Quality Products Research Articles

Determinants of Sustainable Rural Community-based Value Chains

Failure to understand business from a value chain perspective was identified in the National Entrepreneurship Policy 2030 as one of the challenges that need to be addressed for an entrepreneur's sustainability. Value chains refer to the activities that add value at each stage in developing, producing, and delivering quality products to customers. This paper aims to identify the determinants of effective and sustainable factors that underpin rural community-based value chains in their business conduct. In achieving these objectives, the methodology includes a case study on the Warisan Dapur Lenggong Business Project in Lenggong, Malaysia, library searches, and an analysis of previous literature reviews on value chains and community-based small businesses. The finding shows that factors contributing to the success of rural entrepreneurs in value chains can be categorised into internal and external patterns. Internal individual factors include entrepreneurial culture, skills and knowledge, adaptability, continuous improvement and Innovation, networking and collaboration. In contrast, internal community factors include community, leadership, local association and staff support, value proposition and differentiation, financial management, community resilience and perseverance. In comparison, external factors include access to market information, technology and infrastructural limitations, political influence and government policy. This paper also hopes to strengthen the body of knowledge on how effective value chains help entrepreneurs achieve sustainable competitive advantage as one of the agenda for 2030 Sustainable Development and for making Malaysia a higher-income and civilised nation.

Impact of New Fermentation Systems on the Health Quality of Cocoa Beans (Theobroma cacao L. 1753) in the Main Cocoa-Growing Regions of Côte D'ivoire: Nawa, Bas-Sassandra and Haut-Sassandra

Aims: Cocoa cultivation plays a crucial role in the Ivorian economy, requiring rigorous post-harvest processes to ensure the quality of the chocolate produced. Fermentation is a fundamental step in these processes, directly influencing the development of the flavor and aromatic characteristics of cocoa beans. This study focuses on evaluating the impact of various fermentation supports on the microbiological quality of cocoa beans after drying. Study Design: The beans were fermented on six types of supports: palm leaves, cocoa pods, polypropylene tarps, polypropylene bags, jute bags, and banana leaves (control), using two varieties of cocoa, Forasteros and Mercedes in the San Pedro, Soubré and Daloa regions. Methodology: At the end of the drying process, 2 kg of dried beans from each fermentation support were collected. The analyses focused on moisture, pH, and the level of microbiological contamination, including fungal flora and Bacillus (spore-forming bacteria). The analyses were performed in triplicate. The fungal flora was identified through macroscopic and microscopic observations, while biochemical tests were used to identify presumptive Bacillus cereus. Results: The results indicate that beans fermented in pods showed a pH above 5.5, and those fermented on polypropylene bags had moisture exceeding 8%. Bacillus bacteria were more frequent in the beans fermented in cacao pods. Molds, primarily Aspergillus ochraceus and Aspergillus niger, were more prevalent on jute bags and in the pods compared to the control. The presence of Bacillus spores and ochratoxigenic molds in the fermented beans, in the pods, and on jute bags poses a risk to the quality and safety of the cocoa beans. Conclusion: In contrast, polypropylene bags, polypropylene tarps, and palm leaves are identified as suitable supports for maintaining the sanitary quality of the beans, similar to banana leaves (control support). These results show that, despite the gradual decline in banana plantations, cocoa producers will benefit from adequate support for the fermentation process, thereby guaranteeing the quality of cocoa beans and enabling them to obtain a competitive purchase price in the field, while offering entrepreneurs the opportunity to acquire higher quality products to increase their turnover.

Sosialisasi dan Pendampingan Sertifikasi Halal bagi UMKM di Desa Wangkelang, Kecamatan Moga, Kabupaten Pemalang

Currently, the issue of halal has become an important economic issue, where halal products are considered as high quality products and therefore have a higher value than other economic sectors. The purpose of this community service activity is to provide socialization and understanding related to the halal label to MSME actors in Wangkelang Village, Moga District, Pemalang Regency. This community service program was carried out in Wangkelang Village, Moga District, Pemalang Regency by visiting MSME actors in the local area. The process of activities carried out in this community service starts from the initial preparation stage, implementation of training, and reporting of the results of community service in the community service journal regarding the socialization and assistance of halal certification to MSMEs. The results of the service show that there is a real increase in understanding after MSME actors are given training and assistance regarding halal product certification.

