Quality Products Research Articles

The Impact of Customer Retention on Organization Profitability in the FMCG Sector in Nigeria

In the competitive domain of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), retaining customers is essential for the overall organisational performance of an FMCG company. This research investigated the impact of customer retention on organisational profitability in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector in Nigeria. The study employed a cross-sectional survey approach, with data collected from 248 employees in 10 different FMCG companies in Oyo State, South West, Nigeria. The findings revealed a strong positive correlation (r=0.783) significant at p < 0.01 between customer retention and organisational profitability, highlighting customer retention as a key driver of sustained profitability. The study further explored specific components of customer retention, including personalised marketing, loyalty programs, quality products, and customer support, all of which showed strong positive associations with organisational profitability. Survey results indicated that customer satisfaction is a leading factor contributing to customer retention, emphasising the importance of understanding and meeting customer expectations. Based on these findings, recommendations are provided for FMCG companies to prioritise customer retention strategies, such as personalised marketing and quality customer support, to enhance organisational profitability and success in the Nigerian FMCG sector.

Developments in Alloplastic Bone Grafts and Barrier Membrane Biomaterials for Periodontal Guided Tissue and Bone Regeneration Therapy

Periodontitis is a serious form of oral gum inflammation with recession of gingival soft tissue, destruction of the periodontal ligament, and absorption of alveolar bone. Management of periodontal tissue and bone destruction, along with the restoration of functionality and structural integrity, is not possible with conventional clinical therapy alone. Guided bone and tissue regeneration therapy employs an occlusive biodegradable barrier membrane and graft biomaterials to guide the formation of alveolar bone and tissues for periodontal restoration and regeneration. Amongst several grafting approaches, alloplastic grafts/biomaterials, either derived from natural sources, synthesization, or a combination of both, offer a wide variety of resources tailored to multiple needs. Examining several pertinent scientific databases (Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library) provided the foundation to cover the literature on synthetic graft materials and membranes, devoted to achieving periodontal tissue and bone regeneration. This discussion proceeds by highlighting potential grafting and barrier biomaterials, their characteristics, efficiency, regenerative ability, therapy outcomes, and advancements in periodontal guided regeneration therapy. Marketed and standardized quality products made of grafts and membrane biomaterials have been documented in this work. Conclusively, this paper illustrates the challenges, risk factors, and combination of biomaterials and drug delivery systems with which to reconstruct the hierarchical periodontium.

A Combined Discrete Event Simulation and Factorial Design Experiment for the Scheduling Problem in a Hybrid Flow Shop

Production plants have always been confronted with the problem of scheduling, as this has a direct impact on production time and therefore on production costs. This is especially true in today's world, where it is necessary to produce a quality product at a low price and in a short time, while at the same time responding flexibly to customer demands. Due to the complexity and for economic reasons, testing different variants in a real production environment is insufficient and ineffective. For this reason, this paper proposes a new method that combines discrete event simulation and factorial design experiment to find the optimal schedule in hybrid flow shop. It was tested with the goal of achieving the minimum makespan. The results show that this method makes it possible to find improved solution very quickly. Compared to the original production schedule, the makespan could be reduced by 3 hours and 31 minutes which is reduction of 16.3%. The proposed methodology can be used in many discrete and process production plants.

The Rheology of Polyether Ether Ketone Concentrated Suspensions for Powder Molding and 3D Printing

The main goal of the work was to use rheological methods for assessing the properties of a composition based on polyether ether ketone (PEEK) to determine the concentration limits of the polymer in the composition and select the optimal content of this composition for powder molding. The rheological properties of highly filled suspensions based on PEEK and paraffin, as well as in paraffin–polyethylene mixtures at various component ratios, were studied. These materials are designed for powder injection molding and 3D printing. Suspensions with a PEEK powder content above 50% are not capable of flow and, with increasing pressure, slide along the surface of the channel. For compositions with a higher content (60 and 70 vol.%) PEEK, independence of the storage modulus from frequency is observed, which is typical for solids and confirms the assignment of such suspensions to elastic–plastic media. The introduction of high-density polyethylene into the composition helps improve the technological properties of suspensions, expanding the range of fluidity, although it leads to an increase in viscosity. In suspensions with a mixed composition of the liquid phase, with increasing temperature, a decrease in the storage modulus is observed at 120 °C and, on the contrary, an increase at 180 °C. The latter may be a consequence of the evaporation of paraffin and the softening of PEEK due to the approach to the glass transition temperature of the polymer. Suspensions with 40% PEEK content have an optimal set of rheological properties for powder injection molding. A 3D printing filament was also obtained from a composition with 40% PEEK, which had good technological properties for FDM 3D printing. Products of satisfactory quality from suspensions with 50% PEEK can be produced by powder injection molding, but not by 3D printing. The selected compositions were used to obtain real PEEK products for practical applications.

