Owner's Decision Research Articles

Inventory and pricing decisions of brand owners and streamers under demand uncertainty

PurposeIn the practice of live streaming e-commerce, the consumer demand is usually uncertain, and the inventory and prices can be decided by brand owners or streamers. To this end, this study examines the inventory and pricing decisions of the brand owner and streamer in a live streaming e-commerce supply chain under demand uncertainty.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, four scenarios are considered, i.e. the brand owner determines the inventory and price (Scenario BB), the brand owner determines the inventory and the streamer determines the price (Scenario BS), the streamer determines the inventory and the brand owner determines the price (Scenario SB), and the streamer determines the inventory and price (Scenario SS).FindingsThe results show that the inventory and prices, as well as the profits of the brand owner and streamer increase with the consumer sensitivity to streamer’s sales effort level under the four scenarios. The inventory (price) is the highest under Scenario SS (SB), while that is the lowest under Scenario BB (BS). In addition, when the sensitivity is low, the brand owner’s profit is the highest under Scenario BB, otherwise, the profit is the highest under Scenario SS. Regardless of the sensitivity, the streamer’s profit is always the highest under Scenario SS.Originality/valueFew studies focused on the inventory and pricing decisions of brand owners and streamers in live streaming e-commerce supply chains under demand uncertainty, while this work bridges the research gap. This study can provide theoretical basis and decision support for brand owners and streamers.

The Influence of Brand Trust, Brand Image, and Brand Experience on Lao Product Brand Decision among Consumers in Pakse City, Champasack Province

The purpose of this research is to analyze the influence of brand trust, brand image, brand experience on Lao product brand decision in Pakse City, Champasack Province. The 3 independent variables in this research are brand trust, brand image, brand experience, and the dependent variable in this research is Lao product brand decision. The sampling technique used in this research is non-probability sampling by purposive sampling using a quantitative approach. The data collection method was distributed questionnaires to Lao product brand consumers in Pakse City with a target of 400 respondents. The research data was analyzed using the Multiple linear regression. Based on the results of the research, it showed that brand trust, brand image and brand experience have a positive and significant influence on Lao product brand decision. To increase Lao product brand decision of consumers, business or brand owners should pay attention to brand trust, brand image and brand experience are the variables that most influences on Lao product brand decision.

Metabolic gene therapy in a canine with pulmonary hypertension secondary to degenerative mitral valve disease.

Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) stands out as the most prevalent acquired canine heart disease. Its occurrence can reach up to 40% in small breed dogs and escalates in geriatric canine populations. MMVD leads to thickening and incomplete coaptation of valve leaflets during systole, resulting in secondary mitral valve regurgitation. Serious complications may arise concurrently with the worsening of mitral valve regurgitation, including left-and right-sided congestive heart failure, and pulmonary hypertension (PH). Ultimately, the PH progression might contribute to the patient's demise or to the owner's decision of euthanasia. Most currently available FDA-approved therapies for PH are costly and aim to address the imbalance between vasoconstriction and vasodilation to restore endothelial cell function. However, none of these medications impact the molecular dysfunction of cells or impede the advancement of pulmonary vascular and right ventricular remodeling. Recent evidence has showcased successful gene therapy approaches in laboratory animal models of PH. In this manuscript, we summarize the latest advancements in gene therapy for the treatment of PH in animals. The manuscript incorporates original data showcasing sample presentations, along with non-invasive hemodynamic assessments. Our findings demonstrate that the use of metabolic gene therapy, combining synthetic adeno-associated virus with acid ceramidase, has the potential to significantly reduce the need for drug treatment and improve spontaneously occurring PH in dogs.

Motivating factors affecting formalization of small informal enterprises: Evidence from an emerging economy

AbstractThis study investigates the motivating factors behind the formalization of small informal enterprises in Bangladesh, an emerging economy, employing the lens of institutional theory. It emphasizes how regulatory structures, normative pressures, and cognitive understandings shape the decisions of SME owners in emerging economies like Bangladesh. A significant portion of small enterprises in Bangladesh remain informal, leading to concerns over economic development, productivity, and efficiency. Informal enterprises often face challenges such as limited access to finance, market entry barriers, and regulatory hurdles. Recognizing the need for formalization, this research aims to understand the drivers behind this transition. A questionnaire survey of 304 informal enterprises reveals that streamlined regulatory systems, particularly one‐stop solutions and simplified registration processes, are primary motivators for formalization. Additionally, flexible collateral requirements for financing and lower levels of technological adoption also significantly influence this transition. These findings contribute to the academic discourse on informal businesses in emerging economies and provide key policy implications for fostering formalization through targeted strategies and policies.

