Good Quality Research Articles

ЕФЕКТИВНІСТЬ БІЗНЕС-ПРОЦЕСІВ НА ОСНОВІ ТЕХНОЛОГІЙ ОЩАДЛИВОГО ВИРОБНИЦТВА

The article examines the issue of increasing the efficiency of business processes based on Lean Production technologies. Lean production is a modern management concept aimed at minimizing losses and optimizing enterprise resources. The article compares the efficiency of implementing lean production technologies to optimize business processes at enterprises and the impact of Lean technologies on cost reduction, improvement of the quality of goods and services, and productivity improvement. In particular, the main tools of lean production, such as 5S, kanban, kaizen, standardization of work processes, and their impact on reducing costs, improving product quality, and shortening production cycles are considered. It has been established that the application of Lean technologies helps to identify and eliminate actions that do not add value to the end user, thereby improving the performance of the entire technological production system. The importance of involving personnel in the process of implementing changes and forming a corporate culture focused on continuous improvement are emphasized separately. It has been established that the introduction of Lean Production tools improves the links of the technological cycle and ensures an increase in the efficiency of business processes at the enterprise. The choice of a specific tool depends on the strategic goals of the enterprise, the industry and the level of personnel training. It has been proven that in the national business environment there is a number of barriers that prevent the introduction of lean production technologies, such as: resistance to changes in personnel and management, personnel training, limitations in financial resources, insufficient flexibility of suppliers and untimely provision of resources, as well as instability of the national economy. The results of the study indicate that the implementation of Lean Production allows to significantly increase the efficiency of business processes, reduce costs, improve product quality and increase the flexibility of the enterprise in conditions of instability of the market environment. Key words: lean production, Lean Production, business process efficiency, cost optimization, product quality, production cycles, corporate culture.

Improving the Quality of Traditional Market Services Based on the Indonesian National Standard (SNI) in the Case of Rau Market, Serang City

Traditional markets have a strategic function as a driver of the local economy that can increase employment opportunities and local revenue (PAD). The low quality of service and competitiveness of traditional markets are the main problems that hinder their function and role. The purpose of this study is to determine the priority scale for improving the service quality attributes of traditional markets by referring to the Indonesian National Standard (SNI). This study took Rau Market in Serang City as a case. Research respondents were taken randomly from the population of traders in the market and were also strengthened by interviews with buyers and market managers. Data from interviews with trader and buyer respondents were analyzed using the Importance Performance Matrix (IPM) method. The results of this study indicate that there are nine service quality attributes that are considered very important by customers but their performance levels are considered still unsatisfactory, namely market cleanliness, waste collection, public facility conditions, market drainage, waste and garbage management, the ability of officers to supervise the conformity of goods prices with the facilities provided, the ability of officers to supervise the quality of goods, the ability of officers to give strict sanctions to violators of the rules, the ability of officers to supervise the price of goods. The results of the study can be a reference for the Regional Government in allocating budgets for traditional markets by prioritizing aspects of market management and maintenance. Keywords: Importance Performance Matrix, customer satisfaction, service quality

Infrastructures of race? Colonial indigenous segregation and contemporary land values

We investigate the persistent impact of a colonial segregation policy on land values in modern Mexico City. During colonial times, Indigenous communities were confined, with varying degrees of success, to settlements known as pueblos de indios. Using historical records, we exploit quasi-random variation due to the pueblos’ catchment areas and use a Regression Discontinuity Design to estimate the causal effects of pueblos on land prices. We find a 5% land value penalty for areas affected by the colonial policy. The penalty is exacerbated for the pueblos formerly inhabited exclusively by Indigenous populations. Historical evidence and novel digitized maps reveal that these land value penalties have been driven over the past two centuries by low public goods provision, negative economic expectations, and the historical sorting of working-class individuals who built small housing structures that are second-nature factors. Moreover, in contemporary data, we observe discontinuities in housing overcrowding and public goods quality within the pueblos’ catchment areas. Our results underscore the repercussions of colonial policies on contemporary spatial equilibria, clarifying the mechanisms driving historical persistence and offering implications for urban policies.

