Market Position Research Articles

EU digital law and the digital platform economy—an inquiry into the co-evolution of law and technology

AbstractEU digital policy is currently one of the most ambitious and far-reaching endeavors to regulate the digital economy. Online platforms in multisided markets with digital ecosystems lie at the heart of digital technologies and business models. Among others, they pose new challenges with regard to the abuse of a dominant market position, thus ultimately reducing competition and innovation. This paper outlines an evolutionary approach to the co-evolution of law and technology with collective cognitive constructs and wealth effects as essential drivers (Eckardt (2001, 2008). It is then applied to the evolution of EU law in this field. After an overview of the evolution from telecommunication monopolies to the current digital platform economy, a case study presents firstly the Google Search (Shopping) case (2010–2024). Based on traditional EU competition law, it resulted in gradual judge-made legal innovation. It also generated new knowledge about the shortcomings of the ex post approach of EU competition law when applying it to the digital platform economy. As a consequence, secondly, the introduction of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) (2020 onwards) as a radical statutory innovation is discussed. The DMA introduced a novel ex ante regulation for large online platforms to overcome the problems of traditional EU competition law. Finally, the paper reflects on the impact of wealth effects and the (co-evolving) cognitive constructs of the relevant players as drivers in this current example of the co-evolution of law and technology. The paper concludes with an outlook on further areas of empirical and conceptual research that can provide a better understanding of the co-evolution of law and technology and allow for better policies in regard to disruptive technological innovation.

Chinese Consumers' Satisfaction with Online Shopping Platforms

With the rapid development of Internet technology, China's online shopping industry is also expanding rapidly, becoming an important part of global e-commerce. This article investigates Chinese consumers' satisfaction levels with Taobao, Jingdong (JD.com), and Pinduoduo, three of the country's most popular e-commerce sites. The article reviews the historical development of these platforms, their market positioning, and some of the unique spending habits of Chinese consumers. This paper analyzes several key factors that affect consumer satisfaction, including delivery accuracy, price, information quality, payment convenience, and security. The way that these aspects are handled by each platform greatly affects the buying experience of users. Technological innovations on platforms such as Taobao, such as AI-driven recommendations, have dramatically improved user experience and satisfaction. Jingdong has improved its delivery efficiency and customer satisfaction by building its own logistics system, and Pinduoduo's logistics are both slightly inadequate in comparison. However, Jingdong's logistics during peak hours still needs to be improved. The paper also points out that while price is a very important factor for consumers when choosing a platform, Pinduoduo still needs to find a balance between low price and service quality. Lastly, future studies can explore how cross-border e-commerce and the behavioral inclinations of various user groups could impact the platform's subsequent development stage. These findings suggest that continued attention to these factors can provide online shopping platforms with strategies to increase consumer satisfaction and improve service quality, as well as provide new ideas for academic research.

Illegal Deforestation in Mato Grosso: How Loopholes in Implementing Brazil’s Forest Code Endanger the Soy Sector

Brazil’s Forest Code (FC) is a landmark law that, despite dating back to the 1930s, has low compliance. Illegal deforestation continues, and millions of hectares that were set to be reforested remain degraded. Although sector agreements such as the Amazon Soy Moratorium (ASM) have been important in the fight against deforestation, the implementation of the FC represents the key long-term strategy to halt deforestation in the soy supply chain. Here, we used datasets of the boundaries of rural properties, deforestation permits, environmental licensing, and land cover in Mato Grosso to quantify illegal deforestation and analyzed compliance with the Forest Code (FC) on soy farms to explore how loopholes in the implementation of the FC allow deforestation to continue unabated. Our analyses show that between August 2009 and July 2019, soy farms in Mato Grosso State, the largest Brazilian soy producer, were responsible for 31% (or 511 thousand hectares) of all land cleared in registered properties. Most of this deforestation was illegal. The FC implementation within these properties has been slow: only 11% of registered soy farms have made it to the final stage of the registration process, thus being considered fully compliant. This novel analysis reinforces that accelerating the implementation of the FC could significantly reduce deforestation and advance the restoration of illegally cleared land particularly in the Cerrado, where 50% of the original cover has already been lost, as well as in the Amazon. By achieving full compliance in the soy sector, Brazil’s position in the international market would be strengthened as a supplier of sustainably produced, deforestation-free commodities.

