Product Differentiation Research Articles

University-to-industry knowledge transfers and firms’ resilience during the great recession: evidence for Spanish firms

ABSTRACT This study examines the relationship between university-to-industry knowledge transfers and firm performance during economic downturns. Using a sample of Spanish manufacturing firms, we evaluate the performance of firms that collaborated with or acquired R&D from universities prior to the Great Recession, focusing on real sales growth relative to their peers. We find that firms that received knowledge transfers from universities outperformed their peers during the ecession, especially in the most affected sectors (as measured by export growth). Notably, the greater resilience associated with these partnerships appears to be limited to small and medium-sized firms. In addition, product differentiation and expansion into new markets appear to be potential mechanisms associated with the greater resilience of firms involved in university knowledge transfers. This is consistent with a shift in their innovation strategy towards exploration during recessions.

Communication Strategies in the Brazilian Beef Supply Chain

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate how communication strategies influence the competitiveness and sustainability of the beef supply chain in the global market. Theoretical Framework: The main concepts that underpin the research were presented, such as product differentiation, marketing, strategic communication, and sustainability, providing a solid foundation for understanding the context of the investigation. Method: The methodology adopted for this research includes a literature review, with the collection and analysis of data from academic and non-academic sources, including journals, books, news websites, and marketing channels on YouTube from companies in the sector. Results and Discussion: The results indicated that initiatives like the Hilton Quota and Carbon Neutral Beef are effective in differentiating Brazilian products in the global market. The discussion analyzes these findings in relation to the theoretical framework, addressing the difficulty in distinguishing similar products and the lack of investment in branding by slaughterhouses, as well as their implications for consumer perception. Research Implications: The practical and theoretical implications of this research provide insights into how communication strategies can influence sustainability and competitiveness in the beef sector, especially in international markets that value sustainable products. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by addressing the intersection between marketing and sustainability in the beef supply chain, presenting an innovative approach to integrating responsible practices into companies' communication strategies. Its relevance is highlighted by the potential to positively impact both professional practice and academic research in the field.

Psychometric properties of an instrument to assess teachers’ practice of differentiated instruction (IATPDI): a confirmatory factor analysis on Bhutanese teachers’ data

IntroductionWe developed the IATPDI questionnaire, comprising seven scales for assessing teachers’ implementation of assessment methods, content, process, and product differentiation, familiarity with and use of various differentiated instruction (DI) strategies, factors influencing DI implementation, and resources used to enhance DI efficacy. This study examined the psychometric properties of the initial four scales with 35 items.MethodsThe questionnaire was administered to a sample of 237 Bhutanese teachers (66.2% male, 33.8% female), and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used for psychometric evaluation.ResultsCFA supported the hypothesized four scales (CFI = 0.911, TLI = 0.903, SRMR = 0.052, RMSEA = 0.059, χ2/df = 1.58). Cronbach’s alpha coefficients ranged from 0.83 to 0.92, and Composite reliability (CR) ranged from 0.86 to 0.92, indicating high internal consistency reliability. Inter-factor correlations supported discriminant validity for most factor pairs, but correlations exceeding 0.85 between some pairs suggested potential overlap, prompting further investigation. Average Variance Extracted (AVE) values for assessment, content, process, and product factors were 0.50, 0.41, 0.53, and 0.51, respectively. While AVE for process and product factors surpassed the commonly accepted threshold (0.50) for convergent validity, the assessment factor approached the threshold and the content factor fell below it, indicating the need for further refinement of its indicators. However, all standardized factor loadings were significant (p < 0.05), confirming convergent validity.DiscussionThese results indicate that the proposed four scales of the IATPDI questionnaire are reliable and valid in measuring the intended constructs. Nevertheless, they also highlight the need for further refinement in identified areas to enhance the tool.