Algae-Boosted Chickpea Hummus: Improving Nutrition and Texture with Seaweeds and Microalgae

The global food industry faces a critical challenge in ensuring sustainable practices to meet the demands of a growing population while minimizing environmental impact. At the same time, consumer awareness and the demand for quality products drive innovation and inspire positive changes in the food supply chain. Aiming to create a more sustainable and nutrient-rich alternative, this study is summarized by characterizing the physical and chemical characteristics of algae-enriched chickpea hummus: an innovative approach to popular food products. The algae-enriched hummuses were developed with an incorporation (6% w/w) of Gelidium corneum and Fucus vesiculosus seaweeds and Chlorella vulgaris (hetero and autotrophic) microalgae to reveal their technological potential and evaluate the nutritional and rheological characteristics relative to a control hummus (without algae). From a nutritional perspective, the main results indicated that hummus enriched with microalgae showed an increase in protein content and an improved mineral profile. This was particularly notable for the seaweed F. vesiculosus and the autotrophic microalga C. vulgaris, leading to claims of being a “source of” and “rich in” various minerals. Additionally, the antioxidant activity of hummus containing F. vesiculosus and C. vulgaris increased significantly compared to the control. From a rheological perspective, incorporating algae into the humus strengthened its structure. The microalgae further enhanced the dish’s elasticity and firmness, thus improving this chickpea-based dish´s overall texture and quality.

Discovering the volatilome fingerprint of selected traditional Cuban wines elaborated with native grapes, tropical fruits, and rice using DHS-TD-GC-MS.

Cuban wine is a traditional alcoholic beverage elaborated with a wide variety of raw materials, such as native grapes, tropical fruits, and rice, and different winemaking processes. Research on Cuban wines is almost nonexistent, and therefore, a study of these wines is necessary to improve their quality. Dynamic headspace (DHS)-TD-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was carried out to establish the different aroma fingerprints of different Cuban wines. A total of 42 volatile aroma metabolites (VAMs) were identified, including esters, alcohols, aldehydes, acids, volatile phenols, terpenes, and lactones. The odorant activity values (OAV) of each VAM were obtained, and the esters were the most relevant group due to their highest OAV. Ethyl octanoate, hexanoate, and butanoate stand out and are considered key odorants in the aromatic fingerprint. The VAMs were grouped into seven aromatic series. Fruity series showed the highest OAVs due to the contribution of ethyl esters and acetates. Principal component analysis was used to identify the specific parameters most accurately reflecting the differences between the wines. Showing that fruity, spicy, and chemical aromatic series allow distinguishing the wines into three aroma types. These results may provide useful information for the selection of raw materials and optimization of the traditional winemaking processes of Cuban wines. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This research contributes to knowledge of the aroma and the oenological parameters of traditional and selected Cuban wines (rice wine, tropical fruit wine, and native grape varieties). The establishing of the aroma fingerprint of these wines provides useful information for the industrial development of a quality product that may then be promoted in other areas of the world.

Line Balancing Analysis Using Ranked Positional Weight and Region Approach Method in Nail Production

At the moment industrial development, there is open competition on a national and international scale, the manufacturing and service industry sectors are developing very quickly. To create good, quality products and efficiency, the company must have a good track balance. As is the case in nail production. CV. XYZ is a company engaged in manufacturing. This company is located in the city of Sidoarjo, East Java. The aim of this research is to improve the balance of the work station trajectory of the nail production process at CV. XYZ. The method used in this research is the Region Approach and ranked positional weight. The best method chosen for this problem is the Region Approach method, because this method has the greatest line efficiency (68.17%), the smallest balance delay (31.83%), and the smallest smoothes index (100.63), so this method was chosen as the best method and can improve line balancing conditions in the company. The increase in line efficiency from 54.68% using the company method to 68.17% using the Region Approach method can occur due to a reduction in the number of work stations from 5 work stations as well as a decrease in the number of smoothing indexes from 168.20 to 100.63. which indicates that there is an increase in balance between work stations.