Does China’s innovation-driven policy affect enterprises’ import performance of intermediate goods?

Based on a theoretical analysis of the impact of the innovative city pilot policy on manufacturing enterprises’ import behavior of intermediate goods, this paper performs a quasi-natural experiment via a multi-period differences-in-differences (DID) model with China’s innovative city pilot policy as the object. This study systematically evaluates the impact of the innovative city pilot policy on importing intermediate goods by local manufacturing enterprises. The empirical results show that implementing the innovative city pilot policy significantly increases the quantity, variety and quality of intermediate goods imported by local manufacturing enterprises. These conclusions remain valid even after a series of robustness tests. Impact mechanism tests indicate that obtaining government subsidies, alleviating financing constraints and reducing institutional transaction costs are three important channels through which the innovative city pilot policy promotes the import of intermediate goods by manufacturing enterprises. Furthermore, additional research reveals that the impact of the innovative city pilot policy on intermediate goods imports exhibits significant heterogeneity in enterprise size, age, ownership and trade mode. This study’s findings provide a new perspective for evaluating and exploring the performance of the innovative city policy and China’s foreign trade transformation and upgrading.

Exploring the Barriers to Access and Utilization of Healthcare Services Faced by the Transgender Population of Rawalpindi, Pakistan

Objective: To explore the barriers and disparities in receiving healthcare faced by Transgender population of Rawalpindi,Pakistan. Study Design: Qualitative study. Place and Duration of Study: Study was conducted in Rawalpindi Pakistan, for a period of 3 months, from Jun to Aug 2022. Methodology: A total of 15 participants were selected via Snowball Sampling technique. An interview guide was generated and semi structured interviews were conducted via telephone calls to explore and understand the discrepancies faced by this population regarding good quality healthcare. Each interview was 30-40 minutes long. The data was collected till saturation and then analyzed by 'thematic analysis’ to generate themes and subthemes. Results: Based on the data, 6 themes highlighting the barriers to quality healthcare faced by trans-genders were identified. The themes were as follows: (1) Structural, (2) Financial, (3) Social, (4) Cognitive, (5) Educational, and (6) Religious/Cultural. Conclusion: The healthcare barriers identified were mainly financial as certain services were costly, religious beliefs which influenced the use of services like hormone replacement therapies, social stigma and lack of support, level of education and poor employment. Stigmatization by the community and healthcare providers was also seen. Thus, it was felt that there were limited awareness campaigns to empower transgender population and for the general population including healthcare workers to be more aware and accepting towards transgender healthcare.

INDONESIAN FISHERIES AND SPICES COMMODITIES IN THE UNITED STATES AND THE EUROPEAN UNION: RSCA AND URR ANALYSIS

Although Indonesia has potential in fisheries and spice commodities, Indonesia also faces challenges where food commodities including fisheries and Indonesian spices often experience rejection, especially from the United States and the European Union. On the other hand, with its potential, Indonesian fisheries and spices products are expected to have comparative advantages that result in improved quality of goods and services so as to provide higher competitiveness in international trade. This study aims to determine how the competitiveness and trade conditions of fishery commodities and spices from Indonesia to the United States and the European Union from 2015-2022. The analytical tools used in this study are Revelaed Symetric Comparative Advantage (RSCA) and Trade Specialization index (ISP) to analyze competitiveness while to analyze the reasons for rejection and its relation to the food quality of these commodities the Unit Rejection Rate (URR) analysis is used. From the research results, it was found that all Indonesian fishery and spice products traded to the United States and the European Union have a comparative advantage both in 2015 and in 2022 because they have an RSCA score above 0. While the URR value of Indonesian fishery and spice commodities to the United States and the European Union has also decreased, which means that the number of rejections is decreasing, and the quality of food quality is increasing.