Entrepreneurial Behaviour in Choosing Capital Alternatives in MSMEs and Investment Trends in Indonesia

This study explores entrepreneurial behaviors that influence the decisions of SME owners in choosing financing alternatives and investment trends in Indonesia. Through quantitative study using questionnaire, this aiming to provide insights into the factors influencing the selection of financing sources and investment tendencies among SMEs. The findings reveal that entrepreneurial behaviors such as risk tolerance, financial knowledge, long-term vision, and adaptability significantly influence the decisions of SME owners in selecting funding sources. Additionally, investment trends in Indonesia also play a crucial role, with SMEs tending to choose financing alternatives that align with their business growth needs. This research contributes significantly to understanding how entrepreneurial behaviors interact with external factors such as investment trends in the context of SMEs in Indonesia. The practical implication highlighting importance of a better understanding of the dynamics of financing decisions among SMEs and how governments and relevant institutions can support SME growth through a better understanding of financial needs and preferences to a small—medium sized business owners. The condition where workers shift from agriculture to industry often occurs with the advent of industrialization.

Outcome of treatment with a 10-week COP protocol in cats with intermediate or large cell lymphoma: 27 cases (2014-2023).

The aim of this retrospective clinical study was to evaluate and report response to treatment with a 10-week maintenance-free COP (COP-10) protocol in a cohort of 27 cats with intermediate or large cell lymphoma. Additionally, to identify any potential prognostic factors for predicting the treatment response. The medical records of cats diagnosed with intermediate or large cell lymphoma in a single institution in the period 2014 to 2023 and treated with COP-10 as first-line treatment were reviewed. Twenty-seven cats were included in the study. The median age was 10 years, 67% of the cats were in stages I to II and the most common anatomical location was alimentary (37%). The overall response rate was 65%, with 38% of cats achieving complete remission and 27% partial remission. For cats achieving complete remission, the median progression-free interval and the median lymphoma-specific survival time were both 1,139 days. For cats in partial remission, the median progression-free interval and the median lymphoma-specific survival time were 53 and 210 days, respectively. Clinical stage was significantly related to treatment response and survival time. Treatment with the short protocol COP-10 resulted in remission rates and durable first remissions for cats achieving complete remission comparable to responses seen with longer-duration chemotherapy protocols. The results from this study may impact economic and logistic decisions for owners, as well as the quality of life for patients in the future.

Role of Leadership in Shaping Strategic Management Decisions of MSME Owners in Indonesia

Role of Leadership in Shaping Strategic Management Decisions of MSME Owners in Indonesia

The Dark Side of Family Embeddedness: Family Firms Engagement in Private-Sector Corruption

This research analyzes how family embeddedness affects the decision of owners in charge of small entrepreneurial family firms operating in an emerging country to participate in private-sector corruption. Prior research has typically assumed that those in charge of family firms choose to participate in corruption to receive an immediate economic benefit. We challenge this assumption and argue that family influences the decision of the owner of small entrepreneurial family firms to participate in private-sector corruption driven by the pursuit of both short-term economic (profit maximization) and long-term non-economic goals, including attaining upper social class status (even if this decreases economic gains) for the family unit. We further find that in the context of an emerging market, trusted intermediaries can be seen as family members by the owners in charge of small entrepreneurial family firms and can influence them to participate in illicit activities. We also contend that those in charge of small entrepreneurial family businesses manage participation in private-sector corruption by dissociating and framing means.

