Successful Launch Research Articles

New trends of export of vocational education from China within «One Belt, One Road» initiative

Introduction. Over the past few years, the authorities of the People's Republic of China have begun to pay more and more attention to the development of vocational secondary and higher education. In addition to the growth and development of this area within the country, gradually with the increase in China’s presence on the world stage, the PRC is beginning to export its educational services abroad.Purpose setting. The purpose of the study was to identify the features of China's promotion of its education abroad. The task is to examine the main forms of export of Chinese vocational education to foreign countries.Methodology and methods of the study. Using general methods of scientific knowledge and using a large array of factual data and sources in Chinese, consider the trends in the spread of Chinese vocational education in the world.Results. China has opened a new page in the development of vocational education both within the country and by experimenting with new formats of international cooperation in this segment of education. An example of such projects is the opening of the so-called Lu Ban Workshops, created in honor of the famous Chinese philosopher, engineer and artisan of the 5th century BC, which train modern specialists with technical skills. In total, China has launched over 40 similar workshops abroad with 70 different modern specialties, where more than 11 thousand people have already been trained. After the successful launch of Lu Ban Workshops, various Chinese professional institutions began to open their own specialized workshops, including those for the development of automobile transport, maritime economy, printing, etc.Conclusion. Such projects, which today cover both the SCO countries and the participants of the «One Belt, One Road» initiative, create a new platform for international exchange and cooperation in the field of vocational education and help promote humanitarian exchanges between China and other countries of the world.

Choosing a promotion channel for a startup project in the modern media space

Relevance. The startup market is becoming increasingly saturated. Effective promotion channels allow you to stand out from the competition and attract the attention of the target audience. Startups often work with a limited budget. Optimizing the choice of promotion channels is critical to maximizing the return on investment. Modern media management covers many platforms (social networks, blogs, video hosting, etc.). Choosing the right channel helps to optimally use resources and ensure maximum visibility. Different channels are suitable for different target groups. An effective choice of promotion channel helps to more accurately reach the desired audience, taking into account its preferences and behavior. Consumers are increasingly paying attention to digital communication channels. Taking into account current trends and preferences allows you to improve interaction with the audience. The influence of social networks and bloggers is becoming an important mechanism for creating trust among consumers. This can significantly increase the recognition of a startup. All this emphasizes the importance of a strategic approach to choosing promotion channels for a successful launch and sustainable growth of a startup project in the modern media landscape.The purpose of the study is to choose a promotion channel for a startup project in the modern media space.Objectives: to substantiate the relevance of choosing a promotion channel for a startup in the modern media space; to study the demand and effectiveness of modern promotion channels; to use in practice the method of multicriteria selection of promotion channels for a startup project; to substantiate the results obtained.Methodology. The research methodology is based on the methods of comparison and comparison, deduction and induction, qualitative and quantitative analysis, as well as the Churchman-Ackoff multi-criteria assessment method.Results. The study substantiates the relevance of choosing a promotion channel for a startup in the modern media space; the demand and effectiveness of modern promotion channels are studied; the method of multi-criteria selection of channels for promoting a startup project was used in practice; the obtained results were substantiated.Conclusions. The effectiveness of the selected channels for promoting a startup project in the modern media space was proven as conclusions.

India's digital dividend: A strategic opportunity and challenge

India has been on a digital growth trajectory for a few years, prompted by its goal of becoming a trillion-dollar digital economy by 2025. The Indian digital revolution has resulted in a new wave of digital consumption and dividends. This manuscript examines the transformative journey of India's digital revolution, highlighting the strategic opportunities and challenges it encompasses. The Digital India initiative, a cornerstone government policy, has been instrumental in this transformative process, aiming to digitize various aspects of life and governance. Despite a significant increase in internet users and the successful launch of numerous digital projects, a substantial digital divide remains, characterized by disparities in mobile phone ownership, internet access, and digital literacy across different genders, geographical locations, and income groups. Using a qualitative research methodology, this study investigates the economic impact of digitalization on the Indian economy and identifies factors contributing to the digital divide. An extensive literature review and qualitative content analysis identified five primary themes: the digital profile of India, digitization and economic growth, digitalization and economic variables, digitalization across sectors, and the digital divide. These themes elucidate India's progress in digital literacy and financial inclusion, the economic advantages of digitalization, and the obstacles to achieving digital inclusivity. The manuscript proposes a developmental framework with recommendations for policymakers, business leaders, and other stakeholders to mitigate the digital divide and maximize the benefits of digital dividends. It underscores the necessity of a comprehensive digital strategy, the enhancement of digital infrastructure, the development of digital human resources, the promotion of digital literacy, and the fostering of digital entrepreneurial capacity.

