Price Reduction Research Articles

Semaglutide for the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease in people with overweight or obesity, but without diabetes: a cost-effectiveness analysis

Abstract Background The recently published trial, SELECT (Semaglutide Effects on Cardiovascular Outcomes in People with Overweight or Obesity) [1], was the first study to demonstrate that the glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist, semaglutide, was superior to placebo in reducing the risk of major cardiovascular events in people with existing cardiovascular disease (CVD) and a body mass index of ≥27kg/m² but without diabetes. Despite the promising clinical benefits, the high cost of the medication has raised concerns about its financial viability and accessibility within healthcare systems. Purpose To explore whether use of semaglutide in addition to standard care (background use of lipid lowering, anti-hypertensive and/or anti-platelet therapies) for the secondary prevention of CVD in people with overweight or obesity is cost effective from the Australian healthcare perspective. Methods A Markov model was developed based on the SELECT trial, to evaluate the clinical outcomes and costs of a hypothetical population treated with semaglutide versus placebo over 20 years. With each annual cycle, subjects were at risk of having non-fatal CVD events (MI or stroke) or dying. Treatment efficacy, transition probabilities, and utilities were derived from the SELECT trial and published literature. Costs were obtained from Australian sources. The cost of semaglutide at a dosage of 2.4 mg/week (in line with SELECT) was estimated to be ~A$80 per week or A$4175 per year. The main outcome of interest was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) in terms of cost per year of life saved (YoLS) and cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained. All outcomes and costs were discounted by 5% per year. Costs are reported in 2023 Australian dollars (A$). Results Over a 20 year time horizon, treatment of 1000 hypothetical subjects with overweight or obesity and existing CVD with semaglutide compared to placebo prevented 126 non-fatal CVD events and 81 deaths, and yielded an additional 0.46 discounted life years and 0.48 discounted QALYs per person. The difference in total discounted costs was A$43,955 per person. This equated to ICERs of A$99,853 per YoLS and A$96,055 per QALY gained. Conclusions Assuming a willingness-to-pay-threshold of A$50,000 per QALY gained, semaglutide would not be considered cost-effective for the secondary prevention of CVD in people with overweight or obesity in Australia at current prices. A price reduction of 52% to less than A$2000 per year would be required for it to be considered a cost-effective treatment strategy in this setting. Given the modest event rates reported in SELECT, cost-effectiveness is likely to improve if use of semaglutide is targeted to higher risk groups. Moreover, SELECT primarily focused on cardiovascular benefits, however data supporting the impact of semaglutide on a number of other weight-related complications are anticipated and will inform a more holistic understanding of its cost effectiveness.

Chinese Public Attitudes and Opinions on Health Policies During Public Health Emergencies: Sentiment and Topic Analysis.

By the end of 2021, the new wave of COVID-19 sparked by the Omicron variant spread rapidly due to its highly contagious nature, affecting more than 170 countries worldwide. Nucleic acid testing became the gold standard for diagnosing novel coronavirus infections. As of July 2022, numerous cities and regions in China have implemented regular nucleic acid testing policies, which have had a significant impact on socioeconomics and people's lives. This policy has garnered widespread attention on social media platforms. This study took the newly issued regular nucleic acid testing policy during the COVID-19 pandemic as an example to explore the sentiment responses and fluctuations of netizens toward new policies during public health emergencies. It aimed to propose strategies for managing public opinion on the internet and provide recommendations for policy making and public opinion control. We collected blog posts related to nucleic acid testing on Weibo from April 1, 2022, to July 31, 2022. We used the topic modeling technique latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) to identify the most common topics posted by users. We used Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT) to calculate the sentiment score of each post. We used an autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model to examine the relationship between sentiment scores and changes over time. We compared the differences in sentiment scores across various topics, as well as the changes in sentiment before and after the announcement of the nucleic acid price reduction policy (May 22) and the lifting of the lockdown policy in Shanghai (June 1). We collected a total of 463,566 Weibo posts, with an average of 3799.72 (SD 1296.06) posts published daily. The LDA topic extraction identified 8 topics, with the most numerous being the Shanghai outbreak, nucleic acid testing price, and transportation. The average sentiment score of the posts was 0.64 (SD 0.31), indicating a predominance of positive sentiment. For all topics, posts with positive sentiment consistently outnumbered those with negative sentiment (χ27=24,844.4, P<.001). The sentiment scores of posts related to "nucleic acid testing price" decreased after May 22 compared with before (t120=3.882, P<.001). Similarly, the sentiment scores of posts related to the "Shanghai outbreak" decreased after June 1 compared with before (t120=11.943, P<.001). During public health emergencies, the topics of public concern were diverse. Public sentiment toward the regular nucleic acid testing policy was generally positive, but fluctuations occurred following the announcement of key policies. To understand the primary concerns of the public, the government needs to monitor social media posts by citizens. By promptly sharing information on media platforms and engaging in effective communication, the government can bridge the information gap between the public and government agencies, fostering a positive public opinion environment.