Line Balancing Analysis Using Ranked Positional Weight and Region Approach Method in Nail Production

At the moment industrial development, there is open competition on a national and international scale, the manufacturing and service industry sectors are developing very quickly. To create good, quality products and efficiency, the company must have a good track balance. As is the case in nail production. CV. XYZ is a company engaged in manufacturing. This company is located in the city of Sidoarjo, East Java. The aim of this research is to improve the balance of the work station trajectory of the nail production process at CV. XYZ. The method used in this research is the Region Approach and ranked positional weight. The best method chosen for this problem is the Region Approach method, because this method has the greatest line efficiency (68.17%), the smallest balance delay (31.83%), and the smallest smoothes index (100.63), so this method was chosen as the best method and can improve line balancing conditions in the company. The increase in line efficiency from 54.68% using the company method to 68.17% using the Region Approach method can occur due to a reduction in the number of work stations from 5 work stations as well as a decrease in the number of smoothing indexes from 168.20 to 100.63. which indicates that there is an increase in balance between work stations.

Legal Framework of Plastic Packaging and Labelling in Sri Lanka: A Comparative Analysis

Plastic packaging plays a pivotal role in delivering quality products to consumers but poses significant waste management challenges once discarded. Landfilling, the primary method for solid waste disposal in Sri Lanka, exacerbates plastic pollution due to poor waste separation, leading to environmental contamination and health hazards. Mismanaged plastic packaging waste also threatens key industries like tourism, fisheries, and agriculture, endangering the country's economy and biodiversity. This research utilized secondary data to examine plastic packaging waste regulations, incorporating expert strategies such as the circular economy and extended producer responsibility. An extensive literature review, including German and EU directives, identified effective waste management practices, while primary data on food packaging was collected through observation to propose improved labelling regulations for Sri Lanka. The findings recommend mandatory labelling by manufacturers to inform consumers about the recyclability and quantity of plastic packaging, promoting awareness and sustainable consumption. Additionally, implementing eco-labelling and legislation for plastic packaging in Sri Lanka will enhance waste separation, recycling, and recovery, reducing plastic pollution and mismanaged waste.

Legal Framework of Plastic Packaging and Labelling in Sri Lanka: A Comparative Analysis

Plastic packaging plays a pivotal role in delivering quality products to consumers but poses significant waste management challenges once discarded. Landfilling, the primary method for solid waste disposal in Sri Lanka, exacerbates plastic pollution due to poor waste separation, leading to environmental contamination and health hazards. Mismanaged plastic packaging waste also threatens key industries like tourism, fisheries, and agriculture, endangering the country's economy and biodiversity. This research utilized secondary data to examine plastic packaging waste regulations, incorporating expert strategies such as the circular economy and extended producer responsibility. An extensive literature review, including German and EU directives, identified effective waste management practices, while primary data on food packaging was collected through observation to propose improved labelling regulations for Sri Lanka. The findings recommend mandatory labelling by manufacturers to inform consumers about the recyclability and quantity of plastic packaging, promoting awareness and sustainable consumption. Additionally, implementing eco-labelling and legislation for plastic packaging in Sri Lanka will enhance waste separation, recycling, and recovery, reducing plastic pollution and mismanaged waste.

Advancing Vaccinology Capacity: Education and Efforts in Vaccine Development and Manufacturing across Africa

Africa, home to the world’s second-largest population of approximately 1.3 billion, grapples with significant challenges in meeting its medical needs, particularly in accessing quality healthcare services and products. The continent faces a continuous onslaught of emerging infectious diseases, exacerbating the strain on its already fragile public health infrastructure. The COVID-19 crisis highlighted the urgency to build local vaccine production capacity and strengthen the health infrastructure in general. The risks associated with a heavy reliance on imported vaccines were exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, necessitating the need to nurture and strengthen the local manufacturing of vaccines and therapeutic biologics. Various initiatives addressing training, manufacturing, and regulatory affairs are underway, and these require increasing dedicated and purposeful financial investment. Building vaccine manufacturing capacity requires substantial investment in training and infrastructure. This manuscript examines the current state of education in vaccinology and related sciences in Africa. It also provides an overview of the continent’s efforts to address educational needs in vaccine development and manufacturing. Additionally, it evaluates the initiatives aimed at strengthening vaccine education and literacy, highlighting successful approaches and ongoing challenges. By assessing the progress made and identifying the remaining obstacles, this review offers insights into how Africa can enhance its vaccine manufacturing capacity to respond to vaccine-preventable disease challenges.