Research on the Consumption Behavior of Gen Z within the Context of the Internet Celebrity Economy

This paper delves into the consumer behaviour characteristics of the Generation Z group and its influencing factors in the context of the Internet celebrity economy. Through literature review and questionnaire survey, the study found that the Internet celebrity economy, with its low-cost and diversified features, has attracted a large number of fans through content creation and social interaction, forming a new economic model. As the aborigines of digital technology, Generation Z’s consumption behaviour has been significantly influenced by the Internet celebrity economy, showing digital consumption trends, personalised and differentiated needs, increased environmental awareness and social responsibility, as well as the trend of linked consumption and experiential consumption. The paper further analyses eight major factors influencing the consumption behaviour of Generation Z, including the price of Internet celebrity-recommended goods, credibility, interaction rate, display method, social influence, content recognition, conformity to trendy consumption needs, and social platform promotion. The results of the study show that the quality of goods and preferential policies recommended by Internet celebrities are the key factors influencing the consumption behaviour of Generation Z. At the same time, the attitudes of other consumers and the intervention of third-party factors also have a significant impact on Generation Z’s consumption behaviour. Based on the results of the study, this paper proposes countermeasures and recommendations for Internet celebrities, consumers, and relevant live-streaming platforms, as well as an outlook on the depth and breadth of future research.

REFORMING THE STANDARDIZATION AND CERTIFICATION SYSTEM OF UKRAINE IN THE CONTEXT OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF EUROPEAN EXPERIENCE

The article substantiates the need to reform the standardization and certification system of Ukraine in the context of the implementation of the European experience as one of the factors of harmonizing Ukrainian state policy with EU public policy during our country's European integration progress. It is noted that the process of implementation of the European experience of certification and standardization in Ukraine is a multidimensional phenomenon that includes both technical and socio-philosophical aspects. The importance of this process lies not only in the adaptation of legislation and standards, but also in the transformation of public consciousness itself, the formation of new ethical and social norms. Only in a combination of these elements is it possible to successfully integrate Ukraine into the European space and ensure the sustainable development of its society. It was concluded that the further steps of Ukraine in the direction of European integration condition the improvement of the national Ukrainian legislative space in terms of its harmonization and coordination with the policies and directives of the European Union regarding the establishment of a system of standardization and certification, ensuring the high quality of products, goods and services capable of properly meeting the needs of Ukrainian consumers.

White-light driven sterilization based on chlorine-doped cuprous oxide for antibacterial food packaging

Microbial spoilage and pathogen contamination present significant challenges to food quality and safety. Incorporating photodynamic sterilization (PDT) into active packaging films, especially using white light-driven methods, is recognized as one of the most effective strategies to combat microbial contamination and extend shelf-life. Cuprous oxide (Cu2O) shows promise due to its suitable band gap for absorbing visible light, although its photocatalytic effectiveness is hindered by electron-hole recombination. In this study, a chlorine (Cl) doping strategy was investigated to enhance Cu2O’s PDT capabilities under visible light. This approach aimed to improve Cu2O’s band structure for generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and to enhance charge carrier separation efficiency, thereby inhibiting recombination. The resulting Cl-doped Cu2O (Cl-Cu2O) exhibited enhanced antibacterial activity, which was integrated into a gelatin (Gel) and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC)-based food packaging film, referred to as the GC/Cl-Cu2O film. This innovative film provides a white light-driven active packaging solution designed to extend the shelf life of fruits by suppressing microbial growth. This approach not only addresses food safety concerns but also mitigates economic losses associated with food waste, offering a sustainable solution to enhance the quality and safety of perishable goods.

Exploring the Determinants of Chinese Tourists' Shopping Behavior During Shopping Tourism in Korea.