Unlocking Market Potential: Strategic Consumer Segmentation and Dynamic Pricing for Balancing Loyalty and Deal Seeking

Background: This paper examines the economic implications of market segmentation on consumer purchasing behavior with a particular emphasis on intertemporal pricing strategies in dynamic markets. Methods: In order to analyze optimal discount rates and the timing for price reductions for consumer segments, including loyal and deal-prone customers, a detailed mathematical model was developed. The model incorporates theories of consumer behavior and pricing elasticity to simulate market responses to price changes throughout a product’s lifecycle. Results: This research indicates that market segmentation enhances sales by targeting the distinct preferences of loyal consumers, who are less price-sensitive and who stabilize revenue streams, and deal-prone consumers, who respond to price reductions. Customizing pricing strategies for loyal consumers and deal-prone consumers increases sales volumes and optimizes profitability. Conclusions: This research improves our comprehension of market segmentation and dynamic pricing, providing a practical framework for businesses to create effective pricing strategies that can be promptly implemented. It emphasizes the significance of understanding consumer behavior and price sensitivity in the interest of revenue promotion. This study also emphasizes the social implications of equitable pricing practices, promoting the implementation of transparent and value-based strategies to promote market inclusivity and consumer trust.

The marketing promotion in the pharmacutical sector in Kosovo- case study

The paper addresses the issues that have to do with the use of marketing and give a general overview for the pharmaceutical industry, the main marketing concepts, identify the importance of marketing in promoting sales of pharmacy companies, understand which strands are used to promote sales and satisfy the needs of consumers in terms of improving their health. In addition, the paper elaborates the development of the pharmaceutical sector in Kosovo, the competition between pharmaceutical producers and distributors, the strategies that firms use to promote products and services, increase of quality of medicines, price reduction and other issues. The objective of the paper is to explain how pharmaceutical marketing is carried out by focusing more on the communication and romotional techniques used, to give an overview of the functioning of this sector and to identify the importance of promotion in promoting sales. The methodology used is based on comparative analysis through the use of primary and secondary sources. For analysis purposes, a structured questionnaire was prepared for pharmaceutical products, which was distributed physically to the pharmaceutical workers. Scientific literature, local and international official reports and other relevant sources were also used. The results and findings of the research show that promotion has a significant impact on promoting sales.

Financial Analysis of Apple's Product Pricing Strategy

Abstract: Due to the rise of other domestic mobile phone brands, iPhone updates have slowed down and become less attractive to consumers, resulting in excess iPhone inventory. In response to this situation, in early 2024, Apple began to implement a price reduction strategy, and the price of Apple's iPhone dropped significantly. Given this phenomenon, this paper studies the financial status of Apple in the past three years, including profitability, operating ability and debt-paying ability, and puts forward the problems of Apple's declining cash flow ability in recent years, weakening short-term debt-paying ability, and unsalable inventory products. However, gross profit margin increased slightly and net profit margin on sales was also little changed. Finally, the paper analyzes the reasons for the sharp price reduction of the iPhone and puts forward some suggestions for Apple's future development, such as strengthening product innovation, promoting old products, and reducing the backlog of old products.