Returns to quality in rural agricultural markets: Evidence from wheat markets in Ethiopia

In many Sub-Saharan countries, farmers cannot meet the growing urban demand for higher quality products. While the literature has focused on production-side constraints to enhance smallholder farmers’ output quality, there is scarce evidence of market-side constraints. Using a sample of 60 wheat markets in Ethiopia, I assess whether farmers received a price premium for supplying higher quality outputs. I exploit a unique feature of the data which precisely measures observable and less or unobservable quality attributes, and relate them to transaction prices. Observable attributes cannot serve as proxies for less observable ones. Transaction prices further reflect this, indicating that markets only reward quality attributes that are observable at no cost. However, these results hide cross-market heterogeneity. Farmers engage in relational contracts receive a higher price but similar rewards for quality. Observable quality attributes are better rewarded in markets with more traders per farmer, while unobservable attributes are rewarded in the presence of other value chain actors (i.e., grain millers and farmer cooperatives). Both regression and machine learning approaches support these findings.

Returns to quality in rural agricultural markets: Evidence from wheat markets in Ethiopia

In many Sub-Saharan countries, farmers cannot meet the growing urban demand for higher quality products. While the literature has focused on production-side constraints to enhance smallholder farmers’ output quality, there is scarce evidence of market-side constraints. Using a sample of 60 wheat markets in Ethiopia, I assess whether farmers received a price premium for supplying higher quality outputs. I exploit a unique feature of the data which precisely measures observable and less or unobservable quality attributes, and relate them to transaction prices. Observable attributes cannot serve as proxies for less observable ones. Transaction prices further reflect this, indicating that markets only reward quality attributes that are observable at no cost. However, these results hide cross-market heterogeneity. Farmers engage in relational contracts receive a higher price but similar rewards for quality. Observable quality attributes are better rewarded in markets with more traders per farmer, while unobservable attributes are rewarded in the presence of other value chain actors (i.e., grain millers and farmer cooperatives). Both regression and machine learning approaches support these findings.

Business Camp: MSME Financial Management in West Sumatra

Financial management is the heart of a business. Many businesses fail and eventually go bankrupt due to poor financial management. Quality products and services with sound financial management will be helpful with thorough financial planning. Empowering MSMEs is one of the government's commitments. Universities have a role in helping the government in empowering MSMEs. Therefore, Andalas University has organized various programs to carry out this role. One of the programs organized by Andalas University is the Business Camp activity. Business Camp activities consist of several types of empowerment material, including MSME financial management. First Business Camp activities with Financial Management material were conducted online using the Zoom Meeting Application. The activity was held on Saturday, 28 October 2023. The main participants in this activity were MSME owners whom Andalas University accompanied. However, this activity did not close the opportunity for other MSMEs who want to join. Therefore, as many as 80 participants had taken part in this activity. The result of this activity was the motivation for MSMEs to separate their financial books first so that sound financial management can be carried out. This activity is essential to carry out so that MSME businesses can become businesses that continue to grow.

PELATIHAN DAN PENDAMPINGAN PEMBUATAN KATALOG PRODUK PADA UMKM MITRA POLINEMA DI DESA DUWET KECAMATAN TUMPANG KABUPATEN MALANG

This community service aims at training and assistance in making product catalogs for polynema partner MSMEs in Duwet Village, Tumpang District, Malang Regency, which at that time there was still no porduk catalog available, so that marketing activities were still not optimal. The creation of this product catalog is expected as a means of promotion to introduce products made by Duwet Village residents to the wider community. This community service activity in the form of training and assistance in making product catalogs is divided into two stages, the first is that the Duwet village community will be given photography training to produce quality product images and the second stage is training on making layouts for photographic product catalogs. With this community service activity, it is hoped that the assisted villages can create product catalogs both print and digital for promotional facilities to increase sales volume so that the impact will be on improving the welfare of Duwet Village. Keywords:MSMEs, Promotions, Product Catalogs

PELATIHAN DAN PENDAMPINGAN PEMBUATAN KATALOG PRODUK PADA UMKM MITRA POLINEMA DI DESA DUWET KECAMATAN TUMPANG KABUPATEN MALANG

This community service aims at training and assistance in making product catalogs for polynema partner MSMEs in Duwet Village, Tumpang District, Malang Regency, which at that time there was still no porduk catalog available, so that marketing activities were still not optimal. The creation of this product catalog is expected as a means of promotion to introduce products made by Duwet Village residents to the wider community. This community service activity in the form of training and assistance in making product catalogs is divided into two stages, the first is that the Duwet village community will be given photography training to produce quality product images and the second stage is training on making layouts for photographic product catalogs. With this community service activity, it is hoped that the assisted villages can create product catalogs both print and digital for promotional facilities to increase sales volume so that the impact will be on improving the welfare of Duwet Village. Keywords:MSMEs, Promotions, Product Catalogs