Trends in Greenhouse Production Technology with Special Reference to Protected Cultivation of Horticultural Crops

Greenhouse is an important application scenario of modern agriculture. With the improvement of people's life quality, the demand for vegetables, fruits, flowers and has also increased, and the amount of greenhouses has developed rapidly. Greenhouse adopts artificial technical means to change natural light and temperature conditions, and to create environmental factors to optimize the growth of animals and plants, so that greenhouse crops can grow throughout the year and the weather. Compared with traditional planting methods, the greenhouse is more automated, intelligent, and mechanized. Greenhouse farming (Protected cultivation) refers to the practice of growing crops in an enclosed or partially enclosed environment, such as greenhouses, shade houses, or high tunnels. The primary purpose of protected cultivation is to create a controlled microclimate that shields the crops from adverse weather conditions, pests, and diseases, while optimizing environmental factors. It involves the use of structures, materials, and technologies that provide a protective barrier and allow for manipulation of temperature, humidity, light, and other environmental variables. The benefits of greenhouses are high production per unit area because the genetic potential of the crop can be completely exploited, vegetables and nurseries can be grown off-season that obtain high market prices, good quality products and it is easy to protect the crops from pests, diseases and extreme climatic conditions. Greenhouse farming is a highly intensive industry that needs considerable labour and capital inputs. Because of this, all factors important for a successful enterprisers should be carefully considered by potential growers.

Product refurbishment in an imperfect production inventory system under carbon regulations: An interval type-2 fuzzy environment

This study develops an imperfect production inventory model focusing on the proper handling of imperfect products and addressing carbon emissions in different stages of a production process. The proposed inventory system consists of three stages: production, screening, and refurbishing. The produced products undergo a screening process, with perfect quality items being delivered to the primary market, while imperfect quality products are routed through a refurbishing process, subsequently sold in the secondary market. It is observed that in the existing literature on refurbished products, all such types of products have been sold at the end of the business period, this means that there is no continuous demand of refurbished product at the remaining time points of the business period which does not support the practical situation in a real business system. In this regards, our main objective in this study is consideration of continuous demand of refurbished products along with perfect ones. Again, we incorporate interval type-2 fuzzy uncertainty in both markets’ demand to better reflect market fluctuations introducing a new defuzzification method. In this framework, we evaluate the effectiveness of two emission regulatory strategies: carbon tax and carbon cap and trade policies. The findings of this study offer valuable insights into various aspects. Notably, our analysis reveals that if the difference between the primary and secondary markets’ demands reduces to a large extent, a negative impact on the profit is observed. It is also shown that an increase in demand for refurbished products allows for a higher permissible rate of imperfections in production. Comparing the outcomes under two emission regulations, we find that the cap and trade policy is beneficial from both economic and environmental perspectives. Additionally, it becomes evident that the manufacturer should carefully consider the duration of each inventory stage, as it leads to a significant increase in overall emissions. Regarding the uncertain nature of the market, it is observed that demand volatility in the secondary market negatively affects the profit.

Effect Of The Implementation Of The Iso 9001:2015 Quality Management System On Product Quality In The Production Department Of Pt Sentralindo Teguh Gemilang

This study aims to analyze the effect of the implementation of the ISO 9001:2015 quality management system on Product Quality in the Production Department of PT. Sentralindo Teguh Gemilang. This research method uses a quantitative method with a non-probability sampling technique using a simple random sampling technique. Data was collected by questionnaires distributed using google forms to employees of the production department of PT. Sentralindo Teguh Gemilang. The collected data was analyzed using a simple linear regression method to test the relationship between the variables of quality management system implementation and product quality. The results of this study are that the implementation of the quality management system and product quality has a positive influence with the beta coefficient showing a positive 0.378, the remaining 61.7% is influenced by other variables that are not included in the research model. The results of the analysis are expected to be used as a reference to strengthen and improve the implementation of the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System through careful monitoring and continuous adjustment to factors that support quality improvement and for researchers it is recommended to conduct a more in-depth study to identify and analyze other factors that affect product quality in the company and it is recommended to conduct analysis on other objects.