Future Development Analysis Based on the Price Reduction Trend of Tesla

The electric vehicle (EV) market is developing rapidly, while the complexity of the market is growing along with the growing prosperity of the market, continuous technology innovation, and frequent policy adjustments. As a leading pioneer in the electric vehicle market, Tesla's development trends have had a significant impact on the market and other companies in the market. Tesla's price cut may especially affect the brand positioning of other companies in the industry, and they follow its price cut strategy, leading to a price war in the whole market. It urges them to adjust their strategies to maintain their market position and profitability. Therefore, the paper elaborates and focuses on Tesla's financial data from 2021 to 2023 and price reduction strategies, and uses key financial indicators, such as revenue growth, cash flow, and return on investment, to predict the future development trajectory of Tesla. This paper, through Tesla's financial analysis and future trends, provides reference and guidance for investors, markets, or companies seeking to follow suit.

A critical analysis of the marketing mix elements of small businesses in the retail sector in Durban Central Business District

In an incisive analysis of the marketing mix's impact on small retail businesses in Durban's Central Business District (CBD), this study scrutinizes the extended 7Ps framework: product, price, place, promotion, process, people and physical evidence. Utilizing a quantitative methodology, data from 217 owner-managers, captured via a 5-point Likert scale, were analysed through ANOVA and Tukey's HSD tests, unearthing deep insights. The findings disrupt conventional marketing paradigms, revealing that an intense focus on product attributes does not correlate with enhanced performance. Small businesses that maintained competitive, yet balanced pricing mechanisms outstripped are those that engages in fierce price wars, underscoring the dangers of excessive price reductions. Strategic promotional activities and well-considered choice locations were pivotal, whereas overemphasis on physical evidence and internal processes proved detrimental. The study results advocate for a balanced, strategic approach to the marketing mix, urging small businesses to rethink traditional priorities. This study offers crucial guidance for business owners seeking to optimize performance and calls for targeted policy measures to support the retail sector’s growth and sustainability.

Evaluating the Impact of Mini-Competition on Pharmaceutical Procurement: Challenges, Risks, and Regulatory Implications in Indonesia

This study evaluates the impact of the mini-competition method in pharmaceutical procurement in Indonesia, focusing on its challenges, risks, and regulatory implications. Mini-competition, a procurement method designed to promote competitive pricing in e-purchasing, has been introduced to streamline the procurement process, especially for essential goods such as pharmaceuticals. However, this method faces legal and practical challenges, including risks of fraud, reduced competition, collusion, and issues concerning product quality and innovation. The legal framework governing mini competition, including Presidential Regulation No. 12 of 2021, is analyzed to identify potential weaknesses in ensuring transparency and accountability. The research also includes a case study of pharmaceutical product procurement, highlighting the significant price reductions resulting from mini competition but revealing adverse effects on industry sustainability. The analysis of the cost structure of pharmaceutical companies shows that continued price reductions may force companies to cease operations due to unprofitability. Drawing on international case studies, this study concludes that while mini competition can lower procurement costs, it also poses significant risks to product quality, innovation, and market competition. Traditional tender methods are proposed as a more balanced and sustainable approach for pharmaceutical procurement, emphasizing the need for transparent and comprehensive evaluation criteria.

Prospects for Long-Distance Cascaded Liquid—Gaseous Hydrogen Delivery: An Economic and Environmental Assessment

As an important energy source to achieve carbon neutrality, green hydrogen has always faced the problems of high use cost and unsatisfactory environmental benefits due to its remote production areas. Therefore, a liquid-gaseous cascade green hydrogen delivery scheme is proposed in this article. In this scheme, green hydrogen is liquefied into high-density and low-pressure liquid hydrogen to enable the transport of large quantities of green hydrogen over long distances. After long-distance transport, the liquid hydrogen is stored and then gasified at transfer stations and converted into high-pressure hydrogen for distribution to the nearby hydrogen facilities in cities. In addition, this study conducted a detailed model evaluation of the scheme around the actual case of hydrogen energy demand in Chengdu City in China and compared it with conventional hydrogen delivery methods. The results show that the unit hydrogen cost of the liquid-gaseous cascade green hydrogen delivery scheme is only 51.58 CNY/kgH2, and the dynamic payback periods of long- and short-distance transportation stages are 13.61 years and 7.02 years, respectively. In terms of carbon emissions, this scheme only generates indirect carbon emissions of 2.98 kgCO2/kgH2 without using utility electricity. In sum, both the economic and carbon emission analyses demonstrate the advantages of the liquid-gaseous cascade green hydrogen delivery scheme. With further reductions in electricity prices and liquefication costs, this scheme has the potential to provide an economically/environmentally superior solution for future large-scale green hydrogen applications.