Consumer misperceptions and product differentiation

Consumer misperceptions and product differentiation

Analysis Results and Impact of the Sekolah Penggerak Program at Kolese Xaverius Ambon High School

This study describes the results and impact of the Sekolah Penggerak program at Kolese Xaverius Ambon High School. The focus of the research is four dimensions, including: Sekolah Penggerak program preparation, Sekolah Penggerak program planning, Sekolah Penggerak program implementation as well as results and Sekolah Penggerak program impacts. This research uses a descriptive-analytical approach used to describe in depth research problems to describe descriptively the phenomena that occur in the field. The participants this research were the school principal and deputy head of curriculum. The data collection techniques used were assessment rubrics, observation, free interviews and documentation studies. Data analysis was carried out descriptively (quantitative and qualitative). The results of data analysis in all dimensions obtained the results: 100%+92%+72%+87.5=351.5%/4= 88%. These results are in the category: (75% < The results of the analysis of dimension 1: Driving School Preparation obtained 100% results. These results are in the category (75% < X ≤ 100% = 4) meaning very good. Results of data analysis on dimension 2: Sekolah Penggerak program Arrangement, obtained a result of 92%. These results are in the category (75% < X ≤ 100% = 4) meaning very good. Results of analysis of dimension 3: Sekolah Penggerak program implementation the drive obtained a yield of 72%. These results are in the category (50% < X ≤ 75% = 3) which means good. Results of data analysis on dimension 4: Sekolah Penggerak program results and impact a result of 87.5% was obtained. These results are in the category (75% < X ≤ 100% = 4) meaning very good. The results obtained include: the school principal has become a role model by implementing team leadership, understanding assessment, learning tools, innovative learning models and information technology this has implemented differentiated learning, both content, process and product differentiation. There has been an increase in literacy, numeracy, character and school reports. Perceived impact: Energy used for partner schools, one student Kolese Xavier Ambon High School passing the selection and getting a scholarship to study in the United States, enthusiasm for entering high school, the trend of students graduating and entering their favorite college. Keywords: analysis, Sekolah Penggerak Program, leadership, assessment, school principal

Implementation of Differentiated Learning Through Cognitive Diagnostic Assessment in Grade IV of SDN 1 Kelayu Jorong

This study aims to describe the process of implementing differentiated learning through cognitive diagnostic assessment and factors that can support and hinder teachers. This study used a qualitative research approach with a descriptive research method. The source of this study was fourth grade teacher at SD Negeri 1 Kelayu Jorong. Data collection techniques used interviews, observation, and documentation. Data analysis techniques used data reduction, data presentation, drawing conclusions, and verification. The results of the study showed that the implementation of differentiated learning consists of: 1) Planning stage, mapping students' abilities through cognitive diagnostic assessment results into three learning groups such as: advanced, moderate, and developing groups, and teachers choose and compile teaching materials, methods, and strategies that were in accordance with students' abilities, 2) Implementation stage, used process differentiation, content differentiation, and product differentiation, 3) Evaluation stage, teachers applyed two types of evaluation, namely formative evaluation, and summative evaluation. Supporting factors for the implementation of differentiated learning with teacher collaboration, and the ease of finding sources through PMM. Meanwhile, the inhibiting factors for teachers in implementing differentiated learning were time and lack of encouragement to participate in improving teacher competency through various workshops and seminars.

The Inverse Product Differentiation Logit Model

We introduce the inverse product differentiation logit (IPDL) model, a micro-founded inverse market share model for differentiated products that captures market segmentation according to one or more characteristics. The IPDL model generalizes the nested logit model to allow richer substitution patterns, including complementarity in demand, and can be estimated by linear instrumental variable regression with market-level data. Furthermore, we provide Monte Carlo experiments comparing the IPDL model to the workhorse empirical models of the literature. Lastly, we demonstrate the empirical performance of the IPDL model using a well-known dataset on the ready-to-eat cereal market. (JEL C25, D11, D12, L66, L81)

Utility of dairy microbiome as a tool for authentication and traceability.