PLASTIC WASTE, WOOD WASTE, ECONOMICALLY VALUABLE PRODUCTS

This community service program aims to develop creative products with economic value from processed plastic waste and wood waste by students in the school environment. This initiative was implemented to overcome environmental problems due to the increase in plastic waste and wood waste as well as to hone students' skills and creativity in the field of handicrafts. This activity involves collecting, sorting and processing plastic and wood waste available around the school. Plastic waste is transformed into various products, namely various models of decorative flowers and plant pots, while wood waste is processed into functional items such as pen racks and aesthetic baskets. Product evaluation is carried out to ensure quality and market appeal. The results of this activity show that students are able to produce quality products that have marketability for consumers. This program not only provides economic benefits for schools and students, but also increases environmental awareness, waste management skills and student creativity. Apart from that, this program succeeded in fostering a sense of social responsibility and concern for the environment among students. Thus, this community service activity in the school environment succeeded in utilizing plastic and wood waste into creative products with economic value, supporting waste reduction efforts, and making a real contribution to sustainable education that focuses on practical skills and environmental awareness.

Analysis Of Cutting Parameters Affecting The Surface Roughness Value Of Amutite Steel With A 50 Mm Diameter Facemill On The Fu100 Lagoon Milling Machine Using Statistical Methods

The Lagun FU100 Milling Machine (LFR 26) is a type of milling machine located at the Bandung Manufacturing Polytechnic. There is a surprising opinion that the Lagun Milling machine is rarely used, both for student academic activities and production purposes. Generally milling machines can achieve a surface roughness of 0.32-25 µm. Appendix 3 shows the results of the surface roughness of the grinding results. So this research was carried out to prove that this machine can reach surface roughness standards, and also to state that this machine is still suitable for use for production activities or student academic activities and to prove that this machine can still produce products of good quality. In this study, the three parameters evaluated were cutting speed, feed rate, and depth of cut. Through experiments and statistical analysis, it was found that RPM at a medium level produced the lowest roughness value of 0.340, while cutting depth at a high level produced the smoothest surface roughness with a value of 0.330. Feed rate at the medium level also shows the lowest surface roughness results with an average of 0.330. The research results show that the smoothest surface that can be produced is 0.2883, this value is at level N4. In addition, the Lagun FU100 milling machine was declared suitable for use in achieving the desired roughness value, demonstrating the ability of this machine to produce surfaces with the expected quality standards.

Digitalisasi Umkm dalam Inovasi Pemasaran Produk dan Pembayaran Digital pada Pelaku Industri Rumahan di Desa Kronjo Kabupaten Tangerang Provinsi Banten

The home industry business actors in Kronjo Village boast a diverse range of high quality products, including processed fishery products and processed products derived from mangrove forests. Despite the abundance of these products, a significant number of individuals, both local and domestic, remain unaware of them. The market has not yet fully embraced these products, and occasionally, there are challenges when it comes to providing refunds to consumers during manual transactions. This community service initiative aims to impart comprehensive information to MSME industry participants on marketing innovations and digital payments within their respective enterprises. The provision of training is expected to enhance the ability of home industry players to promote their products and effectively use digital payment systems for transaction facilitation. Consequently, this activity enables participants in the home industry to enhance their revenue and understand that payments can be conducted digitally, specifically through QRIS or unique payment codes, rather than just in cash or transfers between banks.

Penerapan Fungsi-Fungsi Manajemen Pada Proses Penerimaan Bahan Baku Ikan Lemuru di PT. Sarana Tani Pratama Jembrana-Bali

The process of receiving raw materials is the initial activity of a production process, the quality of raw materials can affect the quality of the final product, quality control must be carried out so that the raw materials to be used comply with industry specifications to produce quality products. For example, the raw material for frozen fish at PT Sarana Tani Pratama Jembrana, Bali, whether local frozen fish or imported frozen fish, is thawed using the water immersion method. The difference in the Thawing process or melting process between local frozen fish and imported frozen fish is the thawing time, where local frozen fish takes ±2 hours for the Thawing process while imported frozen fish only takes ±30 minutes for the melting process. The difference in thawing time is caused by local frozen fish being sent by the supplier frozen per block, which consists of several fish in one block. Meanwhile, imported frozen fish is sent by the supplier frozen per fish.This research aims to determine the Application of Management Functions in the Process of receiving raw materials at PT.Sarana Tani Pratama Jembrana-Bali. The types of data used are primary data and secondary data with data collection techniques including observation, interviews and literature study. The data analysis used is descriptive/qualitative data analysis.