Improving the system of protection of the rights of buyers of vehicles

The subject of the study is the existing system of protection of the rights of buyers of vehicles, which includes the prevention of offenses involving liability for misleading consumers about consumer properties or quality of goods (Article 14.7 of the Administrative Code of the Russian Federation) and for causing property damage by deception or abuse of trust (Article 7.27.1. of the Administrative Code of the Russian Federation), the commission of which involves, including for example, with the correction or reduction of the recorded mileage of the car. The connection of these actions with the technical condition of vehicles and road safety is considered, since any unauthorized actions with the technical condition of the vehicle are associated with a decrease in the level of safety of road users. The prevalence of this phenomenon requires an adequate response from the state's law enforcement system and the establishment of legislative barriers for this activity. The research methodology is based on general scientific (logical, systematic, analysis, generalization) and private scientific (comparative, formal legal) methods. The scientific novelty of the study lies in an integrated approach to studying the existing procedure for protecting the rights of buyers of vehicles at risk of being misled about the quality of the goods. The article substantiates the need to create a legal mechanism at the state level and on its basis an open mileage accounting system for used cars for citizens, which allows them to track their history from the moment they go on sale. It is proposed to give a legal assessment of the actions and establish liability for persons who, through the provision of services for correcting car mileage data, contribute to deceiving consumers, causing property damage to buyers, and are in direct connection with the decisions of vehicle owners on their maintenance and repair, which affects road safety.

Causes of Delay in EPC Projects: The Case of Indonesia

The construction industry is a significant part of the economy in developing countries. During Indonesia's 2010-2020 period, many large-scale EPC projects were launched to build new plants and infrastructure facilities. However, most of these projects experienced delays. This research aims to identify the causes of delays in EPC projects in Indonesia. It also investigates whether specific characteristics of EPC projects within the fertilizer industry in Indonesia, particularly those associated with state-owned companies, contribute to these delays. Data was collected through questionnaires with samples from company construction experts involved in EPC projects consisting of 41 owners, 14 contractors, and 12 consultants. The Relative Importance Index (RII) was subsequently computed, revealing the top ten delay causes for EPC projects in Indonesia based on the highest RII values consisting of delays in procuring equipment/materials, contractor difficulties in funding the project, ineffective project planning and scheduling, the winner of the tender is the lowest bidder, rework due to errors during construction, poor communication and coordination between parties involved in the project, delays in the work of design, disputes in understanding the EPC contract and project specification, unrealistic the duration of the project and delays in the owner's decision. Comparison of delay factors with other developing countries in Asia and Africa shows similarities. Notably, among these categories, contractor-related factors demonstrated the highest RII values. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient shows that all respondents highly agreed with the individual ranking of delay factors.

Competing platform owners’ entry and an OEM's cooperation response

AbstractThis paper develops a game‐theoretic model that examines the entry decisions of two competing platform owners with differentiated research and development (R&D) efficiency and the response strategy of an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) in selecting which platform to cooperate with. The OEM and platform owners compete on quality and price in the face of consumers with heterogeneous preferences across the dimensions of the device and platform. We analyze the interaction between the entry decisions of platform owners and the OEM's response strategy within two cooperation models. In the charging model, we find that in the absence of entry, the OEM prefers the high‐efficiency platform. When only one platform owner enters, the OEM prefers the low‐efficiency platform. If the differentiated R&D efficiency and the device differentiation cost are large, both platform owners will choose to enter and the OEM will cooperate with the low‐efficiency platform. In the bundling model, when only one platform owner enters, only at a large cost of device differentiation will the OEM cooperate with the platform that enters the market to weaken market competition. In particular, when only the high‐efficiency platform enters, it is interesting that there exists a large cost of device differentiation that makes the high‐efficiency platform more favorable in the case when the OEM cooperates with the low‐efficiency platform. Our study provides practical insights into platform entry and OEM response.

Regional operators and holders of special accounts as objects of public control in Russia

This article is devoted to the analysis of the need to organize and implement measures of public control over the activities, acts and decisions of regional operators and owners of special accounts. The paper examines the role and place of the institution of public control in the system of legal guarantees for the implementation and protection of the constitutional principles of democracy and the participation of society in the management of state affairs. The necessity of including the activities, acts and decisions of regional operators and owners of special accounts that carry out work within the framework of the organization and functioning of capital repair funds in the Russian Federation into the objects of public control is substantiated. The article uses a number of methods of scientific research, in particular: analysis; synthesis; formal-logical; classification; comparative-legal; historical-legal; statistical; sociological, etc. The paper formalizes and explores the main problems that hinder the organization and implementation of public control measures in relation to the activities, acts and decisions of regional operators and owners of special accounts, due to the need for further development of legislation regulating both the institution of public control and the organization, as well as the activities of capital repair funds in Russia, regional operators and owners of special accounts. In this regard, the authors have developed and substantiated a system of measures to resolve these problems, including by making appropriate amendments and additions to the Constitution of the Russian Federation, the Housing Code of the Russian Federation, as well as legislation on public control in the Russian Federation.