This study aimed to examine the factors influencing Chinese tourists' shopping behavior during shopping tourism in Korea using a theoretical framework based on the modified theory of planned behavior (TPB). A quantitative research method was used; the questionnaire for this study was posted on Wenjuanxing for data collection and 269 valid questionnaires were analyzed in September 2024 using partial least-squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The results of analyzing the 269 questionnaires showed that attitude, conformity, perceived behavioral control, and perceived quality of goods influenced shopping intention. However, face consciousness did not affect shopping intentions. Additionally, Chinese tourists' shopping intentions influenced their shopping behavior during shopping tourism in Korea. The results of this study reveal the potential mechanisms of the influence of shopping intentions with conformity (a factor of Chinese-subjective norms) and the perceived quality of goods (a new factor) in shopping behavior, and they provide theoretical guidance and appropriate marketing strategies for companies in the Korean tourism field.

EXAMINING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TRADE OPENNESS AND ECONOMIC GROWTH IN ALGERIA USING SELF-REGRESSION OF DISTRIBUTED SLOWDOWN PERIODS (ARDL) DURING THE PERIOD 1980-2022

Objective: This research paper aims to try to measure the impact of trade openness on economic growth in Algeria during the period 1980-2022, and in order to achieve the objectives of the study, the standard approach was used through the use of the autoregressive model for distributed slowdown periods (ARDL) As for the study data, it was obtained from the World Bank Group of Statistics 2024. Theoretical Framework: The study relies on an attempt to familiarize himself with the various theoretical literature that analyzed the relationship between foreign trade liberalization and economic growth theoretically, in addition to trying to highlight previous applied studies that examined the relationship between these two variables, which we divided into studies that denied and studies that proved a relationship between economic growth and foreign trade liberalization. Method: the research is devoted to studying the relationship between economic growth and trade openness in Algeria during the period 2000-2022 in order to assert the type of relationship between the two variables. Result and discussion: The results of the study revealed a positive impact of trade openness on economic growth represented by GDP, in addition to the existence of a long-term equilibrium relationship between the variables of the study. Research Implication: The study of the subject of trade openness as a mechanism to achieve economic growth aims to understand the mechanisms of economic growth associated with the liberalization of foreign trade, analyze the effects of openness on the volume of trade exchange, exports and imports, and identify the factors affecting the achievement of economic growth through trade liberalization. As for Algeria the liberalization of foreign trade can drive economic development, improve the livelihood of the population, raise levels of economic performance and improve the quality of domestic goods that are forced to compete with sophisticated foreign goods. Originality/Value: This study analyzes the economic effects of foreign trade liberalization on economic growth in Algeria while trying to separate the results of previous studies applied to the Algerian economy on the nature of the actual relationship between these two variables.

Benefits of Information Technology to the Development of Nigeria

The sustainability and development of businesses and organization solely rely on the geometric progression of the impact of information technology (IT); aside the significant impact on individual lives, many organizations globally have experienced increase in productivity, reduce costs, improvement on the quality of goods and services, enhance communication systems and promote good transportation systems. Every sector has direct impact of the information technology, and the level of development currently is directly proportional to the degree of the impact. In today`s world information technology has become pivotal element in the economic growth; many solutions to everyday challenges could not have been possible without the impact of information technology. Medical and surgical processes of restoring good health to many patients today would not exist, the possibility of travelling globally without difficulties, enhancing communications that has no limitation by location, and many more that makes lives meaningful and dreams achievable are made possible by the influence of information technology. This article will describe the influence of Information Technology in enhancing the growth and development of Nigeria in relation to various sectors such as; education, health, manufacturing industries, real estate, energy, utilities, to mention a few, which will promote business and global image

Perlindungan Hukum Pembeli atas Ketidaksesuaian Kualitas Barang dan Jasa Berdasarkan Undang-Undang Perlindungan Konsumen

The development of digital technology has encouraged changes in the way of buying and selling transactions, especially through e-commerce platforms. However, in practice, it is not uncommon for the goods and services purchased to not be in accordance with the quality promised by the seller. This study aims to analyze the implementation of Law No. 8 of 1999 concerning Consumer Protection in protecting buyers from non-conformities in the quality of goods and services. The research method used is a normative juridical approach with secondary data from literature reviews and related laws and regulations. The results of the study show that legal protection for consumers has been regulated, but its implementation still needs to be strengthened, especially in digital transactions. This research is expected to provide recommendations for the government and consumer dispute resolution institutions.