Worldwide Rocket Launch Emissions 2019: An Inventory for Use in Global Models

AbstractThe rate of rocket launches is accelerating, driven by the rapid global development of the space industry. Rocket launches emit gases and particulates into the stratosphere, where they impact the ozone layer via radiative and chemical processes. We create a three‐dimensional per‐vehicle inventory of stratospheric emissions, accounting for flight profiles and all major fuel types in active use (solid, kerosene, cryogenic and hypergolic). In 2019, stratospheric (15–50 km) rocket launch emissions were 5.82 Gg , 6.38 Gg O, 0.28 Gg black carbon, 0.22 Gg nitrogen oxides, 0.50 Gg reactive chlorine and 0.91 Gg particulate alumina. The geographic locations of launch sites are preserved in the inventory, which covers all active launch sites in 2019. We also report the emissions data from contemporary vehicles that were not launched in 2019, so that users have freedom to construct their own launch activity scenarios. A subset of the inventory—stratospheric emissions for successful launches in 2019—is freely available and formatted for direct use in global chemistry‐climate or Earth system models.

Essential Steps and Strategic Considerations for Successfully Launching a Small-Scale Business

To achieve a successful launch of a small-scale firm, one must carefully navigate through many crucial procedures and strategic considerations. This review essay thoroughly analysed the fundamental activities and techniques required for a successful company’s commencement. Essential elements include completing comprehensive market research to find possibilities and comprehend competition, formulating a comprehensive business plan that delineates objectives, strategies, financial forecasts, and operational plans, and obtaining sufficient finance. The research highlighted the significance of robust financial management methods, including budgeting, cash flow management, and financial forecasting, to guarantee stability and facilitate development. Efficient allocation of resources, adaptation to market changes, and harnessing technology were important strategic considerations for overcoming common difficulties and attaining lasting success. The essay consolidated the latest research and optimal methodologies, offering practical insights for entrepreneurs to improve their company performance and overcome frequent challenges. Suggestions included consulting with specialists, being attentive to market fluctuations, and enhancing the availability of financial resources and support networks. This exhaustive analysis provided a beneficial structure for small-scale enterprises seeking to develop a robust basis for expansion and long-term sustainability. Keywords: Small-scale business, Business launch, Market research, Business plan, Financial management.

Seafloor Topography Recovery Using the Observation Data of Tiangong-2 Interferometric Imaging Radar Altimeter

Tens of years of altimetry sea surface height (SSH) data has continuously contributed to the development of global seafloor topography models because it can be used to precisely retrieve the gravity variation caused by seafloor topography. The development and application of altimeter has come to a new era from conventional nadir-looking altimeters to interferometric wide-swath altimeters as the successful launch of the Interferometric Imaging Radar Altimeter on board Chinese Tiangong 2 space laboratory (TG2 InIRA). Compared with conventional altimeters, the observation efficiency of TG2 InIRA has been greatly improved. This paper presents for the first time the results of seafloor topography derived from TG2 InIRA data in west Pacific Ocean and South China Sea regions. The root mean squared errors (RMSE) of the recovered topographies by gravity-geologic method (GGM) referring to the shipborne measurements in these two regions are 69.882 and 50.110 m, respectively. The recovered topographies are also evaluated by comparing with five well-known topography models. Furthermore, two subareas in west Pacific Ocean region are selected to conduct a supplemental experiment showing that more revisits can help achieve better recovery. The RMSE of the more revisited subarea is 66.808 m, while the RMSE of the less revisited subarea is 79.273 m.

Proper onboarding sets up new board recruits for successful launch

Recruiting truly quality individuals to join your board— people who will have a positive impact on your organization and help further its progress towards its mission—is challenging enough. But that's just the start of it, according to experts in the field.

Verification of the accuracy of Sentinel-1 for DEM extraction error analysis under complex terrain conditions

The successful launch of the Sentinel-1 satellite in 2014 brought a large amount of free SAR images to researchers and scholars, and its application in the fields of ocean monitoring, land use change, natural disaster monitoring and emergency response is becoming increasingly mature and precise. The main applications of InSAR can be categorized into surface deformation monitoring and DEM generation. Sentinel-1 was initially designed for surface deformation monitoring; thus, there are fewer relevant studies on the use of Sentinel-1 data for DEM extraction. However, as the only SAR satellite whose data are currently free and openly available and whose data are constantly updated, it is highly important to study its sources of error in the DEM generation process and the accuracy of its products. In addition, the SAR data provided by the Sentinel-1 satellite has the advantages of high resolution, all-day, all-weather, providing a large data source for DEM production. Taking the Ankang area as an example, this paper analyzes the influence of the InSAR spatiotemporal baseline, ground cover, terrain factors, SAR imaging and other factors on the accuracy of the Sentinel-1-extracted DEM using multisource ground observation data to validate its feasibility for terrain mapping in complex terrain. Finally, we look forward to how to effectively improve the quality of Sentinel-1 DEM products to provide guidance and a reference for subsequent research on DEM extraction using Sentinel-1 SAR images and designation of Sentinel-1 C satellite’s parameters.

