Regional Market Research Articles

Análisis y caracterización de las mujeres emprendedoras del municipio de Villamaría, Caldas (Colombia)

An empirical-exploratory study was conducted on the characteristics of women entrepreneurs and their effect on the volume of sales in the Municipality of Villamaría, Caldas. The study proposes the use of qualitative and quantitative techniques to gather information on the explanatory variables. The results of the study show that having more than five employees, operating in the local, regional and national market, using more than two social networks and having an action plan have a positive impact on the sales volume of women entrepreneurs. However, other variables such as diversification, competition and whether the businesswoman assumes risks are not significant. In addition, the cluster analysis has made it possible to identify characteristics of the profile of businesswomen in the municipality of Villamaría, Caldas, grouping them into three classes based on sales volume, number of employees, level of education, and place of operation.

Practice Consolidation Among US Medical Oncologists, 2015-2022.

Health care consolidation has significantly affected cancer care delivery, with oncology practices undergoing substantial consolidation over the past two decades. This study investigates practice consolidation trends among medical oncologists (MOs), factors associated with consolidation, and changes in MO geographic distribution. Medicare data from 2015 to 2022 were used to assess MO practice consolidation in hospital referral regions (HRRs), linked with regional health care market data and physician demographics. The Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI) was used to measure consolidation, and the Gini coefficient was used to measure MO distribution across counties. Multivariable linear regression explored factors associated with MO practice consolidation. Between 2015 and 2022, the number of MOs increased by 14.5% (11,727-13,433), whereas the number of MO practices decreased by 18.0% (2,774-2,276). The mean number of MOs per practice increased by 40% (4.26-5.95; P < .001). The percentage of MOs in small practices decreased, whereas larger practices saw an increase. MO consolidation, as indicated by the HHI, increased by 9% (median HHI, 0.3204-0.3480). HRRs with higher baseline hospital consolidation and more hospital beds per capita were more likely to have MO practice consolidation. Despite MO practice consolidation, the county-level distribution of MOs did not change substantially. On the basis of Federal Trade Commission classifications, MO practices were highly concentrated in 2015 and consolidated even further by 2022. While distribution of MOs at the county level remained stable, further research is needed to assess the effects of rapid consolidation on cancer care cost, quality, and access. These data have important implications for policymakers and payers as they design programs that ensure high-quality, affordable cancer care.

Financial Challenges of Brick and Mortar Stalls with the Advent of E-commerce Businesses in and Around Bangalore

The explosive rise of e-commerce has led to a paradigm shift in the retail industry globally. This study looks at the specific economic difficulties faced by traditional brick and mortar shops in and around Bengaluru, India, as they discuss the changed market environment with the growth of e-commerce companies. This research provides complete knowledge about the economic challenges faced by the brick-and-mortar stalls by analysing key factors such as changing consumer behaviour, changing market trends and the generally increasing operating costs of the metropolitan setting of Bengaluru. The study examines the impact of low pedestrian traffic, changes in pricing strategies and rising maintenance costs, highlighting the complexity of these issues in the Bengaluru retail environment. The report examines various strategies and corrective measures that can help brick and mortar shops survive and compete in the face of the increasing dominance of e-commerce. The report provides robust guidance for traditional traders who want to thrive in this changing economic environment and provides comprehensive information about the regional market dynamics of Bengaluru. This research provides useful information for company owners, legislators and other stakeholders who want to maintain the life of traditional retail in the digital age. This will deepen our understanding of the complex interactions between brick-and-mortar shops and e-commerce in Bengaluru.

Trajectories among recipients of social assistance in Norway: A local approach

AbstractBackground and PurposeLittle scholarly attention has been paid to variations in local welfare provisions and how they frame beneficiaries’ welfare‐work trajectories. This is unfortunate since increasingly a varied menu of services is provided locally and welfare‐work trajectories unfold in a local context. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to this debate by examining the welfare‐work trajectories among young social assistance recipients in Norwegian municipalities and how they are related to the local setting and in particular the organization of the local welfare office.Data and MethodsNational registers provide longitudinal information on all young social assistance recipients (N = 4654) in 2012. Information on municipalities (N = 373) and the local labour and welfare offices (N = 399) is collected from official government sources. Welfare‐work trajectories spanning seven years are created by sequence analysis forming eight clusters. The relationship between organizational features of the labour and welfare office and trajectory clusters is modelled by means of multinomial logistic regression, after controlling for variables on the individual, the municipal, and the regional level.ResultsThe analysis shows that: (a) among the individual variables, those reflecting poor health consistently predict trajectories characterized by benefit receipt and loose attachment to the labour market; (b) variables related to the municipal level are of limited importance, and (c) variables pertaining to the organization of the labour and welfare offices play a minor role.ConclusionOnce individual, municipal, and regional labour market factors are considered, characteristics of the welfare office are of marginal significance. [Correction added on 17 September 2024, after first online publication: The Abstract and Keywords have been added in this version.]