First Union Formation in Italy: The Role of Micro- and Macro-Level Economic Conditions

In this paper, we use data from the ‘Families and Social Subjects’ survey conducted by the Italian National Institute of Statistics in 2016 to study the impact of micro- and macro-level economic conditions on first co-residential union formation. We aim to determine if and to what extent the probability of forming the first union is explained by individual labour market positions (e.g. having non-standard employment or not having work), and additionally explore if adverse macroeconomic conditions also play a role. We differentiate by union type—marriage and cohabitation—known to be characterised by different levels of union commitment. We also address potential gender differences by conducting separate analyses on men and women. Our results suggest that while micro- and macro-level economic factors matter in the union formation process, their effect varies by gender and union type. Individual economic vulnerability has a greater impact on marriage than on cohabitation for both men and women. Instead, contextual economic uncertainty plays a relevant role, especially in the transition to cohabitation, regardless of gender, and, to a lesser extent, in the transition to marriage, but only for women.

A Confidence-Interval Circular Intuitionistic Fuzzy Method for Optimal Master and Sub-Franchise Selection: A Case Study of Pizza Hut in Europe

Effective franchise selection is crucial for global brands like Pizza Hut to maintain consistent quality and operational excellence amidst a competitive landscape. This paper introduces a novel confidence-interval circular intuitionistic fuzzy set (CIC-IFS) framework, designed to address the intricate challenges of master and sub-franchise selection in the European market. By integrating competence coefficients of decision-makers into the final evaluations, the model allows for a more accurate representation of expert judgments. Decision-makers can choose from various scenarios, ranging from super pessimistic to super optimistic, using ten forms of aggregation operations over index matrices. The proposed approach leverages confidence intervals within the circular intuitionistic fuzzy set paradigm to capture the uncertainty, vagueness, and hesitancy inherent in the decision-making process. A case study involving Pizza Hut’s European operations demonstrates the model’s efficacy in differentiating potential franchisees and identifying those best aligned with the brand’s values. The results indicate a significant improvement in selection accuracy compared to traditional methods and other fuzzy approaches, thereby enabling Pizza Hut to make more informed decisions and solidify its market position.

The true position of the Russian financial market

Subject. The article addresses the true position of the Russian financial market. Objectives. The purpose is to reveal the true position of the Russian financial market in the context of sanctions. Methods. The study rests on the application of general scientific methods, primarily, the analysis and synthesis of data, and special economic and mathematical methods, like correlation and regression analysis. Results. The paper established that the true position of the Russian financial market under sanctions is associated with a focus on capital withdrawal to a greater extent by non-financial organizations, at the expense of domestic borrowings through debt securities, and shifting debt to households. Conclusions. The revealed characteristics of the Russian financial market, describing its true position under the sanctions, enable the expert community to correctly determine its parameters, and the monetary authorities to choose the optimal financial instruments.

Analyzing financial analysts' role in business optimization and advanced data analytics

This paper explores the evolving role of financial analysts in business optimization, focusing on their increasing reliance on advanced data analytics to drive strategic decision-making. It examines the historical shift from traditional financial analysis to more data-centric responsibilities, highlighting how modern financial analysts contribute to operational efficiency, cost reduction, and revenue growth through data-driven insights. Integrating advanced tools such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and predictive analytics has enabled financial analysts to interpret complex datasets, optimize business processes, and improve market positioning. However, adopting these technologies comes with challenges, including a steep learning curve, data integration difficulties, and ethical concerns related to data privacy and bias in AI algorithms. This paper also discusses future trends in financial analysis, emphasizing the growing importance of real-time data analysis and automation in business optimization. The paper concludes by stressing the need for financial analysts to continually adapt to the rapidly evolving technological landscape to effectively shape corporate strategy.

