from US$2.33 to US$4.89), as well as within provinces. Generally, costs were inversely correlated with the quantity of service output. Costs per contact were higher at health centres with beds than health centres without beds (US$4.59, compared to US$3.00). Conversely, costs for delivery were lower in health centres with beds (US$128.7, compared to US$413.7), mainly because of low performing health centres without beds. Costs per inpatient-day varied from US$27.61 to US$55.87 and were most expensive at the lowest level hospital.ConclusionsEstablishing a routine health service costing system appears feasible if recording and accounting procedures are improved. Information on service costs by health facility level can provide useful information to optimise the use of available financial and human resources.

Scenario approach in forecasting tax revenues of the state budget of Ukraine

Introduction. State revenue management stands first in the areas of government regulation, which is provided by the regulation of fiscal policy. It is achieved by optimizing the amount of nationwide taxes and their tax rates, with the least amount of tax evasion. It is also important to ensure the implementation of the budget process, which is based on budget planning and forecasting, the effectiveness criterion of which is the reliability of the forecast. The compulsory component of extrapolation of time series – the most used forecasting method – is the scenario approach, so the research of possibilities of its implementation is relevant.
 Aim and tasks. The aim of the article is to introduce a scenario approach in forecasting tax revenues of the state budget of Ukraine. The main tasks set to achieve this aim are: modeling the dependence of tax revenues on macroeconomic indicators; trend analysis and extrapolation of time series of macroeconomic indicators; development of forecast scenarios of state budget revenues from state taxes.
 Results. It is proved that comprehensive stimulation of the production of gross value added, especially in the sphere of material production, as a basis for economic growth, will have a positive impact on the growth of output of goods and services, as well as will provide an increase in the revenues from value added tax (VAT) and excise tax to the state budget. Provision at the state level of further growth of the minimum wage and the deployment of social programs, as well as stimulating the legalization of shadow incomes of individuals in order to stimulate incomes of the population will lead to revenue increase from the personal income tax to the state budget. Creating favorable conditions for doing business by creating a business environment free from corruption, legalizing the shadow income of legal entities in order to maximize the profit of gross profit, mixed income will lead to an increase in corporate income tax revenues and subsoil use fee to the state budget of Ukraine.
 Conclusions. Over the next 5 years, aggregate tax revenues to the state budget will increase, regardless of the forecast scenario. The largest contribution to tax revenue growth can be provided by excise tax. The dynamics of the remaining taxes will also be increasing. Because the extrapolation of time series and scenario analysis are applied and universal methods of forecasting, they can be used in forecasting tax revenues of both consolidated and local budgets of Ukraine. Prospects for further research of the author will be relevant to these areas.

A Lexical Approach to Estimating Environmental Goods and Services Output in the Construction Sector via Soft Classification of Enterprise Activity Descriptions Using Latent Dirichlet Allocation

AbstractThe research question addressed here is whether the semantic value implicit in environmental terms in an activity description text string, can be translated into economic value for firms in the construction sector. We address this question using a relatively new applied statistical method called Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA). We first identify a satellite register of firms in construction sector that engage in some form of environmental work. From these we construct a vocabulary of meaningful words. Then, for each firm in turn on this satellite register we take its activity description text string and process this string with LDA. Thissoftly-classifiesthe descriptions on the satellite register into just seven environmentally relevant topics. With this seven-topic classification we proceed to extract a statistically meaningful weight of evidence associated with environmental terms in each activity description. This weight is applied to the associated firm’s overall output value recorded on our national Business Register to arrive at a supply side estimate of the firm’s EGSS value. On this basis we find the EGSS estimate for construction in Ireland in 2013 is about EURO 229m. We contrast this estimate with estimates from other countries obtained by demand side methods and show it compares satisfactorily, thereby enhancing its credibility. Our method also has the advantage that it provides a breakdown of EGSS output by EU environmental classifications (CEPA/CReMA) as these align closely to discovered topics. We stress the success of this application of LDA relies greatly on our small vocabulary which is constructed directly from the satellite register.

Scaling up Maternal and Child Healthcare Delivery among Mission Hospitals in Southeast Nigeria: An Empirical Application of Data Envelopment Analysis for Setting Benchmarks and Targets.