Baiting the hook: Fish scarcity, gendered division of labour, and the fish-for-sex trade

Transactional sex in sub–Saharan Africa's fishing communities, driven by the highly gendered organisation of production, is widely recognised as a key driver of HIV transmission in lakeshore areas. This longitudinal study investigates the economic drivers of the trade and its impact on sexual health outcomes. Specifically, the impact of regional and district fish market shocks and comparable maize shocks on facility-level sexual health outcomes are examined in Tanzania's shoreline communities. Following unfavourable shocks to the fish market, such as high prices or low amounts of fish captured, this paper finds that new HIV cases, newly pregnant women attending antenatal clinic, and the number of people treated for syphilis increases with proximity to the shoreline, supporting the hypothesis that the fish-for-sex trade intensifies when fish supply is relatively scarce. Further, the observed increase in new HIV cases is driven by new cases in women. Contrasting effects are observed following maize price shocks, where facilities see an increase in both male and female new HIV cases following a favourable price shock. These findings highlight the role that gender-based organisation of production plays in shaping sexual health inequalities following shocks to a good.

Green Marketing and Greenwashing in Poland and France, a Comparison of Consumer Reactions

Abstract Purpose The human influence on the environment and its protection are subjects of marketing communication, and numerous regulations were issued to control the “green” messages. The popularity of such practices makes it essential to compare the reactions to green marketing and greenwashing in two European societies and to check how “green” awareness of European consumers translates into behavior. Design/method/approach The review of literature and decisions regulating green marketing is followed by a CAWI study of the French and Polish young consumers ecological attitudes, intentions, and behaviors. ANOVA and linear regression methods were used to analyze data. Findings The French young consumers are more pro-environmentally focused than Poles and display more robust skepticism toward sustainable claims. The Poles, more than the French, focus on the products' primary functions. Both groups show higher levels of spontaneous awareness of greenwashing than average consumers in those two countries. Our hypotheses about relationships of ecological attitudes with purchase intentions and behavior were supported. Surprisingly, there was a negative relation between French nationality and environmental behaviors. Originality/Value There is a regional market segment of European consumers from Generation Z who react similarly to green marketing claims and reject the greenwashing actions. They are highly environmentally aware, but the relationships between their eco-attitudes and behaviors, albeit significant, are weak. Practical implications The marketers aiming their activity at the young customer segment should not expect an immediate influence of ecological attitudes on behaviors. This market segment can instead become a powerful influencing group among their societies.

Retraction Note: The relationship between organizational improvisation and economic performance by moderating effects of regional economic level, market environment and cultural background: a meta-analysis

Retraction Note: The relationship between organizational improvisation and economic performance by moderating effects of regional economic level, market environment and cultural background: a meta-analysis

Efforts To Available Clean Water And Eradication Of Dengue Fever Mosquito Larvae As Well As Growing The Creative Economy Of Housewives Groups In Water Crisis Areas Through Digital Marketing Of Moringa-Based Larvasicide Products In Langir Village, Kangae SubDistrict, Sikka District

The local food potential of the Moringa plant can revive the economy and improve the health status of the community starting from the household. The focus of this service activity is to empower groups of housewives in the fields of health, economics and agriculture by utilizing Moringa plants. The aim of this service is to increase the availability of clean water and eradicate mosquito larvae as well as opening up digital marketing-based business opportunities for housewives by making moringa business products, improving skills in cultivating moringa plants including making bokasi fertilizer on moringa plants as an effort to get good raw materials for business products. The location of the activity is in Langir Village, Kangae District, Sikka Regency, which is famous for its Moringa plants. Community service is carried out through training and practical assistance, namely making Moringa larvicide, Moringa powder to purify water, creating household business group structures, financial management, making product packaging, digital marketing via online media, cultivating Moringa using stems and seeds, and making fertilizer. bokasi for Moringa plants. The results of the service show an increase in the knowledge and skills of housewives in terms of cleaning water including mosquito larvae, making products and selling businesses from Moringa plants, housewives are skilled in digital marketing, and cultivating Moringa plants in water crisis areas. The development of Moringa plant products as local food has provided many benefits for people's lives. It is hoped that regional marketing can be achieved through effective promotional strategies involving collaboration between universities, local government and the community so that the goal of a healthy and prosperous society can be achieved.