Integrated Management System To Improve Corporate Sustainability Performance The Case Study In The Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Industry

This study aims to investigate the mediating factors of achieving quality, environmental and social performance concerning the sustainability of pharmaceutical manufacturing companies. Effective implementation of an integrated management system is essential in achieving business process performance to improve the company’s sustainability performance. The priority of the pharmaceutical industry is to satisfy the requirements of quality assurance and product safety. Thus, a balance is required toward implementing an integrated management system. This research was conducted in one of the pharmaceutical manufacturing companies in Indonesia. Data were collected using questionnaires and interviews with respondents and analysed using generalised structural component analysis (GSCA). Results of this study show that implementing an integrated management system can improve social performance and corporate sustainability. The implications of this study indicate that the balanced implementation of the integrated management system has not been effectively achieved. Consequently, a strategy is required to evaluate the quality and environmental performance achievements and to improve the implementation of the integrated management system in a balanced manner.

The The Influence Of Service Quality, Brand Trust And Customer Perceived Value On Costumer Satisfaction Study Of Amaris Hotel Customer In Indonesia

The hotel business can grow rapidly quantitatively by capturing the market in the tourism sector which continues to grow very rapidly. A hotel company will be able to compete and win market share if the hotel is able to provide good quality products and services. This study investigates the correlation between service quality, brand trust, customer perceived value, and their collective influence on customer satisfaction, focusing study of Amaris Hotel Indonesia. Drawing upon a comprehensive review of literature and employing a quantitative research approach, data were collected from a sample of hotel customers through structured surveys. Utilizing advanced statistical techniques such as regression analysis, the study examines the influence of service quality, brand trust, customer perceived value on customer satisfaction. Target included Amaris Hotel Indonesia customers. A total of 272 valid questionnaires were collected and verified with PASW Statistics 18. The conditions were: Service quality positive and significant impact on customer satisfaction. Brand trust has a positive and significant impact on customer satisfaction. Customer perceived value positive and significant impact on customer satisfaction. This indicates that customers who perceive higher service quality, exhibit greater trust in the hotel brand, and perceive greater value are more likely to be satisfied with their hotel experience. Additionally, this study reveals distinct interactions and moderation effects among these variables, highlighting the complex dynamics underlying customer satisfaction in the hospitality industry. These insights contribute to both theoretical understanding and practical implications for hotel managers seeking to enhance customer satisfaction in a highly competitive market environment.

Solvent extraction of La, Nd, and Eu using a newly designed solutions spray system

This research covers a new continuous solvent extraction “solutions spray system” technique to extract lanthanum (La), neodymium (Nd), and europium (Eu) from chloride solution using DEHPA. This setup enhanced the extraction kinetics and mass transfer compared to the conventional mixer-settler by generating micro-sized droplets of the feed streams in the mixing chamber, causing speedy and better mass transfer, and the special design of the settling column boosted the separation process with improved quality products. Variables like pH, DEHPA concentration, ionic strength, and aqueous/organic phase ratio were studied to determine the performance of this setup. At the optimum values of these variables (2.0 pH, 0.303 M DEHPA, and 1.54 mol/L ionic strength), the percent extraction of La, Nd, and Eu was 95.03 %, 99.36 %, and 99.98 %, and the distribution ratio was 19.14, 155.25 and 4165 respectively, which showed the extraction in a single stage. Furthermore, the values of separation factors, SFEu/La = 6.69, SFEu/Nd = 5.33, and SFNd/La = 1.26 at 0.50 pH, showed the selectivity of these elements. Later on, McCabe Thiele diagrams were plotted for extraction and stripping sections to see the minimum number of theoretical stages for the complete recovery of REEs and their selective separation from each other.