The health system in many parts of Nigeria has been dysfunctional in several domains including financing, human resources, infrastructure, health management information system and hospital services. In an attempt to scale up Maternal and Child Health (MCH) services and ensure efficiency, Ebonyi State Government in Southeast Nigeria provided funding to mission hospitals across the State as a grant. This study used nonparametric method to assess the effect of this public financing on the efficiency of the mission hospitals. Operational cost and number of hospital beds were used as the input variables, while antenatal registrations, number of immunization doses and hospital deliveries were the output variables. The hospitals were disaggregated into 15 hospital-years. The mean overall technical efficiency of the mission hospitals was 84.05 22.45%. The mean pure technical efficiency was 95.56±6.9% and the scale efficiency was 88.05±22.20%. About 46.67% of all the hospital-years were technically and scale efficient. Although, 55.33% were generally inefficient, only 33.33% of hospital-years exhibited pure technical inefficiency. Low immunization coverage was the major cause of inefficiency. The study showed increased maternal health service output as result of public funding or intervention; however, the mission hospitals could have saved 16% of input resources if they had performed efficiently. It also shows that data envelopment analysis can be used in setting targets/benchmarks for relatively inefficient health facilities, and in monitoring impact of interventions on efficiency of hospitals over-time.

The functional and environmental performance of mixed cathode ray tubes and recycled glass as partial replacement for cement in concrete

Concrete is one of the most abundantly produced and commonly used construction materials in the world. The production of cement—the main binder in concrete—is energy-intensive, using roughly ten times the national average ratio for energy to gross output of goods and services. Given the high demand for concrete globally and the amount of energy used to produce cement, it is worthwhile to find lower embodied-energy materials to partially replace cement to improve the environmental impacts of concrete without decreasing the concrete performance. One such potential cement replacement is the panel glass found in discarded cathode-ray tubes (CRTs). It is against this backdrop that this study aimed to investigate the technical feasibility and the environmental impacts of using a novel blend of recycled glass and CRT panel glass as pozzolanic material for replacing a portion of ordinary portland cement (OPC) in concrete. Additionally, this study simultaneously looked at the concrete functional performance and environmental impact, and the study was performed at an industrial scale using existing production infrastructure, production volumes, standardized testing, and a life-cycle assessment (LCA) to support the functional testing and environmental impact quantification. Results show that the novel blend of glass met the required performance standards, and when it was blended with cement, the mixture produced concrete with similar or improved functional performance and significantly reduced environmental impacts across all examined impact categories. Future work is needed to examine the additional benefits of diverting CRTs from their current end-of-life pathways and de-risking CRT storage.

Gleicher Lohn für gleiche Arbeit im öffentlichen Dienst?

Abstract The individual pay level is an emotionally discussed subject. Some pay differentials evince significant characteristics which are analysed in scientific literature. There are three significant pay gaps of particular significance to Germany: the gender pay gap between women and men of more than 20 percent, the regional pay gap especially between West and East Germany caused by differences in productivity and the pay gap between the private and public sector. This article investigates a previously unobserved pay gap within the public sector. By analysing a data collection, specific pay differentials in municipal administrations are determined. These differentials exist despite identical labour output in administration services in German municipalities and are caused by specific regional and economic determinants. So, the municipalities of East German Federal States and financially weak West German Federal States evince a pay level of municipal employees below average. Generally, there is a significant pay gap between East and West German municipalities. In addition, this article analyses the structure of the identified pay differences by separating the municipal employees according to their specific pay and qualification categories. As a result, East German municipalities have a smaller number of staff in the higher grade of the civil service and their pay level is below average. This effect is compensated by a higher number of staff in the middle grade of the civil service. The pay level of municipal employees in the middle grade of the civil service does not indicate significant difference among German municipalities. There are similar results in municipalities of financially weak West German Federal States. Despite identical administration services in municipalities, the pay level and pay structure evince interjurisdictional differentials. The results suggest that equal pay for equal work is not even in public service.