Supply Chain Management Construction: The Role of IoT in Human Resource Management and Green Logistics

Environmental practices are incorporated into the supply chain management and logistic process of human resource management. It is referred to as a green logistics supply chain. To reduce the negative effects of logistical activities on the environment, sustainable transportation, eco-friendly packaging, and effective waste management techniques are used. Adopting environmentally conscious supply chain practices can improve a company's environmental reputation while lowering carbon emissions, increasing operational effectiveness, and saving money on human resource management. In order to adopt sustainable practices across every aspect of the value chain, from acquiring raw materials to delivering completed items to clients, this strategy necessitates coordination across stakeholders in the supply chain management and logistic process. In general, using a green logistic supply chain is a crucial approach for companies looking to grow sustainability while reducing their environmental impact. Using IoT in human resource management can boost operational effectiveness, cut down on transportation expenses, and boost customer satisfaction. For instance, current information on inventory levels, the quality of goods, and shipment status can be provided by smart sensors and devices, allowing businesses to optimize the way they manage their supply chains and reduce waste in human resource management.

The importance of retail behavior quality to maintain consumers’ loyalty: findings from Indonesian micro retail businesses

The rapid retail development has led to increasingly fierce competition, and micro retail businesses need innovation to survive and thrive. Retail innovation is reflected in the quality of consumers’ behavior in making purchase decisions. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the role of retail behavior quality as an intervening variable on merchandise offer and store image on consumers’ loyalty in micro retail businesses. In this study, the confirmatory and explanatory methods were used, and it was conducted in Jember Regency, East Java, Indonesia with a sample size of 306 consumers of micro retail businesses. Moreover, the data were obtained through a questionnaire, and Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling analysis was used to determine the direct and indirect effects. The results showed that merchandise offer had a positive and significant effect on consumers loyalty both directly and indirectly through retail behavior quality with total effect of 50.4%. Store image had no significant direct effect on consumers loyalty. However, it had a positive and significant direct effect on consumers through retail behavior quality with total effect of 22%. In this context, retail behavior quality played an important role in increasing consumers’ loyalty to micro retail businesses. These results contributed to improved retail quality behavior oriented towards transparency in quality of goods, employee attitudes, in-store environment, product arrangement, and established good relationships with consumers to maintain loyalty. AcknowledgmentThe authors are grateful to the Muhammadiyah University of Jember for funding thisresearch.

Procurement Process and Financial Performance in Public Universities, Kenya

The poor financial performance of Kenya's public institutions has resulted in campus closures and an ever-increasing backlog of unpaid debts for a number of years. The academic institutions have encountered difficulties in recruiting sufficient faculty members to meet the demands of the curricula. The study aimed to establish the relationship between the procurement process and the financial performance of Public Universities in Kenya. The study adopted a correlational research design, and the target population was the public universities in Kenya with a purposive sample of 155 managers selected from three categories of universities according to their age and when they were chartered. The primary data was collected using questionnaires, and secondary data was collected using an Excel schedule and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The correlation findings indicated that the procurement process had a positive and significant relationship with financial performance (r = .674, p = .000<.05). The R-square value of 0.454 indicates that the procurement process explains 45.4% of variations in the financial performance of public universities. Regression results revealed that the procurement process had a positive and significant influence on financial performance (β = 0.589, p=.000<.05), and this implies that the procurement process significantly enhances the financial performance of public universities in Kenya. The study concluded that the procurement process contributes significantly to the enhanced financial performance of public universities. The study recommended that the management of public universities should strengthen aspects relating to the procurement process. There is a need to ensure that the quality of goods and services purchased is up to standard. There should be inspection and verification of goods and services. There is also a need to involve experts in the evaluation and awards of tenders.