Cost-effectiveness of finerenone added to standard of care for patients with type 2 diabetes-related chronic kidney disease in the United States.

To examine the cost-effectiveness of adding finerenone to standard of care (SoC) for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)-related chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the United States. Based on the clinical data analysed by FIDELITY, we referenced the validated FINE-CKD model (Markov model) to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of SoC versus SoC + finerenone from the perspective of US payers. The model was cycled for 35 years in 4-month cycles, with cost and utility values derived from the published literature. The primary outcomes were incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the robustness of the base-case results. The treatment strategy of finerenone plus SoC led to gains of 6.95 QALYs and had a lifetime cost of $491 745.31. Compared to SoC, that strategy yielded 0.48 more QALYs at an added cost of $65 305.72. The ICER for finerenone was $135 257.06 per QALY, which is below the willingness-to-pay threshold of United States ($150 000/QALY). The results were sensitive to the hazard ratios associated with the efficacy of finerenone and its cost. Probabilistic sensitivity analyses showed that the probability that finerenone plus SoC would be cost-effective was 57.6%. For patients with T2DM-related CKD, adding finerenone to SoC may be a cost-effective option in the United States. Reasonable price reductions for finerenone could potentially benefit more patients.

ПРОБЛЕМИ ТА ПЕРСПЕКТИВИ СТРАХУВАННЯ ТУРИСТИЧНОЇ ДІЯЛЬНОСТІ

The article discusses the types of insurance in tourism. Based on the analysis of the insurance market of Ukraine, it was established that the number of insurance companies decreased by almost three times during the years 2015-2022, and 25 insurance companies worked in the field of tourism in 2023. It was revealed that the following companies are the leaders in the travel insurance market: European Travel Insurance, ARX, VUSO, PZU Ukraine. The factors that hold back the development of tourism insurance are highlighted: military actions due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, political instability; decrease in the number of tourists, low solvency of the population; imperfect legal framework; poor awareness of the population in the field of tourism insurance; public distrust of insurance companies; a narrow range of insurance services in the field of tourism insurance; incomplete and untimely fulfillment of obligations to policyholders; limited scope of insurance protection due to reduction of insurance prices by insurers; decrease in the quality of insurance products; insufficient professional level of insurance company specialists; overall low development of the country's insurance market. The main trends in the field of insurance in Ukraine are revealed: individual policies for certain tourist segments, use of artificial intelligence, transformation of products into the format of electronic policies, blockchain technologies. Directions for solving problems in the field of insurance in tourism are indicated: improvement of the regulatory and legal framework; ensuring political stability, increasing economic development in the state; training of highly qualified personnel in the field of insurance; improvement of insurance culture; creation of protective mechanisms for tourists; assistance from the state to the development of the insurance market in Ukraine; improvement of the risk management mechanism; increasing public trust in insurance companies; expanding the list of insurance services and improving their quality.

INEAS's Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Vemurafenib: Paving the Way for Value-Based Pricing in Tunisia.

The Tunisian Health Technology Assessment (HTA) body, INEAS, conducted a cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) of vemurafenib in the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic BRAF V600-mutated melanoma. The objective of this analysis was to enable the use of value-based pricing as a new approach to price negotiation. This study was part of a broader HTA report that was prepared in response to a joint request from the regulatory authorities and the CNAM, Tunisia's compulsory insurance scheme. Our analysis was based on a probabilistic Markov cohort model that calculated the costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALY) associated with vemurafenib compared to the standard of care from a public payer perspective. The CEA indicated that vemurafenib provides a gain of 0.38 life years (1.78 vs. 1.4) for an incremental cost of USD 101,106.62 from the perspective of the main public payer (CNAM). This study revealed an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of 163,311.40 USD/QALY and 163,911.46 USD/QALY, respectively, from the CNAM and public health facilities' perspectives. Vemurafenib cannot be considered cost-effective in terms of what has normally been considered a reasonable willingness to pay (WTP) in Tunisia. A significant price reduction would be necessary to bring the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio to an acceptable level.