Strategi Marketing Mix Klinik Paradise Parisudha Desa Sumberagung Plosoklaten Kediri dalam Meningkatkan Volume Penjualan

This study aims to analyze the marketing mix strategy used by the Paradise Parisudha Clinic in increasing the sales volume of their skin care products. This research uses a qualitative approach with primary data obtained through interviews and direct observation, as well as secondary data which includes sales reports, customer files, and related books. The results of this study show that Klinik Paradise Parisudha effectively implements all elements of the 7P marketing mix, including product, price, distribution, promotion, people, process, and physical evidence. However, this study also found that the product element became the most successful marketing strategy in increasing the sales of Paradise Parisudha Clinic. This may indicate that it is important to produce attractive and quality products to attract customers and increase sales. In conclusion, Klinik Paradise Parisudha has successfully implemented a comprehensive marketing mix strategy, with an emphasis on products, to increase their sales volume in the competitive beauty clinic industry.

An Analysis of Employee Work Posture Assessment with The Quick Exposure Check (QEC) Approach in The Green Tea Production in A Green Tea Company

Candi Loka is a company engaged in the food sector, especially in producing green tea. Technology in the food sector is currently growing rapidly, resulting in a competitive competition. Candi Loka requires superior human resources to produce a high quality product. To realize this, it is necessary to carry out work with high accuracy and concentration by competent workers in their fields. The working conditions carried out by competent workers need to be considered because they greatly affect the work productivity. Uncomfortable working conditions will affect workers to have Musculoskeletal Disorders. The purpose of this study was to identify the musculoskeletal disorders developed by green tea production employees at Candi Loka and to identify the work posture of green tea production employees. Through this research, an assessment to find out the musculoskeletal disorders and to assess the work posture of workers in the green tea production section was carried out by using the QEC method. Pain complaints related to the musculoskeletal disorders that many workers in the green tea production department had were pain in the neck, shoulders, arms and back with a score of 40 and a proportion of 6.51%. The assessment of work posture by using the Quick Exposure Check (QEC) method for green tea processing workers had 79.09% E value with an action level of 4 and was included in the category of very dangerous risks and further action was needed as soon as possible, while tea sorting workers Green had an E value of 84.09% with an action level of 4 and was included in the very dangerous risk category and needed further action as soon as possible.

Cognitive Factors Leading to Human Error: A Major Contributing Factor for Quality Deviations in Pharmaceutical Industry

The pharmaceutical sector is one of the top research-based sectors in the world which continuously produces new medications that improve and save human lives. Patients, as well as healthcare professionals depend on pharmaceutical companies for the treatment of ailments, so it is very important to develop a good quality product following Good manufacturing practices guidelines that ensure the quality, safety, and efficacy of the product. Human cognitive errors are a major cause of quality deviations. These quality deviations result in product recalls, a ban on products by regulators where the company’s reputation will be tarnished which can result in loss of sales and revenue. Human errors can be identified and mitigated by various techniques. In this paper, we discuss the factors contributing to cognitive errors, the impact of cognitive errors on the pharmaceutical industry, the identification of the cognitive errors causing current good manufacturing practices (cGMP) deviations, and challenges in the mitigation of cognitive errors. A survey questionnaire and the form human error assessment and reduction technique (HEART) tool were also developed and discussed in the manuscript.

Cognitive Factors Leading to Human Error: A Major Contributing Factor for Quality Deviations in Pharmaceutical Industry

The pharmaceutical sector is one of the top research-based sectors in the world which continuously produces new medications that improve and save human lives. Patients, as well as healthcare professionals depend on pharmaceutical companies for the treatment of ailments, so it is very important to develop a good quality product following Good manufacturing practices guidelines that ensure the quality, safety, and efficacy of the product. Human cognitive errors are a major cause of quality deviations. These quality deviations result in product recalls, a ban on products by regulators where the company’s reputation will be tarnished which can result in loss of sales and revenue. Human errors can be identified and mitigated by various techniques. In this paper, we discuss the factors contributing to cognitive errors, the impact of cognitive errors on the pharmaceutical industry, the identification of the cognitive errors causing current good manufacturing practices (cGMP) deviations, and challenges in the mitigation of cognitive errors. A survey questionnaire and the form human error assessment and reduction technique (HEART) tool were also developed and discussed in the manuscript.