Product Variants Research Articles

Product Differentiation in Food-Product Markets: Evidence from the Asian Instant Noodles Industry

This study investigates product differentiation, both in vertical and horizontal dimensions, in the instant noodles industry. It first presents theoretical models that predict firms' product differentiation behaviour before testing the theories using the case of instant noodles industries in three Asian countries: Indonesia, India, and Japan. The vertical differentiation behaviour is examined using the ANOVA test followed by the Bonferroni correction to investigate which brands exhibit the most evident vertical differentiation behaviour. The horizontal differentiation strategy is explored using a descriptive analysis method. Using information on the selling prices and product variants of instant noodles leading brands in each country, the empirical findings confirm the models' predictions. The study claims that companies apply the principles of 'minimum differentiation' as their vertical differentiation strategy and 'maximum differentiation' when differentiating horizontally. These strategies are implemented by choosing prices close to each other and producing distinguishable variants from competitors. These findings bring the theories of product differentiation into a real-life application and provide insights into how firms in the food products industry behave in differentiating their products.

Enhancing multi-facility manufacturing resilience through integrated product and supply chain network design

This paper presents an integrated approach for joint decision-making in reliable product design and resilient supply chain network design within a two-echelon capacitated network. Our methodology simultaneously addresses two crucial decisions faced by manufacturing industry by integrating the design processes of modular products and their supply chain networks, allowing for multiple production facilities and product variants. Through redundancy allocation, we optimize product reliability within production facilities while considering component sourcing from multiple suppliers. Our approach employs three resilience strategies—multi-sourcing, supplier fortification, and backup supplier contracting—to enhance supply chain resilience against disruptions. A case study solved using a genetic algorithm demonstrates the effectiveness of different resilience strategy combinations in achieving various levels of production resilience. This research offers insights into integrated decision-making for enhancing product reliability and supply chain resilience, thereby providing valuable guidance for industry practitioners. Furthermore, the sensitivity analysis highlights the framework’s capability to minimize total costs by prioritizing resilient designs and strategically investing in resilience strategies as costs of production shortage increase. This analysis underscores the interconnected nature of product and supply chain network design decisions in mitigating disruptions and enhancing production resilience.

Regressionsbasierte Ermittlung von Ausführungszeiten in Mensch-Roboter-Kollaboration

Abstract The intensifying competitive pressures in manufacturing companies, combined with the expanding array of product variants, are propelling the integration of human-robot collaboration in operational frameworks. Effectively planning assembly processes demands particularly streamlined methods for assessing execution times, especially in the initial planning phases. While predetermined motion time systems are designed for human tasks, this contribution puts forth an approach for the time-economic analysis of robot movements without resorting to simulation.

Updating Old English Dative–Genitives: A Diachronic Construction Grammar Account

This article conducts a corpus linguistics analysis of the dative–genitive subconstruction within the broader context of Old English double object complementation. The ditransitive construction in Old English has traditionally been perceived as a network of alternating subconstructions, including dat-acc, acc-dat, acc-gen, dat-gen, and acc-acc, as the most productive variants. Recent literature has primarily focused on dat-accs and acc-dats because they are the most productive patterns across the history of English, giving also rise to the current ditransitive construction. However, the less productive case frames have received considerably less recent attention. This work, part of an ongoing investigation aimed at creating an OE dat-gen database, builds upon Visser’s list, verified and implemented by findings obtained from a search conducted in the Dictionary of Old English Web Corpus. We obtain 88 verb types and 443 tokens, incorporating 19 new verb types and 260 tokens into the database. More significantly, we offer a detailed description of the conceptual domains and verb classes associated with OE dat-gens, which display a semantics characterized by the presence or absence of actual transfer, as well as transitions from literal to metaphorical transfer, with speech verbs playing a significant role.