The Impact of Empathic Marketing on movie Promotion: A Case Study of the Movie Barbie

In movie marketing, the establishment of emotional empathy has always been the key to success. This study explores the concept of empathy marketing and its application in movie marketing, focusing on how Barbie successfully attracts audiences through empathy marketing strategies. Through the case study of the movie Barbie, this study firstly analyzes how empathy marketing stimulates the audience’s interest and clarifies the target audience of Barbie through STP analysis (market segmentation, target market selection, and market positioning). Secondly, this study proposes specific suggestions for applying empathy marketing in the production and promotion stages of the movie. The study shows that empathy marketing can effectively enhance a movie’s marketing effect by capturing the audience’s psychological needs and emotional resonance, expanding the movie’s scope, enhancing word-of-mouth communication, and thus promoting the movie’s successful release. Future research can further explore the specific mechanisms and necessary conditions of empathy marketing and the systematic categorization criteria of the target groups of movie empathy marketing.

Research on the Influence of Brand Interaction on Social Media Platforms and Consumers’ Purchasing Decision-making Process

With the rapid development of Internet technology and the popularity of social media, the interaction between brands and consumers has undergone profound changes. Social media platform, with its unique real-time, interactive and communication, has become an important bridge between brands and consumers. In the complex and changing market environment, brand building and maintenance is the key to the success of enterprises. With rapid changes in consumer behavior and market competition, brands need to adopt innovative strategies to strengthen their market position and consumer loyalty. The impact of KOL and KOC on consumers on social media platforms is complementary. KOL quickly increases brand awareness through extensive influence and professionalism, while KOC deepens consumers’ trust and desire to buy brands through authenticity and high interactivity. The combination of the two can form a complete marketing chain from awareness promotion to trust establishment to purchase transformation to maximize the marketing effect. This paper aims to explore how brand interaction on social media platforms affects consumers’ purchase decision-making process, and analyze its mechanism, influencing factors and effects, and give suggestions.

Factors Contributing to the Success of iPhone in the Chinese Market and Competitive Strategies

As one of the largest smartphone markets in the world, China’s huge market demand makes it an important player. Since entering the Chinese market, the iPhone has won a wide user base with its high-end brand image and innovative technology. The study focuses on analyzing the factors that have contributed to Apple’s success in the Chinese market, including brand building, product innovation, marketing strategies, and user experience. It also explores how Apple’s competitive strategies have helped it stand out in a fiercely competitive market environment. The study employs a combination of quantitative and qualitative research methods. By analyzing market data, conducting consumer surveys, and conducting market research, the study evaluates Apple’s performance and consumer preferences in the Chinese market, and explores Apple’s competitive strategies and market positioning. We found that Apple’s success in the Chinese market is mainly due to its strong brand effect, continuous technological innovation, precise market positioning, and effective marketing strategies. Apple has won the recognition of Chinese consumers with its high-quality products and excellent user experience. At the same time, it has successfully addressed competition pressure through differentiated competition strategies and the establishment of a unique ecosystem.

Sports Merchandise Marketing Analysis of Sports Brand Marketing Strategies Taking Nike as an Example

Since the 21st century, rising economic productivity has increased incomes, thereby shifting the focus of individuals and societies from basic needs to richer spiritual lives and healthier lifestyles. Global brands such as Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour have expanded their reach into the Chinese market, reflecting a broader societal acceptance of sports goods. The increasing prevalence of products such as Arc’teryx jackets and LULULEMON yoga wear reflects a shift in perspective on health and fitness. Consequently, the sports goods market has become highly competitive, with brands launching new products, expanding their offerings, and enhancing cost-effectiveness while maintaining quality.In order to succeed, sports brands must adopt superior quality, innovative thinking, and unique marketing strategies. This article employs SWOT and 4P analyses to examine Nike’s marketing strategy and ascertain its customer appeal and high turnover. Additionally, it identifies shortcomings in Nike’s approach and proposes solutions. Using Nike as a case study, the article investigates how sports brands can develop practical marketing strategies to secure a strong market position.