Uptake of biosimilars in China: a retrospective analysis of the case of trastuzumab from 2018 to 2023

BackgroundThe Chinese biosimilar industry has demonstrated rapid growth in recent years. Limited evidence is available about biosimilar uptake at the national level. This study aimed to assess biosimilar uptake in the case of trastuzumab and to explore potential factors influencing the biosimilar penetration at national and provincial levels.MethodsThis study employed an interrupted time series analysis to assess the level and trend changes of national trastuzumab originator consumption and the overall trastuzumab consumption after the price reduction of the originator and the introduction of the first biosimilar using the China Hospital Pharmacy Audit procurement data from March 2018 to February 2023. A latent class trajectory model (LCTM) was also adopted to estimate the biosimilar penetration across 30 provincial-level administrative divisions (PLADs). Based on the LCTM grouping results, provincial characteristics were analyzed.ResultsAfter rapid growth, the penetration of biosimilars demonstrated a moderate ascending trend at the national level, reaching 27% in February 2023. Following the introduction of the first biosimilar in July 2021, the consumption of the originator decreased by 0.5% per month (P = 0.008), and the growth rate of overall trastuzumab consumption decreased by 1.1% per month (P = 0.014). LCTM fit the best when the number of trajectory classes was two, dividing 30 PLADs into a group demonstrating a faster increase in biosimilar penetration and the other with a slower increase. The PLADs in the fast-increasing group had a higher proportion of the population covered by the national basic health insurance, a lower proportion of the urban population, a lower proportion of the population covered by the urban employee health insurance program, a lower gross domestic product per capita, a lower total health expenditure per capita, and a lower out-of-pocket expenditure.ConclusionsThe uptake of trastuzumab biosimilars in China was lower compared with major European countries. The introduction of trastuzumab biosimilars presented a substitutional effect. Perceptions of physicians and patients, the medicines procurement model, competition from other biologics, and health insurance payment methods may influence biosimilar uptake. Enhancing a comprehensive understanding of biosimilars among physicians and patients, including biologics with biosimilars in the national pooled procurement, and implementing provider payment reforms could foster biosimilar penetration.

Geopolitical risks and energy uncertainty: Implications for global and domestic energy prices

This paper investigates the interaction between global geopolitical risks and global energy uncertainty by focusing on their implications for global and domestic energy prices of 157 countries. The empirical investigation is based on a structural vector autoregression model covering the monthly sample period between 1996 m1-2022m10, where global real economic activity is controlled for. The results show that a unit shock to global geopolitical risk (normalized to one standard deviation) results in about 1.13 units of an increase in global energy uncertainty (normalized to one standard deviation) in the long run (after two years), whereas the corresponding effects on global energy prices are statistically insignificant. In contrast, a unit shock to global energy uncertainty results in about 52 % (57 %) of a reduction in global energy prices (global economic activity), acting like negative global demand shocks. When statistically significant country-specific results are considered in the long run, a positive shock to the global geopolitical risk affects domestic energy prices positively (negatively) in 10 % (10 %) of oil producing countries, 32.1 % (19.7 %) of non-oil producing countries, 47.2 % (0 %) of advanced economies, 55 % (0 %) of euro area countries, 25 % (22.4 %) of emerging markets, and 22.2 % (26.7 %) of developing countries. In comparison, a positive shock to the global energy uncertainty affects domestic energy prices positively (negatively) in 5 % (40 %) of oil producing countries, 3.6 % (54 %) of non-oil producing countries, 0 % (61.1 %) of advanced economies, 0 % (50 %) of euro area countries, 3.9 % (56.6 %) of emerging markets, and 6.7 % (37.8 %) of developing countries. Important policy implications follow regarding the energy security of countries.