Perceived Impacts of Tourism on Community Identity: Perspectives of Two Scottish Highland Communities

ABSTRACT The Scottish Highlands tourism industry has grown significantly due to the successful launch of the North Coast 500 route. This study investigates the perceived tourism impact on rural communities based on a survey and semi-structured interviews conducted in Elphin and Ullapool in 2021. By approaching community identity as a combination of emotional identity, functional identity, and community participation, the paper identifies key differences in the identities of two communities usually framed as belonging to one homogenous region. This provides host community perspectives on which aspects of their identities may be targeted to support effective tourism developments. We conclude that although the overall strength of both communities identities seem unaffected by growing tourism levels, they do shape their nature, particularly when different concerns intersect such as environmental degradation and limited affordable housing. Addressing resident concerns through meaningful contributions to decision-making processes is key to the success of regional tourism policies.

Enabling Creative Destruction: A View from the Perspective of Managerial Control

Creative destruction originates in successful development and launch of a radically different product/process/market configuration, or radical innovation, by a company. A radical innovation can materialize in a business firm only if autonomy is extended to organizational personnel, towards experimentation with heterogeneous knowledge from outside the organization. In this article, I inquire into conditions that enable the materialization of radical innovation—an important precursor to creative destruction—while affording top management the wherewithal to stay in control. An extended version of March’s computational model suggests that when a radical innovation project initiates with a low level of collective human capital with respect to the new process–product–market domain being considered and the project personnel are provided a certain extent of autonomy to experiment in the new domain, top management can detect a change to organizational outcomes by changing the rate of exploitation. Thereby top management obtains a feeling of being in control of proceedings. This situation is, therefore, conducive to the materialization of creative destruction. The indirect method of control to nurture radical innovation—demonstrated in this research—constitutes an improvement over the autonomy-averse ‘agency’ and ‘transaction cost economics’ approaches that are sub-optimal in open systems characterizing radical innovation efforts in corporate venturing.

Recipes for pellet generation and launching in the ASDEX Upgrade SPI

In support of the ITER disruption mitigation system (DMS), a highly flexible, triple-barrel shattered pellet injection (SPI) system was installed at ASDEX Upgrade and tested in 240 dedicated discharges in the 2022 experimental campaign. Prior to the tokamak experiments, the system was commissioned and characterised in a laboratory environment. In this paper we discuss the experience gained from 2000 pellet launches on the freezing and launching process for 4 mm and 8 mm diameter pellets made from deuterium, neon and their mixtures. Different amounts of neon inside the pellet as well as the pellet heating recipes show a significant impact on pellet quality and successful launching. Pellet recipes were developed pushing the lower boundary of successful pellet launches. Depending on pellet size and composition, velocities between 60 m/s and 750 m/s were achieved.

Why Institutions Matter for Eco Currency

Abstract This paper analyses the feasibility of Eco currency to be introduced in fifteen West African states based on political, legal, social, and cultural factors. It aims to examine the core institutions underpinning the creation of the Eco currency and how they can best be designed to achieve the objectives of the single currency. The paper utilises a normative approach to analyse the institutions of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to decipher the strengths of these institutions in creating and sustaining the single currency. Most studies on Eco currency have analysed the feasibility of Eco based on economic considerations. While economic factors are pertinent to creating a single currency, this paper highlights the importance of effective political, legal, and socio-cultural institutions to harness economic considerations for the common currency to be successful launched. This paper postulates that only effective and well-designed institutions can lead to a successful launch of the Eco currency.

Distributed polymer optical fiber sensors using digital I-OFDR for geotechnical infrastructure health monitoring

We present a distributed polymer optical fiber sensor system for deformation monitoring of geotechnical infrastructure. The sensor system is based on the digital incoherent optical frequency domain reflectometry (I-OFDR) for the detection of local strain events along a perfluorinated polymer optical fiber (PF-POF) used as a sensing fiber. For the best possible load transfer, the PF-POFs were integrated onto geotextiles which pose a sensor carrier for the sensing fiber. By using elastic PF-POF instead of a standard glass fiber as a sensing fiber the strain range of geotextile-integrated fiber optic sensors could be extended up to 10 % in accordance with the end-user requirements. In order to reduce overall costs of the sensor system and achieve its robustness required for use on site, the standard vector network analyzer used by default was replaced by an integrated digital board for optical frequency domain analysis. This implementation showed a significant improvement in the dynamic range and sensitivity compared to the previous measurement system based on the conventional network analyzer. The functionality of the entire sensor system was proven in the field test during the installation of two geomats with integrated PF-POFs embedded into a road embankment in a section of the B 91 federal road near Werschen in the greater Leipzig area. To monitor the installation-related changes in the condition of both sensor-based geomats several control measurements on the embedded PF-POFs and co-integrated reference glass fibers were carried as the construction works progressed. The measurements recorded in the field confirm the great potential of the selected PF-POF used as the distributed fiber optic strain sensor. The future management of the remaining challenges of industrial strain-coupled sensor integration can result in a successful market launch of the PF-POF-sensor integrated into geosynthetics. The sensor system is ready to be used for practical application.