The impact of trust and service quality on customer loyalty in e-commerce

This study analyzes the effect of custumer trust and service quality on custumer loyalty through e-commerce custumer satisfaction. This research uses a survey method by distributing questionnaires distributed to Tokopedia, Shopee and Lazada constumers who make transactions in 2024. The object of this research is constumers of Tokopedia, Shopee and Lazada users in North Sumatra. The respondents of the study were taken by purposive sampling obtained 100 respondents. Data is processed using Smart PLS 3. The results of this study show that custumer satisfaction has a significant effect on custumer loyalty, satisfied custumers usually make repeat purchases. Custumers feel comfortable and trust in the company so they will do re-shopping. Satisfied custumers often recommend products to friends and relatives. Loyal custumers have high trust in the company. Custumers believe that the company will continue to provide good service. Custumer trust has no significant effect on custumer loyalty. Custumer trust does not have a significant effect on custumer satisfaction. Service quality does not have a significant effect on custumer loyalty. Product quality and delivery speed often have a greater impact on custumer loyalty compared to service quality. Custumers are more likely to be loyal to platforms that consistently provide quality products and fast delivery. Suggestions for researchers to add custumer behavior variables in digital environments.

Task Scheduling Strategy for 3DPCP Considering Multidynamic Information Perturbation in Green Scene

The 3D printing cloud platform (3DPCP) plays a pivotal role in breaking down the information silos between supply and demand, effectively reducing waste through information integration and intelligent production. However, due to the complexity of 3DPCP scheduling in green scenes and the multidynamic information perturbations, unveils problems in traditional task scheduling methods in 3DPCP. These issues manifest as incomplete considerations, subpar green performance, and weak adaptability to dynamic changes. There is an urgent need to design practical methods to realize the multidynamic information perturbations in green scenes within 3DPCP. Therefore, this article first defines the 3DPCP task scheduling problem for multidynamic information perturbation in green scenes. Second, the article proposes a task scheduling model and a heuristic task scheduling strategy to minimize both the average cost and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions per unit of quality product. Finally, the article validates effectiveness and superiority of the proposed strategy through simulation experiments.

Case Study Manufacture of Cotton Polo Shirts and Jumpers

Objective: Explore the manufacturing process of tangüis cotton polo shirts and jumpers from a Peruvian textile company to optimize the process and obtain quality products that can compete in the international market. Theoretical Framework: The forecast demand and forecast control, the required and available capacity of workers and machines for the production process, the aggregate planning of the required workforce, the master production program, and the disaggregation of material requirements with the calculation of the corresponding lead-times. Method: Basic and applied hypothetical case study, transversal and exploratory, non-experimental, where the production process of cotton polo shirts and jumpers is simulated in one year considering their seasonality. Results and Discussion: Proposal for the demand estimation, forecast control, the required and available capacity of workers and machines necessary for the production process, the aggregate planning of the required workforce, the master production program, and the disaggregation of materials with the calculation of the corresponding lead-times. Research Implications: Be able to replicate the case in real situations of companies focused on textile manufacturing to determine their real estimations and propose proposals for continuous improvement. Originality/Value: The contribution to the literature of a case study that can be replicated to the reality of companies oriented to textile manufacturing to optimize their processes and contribute with their proposals for continuous improvement.

Comparative Analysis of the Personal Branding Process of Leading Hotel and Restaurant Businessmen in Vietnam

Vu Tuyet Hang has built her personal brand by shaping a professional and prestigious image in the field of tourism and accommodation services. Her strategy focuses on building a trusting and trustworthy relationship with customers, colleagues and the business community. Mr. Le Thanh Than has built his personal brand based on creating an image of a talented and dedicated businessman in developing the tourism and real estate industry. His strategy focuses on building strong partnerships and strategic alliances, while creating quality products and services to meet growing market demands. In summary, both of these Presidents are focused on building a trustworthy and reputable image in the tourism and hospitality industry, through creating specific brand development strategies and relationships. Relationships with customers, partners and the community. At the same time, they also pay special attention to community development and environmental protection to create an image of responsible and humane leaders.