Marketing Strategies for Chinese Smartphone Brands to Compete with iPhone

Chinese cell phone brands face increasing competition at home and abroad, especially from the dominance of the foreign brand iPhone. The competitive pressure on these brands has intensified against the backdrop of U.S. sanctions on Chinese mobile chips. This study examines the marketing strategies of leading Chinese brands such as Huawei, Xiaomi, and OPPO to cope with this competitive landscape. The study examines how these brands have successfully entered and expanded into overseas markets through case studies and data analysis. The findings show that these brands have adopted strategies such as catering to specific consumer needs, utilizing low prices to attract consumers with limited budgets, increasing brand awareness, and exploring new international markets. Notably, Huawei’s patriotic marketing strategy brings both benefits and risks, while OPPO’s use of brand partnerships is also a noteworthy marketing approach. The study concludes that while the iPhone maintains a stable market share and loyal fan base in China, Chinese brands must adopt a differentiation strategy to avoid direct competition with Apple. This requires focusing on unique value propositions, such as superior affordability, innovative features, or tailored marketing approaches, to secure a more diverse and resilient market position.

Quality Evaluation and Optimization of Idle Goods Swap Platform Based on Grounded Theory and Importance–Performance Analysis

Given economic downturns and environmental concerns, promoting innovative consumption patterns is urgently needed. Swap is a promising collaborative consumption pattern that redistributes ownership of goods without using money. In the past, no research has focused on swap platform quality due to a lack of empirical resources. Therefore, this study aims to construct theoretical methods for evaluating and optimizing the quality of swap platforms. Analyzing consumer characteristics and motivations, the study creates a user profile that guides swap platforms’ market positioning. Then a quality evaluation model for swap platforms is constructed to identify areas for improvement. Data were collected from core users of a start-up swap platform in Shanghai, including 20 in-depth interviews and 180 survey questionnaires. The findings reveal that the main consumers in Shanghai’s swap market are highly educated women aged 20 to 40, with upper-middle incomes. They are motivated by functional, charitable, economic, and hedonic factors. Using grounded theory and the IPA method, this study developed a quality evaluation model for swap platforms, consisting of 18 indicators that clearly distinguish areas of weakness and strengths. This study provides valuable insights into the methodological research of quality evaluation for swap platforms and offers practical suggestions for their optimization.

A Multi-Model Output Fusion Strategy Based on Various Machine Learning Techniques for Product Price Prediction

In the digital era, precise product price prediction becomes crucial for enhancing competitiveness in the online marketplace. This paper presents a hybrid model framework that enhances the accuracy of online product price predictions by integrating several machine learning algorithms, including Linear Regression, Decision Trees, and Gradient Boosting. The objective of this approach is to leverage the distinct advantages of each model to address their individual limitations and create a robust unified predictive model. This integration allows for improved handling of complex data relationships and diverse market dynamics that are typical in online sales environments. The results demonstrate that the hybrid model achieves superior prediction accuracy, as reflected in reduced Mean Absolute Error (MAE) and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) metrics, and an exceptionally high R ² value compared to single-model approaches. These outcomes underscore the efficacy of combining multiple predictive models to enhance the precision of price forecasts in the highly competitive online marketplace. This model fusion strategy not only provides more accurate pricing predictions but also offers strategic insights into the optimal pricing strategies for businesses looking to enhance their market position.

Research on the Development of Logistics Performance of E-Commerce Enterprises and its Influencing Mechanism on Customer Satisfaction

With the booming development of e-commerce industry, logistics performance has become one of the key factors of competitiveness for e-commerce enterprises, directly related to the customer satisfaction and market position of the enterprises. Under the background of digitalization and intelligentization, online shopping has become one of the main ways of daily shopping for consumers. As an important link in the transaction chain of e-commerce, logistics efficiency and quality directly affect the shopping experience and loyalty of consumers. This paper conducts an in-depth analysis of the current situation of logistics performance of e-commerce enterprises, the mechanism analysis of how it affects customer satisfaction, and explores solutions to the problem. Through the mechanism analysis, it is found that e-commerce enterprises can improve logistics performance by enhancing logistics speed, improving logistics service quality, reducing costs and increasing efficiency, strengthening green logistics, and enhancing cross-border e-commerce logistics capabilities. This can improve customer satisfaction, and the paper proposes suggestions such as optimizing logistics networks, enhancing logistics service training, fine-tuning management, promoting environmentally friendly packaging, optimizing transportation methods, and improving cross-border e-commerce logistics networks.