Milk microbiome contributes substantially to the formation of specific organoleptic and physicochemical characteristics of dairy products. The assessment of the composition and abundance of milk microbiota is a challenging task strongly influenced by many environmental factors. Specific dairy products may be designated by the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) labeling, which however, occasionally fail to differentiate them according to specific quality characteristics, which are defined by different microbiota-driven reactions. Combining the above limitations, the scope of the present study, was to summarize the existing information toward three main issues. First, to assess the influence level of the diet type and grazing to rumen-GI tract, mammary gland, and udder microbiome formation in ruminants. Second, to discuss the factors affecting milk microbiota, as well as the effect of the endo-mammary route on milk microbial taxa. Lastly, to evaluate "milk microbiome" as a tool for product differentiation, according to origin, which will contribute to a more robust PDO and PGI labeling. Although the limitations are still a matter of fact (especially considering the sample collection, process, evaluation, and avoidance of its contamination), significant progress has been made, regarding the identification of the factors affecting dairy products' microbiota and its core composition. In conclusion, although so far not totally efficient in dairy products molecular identification, with the progress in soil, water, plant, and animal host's microbiota assembly's characterization, microbiomics could provide a powerful tool for authentication and traceability of dairy products.

Monopoly and Quality Omission

This study delves into a market characterized by vertical product differentiation. Product qualities are represented on a one-dimensional interval scale. The research investigates the equilibrium within a monopoly scenario, considering a production cost that is strictly convex. The monopoly offers a strategy comprising various quality–price combinations, with consumer choices determining profits. The analysis involves a comparison between two analogous models: one with a continuous range of consumers and the other with a finite number of consumers. The study explores disparities in the potential for market failure between these two settings. Notably, numerical illustrations underscore these divergences in both market contexts.

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.

The effects of global product design on supply chain efficiency and natural resources management

The significance of global product design as a primary factor in determining supply chain efficiency and natural resource management. This study examines the impact of global product design changes on process and supply chain practices. Specifically, it seeks to understand in promoting sustainable practices across global supply chains. This study, utilizes the fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and fuzzy Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) methods to evaluate the criteria, sub-criteria, and various significant opportunities influencing sustainable product design and supply chain management. The fuzzy AHP method is used to assess the key criteria and their respective sub-criteria. The fuzzy TOPSIS method is used to rank the opportunities in driving sustainable practices across global supply chains. The results of fuzzy AHP show that innovation and product differentiation (C4), economic viability (C1), and supply chain efficiency (C5) are the crucial criteria. While the results of fuzzy TOPSIS present that supply chain transparency (O2) is the most suitable opportunity, followed by circular economy practices (O1) and policy advocacy and compliance (O6) in adopting global product design on supply chain efficiency and natural resources management. Thus, this study is highly relevant to the governments, industry specialists, and policymakers who aim at enhancing the dynamic business environment and sustainable development.

Microsoft's Strategic Advantage: An In-depth Analysis Based on Porter's Five Forces Model

Abstract: This article uses Michael Porter's five forces model to analyze Microsoft's competitive situation in the global technology industry. It emphasizes that Microsoft has maintained its industry leadership by continuously innovating its technology and being keenly aware of market changes. The analysis covers Microsoft's strategies in facing market competition, the threat of new entrants, the challenge of substitute products, the bargaining power of suppliers and buyers, and its impact on the company's performance. The study pointed out that Microsoft has established high barriers to entry in its main business areas, thereby effectively preventing the entry of new competitors. The article also analyzes how Microsoft maintains its competitive advantage and market leadership through product differentiation, innovation, flexible pricing strategies, and the ability to adapt to market structure. Although Microsoft faces many challenges, it has successfully maintained its competitiveness in the global market through solid R&D capabilities, an extensive product portfolio, deep market penetration, and an active response to changes globally.

TikTok Shop: Future of E-Commerce? How Can Galderma Leverage Tiktok Shop to Increase its Penetration and Improve its Market Share in Indonesia Skincare Market?

TikTok was introduced to the Indonesian market in September 2017. Upon its launch, TikTok quickly gained popularity among Indonesian users, especially among the younger demographic, for its short-form video content that allowed for creative expression and entertainment. One of TikTok services is TikTok Shop, an integrated e-commerce capabilities directly within the TikTok app, allowing users to browse, purchase, and sell products without leaving the platform. They launch this service in April 2021. The platform introduced features like shoppable videos and live shopping events, where users could interact with influencers and brands in real-time while purchasing products providing a new and engaging way for Indonesian businesses to reach potential customers and boost sales through interactive and entertaining content. Galderma Indonesia Healthcare is one of the leading companies dedicated to advancing dermatology for every skin story. Galderma strategically its positioned in attractive, consumer-driven segments of the dermatology market, characterized by high growth fundamentals supported by science-based product differentiation and premium positioning. One of Galderma’s brands that is available in Indonesia is Cetaphil. Cetaphil products are available in modern retailers with Health & Beauty channel as the top contributor, followed by general trade and pharmacy channel. Even though available, Cetaphil is still low in in skincare category penetration. This study examines the positioning and promotional strategies of Cetaphil on TikTok Shop using qualitative research methods. Primary data was gathered through expert interviews, while secondary data was sourced from internal company reports, previous research studies, and strategic agency reports.