Compatibility and distribution strategies of asymmetric competing digital platforms

AbstractWe develop a game theoretic model to study the compatibility and distribution decisions of two asymmetric competing platform owners. It is found that there are two equilibrium distribution structures for the two platform firms. Then a Pareto optimality distribution structure for the two firms is discovered. We proceed to discuss the platform's compatibility decision under the equilibrium distribution structures, and find that the equilibrium compatibility decisions depend on the average royalty. We further examine the impact of firm's distribution decisions over their compatibility decisions. Finally, we discuss how retailers will benefit from platform owner's compatibility decisions.

Forest age estimation in northern Arkhangelsk region based on machine learning pipeline on Sentinel-2 and auxiliary data

Tree age is one of the key characteristics of a forest, along with tree species and height. It affects management decisions of forest owners and allows researchers to analyze environmental characteristics in support of sustainable development. Although forest age is of primary significance, it can be unknown for remote areas and large territories. Currently, remote sensing (RS) data supports rapid information gathering for wide territories. To automate RS data processing and estimate forest characteristics, machine learning (ML) approaches are applied. Although there are different data sources that can be used as features in ML models, there is no unified strategy on how to prepare a dataset and define a training task to estimate forest age. Therefore, in this work, we aim to conduct a comprehensive study on forest age estimation using remote sensing observations of the Sentinel-2 satellite and two ML-based approaches for forestry inventory data, namely stand-based and pixel-based. We chose the CatBoost algorithm to assess these two approaches. To establish the robustness of the pipeline, an in-depth analysis is conducted, embracing diverse scenarios incorporating dominant species information, tree height, Digital Elevation Model (DEM), and vegetation indices. We performed experiments on forests in the northern Arkhangelsk region and obtained the best Mean Absolute Error (MAE) result of 7 years in the case of the stand-based approach and 6 years in the case of the pixel-based approach. These results are achieved for all available input data such as spectral satellites bands, vegetation indices, and auxiliary forest characteristics (dominant species and height). However, when only spectral bands are used, the MAE metric is the same both for per-pixel and per-stand approaches and equals 11 years. It was also shown that, despite high correlation between forest age and height, only height can not be used for accurate age estimation: the MAE increases to 18 and 26 years for per-pixel and per-stand approaches, respectively. The conducted study might be useful for further investigation of forest ecosystems through remote sensing observations.

A Literature Review on the Charging Behaviour of Private Electric Vehicles

Electric mobility is one of the ways of containing greenhouse gas and local pollutants emissions in urban areas. Nevertheless, the massive introduction of battery-powered electric vehicles (EVs) is introducing some concerns related to their energy demand. Modelling vehicle usage and charging behavior is essential for charge demand forecasting and energy consumption estimation. Therefore, it is crucial to understand how the charging decisions of EV owners are influenced by different factors, ranging from the charging infrastructure characteristics to the users’ profiles. This review examines the approaches used to investigate charging behavior and highlights the trends and differences between the results, remarking on any gaps worthy of further investigation.

Digital platform ecosystem governance of private companies: Building blocks and a research agenda based on a multidisciplinary, systematic literature review

Digital platform ecosystem governance refers to a platform owner's decisions and mechanisms that seek to influence complementors and users to build and sustain an ecosystem. The relevance of digital platform ecosystem governance is broadly acknowledged by researchers. However, the extant body of research is fragmented, and varied terminologies are employed, leading to challenges in identifying and recognizing results across different fields. This article provides a multidisciplinary and systematic literature review with the aim of consolidating knowledge on this important topic. Based on an analysis of 103 journal articles and conference papers, this review synthesizes the literature into a conceptual model with five building blocks of platform ecosystem governance. The model aims to create a robust foundation for researchers approaching the topic for the first time and conducting subsequent research. The conceptual model also offers practical guidance for governing ecosystems in a structured manner. Finally, this article provides a research agenda with five areas for future investigation.