Class and Ethno-Gender Differences in Education and Labour Market Position—An Intersectional Analysis of Ethnic Integration in the UK

This paper analyses the socio-economic disadvantages of women from different ethnic minority heritages in the UK. Using data from the Labour Force Survey (2014–2023), which contains detailed information on parental class and respondents’ socio-economic conditions, we examine four domains of life chances which are crucial for ethnic integration: educational attainment at the degree level, risks of unemployment, access to professional-managerial (salariat) position and earning power. We proceeded with the gross differences and then examined the differences by ethno-gender status and parental class combinations, controlling for many confounding factors. We also examined the net ethno-gender differences over the life course and the trends of social fluidity over the period covered and across the ethno-gender groups. We found that women from all ethnic origins were doing well in education but faced multiple disadvantages in the labour market, especially in access to the salariat and in earning power. Women of Pakistani/Bangladeshi heritages faced pronounced unemployment risks, especially at the earlier life stages. There is a significant increase in fluidity over the period covered, but this is marked by considerable ethnic and class differences, with Black Caribbean, Black African, Pakistani and Bangladeshi women from more advantaged class origins being unable to secure advantaged class positions and those from working-class families unable to make long-range upward mobility as effectively as White men. Overall, Bangladeshi, Pakistani, Black African and Black Caribbean women are found to be considerably disadvantaged, but there are also signs of social progress.

Enhancing Rwanda's Global Competitiveness: Evaluating the Impact of 'Made in Rwanda' Policies on Local Manufacturing Growth and Innovation

The study aimed at Enhancing Rwanda's Global Competitiveness: Evaluating the Impact of 'Made in Rwanda' Policies on Local Manufacturing Growth and Innovation. The specific objectives of the study were: to establish the impact of ‘Made in Rwanda’ policies on the growth of local manufacturers in Kenya sectors between 2017 and 2023; and to examine the extent to which ‘Made in Rwanda’ policies have improved the competitive advantage of local manufacturers in regional and international markets. Descriptive research, a method of gathering data, was used in this study to address inquiries about the present state of the research participants. The sample size of 246 respondents was proportionally distributed across the different sectors. The main instrument that was used for data collected was a semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics was used to show trends and inferential statistics was used to anlyse the relation between the various variables with multiple regression analysis crowing the hypothesis testing. Crucially insightful results came from the regression study done to investigate the link between the 'Made in Rwanda' policies and local manufacturers' competitive advantage. Here, the regression equation could be shown as Y=2.5+0.7X1+0.5X2+ε. With an intercept (β0) at 2.5, local manufacturers' competitive advantage is expected to be 2.5 units should both independent variables equal zero. With β1=0.7, the coefficient for Growth 'Made in Rwanda' Policies shows a direct link whereby competitive advantage rises by 0.7 units for every unit increase in growth policies. With p < 0.001, this is statistically significant and indicates rather strong evidence on the favorable impact of growth policy on company competitive advantage. With β2=0.5, the coefficient Competitive Advantage "Made in Rwanda" Policies also shows that, alongside every unit increase in competitive advantage policies, each caused a 0.5 unit increase in competitive advantage of manufacturers. This is statistically significant (p = 0.01) and once more shows to be especially crucial for raising competitiveness. For local producers, the correlated independent variables explain 68 percent of the variance in competitive advantage. All things considered, 'Made in Rwanda' policies have greatly helped the local manufacturer to grow over the past few years. According to the study's findings, strategic actions including policy incentivizing, infrastructure access, and capacity-building initiatives have improved production capability and market positioning. Thanks to these policies, local producers will not only develop but also be more suited to compete against foreign players on their path into regional and worldwide markets. This rightly emphasizes the need of a constant and adequate government support as well as an ongoing assessment of these policies to guarantee they remain relevant and efficient in handling the problems encountered in the manufacturing sector Keywords: 'Made in Rwanda' policies, local manufacturers, competitive advantage, production output, employment growth, export volume, product differentiation, policy incentives, infrastructure, government support programs, trade agreements, and capacity building.