Analyzing the Fast-Food Marketing Strategies Impacting Consumer Buying Behavior

Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) has long been a dominant player in the global fast-food industry, known for its distinct fried chicken offerings. This study explores the effect of KFC’s marketing strategies on consumer buying behavior, using the marketing mix framework (4P: Product, Price, Place, Promotion). Primary data were gathered from a survey of 150 consumers in Malaysia via Google Forms, while secondary data included company reports and industry publications. Regression analysis was employed to determine the relationship between the independent variables (product, price, promotion, and place) and consumer buying behavior. Results indicated that product, price, and promotion significantly impact consumer decisions, with the product being the most influential factor (beta = 0.525). Price and promotion also had positive, albeit smaller, effects, while place was statistically insignificant. The R² value of 0.755 suggests that 75.5% of consumer behavior variation can be explained by these factors. These findings underscore the importance of product differentiation and effective promotional strategies in shaping consumer preferences, while the role of physical locations may be diminishing in the fast-food sector due to the rise of delivery services

The Transformation of Retail Through Digitalization: Analyzing the Impact of Online-Offline Integration and Augmented Reality on Consumer Shopping Experience

The retail industry has especially changed in the last three decades by the effect of the technological change. This study examines the impact of two major innovations: two emerging issues, namely the omnichannel retailing and the augmented reality (AR). Omnichannel retailing combines online and offline selling pointers wherein consumers get a completely integrated purchasing experience whereas AR makes product differentiation easy and allows consumers to engage with products. The concern of this research is to examine how these technologies affect consumers behavior, satisfaction, and loyalty. Therefore, the study adopted a mixed research method, where data was gathered through online questionnaires, interviews and case studies of organizations such as Walmart, Nordstrom, IKEA, and Sephora. Based on the research, there is a suggestion that the synchronization of online and offline purchase touchpoints enhances the shopping convenience and customization; meanwhile, the application of AR enhances the interaction and the confidence of the purchase. Some of other issues that were realized include data privacy and consistent branding throughout the communication channels. This research establishes that these technologies use in strategic processes improves consumer shopping experiences, but more research is required to investigate long-term outcomes and new directions for the retail industry.

“Gusto” or “Taste”? Anglicisms Change Perceived Product Risk and Product Appeal in Italian Print Advertising

Abstract This research investigates the influence of anglicisms on the Product Appeal in Italian print advertising. Despite the pervasive use of anglicisms in the Italian advertising industry, little is known about their impact on the precursors to Product Appeal. Two original studies were conducted involving potato chips (convenience product) and stereo speakers (shopping product). The results showed no effect of anglicisms on the relationships between Perceived Product Differentiation, Perceived Price Fairness, Perceived Product Globalness, or Perceived Product Modernity and Product Appeal. However, Anglicisms consistently altered the relationship between Perceived Product Risk and Product Appeal. Specifically, while anglicisms decreased Perceived Product Risk for potato chips, they increased Perceived Product Risk for stereo speakers, suggesting the impact of anglicisms on Perceived Product Risk can operate in an independent mechanism and be product-dependent. This research provides a novel insight on how anglicisms can affect consumer psychology and adds a more nuanced understanding to previous literature regarding language choice in advertising.