Strategic decision-making of competitive manufacturers: Assessing the role of product substitutability in energy performance contracting

Maximizing benefits through optimized strategic decisions is a crucial concern in Energy Performance Contracting (EPC) arrangements among competing manufacturers, yet this area remains underexplored. This paper develops a model to examine EPC cooperation between two manufacturers producing substitutable products in a duopoly market. By applying game theory, the study investigates the strategic decision-making processes of these manufacturers, with a particular focus on product substitutability. The analysis of equilibrium outcomes reveals that when both manufacturers engage in EPC, total market output increases. Although EPC results in lower prices, it enhances overall consumer surplus due to the price reduction. Additionally, EPC contributes to a decrease in total energy consumption as the cost of energy-saving service rises. The study find that as product substitutability increases, the sharing ratio determined by the client in the EPC arrangement gradually decreases. Concurrently, the level of energy-saving service provided by the Energy Service Company (ESCO) increases. However, when the cost coefficient of energy-saving retrofitting services is relatively high and the sharing ratio falls within a certain range, the service level initially decreases before rising again. This research offers novel insights into the impact of product substitutability on EPC engagements between two competing manufacturers, providing valuable perspectives on strategic decision-making within a competitive market environment.

Optimizing the food supply chain through the integration of financial models and big data in procurement: A strategy for reducing food prices

Optimizing the food supply chain through the integration of financial models and big data analytics presents a transformative strategy for reducing food prices. In an increasingly complex global market, managing procurement effectively is crucial for cost control and price stabilization. Financial models, such as cost-benefit analysis, financial forecasting, and risk assessment, provide valuable insights into procurement decisions, helping organizations anticipate price fluctuations and manage expenses. When combined with big data analytics, these models enable more precise predictions and strategic planning. Big data analytics harnesses vast amounts of information from various sources, including market trends, supplier performance, and consumer behavior. By analyzing this data, organizations can identify patterns, optimize inventory levels, and forecast demand with greater accuracy. This data-driven approach enhances decision-making in procurement, allowing for better negotiation with suppliers, efficient inventory management, and the reduction of wastage. The integration of financial models with big data provides a holistic view of the supply chain, enabling companies to implement dynamic pricing strategies and adjust procurement practices based on real-time insights. This integration helps in minimizing operational costs, improving supply chain efficiency, and ultimately reducing food prices for consumers. For example, predictive analytics can identify potential supply disruptions and adjust procurement strategies proactively, while financial models can evaluate the cost-effectiveness of various sourcing options. Challenges such as data integration, quality, and privacy must be addressed to fully leverage these technologies. Moreover, investment in advanced analytics tools and skilled personnel is essential for successful implementation. In conclusion, the synergy between financial models and big data analytics offers a strategic approach to optimizing the food supply chain. By enhancing procurement practices and leveraging real-time insights, this strategy contributes to reducing food prices and improving overall supply chain efficiency, benefiting both businesses and consumers. Keywords: Food Supply Chain, Financial Models, Big Data Analytics, Procurement Optimization, Cost Control, Price Reduction, Inventory Management, Predictive Analytics, Supply Chain Efficiency.

The impact of EU public procurement regulations on tenders in Spain: a study with adalimumab.

Pharmaceutical spending accounts for a significant portion of public healthcare budgets. To manage these costs, EU countries implement various cost-containment policies, including competitive tendering for pharmaceuticals. This study examines the impact of EU public procurement regulations on medication procurement practices. A search for all published tenders of adalimumab in Spain from 2018 to 2024 in the Spanish Public Sector Procurement Database, a period that coincides with the implementation of European legislation and the emergence of adalimumab biosimilars. All available documentation for each tender was reviewed, including the tender offer, technical specifications, specific administrative clauses, appointments of evaluation commissions, supporting memorandum, and evaluation reports. Our findings reveal substantial price reductions following the introduction of adalimumab biosimilars, yet highlight significant variability in tender criteria and practices across different regions. Despite adherence to EU directives, the inconsistent application of economic and non-economic factors and an erratic criteria concerning price undermine the intended balance of quality and cost, complicating procurement processes and potentially affecting the availability of a given treatment for patients.