How Indomie Survived and Led in the Middle East

The factors contributing to the thriving market penetration of the Indomie brand in the Middle Eastern instant noodle industry. Through an analysis of the brand's localization, affordability, adaptability to dietary needs, marketing, and distribution strategies, the abstract highlights the critical components of Indomie's triumph. The brand's ability to tailor flavors, packaging, and promotional efforts to align with Middle Eastern preferences has played a significant role in its widespread popularity. Moreover, the affordability and accessibility of Indomie products have positioned them as a favored choice across various consumer segments. The brand's recognition and response to dietary considerations, such as halal certification, further underscore its resonance with the regional market. The abstract underscores the insights that can be gleaned from Indomie's success story, particularly in effectively navigating diverse cultural and economic landscapes through strategic alignment and marketing acumen.

Research on the Path and Countermeasure of Improving the Quality and Efficiency of High Skilled Personnel Training

The high-quality and rapid development of China's urban economy has constantly upgraded the requirements for different talents. However, the current training mode of many higher vocational colleges for corresponding talents gradually lags behind the pace of social and economic development, and cannot meet the needs of enterprises and local governments for talents under the upgrading and transformation of human capital composition. In order to train the team of highly skilled talents for the society better, this paper analyzes the current status of the training of highly skilled talents from the theory of human capital and training mode, uses methods such as comparison, analogy and empirical analysis to compare and analyze different influencing factors of regional economic development, and puts forward targeted paths and countermeasures to improve the quality and efficiency of talent training from multiple perspectives. Finally, we integrate the teaching resources of higher vocational colleges and scientific research institutions, take the market demand as the goal, improve the talent assessment standards, according to the regional market development and the guidance of the government, targeted training of the current regional economic environment urgently needed high-skill talents.

Strategic aspects of OTSW analysis of the residential real estate market in Moscow during the contingency period

Subject. The article addresses the OTSW analysis of the residential real estate market of Moscow during the contingency period caused by cyclical growth of housing prices, speculative expectations, and an increase in the debt burden of the population. Objectives. The aim is to identify strategic opportunities that form the potential development of all regional economic actors in the housing market. For each strategic opportunity of the actors, the paper aims to identify threats formed by the contingency period, reveal strengths and weaknesses that would help realize opportunities and minimize the effect of existing and potential threats to the development of the housing market. Methods. The analysis rests on the methodology of strategizing by academician V.L. Kvint. Results. Based on the strategic analysis of the residential real estate market that confirms the presence of characteristics of the contingency period in the Moscow housing market, I formulated strategic opportunities of involved actors that reduce the negative impact of emerging threats of the phenomenon under consideration. The findings can be used by government agencies to identify and implement strategic opportunities of actors of the regional real estate market, should the contingency period occur. Conclusions. The study demonstrated that despite the potentially significant impact of emergence of characteristics of the contingency period in the Moscow housing market on strategic stability of the considered element of the regional socio-economic system, the phenomenon’s negative impact can be minimized by increasing the efficiency of the strategic management system and optimizing the use of limited resources.

Green tax system and corporate carbon emissions – a quasi-natural experiment based on the environmental protection tax law

The green tax system is an important tool for the government to coordinate the contradiction between economic development and environmental governance using fiscal instruments, and green tax reform can play a regulatory role in carbon emissions. This study analyzes the impact of the green tax system on carbon emissions of industrial enterprises by using the difference-in-differences model based on panel data for A-share listed industrial enterprises from 2014-2021 in China. The results show that: (1) Environmental Protection Tax Law significantly reduces corporate carbon emissions; (2) Among state-owned and heavy polluting industrial enterprises, enterprises with low financing constraints and a high degree of regional marketization, this negative effect is more pronounced; (3) Environmental Protection Tax Law motivates enterprises to implement carbon emission reduction activities through two paths: increased environmental protection investment and improved green innovation, thus promoting the transition to low-carbon development.