Transforming Tofu Quality Control: Integrating Statistical Process Control, Ishikawa, and Interpretive Structural Modeling for Superior Outcomes

In a highly competitive market, maintaining high product quality is essential for maintaining customer satisfaction and loyalty. Producers are famous in East Java and face the challenge of ensuring consistent quality products through strict production processes. Know that as easy products broken and soft, needy control of careful quality to meet hope consumers about freshness, texture, and quality in a way whole. Although traditional control methods often fail to overcome the production complex that causes a disabled product. This research proposes integrating Statistical Process Control (SPC), Ishikawa diagrams, and Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) to improve control quality. SPC makes it possible to monitor and control production processes in real-time, identify deviations, and repair deviations. However, the SPC limitations include a focus on quantitative data and post-incident detection problems. To overcome root problems, the Ishikawa diagram categorizes the reasons for potency as material, machine, method, power work, and environment. ISM prioritizes action repair based on impact and relationship. Approach This integrated approach provides comprehensive solutions to improve the quality of knowledge. In this study, the control process quality was evaluated using SPC, the cause of defects was identified using Ishikawa diagrams, and priority action repair was performed via ISM. Findings show that SPC directly effectively monitors process control, the Ishikawa diagram identifies main defects, and ISM prioritizes impactful action improvements, emphasizes excessive additions to subtraction materials, and improves health workers’ and mixing process material standards. Approach integrated possible identification of additional problems and improved the quality strategic makes a significant contribution to enhancing product quality knowledge.

Ultrasound-assisted drying of apples – process kinetics, energy consumption, and product quality

Convective drying is a method of preserving fruit. Due to the low energy efficiency of the dryers, it is also one of the most energy intensive. For this reason, modern drying techniques are being sought. They are required to be energy efficient, sustainable and produce high quality products. The aim of this work was to determine the effect of ultrasound on the kinetics and energy consumption of convective drying of apples and the quality of the products. The convective drying process and two US-convective processes with different ultrasonic power were tested. Three apple varieties were dried. Drying kinetics, energy consumption, and product quality (water activity and color change) were compared for the tested processes. Drying kinetics was mathematically modeled. The use of ultrasound accelerated the process in each case. The drying time was reduced and the speed of the process increased. This increase was mainly due to the vibration effect, which caused an increase in the mass transfer coefficient. The use of ultrasound resulted in a decrease in the water activity of the product and a decrease in the color change of the dried material compared to that obtained by the convection method.

Influence of Recycled Coarse Aggregate and Steel Fiber on the Workability and Strength of Self-Compacting Concrete

Abstract Waste materials pose a significant threat to both the environment and human health. On a global scale, the quantity of recyclable material is steadily growing, and its proper disposal is a significant focus of modern study. Concrete debris is a recyclable material that poses challenges for reutilization. Concrete waste refers to the fragments or remains of ready-mix concrete plants and the debris from destroyed structures, including historic buildings and those affected by earthquakes. The objective of this study is to reuse and utilize coarse aggregate formerly used in concrete constructions to create self-compacting concrete (SCC). The purpose is to assess the performance of this recycled aggregate in both its fresh and hardened states. Natural coarse aggregate (NCA) was switched out for recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) at 0, 50, and 100% volume ratios. In contrast, concrete was mixed with steel fibers (SF) at volume percentages of 0 and 0.44. Workability tests, including V-funnel, slump flow, and L-box tests, were conducted to assess the consistency of the mixes in their fresh condition. Additionally, the tensile and compressive strength of the concrete specimens were measured to evaluate their strength in the hardened state. Overall, the experimental findings showed that the fresh qualities of almost all SCC mixes fell within the required range, as outlined in the EFNARC standards. While the steel fiber harmed the fresh characteristics, it resulted in a proportionate enhancement in tensile strength. The findings indicated that including recycled aggregates into the concrete mixture enhanced its strength. The results showed that adding (0.44%) of steel fibers to concrete reduced the decline in compressive strength when the coarse aggregate was replaced entirely with recycled aggregate. In contrast, an equivalent proportion of fibers resulted in a significant improvement in tensile strength, rising from 26% to 54%, when using recycled coarse aggregate as the replacement of natural coarse aggregate. Thus, it can be concluded that using recycled aggregates and steel fibers in concrete production results in a higher quality product than regular concrete. Removing concrete waste has other benefits, such as enhanced financial return and preservation of the environment.