Analysis of Vendor Selection for Cash Recycle Machine using the Analytical Hierarchy Process Method at PT.X

Selecting the right vendor for the Cash Recycle Machine (CRM) is a key factor for the sustainability of PT X in the banking business, as most banking tasks are carried out by vendors. Therefore, the vendor selection process is one of the main and crucial processes. This research aims to determine the weight of criteria, and sub-criteria, and analyze the best vendor selection for the Cash Recycle Machine Implementation Project at PT X using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method. The number of respondents in this study was eight, consisting of the Project Director, Project Manager, and Division Heads who are the decision-makers in vendor selection. The research was conducted through structured interviews using Saaty’s scale comparison questionnaires for criteria selection and rating scale assessment for vendor evaluation. The criteria evaluated based on the Vendor Performance Indicator (VPI) are Quality, Cost, Delivery, Flexibility, and Responsiveness, with the most influential sub-criteria being Price Reduction, Product Reliability, and Demand Adjustment. The selected vendor for the Cash Recycle Machine implementation project is PT ZZZ with a score of 40% out of 100%, followed by PT YYY with a score of 32%, and PT XXX with a score of 28%.

Price and carbon emission reduction technology competition in the electricity supply chain based on power structure

This study considers the research on electricity pricing and carbon reduction technology decisions of electricity supply chain enterprises under different power structures, and constructs a two-level electricity supply chain game model composed of two electricity producers and a single electricity retailer. By comparing the equilibrium solution results, the main research results are as follows: (1) In the market structure where electricity producers and electricity retailer make decisions at the same time, electricity producers are more willing to invest in low-carbon technologies and increase carbon emission reduction. The electricity retailer also set the lowest electricity prices at this time, and electricity demand is the highest. (2) In the case of the Stackelberg game for electricity producers, the wholesale electricity price is the highest, and the electricity producers obtain the most profits. In the case of the Stackelberg game for electricity retailer, the electricity price is the highest, and the profit of the electricity retailer is the highest. (3) In the market structure dominated by electricity retailer, the electricity price is the highest, and the electricity producers reduce the investment in carbon emission reduction technology after observation; the carbon emission reduction intensity is the least, and the electricity demand is also the least. (4) With the increase of price competition coefficient, the carbon emission reduction intensity, electricity demand, electricity producers and electricity retailer profit increase. However, as the competition coefficient of carbon reduction technology increases, these equilibrium solutions decline. We verify the above conclusions using multi-agent simulation.

Cost-Utility Analysis of Erenumab Compared to Topiramate for Preventive Therapy of Migraine in Iran

Background: Migraine is a prevalent, chronic neurovascular disorder that incurs significant indirect costs due to productivity loss. Preventive therapy is an effective way to alleviate the societal and healthcare burden of migraine. Approximately 14% of both the global and Iranian populations are affected by migraine, which has substantial economic implications. Objectives: To determine the cost-effectiveness of Erenumab compared to Topiramate for migraine treatment in Iran. Methods: A three-state Markov model was used to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of Erenumab. The model considered both direct and indirect costs from a societal perspective. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was calculated by determining the cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained. Costs and QALYs were discounted annually at 5.8% and 5%, respectively. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analysis (PSA) were performed to assess the robustness of the model. Results: The average cost for patients using the Erenumab strategy was 16,836 USD over five years, whereas the average cost for the Topiramate strategy was estimated to be 2,660 USD. Additionally, the average QALYs for the Erenumab and Topiramate strategies were 3.64 and 3.46, respectively. The ICER for the Erenumab strategy was 78,923 USD/QALY. This ICER is significantly higher than the fixed Iranian willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold of 2,456 USD. Conclusions: The study concludes that preventive treatment of migraine with Erenumab, compared to Topiramate, is not cost-effective in Iran based on current prices. Therefore, for Erenumab to be considered cost-effective, a significant price reduction is necessary for its entry into the Iranian pharmaceutical market.