Service marketing mix as input and output of higher and technical education

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships of service marketing mix (SMM) as service input and service output in terms of students’ performance, satisfaction and referral act in context to higher and technical education (HTE) through the application of structural equation modeling.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative research, conducted through a self-administered survey composed by a closed-ended structured questionnaire, was incorporated for the students who were enrolled in the technical educational institutions situated in the Khandesh region of India.FindingsThe findings of this study revealed that traditional SMM is statistically linked with the performance of students in terms of skill and knowledge enhancement, satisfaction and referral act of students, which are perceptible new emerging SMM; performance, pleasure and pointing out in terms of service output.Practical implicationsIntegrating SMM as service input and service output are productive for HTE in enhancing growth (quantitatively) by the inclusivity of diversified students and development (qualitatively) by enhancing their performance for global standing, making them satisfied and motivating them for recommending their institution to others. This integration can be utilized as a yardstick by the institutions for staying ahead in students’ market with a distinctive competitive advantage.Social implicationsGrowth and development of HTE will raise a society’s quality of life and thereby increase a country’s socio-economic status.Originality/valueThe study has exhibited SMM as input and output of a service system that is useful for the growth and development of HTE. The measurement tool presented is effective in (re)framing policies on SMM as service input based on desired service output.

PELATIHAN DAN PENDAMPINGAN PERBANYAKAN TANAMAN PAKAN KUPU-KUPU BAGI MASYARAKAT NIMBOKRANG KABUPATEN JAYAPURA

Community service have the title Training and Accompaniment Propagation of Butterfly Feed Plants for the Nimbokrang Community Jayapura Regency was carried out to provide benefits to the Nimbokrang community of Jayapura Regency who wished to develop their area into a natural tourist destination. The purpose of this service is to provide education, training and assistance in the multiplication of butterfly feed plant seedlings so that the Rhepang Village Nimbokrang community has the skills to make butterfly feed plant seedlings. The benefits of breeding skills of butterfly feed plants can be used to develop the area that wants the area to make a natural tourist destination. Planting a butterfly feed plant, which is mostly a kind of colorful flower plants, can attract the arrival of butterflies in the area so that it can add to the beauty of attractiveness and add to the vibrant natural tourism area. The dedication method used was education, training and mentoring that provided the skills for making butterfly feed plant seedings for the people of Rhepang Village Nimbokrang and assistance to provide concrete examples of how to make butterfly feed plant seedinds in the field. As a result of this dedication activity, the people of Rhepang Village Nimbokrang gained knowledge and skills in how to multiply butterfly feed plants. The scientific output of the community service was published in one of the service journals, the namely is the Papua Service Journal.Keywords: Nursery, butterfly feed plants, community skills and knoledge, Rhepang Village Nimbokrang, the beauty of natural tourism

Service Marketing Mix As Input and Output of Higher and Technical Education: A Measurement Model Based on Students' Perceived Experience

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships of service marketing mix (SMM) as service input and service output in terms of students’ performance, satisfaction and referral act in context to higher and technical education (HTE) through the application of structural equation modeling. Design/methodology/approach: A quantitative research, conducted through a self-administered survey composed by a closed-ended structured questionnaire, was incorporated for the students who were enrolled in the technical educational institutions situated in the Khandesh region of India. Findings: The findings of this study revealed that traditional SMM is statistically linked with the performance of students in terms of skill and knowledge enhancement, satisfaction and referral act of students, which are perceptible new emerging SMM; performance, pleasure and pointing out in terms of service output. Practical implications: Integrating SMM as service input and service output are productive for HTE in enhancing growth (quantitatively) by the inclusivity of diversified students and development (qualitatively) by enhancing their performance for global standing, making them satisfied and motivating them for recommending their institution to others. This integration can be utilized as a yardstick by the institutions for staying ahead in students’ market with a distinctive competitive advantage. Social implications: Growth and development of HTE will raise a society’s quality of life and thereby increase a country’s socio-economic status. Originality/value: The study has exhibited SMM as input and output of a service system that is useful for the growth and development of HTE. The measurement tool presented is effective in (re)framing policies on SMM as service input based on desired service output.