Simulation of flow based optimal activation of reserves in regional balancing markets

The objective of this paper is to introduce an approach for enabling optimal activation of balancing energy resources within a regional balancing market. In order to take into account the constraints from the transmission network, the paper proposes a modified technique for optimal power flow calculation. This novel approach results in a more effective usage of transmission network capacities during reserve activation on a regional level compared to the conventional Common Merit Order List (CMOL) approach, which only considers the available cross-zonal transmission capacity (CZC) and disregards the physical power flows. The paper provides details on a procedure that includes simulation of electricity markets, as well as simulation on imbalances in the system. The methodology is used for evaluating the proposed approach on an IEEE test system comprising of three zones. The paper shows a significant reduction of balancing costs by implementation of regional balancing market it also investigates and shows the impact of the increased RES penetration to the amount of needed balancing energy in the system.

Prediction of the Spatial and Temporal Adoption of an Energy Management System in Automated Dairy Cattle Barns in Bavaria—“CowEnergySystem”

In view of rising global demand, energy is becoming a significant cost factor in industry and society. In addition to the global players China, India, and the USA, Africa will also become a driver of the world’s primary energy demand in the future due to the rapidly growing developing countries. In addition to the armed conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, global energy markets are tense and volatile due to inflation and higher borrowing costs. Because of society’s desire to phase out the use of fossil fuels, the use of renewable energies is increasingly taking center stage worldwide and especially in Germany. Rural areas and agriculture, especially energy-intensive livestock farms, are particularly affected by this development and are therefore faced with additional economic challenges. Additional energy can be generated by using photovoltaic systems on the roofs of farm buildings or by utilizing the liquid manure from livestock farming in biogas plants. For these farms, such alternative sources of energy could open previously untapped potential and additional synergies for using their own inexpensive energy on the farm or supplying surplus electricity directly to the public grid as a market participant. Agriculture could thus serve as an actor in a decentralized energy supply and thus build up regional energy networks. However, intelligent electricity storage concepts and a corresponding energy management system (EMS) are essential to be able to utilize the potential for renewable energy generation at all, to coordinate both internal production processes and the varying energy demand and supply on the electricity grid. As agricultural production processes differ greatly from farm to farm and region to region, the introduction of an energy management system is strongly dependent on user acceptance. The purpose of this study is to use the web-based software tool ADOPT (CSIRO 2018) to predict the level of acceptance and the duration of the market launch of an EMS based on the region of Bavaria. Individual important influencing factors for the subsequent regional marketing concept are also identified.

Renewable Energy Development and Employment in Ecuador’s Rural Sector: An Economic Impact Analysis

The article provides an empirical analysis on the impact of renewable energy development on the unemployment rate, agricultural output and relative rural population in Ecuador. Using an empirical approach, the study examined how the production and consumption of this energy affects the labor market in rural regions. To this end, relevant data on the development of renewable energies in the context of Ecuador were collected, and statistical analyses were carried out to evaluate the relationships between these and the variables of interest. The results obtained indicate that the development of renewable energies has can reduce the unemployment rate and has a positive effect on the relative population of rural regions, however, it does not seem to significantly affect agricultural production. These findings support the idea that the production and consumption of renewable energies can generate jobs directly, due to the need for workers for the construction and maintenance of these technologies, and indirectly, through cheaper energy, increased productive efficiency and better conditions for the expansion of companies. The study offers a significant contribution to the field of energy economics in developing countries and highlights the importance of the adoption of renewable energy sources for rural regions.

MIGRATION POLICY DIRECTIONS OF THE EUROPEAN UNION FOR FOREIGN SKILLED WORKERS: SUPRANATIONAL LEVEL

The innovative development of the economies of the European Union continuously increases the demand for skilled professionals, which cannot be met solely through internal labor resources (intra-European mobility). In this regard, labor migration, particularly the stimulation of the influx of foreign skilled workers, plays a vital role in addressing the imbalance of supply and demand in the European labor market. This article examines the migration policy instruments of the European Union, applied at the supranational level and aimed at mitigating the imbalance between the growing demand for skilled professionals and the limited supply in the regional labor market. It argues that the overall vector of the EU's migration policy, as an integration union, is oriented towards attracting and accumulating potential (foreign students, interns, doctoral candidates) and actual skilled professionals within its territory, in line with the current and future needs of the European labor market, thereby contributing to the achievement of the strategic goals of the social, economic, and innovative development of the EU.