Preferences for processed tomato products’ attributes: an explorative analysis of Italian consumers using a large sample

IntroductionPrice competition in the tomato market may lead Italian processing companies to adopt product differentiation strategies to attract consumers and raise revenues. Exploring consumers’ preferences for processed tomato products’ attributes can support companies in implementing product differentiation strategies and succeed in the market.MethodsThis study used a convenience sample of 602 Italian consumers to identify consumers’ preferences for processed tomato products’ attributes selected through a literature review and tested by the Best Worst Scaling (BWS) method. Also, a two-step cluster analysis was used to identify and size consumer groups with common preferences for tested product’s attributes.ResultsOverall, our results showed that Italian consumers of processed tomato products strongly preferred attributes such as Country of origin, Organic, and Social and economic sustainability labels. In addition, the analysis shows the existence of three distinct consumer segments such as “traditional,” “price-sensitive,” and “sustainable” consumers. The largest one was price-sensitive consumers followed by sustainable and traditional ones.DiscussionOur findings have practical implications for producers and policymakers. Producers may use claims about the product’s origin jointly with an organic production logo and ethical label to differentiate their products and raise revenues. Likewise, policymakers should enhance monitoring and control measures to ensure with environmental, social, and economic sustainable standards compliance. This will support building consumer trust for those credence attributes. Overall, this study adds valuable insights to the existing literature on consumer preferences for processed tomato products, providing results with high external validity using a large convenience sample.

Re-Examining the Narrative of Structural Transformation: Insights from India’s Development Experience

The narrative of structural transformation, based on the experience of global North, posits that the process of development involves gradual ‘modernisation’ of the overall structure of the economy, where the traditional/low-productivity sectors give way to and support the modern/high-productivity sectors. However, much of the global South has not been able to experience this process along the anticipated lines, as a significant proportion of their workforce is still engaged in the low-productivity agriculture and non-agriculture informal sectors for their livelihood. We highlight that the dominant narrative does not take into account the importance of specific historical conditions, particularly the role of colonialism, that facilitated the process of structural transformation in the global North. The altered structural conditions in the post-colonial era, both at global and domestic level, question the possibilities of a similar process unfolding in the global South. In this regard, we analyse India’s development experience, both at macro and micro level, focusing on two villages of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, surveyed in 1994 and later in 2018. We illustrate that the process of labour and employment transition across sectors is highly complex and heterogeneous. Rather than being driven solely by productivity growth, the nature and direction of these changes are characterised by economic distress. We argue that the prevailing narrative, which presents a linear understanding focused on productivity differentials across sectors, is inadequate to understand the nature of this transition in the South. Instead, the process needs to be understood in the particular socio-economic and ecological context specific to a given space and time.

Student’s Learning Motivation In Implementing Differentation Learning In Pancasila Education

This study aims to evaluate the level of students' learning motivation in the application of product differentiation learning strategies in Pancasila Education subjects. This study uses a quantitative descriptive method, with data collection through questionnaires. The questionnaires were distributed to two classes, totaling 67 students of grade VIII at SMP Negeri 15 Yogyakarta, with random class selection. The questionnaire includes five indicators of student learning motivation, namely enjoyment in learning, willingness to work, desire to get high grades, awareness to learn, and independence. The results showed that the average of all indicators of student learning motivation reached 83.9%, which is a very high category. This indicates that the application of product differentiation learning strategies to the material of national spirit and commitment in Pancasila Education subjects can significantly increase student learning motivation.

Pencapaian Diferensiasi Produk Melalui Strategi Inovasi dan Kreativitas Usaha Mikro Kecil dan Menengah

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) play an important role in the Indonesian economy, but often face challenges such as limited access to technology, quality of human resources, and marketing. This community service activity aims to help MSMEs achieve product differentiation through innovation and creativity strategies. The methods used include theoretical training and practical workshops. The results of the activity showed an increase in participants' knowledge and skills in developing innovative products and creative marketing strategies. Evaluation through questionnaires and interviews showed participant satisfaction and increased sales after implementing new strategies. Challenges faced included limited resources and time, which were overcome through collaboration with related institutions and follow-up programs. Thus, this activity succeeded in increasing the competitiveness of MSMEs in local and international markets, as well as contributing to the national economy. The sustainability of the program is pursued through ongoing mentoring programs and the formation of MSME innovation communities. These results show that innovation and creativity strategies can be an effective solution to overcome the challenges faced by MSMEs and improve community welfare.