Investigation of Conceptual Supply Chain Design Process of Sustainable Shisha Briquette Production System

Abstract Coconut charcoal briquette products have considerable export market potential in foreign countries. One of the product variants of coconut shell briquettes is shisha briquettes. This research aims to investigate the conceptual design of a sustainable supply chain by identifying key stakeholders and understanding the role of each stakeholder and the underlying processes that affect sustainability. The initial step of this research is to conduct an entity system requirements analysis using a use-case diagram to identify key stakeholders. The next step is to identify critical processes using BPMN 2.0 in accordance with established sustainability requirements. Based on the results of the requirements analysis through the entity system and use case diagram, five stakeholders were identified: industry, coconut shell farmers, end consumers, training institutions, and sustainability assessment institutions. According to the results of the business model analysis using BPMN 2.0 with the Indonesian Bioenergy Sustainability Indicator (IBSI), there are three main activities in the raw material procurement process: the selection of coconut shell farmers, facilities owned by farmers, and farmer skills training. Meanwhile, in terms of the production system, there are three main activities, namely production planning, production implementation, and labor training.

Learning outcome evaluation in manual assembly

Mass customization and shorter product life cycles are causing ever more variants in production, especially in manual assembly. At the same time, more diverse personnel structures are emerging due to demographic change and labor shortages. This is causing different challenges to production managers, e.g., competence gaps. To meet these challenges, learning in manual assembly becomes increasingly important. The design of the learning process can only be improved by checking whether the processes fulfill their purpose. Various learning evaluation measures are described in general vocational education and competence development, but it is hard to select the right one for the learning process. This paper shows a procedure, how learning evaluation measures can be selected, and how they can measure learning progress. For this, a test person study was conducted to compare different learning evaluation measures and show their usability and advantages in manual assembly. The results support making learning in assembly easier to apply and controllable. In the long term, feeding back the results improves the learning process design.

Effect of leakage of volatile synthesis products on silicon carbide yield in an electrothermal fluidized bed reactor

Effect of leakage of volatile synthesis products on silicon carbide yield in an electrothermal fluidized bed reactor

Entanglement-assisted Quantum Reed-Muller Tensor Product Codes

We present the construction of standard entanglement-assisted (EA) qubit Reed-Muller (RM) codes and their tensor product variants from classical RM codes. We show that the EA RM codes obtained using the CSS construction have zero coding rate and negative catalytic rate. We further show that EA codes constructed from these same classical RM codes using the tensor product code (TPC) construction have positive coding rate and provide a subclass of EA RM TPCs that have positive catalytic rate, thus establishing the coding analog of superadditivity for this family of codes, useful towards quantum communications. We also generalize this analysis to obtain conditions for EA TPCs from classical codes to have positive catalytic rate when their corresponding EA CSS codes have zero rate.

Expediting online liquid chromatography for real-time monitoring of product attributes to advance process analytical technology in downstream processing of biopharmaceuticals

The application of Process Analytical Technology (PAT) principles for manufacturing of biotherapeutics proffers the prospect of ensuring consistent product quality along with increased productivity as well as substantial cost and time savings. Although this paradigm shift from a traditional, rather rigid manufacturing model to a more scientific, risk-based approach has been advocated by health authorities for almost two decades, the practical implementation of PAT in the biopharmaceutical industry is still limited by the lack of fit-for-purpose analytical methods. In this regard, most of the proposed spectroscopic techniques are sufficiently fast but exhibit deficiencies in terms of selectivity and sensitivity, while well-established offline methods, such as (ultra-)high-performance liquid chromatography, are generally considered as too slow for this task. To address these reservations, we introduce here a novel online Liquid Chromatography (LC) setup that was specifically designed to enable real-time monitoring of critical product quality attributes during time-sensitive purification operations in downstream processing. Using this online LC solution in combination with fast, purpose-built analytical methods, sampling cycle times between 1.30 and 2.35 min were achieved, without compromising on the ability to resolve and quantify the product variants of interest. The capabilities of our approach are ultimately assessed in three case studies, involving various biotherapeutic modalities, downstream processes and analytical chromatographic separation modes. Altogether, our results highlight the expansive opportunities of online LC based applications to serve as a PAT tool for biopharmaceutical manufacturing.