Firm digital investments and capacity utilisation: A perspective of factor inputs

Data resources empower traditional inputs and promote capacity utilisation. Previous research has proven the positive role of digitisation on capacity utilisation from the perspectives of information asymmetry and technological innovation, but there is still a lack of theoretical foundation. This study proposes a model of the impact of information and communications technology capital on capacity utilisation. We empirically test the relationship between firms' digital investments and capacity utilisation using the data of Chinese manufacturing-listed companies from 2007 to 2021. First, an inverted U-shaped feature exists between firm digital investments and capacity utilisation, and the main mechanisms are the ‘cost effect’, ‘capital allocation effect’ and ‘labour input effect’. Second, firms' bargaining power, industrial technology density and regional market development influence capacity utilisation when firms engage in digital investments. Third, narrowing the digital gaps within industries and regions and increasing investments in artificial intelligence, big data and digital technology applications can enhance the non-linear impact of firm digitisation on capacity utilisation. Fourth, digital transformation can resist the negative impact of external shocks on capacity utilisation to some extent. Our research provides theoretical and practical support to facilitate the high-quality development of firms.

Does regional carbon market construction promote urban carbon emission efficiency?—taking Fujian carbon emissions trading system as an example

ABSTRACT Carbon market construction is a crucial tool in meeting sustainable development goals (SDGs). Based on data from prefecture-level cities in Fujian Province, China, between 2011 and 2020, the SBM model is employed to determine the carbon emission efficiency for each city. Additionally, the event analysis method is deployed to evaluate the influence of the carbon market construction on carbon emission efficiency in Fujian Province, and project carbon emission efficiencies for different scenarios. The findings reveal that: (1) The construction of the carbon market has led to an improvement in carbon emission efficiency in Fujian Province, the duration of this effect needs to be strengthened. (2) No significant difference has been observed in carbon emission efficiency between coastal and inland cities due to the carbon market construction. It is feasible to investigate the formation of a carbon market with distinct local features, ultimately achieving SDGs.

Forming and developing the regional market of cereals under the influence of substitutes

The paper examines the cereal market of the Republic of Crimea, which is characterized by the lack of testing of scientific approaches to assessing the regional market in terms of influence on substitutes’ demand and by pronounced seasonality of sales. The methodology is based on economic and statistical methods using correlation and regression analysis tools. The article determines the state of the Crimean market for goods based on official statistics, explores the dynamics of changes in production volumes of grain crops and their processing into cereals, and assesses the prices for goods of the group under study, presented in the retail trade network as well as the indicators characterizing the regional market of cereal products. The authors identify major Crimean manufacturers whose products are represented in the distribution network, and consider the factors influencing the development of the cereal regional market. Based on the results of the study, the study identifies the groups of substitutes that form the structure of consumer demand, including pasta and fresh vegetables. Drawing on correlation analysis, the authors establish the dependence of sales volumes of cereals on the prices of substitutes. Using regression analysis, the authors present the forecast for further development of the regional cereals market. The novelty of the study lies in determining the degree of dependence of consumer demand when purchasing cereal products on the prices of seasonal substitute goods. Finally, the study shows a direct effect of the demand for cereals on the prices of fresh vegetables, with a positive sales growth trend in the region, where sustainable economic and political situation will affect the prices for socially important food products.

Мигранты из стран Центральной Азии на рынке труда Свердловской области в зеркале социологического исследования

International migration significantly affects demographic and socio-economic development of regions. The study aims to assess the situation and characteristics of adaptation of Central Asian migrants in the regional labour market and identify general trends. The sociological study was conducted in March–May 2023 in Sverdlovsk oblast using a questionnaire survey and intelligence interviews. Selected questionnaires of migrants from countries seen as the main suppliers of labour power to the regional labour market — Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan — were analysed. The obtained results confirmed some conclusions of previous relevant studies and revealed new trends. The labour market of Sverdlovsk oblast is characterised by a high proportion of immigrants from Tajikistan, a growing share of people employed in the industrial sector and the tendency of immigrants from Kyrgyzstan to organise their own business. The research described the factors that help migrants adapt to the regional labour market: specific legal regulation (in Kyrgyzstan), knowledge of the Russian language, family ties, education, formal employment, length of stay in Russia, naturalisation. To improve the migration policy, it is recommended to control and stimulate formal employment of foreign workers by establishing a unified database and constantly monitoring information about labour migrants and their family members. Results of this study may be useful for specialists in the field of labour migration. Considering the development of new migration policy tools, it is necessary to pay attention to this prospective area of research, particularly, to the issues of labour patents and organised recruitment.