Seyahat Acentalarında Turistik Ürünlerin Kişişelleştirilmesinin Bir Yolu Olarak Müşterilerle Üretim

Travel agencies, in order to provide more quality and valuable services to their customers, it adapting its products with the personal wishes and needs of its customers. The pre-requisite for production compatible with customers is that the customers is take on the role as co-creators of in production. Customers have a co-creative role by contributing intellectual, physical and behavioral contributions to the different stages of the production process of travel agencies. The participation of the customers in the production phases of the travel agencies enables the tour packages to be flexible and customized in line with the customer preferences, demands and needs. Customized production as a result of increasing interaction between business and customer which is brings about a change in the production structure of travel agencies. This change prepares the transition process from mass and mass individualized production, which is dominant in production, to customized production in agencies. In this study, the role of customers co-creative strategy in customizing touristic products is discussed. For this purpose, a literature review was conducted. The findings show that the customization of services through the participation of customers in production, affects the service outputs that are presented and perceived, and it is an important determinant in the competitiveness and continuousness of the business. Considering the national literature, it is seen that the subject of production in agencies is examined through mass, alternative and special interest tours, and there is no research which can provide theoretical or practical guidance for the travel agencies regarding customized production. The current research is important for closing this remarkable gap and for creating a framework for customized production.

Implementasi Clinical Pathway Tahun 2018 dalam Upaya Meningkatkan Mutu Pelayanan di Rumah Sakit Umum Daerah Koja

Improving the quality of patient services in hospitals is an important program implemented in hospitals. One indicator of improving hospital quality is the application of Clinical Pathway (CP) as an evaluation of hospital accreditation. Benefits of CP as a means of quality control and costs in improving hospital services. The general objective of this research is the preparation of a Clinical Pathway implementation plan in improving the quality of hospital services.This research method is qualitative with data collection techniques conducting in-depth interviews, observation and document review. The selection of informants in qualitative research, based on suitability and adequacy as many as 17 people. Analysis of CP implementation consists of inputs; which constitute human resources, processes; implementation of monitoring and evaluation, output; service quality after CP. The results of the study are based on inputs, processes and outputs that indicate implementation has been implemented in accordance with hospital accreditation, but needs optimization. Input factors analyzed will support the implementation of CP but need to uniformize the Clinical Pathway format, the evaluation monitoring process has not run optimally while the quality of service output is in accordance with the Clinical Pathway. Suggestions for Hospital Director to carry out Clinical Pathway understanding by holding workshops for all related parties and increasing the guidance and supervision of the implementation of Clinical Pathway, all units involved to coordinate with each other and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SPO) of CP for patient safety.

Disaster response in a civil war: Lessons on local hospitals capacity. The case of Yemen

ABSTRACT Objectives: To explore the capacity of the health system in the governorate in responding to disasters during the civil war of 2015. Methods: This is a descriptive cross-section, pretest-posttest study design. It was carried in three district hospitals and one general hospitals in the coastal region of Hadhramout Governorate-Yemen. They were evaluated for their physical resources inputs, services outputs, and their human resources. Results: The health system in the governorate showed poor effectiveness 50%, the general hospital had acquired 94% of standard resources for hospitals; there were shortages of health care providers in all hospitals, with variable skills levels in emergency care. The training of general practitioners had improved their performance in airway breathing and circulation skills (from 44% to 94%, P = 0.00), wound care (from 78% to 100%, P = 0.00), abdominal traumas (from 6% to 56%, P = 0.01) chest traumas (from 28% to 89%, P = 0.00), musculoskeletal traumas (from 28% to 72%, P = 0.00), head and spine traumas (from 22% to 78%, P = 0.00). Conclusion: Despite the fragility of the health system, training during disaster significantly improves the skills of care providers. Evaluation of the health system during disasters needs special tools.

Service Good as an Intermediate Input and Optimal Government Policy in an Endogenous Growth Model

The present article considers an endogenous growth model in which the service output is used as intermediate good in commodity sector, tax is imposed on manufacturing product and the revenue earned is invested to create human capital. It is shown that there exists a unique, saddle path stable steady-state growth rate of human capital accumulation and a unique growth-maximizing tax rate. The optimal tax rate for the command economy is compared with growth-maximizing tax rate in competitive economy. A numerical analysis shows that the command economy will have a higher growth rate than the competitive economy. An extension of the model where households privately spend for accumulation of human capital yields the same growth rate as that of the command economy of the previous model. JEL Classification: E6, H2, O4