Xiaomi: An Analysis of Market Strategy under the High Cost-Performance Ratio

Abstract: Xiaomi Corporation, which was established in 2010 in Beijing, is well-known for its smartphones along with other smart hardware as well as IoT devices. It is the second-largest manufacturer of smartphones in the world, behind Samsung, with a market share of about 12%, most of which run on the MIUI (now HyperOS) operating system. It mainly focuses on providing products that are of excellent quality and performance but still maintain affordability which attracts customers from around the world. This research delves into Xiaomi's adaptive marketing tactics as a reaction to evolving market dynamics and changing consumer demands, and examines Xiaomis market plan by looking at three clear instances. The first is how Xiaomi keeps its strong position in the smartphone market by bringing out improved models every year with a steady price tag. This helps to maintain their image of being very good value for money. Second, the choice of the company to put $300,000 for three years into remaking its logo with Japanese designer Kenya Hara. This highlights how redesigning has a strategic effect on brand image and worldwide identification. Thirdly, this study talks about Xiaomis start in the car industry when it introduced the first car model called Xiaomi SU7 in month April. It shows a major shift from making only smartphones to also producing electric cars.

A Financial Analysis and Valuation of Apple, Inc.

Abstract: This paper will take an in-depth look at Apple's financial performance and provide a detailed comparative analysis with its main competitors. Apple, as the world's leading technology giant, has always been known for its innovative products and strong market influence. However, in an increasingly competitive tech industry, continued financial health is key to its success. This paper first compares the performance of Apple and its competitors in key financial indicators such as liquidity, debt repayment ability and profitability. This comparison not only reveals Apple's financial position in the industry, but also helps us understand its robustness in responding to market movements. Next, this paper analyzes Apple's financial report of the latest year in detail, and deeply discusses the change trend of its revenue, expenditure, profit and other key financial data. This analysis is able to capture Apple's financial performance and strategy in the face of global economic fluctuations and changes in market demand. Finally, this paper will discuss Apple's business strategy and the business risks it faces. This includes its product innovation strategy, market expansion plans and potential risks due to factors such as technological change, market competition and global policy changes. Through a comprehensive analysis of Apple's business model and go-to-market strategy, this paper aims to provide a comprehensive perspective on how Apple can maintain its leadership position in a dynamic market.

A Study on performance of companies issuing bonus shares

The study provides a succinct overview of the findings from an in-depth analysis of bonus shares performance among selected Indian companies over the past two years. The study focused on assessing under pricing trends, post-listing shares performance, sectoral variations, investor sentiment dynamics, and regulatory impacts. The analysis revealed that many bonus shares experienced significant under pricing at their initial listing, particularly notable in high-demand sectors like technology.Shares performance varied across sectors, with companies like private and public sector shares performance over the long term. This suggests effective bonus shares . Moreover, the study identified positive shifts in bonus shares ,companies encourage more retail investors participation in their stock by lowering the price per shares and adding liquidity. And provide an alternative to issuing a dividend payment for rewarding investors and finally they reflect that the company is in a financially sound position to keep growing and generating shareholder value . In the study we have taken 5 shares which announced bonus last year and analzse the return we observed positive return in the sample taken. Bonus shares represent a critical juncture in a lifecycle of company, its transition marking from private ownership to becoming a traded publicly entity. For companies, bonus shares offer opportunities to access capital markets, fund expansion initiatives, and strengthen market position. For investors, bonus shares provide avenues for portfolio diversification and potential capital appreciation, albeit with associated risks. Analyzing bonus shares performance helps in identifying key success factors and challenges faced by companies in navigating the complexities of the Indian capital market. This study aims to comprehensively analyze and compare the bonus shares performance of the following 5 Indian companies: Power finance Power grid Safari Sonata Berger paints The objectives include evaluating their initial market reception, post-listing price movements, and strategic implications for stakeholders. By examining these bonus shares issues, we aim to discern trends, drivers of success, and challenges faced by companies across diverse sectors in Indian market.