Wirkmodell für zellulare Fahrerlose Transportsysteme

Abstract A continuously growing number of product variants increases the demands on the flexibility of intralogistics transportation. One way to achieve greater flexibility is the use of cellular automated guided vehicles, which can be variably interconnected depending on the size of the product to be transported. This article explains the characteristics of cellular automated guided vehicles and the relationships between influencing variables of the cellular transport system and economic and logistical target variables.

The power of brand ambassador Twice influences brand image and purchase intention on Scarlett Whitening beauty products

Previous studies have shown inconsistent results regarding brand ambassadors' influence on purchase intention. This study aims to determine the power of brand ambassadors in influencing brand image and purchase intention of beauty products. This research replicates Oktaviani and Zainurossalamia's (2021) model by differentiating the research context and using the concept of brand ambassadors, brand image, and purchase intention. With Scarlett Whitening's products in mind, the data were collected using questionnaires distributed through Google Forms to 151 respondents selected judgmentally from customers who ever bought and used Scarlett Whitening. Using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to analyze the data with the help of WarpPLS 8.0, the study found that brand ambassadors' power positively influences brand image and purchase intention. The author suggests companies consider adding product variants for other skin types. Future researchers can add or use different variables to enrich these research findings.

Implementation of Competitive Adaptation and Resilience Strategies Post Covid-19 Pandemic in Halal Food SMEs

SME industry saves the nation's economy, 10.79 million people (7.71 percent) of the Indonesian population work in providing accommodation and food. Knowing the survival ability of industry players on a mike scale is very important. This study used a mixed method, with descriptive analysis to determine the survival ability of the "Pempek Bicik Nina", Palembang, company post-pandemic. Using the SWOT analysis, and internal-external weighting, the Four Step Strategy determines the most appropriate strategy, to be able to overcome challenges by taking advantage of all possible opportunities. Results showed that several weaknesses must be immediately corrected to optimize revenue potential, in the form of more extensive digital marketing, and innovation in product variants, including embracing more public figures as catalysts to leverage. Innovation in product variants is also needed to maintain the attractiveness so that it can continue to attract old customers, as well as attract the interest of new consumers. The cost leadership strategy was maintained. The ability to control costs, and operational efficiency, is very important to maintain profitability and competitiveness. By adapting to all digital world business developments and its product innovation, "PBN", can maintain business continuity. In particular, by combining digital marketing strategies, product innovation, embracing more public figures, and cost leadership strategies, halal SMEs "PBN" can continue to develop and succeed in the halal SME culinary market.

Analysis of the technology of manufacturing a semi-finished part for a hollow part of a complex geometric form using the technology of hot volume stamping

Abstract. Background. Today, the actual issues in the production of metal products are the saving of materials and the productivity of production, as this has a significant impact on the cost of finished products. This especially applies to hollow products with a complex geometric shape. Such products include parts or semi-finished products that have hollow cavities and additional elements in the design in the form of flanges, or variable wall thickness along the height of the product. Such parts are widely distributed in mechanical engineering, aircraft construction and in the production of special purpose products, in particular in the field of ammunition production. Therefore, the manufacturing technology of such parts should ensure mass production and have an economic effect. Goal. By calculation, using the finite element method (FEM) in the DEFORM software environment, determine the option of stamping, from blanks of different diameters, a semi-finished product of a hollow part of a complex geometric shape using the technology of hot three-dimensional stamping, and analyze the proposed technological process of obtaining a semi-finished product. Methodology of implementation. Using MSE in the DEFORM software environment, simulation of hot three-dimensional stamping of a semi-finished product was carried out for a hollow part of a complex geometric shape made of blanks of different diameters. In this way, the option of obtaining a semi-finished product with a minimum number of transitions and a guaranteed possibility of implementing the technological process of mold formation was chosen. For the selected option, an analysis of the force modes of forming, normal stresses on the contact surfaces of the workpiece with the tool, and the stress-strain state of the deformed metal was performed. The results. A semi-finished product manufacturing technology for a hollow part of a complex geometric shape using hot three-dimensional stamping technology is proposed. This technology will be implemented in the production of the adapter housing part, which is used in the design of the 120 mm mine. By calculation, with the help of MSE in the DEFORM software environment, the variant of semi-finished product molding for the "Body-adapter" part was determined using the technology of hot three-dimensional stamping, and an analysis of the technological operation of semi-finished product molding was carried out. The temperature regime of the process, technological efforts, parameters of the stress-strain state of the deformed material, the distribution of normal stresses on the deforming tool are determined. The results of the conducted computer modeling make it possible to take into account the design features and select the necessary technological equipment for mass production. Conclusions. The technology for serial production of semi-finished products by hot volumetric stamping has been developed and substantiated. This technology made it possible to increase the rate of material utilization by two times compared to the technology of obtaining a part by mechanical processing from graded rolled steel.