Evaluation of Decision Making on Using Online Media in the D'Amerta Berniaga Bandung Business Group

An organization/company cannot be separated from decision-making. Intuitive decision-making is highly discouraged if it is not from a reliable source because the level of deviation that occurs can be very large. Therefore, we need a reliable basis for making a decision. The D'Amerta Berniaga business group does not use online media to carry out its business. This has resulted in the underdevelopment of the business being carried out, given the increasingly fierce business competition at this time. However, the decision to use online media is very difficult considering that business owners are housewives and sole implementers in their businesses. This resulted in an increase in workload and a very large amount of time to use online media, causing doubts about the decisions to be taken. Therefore, training on the use of online media was carried out in an effort to overcome this problem. The existence of training makes business owners interested in using online media. The business owner's decision to use online media needs to be evaluated to determine the accuracy of the decisions taken. This study aims to see whether the decisions taken by business owners, namely using online media, are appropriate and able to contribute to their business. The method used is a quantitative method with a descriptive approach. Measurements were made based on the total population of 30 respondents by pretest-posttest. Based on the test results with the paired t-test, it can be seen that the decisions taken, namely using online media, have a significant influence on existing businesses.

Determinants of Indonesian MSMEs’ Green Investment Choices Towards Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth

MSMEs are catalysts for economic growth in both rural and urban areas. In light of this, MSMEs should have equitable access to the numerous resources required for their innovation. However, environmental sustainability should also be considered with these developments. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct a study on the factors that influence MSMEs’ selection of green investments. This study analyses whether financial literacy and financial behaviour could determine the green investment choices in micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Data collection in this study used a survey technique for MSMEs in Magelang and received 195 respondents. Data was then analysed using multiple regression analysis. The results show that positive financial behaviour is related to more sound green investment decisions of MSMEs owners. In addition, this study also finds educational background influences the selection of MSMEs green investments. Financial behaviour can have an impact on investment innovation because MSMEs owners who pay more attention to their financial position will be able to manage risk tolerance better, so they are more attracted to more green investments. The results of this study will corroborate previous research showing that individuals with greater financial behaviour make reasonable financial decisions based on their risk preferences

Graded Subsidy Policy-Based Equilibrium Strategy Applied to Investment in Electric Vehicle Chargers: A Case Study in Chengdu

The Chinese government has released plenty of incentive policies to stimulate the diffusion rate of electric vehicles (EV) and the number of public charging stations, such as charging parking lots (PLs). This paper explores cooperative relationships between regional governments and PL owners in the process of investment in EV charging equipment, and a bi-level optimization model is built to examine their hierarchical relationships. Karush-Kuhn-Tucker conditions are utilized to solve the NP-hard problem. Five PLs in Chengdu are selected as examples to examine the validity of this model. The optimal allocation decision of the government and the optimal investment decisions of PL owners are concluded through the calculation results. Compared with non-graded subsidies, the priority of the graded subsidy rules is confirmed. In line with the calculation results, subsidies can promote investors to provide more charging services, and a graded allocation rule can maximize the incentive performance of subsidies.

The Quality of Life of Allergic Cats, Treated with Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy – A Retrospective Study

Abstract Feline atopic skin syndrome (FASS) describes allergic skin diseases in cats associated with sensitivity to environmental allergens. Allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) aims to reduce or eliminate symptoms associated with subsequent exposure to the causative allergen. The primary outcome of this study was to determine if the quality of life (QoL) of cats and owners improved as a result of ASIT. The secondary outcome was to determine whether the QoL improved in cats treated with ASIT compared with cats treated symptomatically. Eight cats were included in the ASIT group (AG) and 6 cats in the control group (CG). Validated quality of life questionnaires were retrospectively completed by cat owners for the period before and after treatment. The QoL of cats improved significantly with ASIT. Cats were significantly less lazy, nervous, aggressive, restrained, preened less while sleeping and hid less, were less disturbed by consultations, were more playful and interactive with their environment, and had better appetites than before treatment. Owners felt significantly less physically exhausted and less emotionally distressed compared to before ASIT treatment and their expenses were significantly lower. On the contrary various symptomatic treatments did not significantly improve the quality of life of the cats or their owners in any of the terms. No serious side effects were observed with ASIT. The quality of life of animals suffering from chronic diseases is important as it determines the decisions of owners and veterinarians on the modalities of lifelong treatment. Validated questionnaires are still rarely used in veterinary practice and research.