Optimization of Daily Warehouse Storage PT. XYZ with Shared Storage Method

PT XYZ is a company engaged in ship repair and maintenance services and port management services. The problems faced by PT XYZ in carrying out its business lines are related to the effective and efficient operational managerial activities of raw material warehousing. Problem solving steps are carried out by testing data processing and analysis using the shared storage method as a solution step related to the problem of warehousing layout and optimization. Problem solving with the shared storage method is a method of reconditioning the warehousing layout with the principle of First in First out or fast moving where the layout of goods is classified based on the order of the flow of goods movement according to the operational needs of PT XYZ activities. Based on the calculation results, if the company applies the proposed layout, there is an average distance savings of 4 m2. The layout of the placement of raw materials based on the proposed improvements has a more organized condition and facilitates the flow of goods movement as well as inputting the flow of goods in and out which can be more efficient if the goods are organized and inputted administratively, this also affects the quality of goods.

Factors Influencing the Performance Evaluation of Agricultural Product Supply Chain in Guangxi Province, the People's Republic of China

The research questions of this paper are: (1) What factors have an impact on the performance management of the agricultural product supply chain in Guangxi Province? (2) What are the problems in the supply chain management of agricultural products in Guangxi Province? (3) What is the model of the factors influencing the performance of evaluation of agricultural product supply chain in Guangxi province, The People's Republic of China? Through the study of this paper, it is found that there are the following problems in the supply chain management of agricultural products in Guangxi Province: the quality of goods supplied by suppliers is uneven, the timeliness is slow, and the loss during transportation is large. The information systems of various agricultural enterprises are not fully popularized, data between different enterprises cannot be shared, the level of information management is not high enough, the efficiency of transportation management is low, and the quality of transported products cannot be guaranteed.  Major Findings: The research model takes the performance of the agricultural product supply chain in Guangxi Province as the dependent variable, the supplier performance evaluation (SPE) as the independent variable, and the information technology evaluation (ITE) and logistics performance evaluation (LPE) as the mediating variables. The validity of the survey plan and data was tested by confirmatory factor analysis and reliability analysis. Subsequently, the structural equation model and regression analysis were used to verify the various assumptions in the supply chain organization efficiency hypothesis model. This study deeply explores the many factors that affect the efficiency of the agricultural product supply chain. Finally, a new model for analyzing the factors affecting the performance of the agricultural product supply chain in Guangxi was constructed.

Caste affiliation and access to high-authority jobs in the Indian service sector

Restricting high authority jobs to a specific section of society leads to market inefficiencies, resulting in higher costs and lower quality of goods and services due to suboptimal management. Moreover, such favouritism exacerbates social inequalities across occupational hierarchies. Given India’s caste-based societal structure, it is crucial to investigate whether all social groups have equal access to top management and leadership positions. Using the 2019–2020 Periodic Labour Force Survey and binary logit models, this study reveals significant disparities in securing high-authority roles between lower and upper castes. The results show an average marginal effect of −7.3% for lower castes relative to upper castes. These disparities are further amplified if the lower caste individual is female, resides in a urban area, or holds a graduate-level education.

Emerging occupational risks in green jobs: a review.

Green jobs are to be understood as those jobs directly associated with specific sustainability issues and activities related to the efficiency, quality and innovation of goods and services offered, from an eco-sustainability perspective. The objective of the research was to fill knowledge gaps of new and emerging environmental and occupational risks related to sustainable activities and to understand the impact these might have on workers' psychological and physical well-being. A selection of several scientific articles and a critical analysis of the selected articles was carried out from the perspective of defining the concept of "emerging occupational risks in green jobs," using different keywords in the title or abstract as search criteria. Emerging occupational risks, most prevalent in the green sector are those determined by the rapid introduction of new technologies, new materials, new processes and work organizations. In order to be able to improve prevention and protection at work, it is necessary to act on a more careful and adequate risk assessment, the definition of new professional figures expert in green issues, the expansion of research and development of scientific knowledge, and the improvement of ergonomic aspects. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2024;37(3):244-56.