Comprehensive Evaluation of Injectability Attributes in OxiFree™ Dermal Fillers: MaiLi® Product Variants and Clinical Case Reports.

Dermal filler injectability is a critical factor for commercial product adoption by medical aesthetic professionals and for successful clinical administration. We have previously reported (in vitro and ex vivo) cross-linked hyaluronic acid (HA)-based dermal filler benchmarking in terms of manual and automated injectability requirements. To further enhance the function-oriented product characterization workflows and the clinical relevance of dermal filler injectability assessments, the aim of this study was to perform in vivo evaluations. Therefore, several variants of the MaiLi® product range (OxiFree™ technology) were characterized in vitro and in vivo in terms of injectability attributes, with a focus on hydrogel system homogeneity and ease of injection. Firstly, standardized in vitro assays were performed in SimSkin® cutaneous equivalents, with variations of the clinical injector, injection site, and injection technique. Then, automated injections in SimSkin® cutaneous equivalents were comparatively performed in a texture analysis setup to obtain fine-granulometry injection force profile results. Finally, five female participants were recruited for the in vivo arm of the study (case reports), with variations of the clinical injector, injection site, and injection technique. Generally, the obtained quantitative force values and injection force profiles were critically appraised from a translational viewpoint, based on discussions around the OxiFree™ manufacturing technology and on in-use specialized clinician feedback. Overall, the present study outlined a notable level of homogeneity across the MaiLi® product range in terms of injectability attributes, as well as consistently high ease of administration by medical aesthetic clinicians.

Potentials of an informational assembly assistance system for persons with cognitive disabilities—Results of a laboratory study

In Germany, individuals unable or not yet able to return to the general labor market due to disabilities are employed in sheltered workshops which are called WfbM (“Werkstätten für behinderte Menschen”). These organizations are required to earn the wages for the aforementioned group of people by offering market services. These services include, in particular, assembly activities. However, WfbM face the challenge that customer orders tend to become more complex, especially as a result of an increased number of product variants. This development not only has an impact on the work in WfbM, but also makes it much more difficult to achieve the desired inclusion of people with disabilities in the general labor market. Bearing this in mind, the research question addressed in this article can be stated as such: How far can the use of an informational assistance system compensate for performance deficits of people with disabilities in the context of assembly? The results of the conducted laboratory study show that the implementation of an assistance system can help to reduce existing barriers and challenges resulting from the mismatch between requirements of the general labor market and the performance characteristics of people with cognitive impairments.Practical Relevance: For people with disabilities, the use of assistance systems opens up new opportunities for participation in the general labor market and thus makes an important contribution to implementing the requirements of the “Bundesteilhabegesetz” (a law to strengthen participation of people with disabilities in Germany).

Modeling stock, material and environmental impacts of circular economy product policies. Trade-offs between early replacement and repair of electric motors

New modeling challenges are accompanying the shift in EU product policy toward an increased focus on circular economy aspects. Combined material flow analysis and life cycle assessment can play an important role in assessing the impact of such policies. A flexible model has been developed that is suitable for the ex-ante impact assessment of the material flows and environmental impacts of a range of circular economy product policies, extending an established approach. The model uses a layered approach, in which material and environmental impacts are derived from product flows via a product database that defines physical properties for product variants. Combined with a stock model, the impact of policy interventions on the whole market can be assessed over time and per life cycle stage. We apply this model in a theoretical case study on electric motors, which compares early replacement of inefficient motors and motor repair with a base case.

ALA LAMPUNG RASA PALEMBANG: STRATEGI PEMASARAN “PEMPEK TARISA” HALAL

Pempek is very synonymous with Palembang, it is said that it was first sold by Chinese traders in 1916 in Palembang. However, with the large diaspora of Palembang people nationally and internationally, Lampung is now also producing Pempek with flavors that are very competitive with the original producing city in Palembang. The research uses a mixed-method, with descriptive analysis to determine the existence of the company's survival ability "Pempek Tarisa Lampung." A special business strategy is needed in this halal-certified industry. Using the SWOT analysis measuring tool, internal-external weighting, the Four Step Strategy, determines the most appropriate strategy, in order to be able to overcome challenges by taking advantage of all possible opportunities. The results show several weaknesses that must be immediately corrected in order to optimize revenue potential, in the form of more extensive digital marketing, innovation in product variants, including embracing more public figures as catalysts to leverage. "PTL" will be more powerful in expanding marketing reach and increasing engagement with its customers. Apart from that, innovation in product variants is also needed to maintain the attractiveness and relevance of the business, so that it is able to continue to attract old customers, as well as attract the interest of new consumers. The cost leadership strategy, which had been successful previously, was maintained. In particular, by combining digital marketing strategies, product innovation, embracing more public figures, and cost leadership strategies, halal SMEs "PTL" can continue to develop and succeed in the halal SME culinary market which is now increasingly competitive. MSMEs (halal) are indeed an industry that saves the nation's economy, 10.79 million people (7.71 percent) of the Indonesian population work in providing accommodation and food and drink (BPS, 2023). So knowing the survival ability of industry players on a micro scale is very important to think about for sustainability.

The Effect of Sales Promotion and Product Variants on Impulsive Buying of Lipcream Pixy

The Effect of Sales Promotion and Product Variants on Impulsive Buying of Lipcream Pixy

Strategi Ekspor Bisnis Minuman Bandrek ‘Sifa’ ke Asia Tenggara

<p><em>CV. Siraj Fawwaz is an MBKM business located in Warungkupa Village, Gununghalu District, Bandung Regency, West Java. The business engaged in traditional bandrek beverage products is known as Sifa. This service activity generally aims to describe the description of Sifa's bandrek beverage business model. Service activities are carried out by discussing and describing problems in the beverage industry. Through structured interviews, this service activity is executed by describing the business model canvas and SWOT analysis. The interview was conducted to find out the marketing strategy of Sifa's bandrek beverage business. The results of this activity show that this bandrek beverage product has used the business model canvas method to determine marketing strategies with nine elements of the business model canvas block. The results of the SWOT analysis show that the bandrek beverage business is in quadrant I which is a profitable position. This beverage business has the opportunity and strength to distribute products to highland areas, increase the number of product variants and increase good cooperation with suppliers. Thus, community efforts in the sub-district area can be developed and improved. This bandrek beverage business has the opportunity to develop and increase the production of healthy local drinks. This bandrek beverage business can increase the market by utilizing information technology and social media. Market reach can be developed so that this bandrek beverage business can export its products to Southeast Asia.</em></p>

Perhitungan Harga Pokok Produksi Minuman Kopi Pada Kedai “Hobi Kopi” Kecamatan Ambulu Kabupaten Jember

Accurate and precise calculation of the cost of production is very important because the cost of production can provide information in determining selling prices and increasing profits. This research aims to explain the calculation of the Cost of Production (HPP) of drinks at Kedai Hobi Kopi, Ambulu District, Jember Regency. The research method used was a qualitative method and the samples used were 4 best-selling product variants. The results of the research show that calculating the Cost of Goods Production (HPP) using the full costing method has a smaller gross profit value compared to the company's calculations because the company does not calculate production costs in detail, only using Raw Material Costs (BBB) to determine the Cost of Goods Production (HPP). So that the gross profit obtained tends to be greater.