GEOPOLITICS OF ENERGY RESOURCES: RECONSIDERING SECURITY AT THE GLOBAL LEVEL

The article analyses the impact of the russian-Ukrainian war on global energy markets as a trigger for rethinking the general context of energy security. Based on the latest scientific research, the author considers energy security issues' shifting from isolated aspects such as supply chain stability to an integrated geoeconomic approach. The article presents the factors that caused the national subjects' volatility regarding energy security depending on the energy market structure, relations between consumers and producers, supply and demand trends, technological changes, and readiness for potential energy supply crises or price shocks. The author's special attention is focused on the ties between energy resources and the military dimension, namely: 1) energy militarization as a cause of military actions; 2) energy resources as a secondary element of war; 3) energy profits as a source of financing armed conflicts. Against the background of increased strategic competition, most countries are leaning towards alternative spaces for developing joint political decisions, such as the friend-shoring concept, which signals a new form of protectionism for geopolitical reasons and the formation of potential chokepoints in supply chains. However, a transnational energy platform can catalyse the synergistic potential of allies, reduce security risks, and minimize supply disruptions due to political and economic influences. The success of a full-fledged launch of a transnational platform on energy security will depend on attractiveness strategies for "resourceful" but politically neutral countries; unification of production standards between participants; and the degree of reducing supply chain vulnerability relative to the participation costs.

A holistic approach to introducing a light electric freight vehicle (LEFV) system in a historic urban environment: The case of Quito

In this paper we propose a comprehensive approach for introducing a first/last mile system based on Light Electric Freight Vehicles (LEFVs) in the historical centre of Quito (Ecuador). The approach includes four crucial steps for successful launching and establishment of a LEFVs system. The first step considers organizational aspects by proposing a number of alternative cooperative business models. In the second step, the LEFVs fleet mix problem is defined as a Multicriteria Decision Making Problem (MCDM) and solved by the Analytic Network Process (ANP). The third step includes the problem of optimal micro hub location as well as the problem of optimal routing of LEFVs. The micro hub location problem is modelled as a capacitated p-median problem and solved by an exact solution algorithm. The problem of optimal LEFVs routing is defined as the capacitated pickup and delivery with time windows addressed by a web-based optimization tool. The fourth step includes an assessment of the existing policy framework and proposing a set of additional legal instruments for facilitating the LEFVs market uptake. Based on the proposed four-step approach, the first/last mile system is currently being implemented in the historical centre of Quito. The initial results appear promising regarding the success of the new LEFVs first/last mile system.

Gauging the Technology Acceptance of Manufacturing Employees: A New Measure for Pre-Implementation

Recent technological advances are bringing about the digitalization of manufacturing, enabled by introducing and integrating new and improved technologies into existing processes and activities. Integrating advanced technologies into the workplace can have a positive effect on manufacturing efficiency and competitiveness, as well as sustainability and environmental impact. Employee acceptance of these new technologies is critical for manufacturing organizations to achieve these goals. Unfortunately, a notable deficiency of tools to assess the readiness of an employee work group or organization to accept a new technology exists. The objective of this study was to develop and validate a new tool for gauging employee technology acceptance in a pre-implementation decision context known as the Technology Acceptance in a Manufacturing Environment (TAME). Statistical validation measures were conducted on survey responses from 823 respondents across seven locations of one large organization. The results indicate that TAME is appropriate for assessing readiness for technology acceptance among manufacturing workers with little to no training or knowledge of the technology being considered for implementation (R2 = 86%). TAME can facilitate the organizational assessment of employee perception of new technologies before implementation, increasing the chances of a successful launch. This research results in the first known application of technology acceptance models in a pre-implementation context in a manufacturing environment.

Direct and indirect effects of degree of interdisciplinarity on firms' innovation performance: The moderating role of firms' capabilities

AbstractCombinations of heterogeneous knowledge from different scientific domains may drive highly innovative outcomes. Our study investigates whether firms can benefit from interdisciplinary research and development (R&D) activities by also reflecting on the potential negative consequences of increasing complexity of outcome validation activities at later stages of innovation processes. We explore which resources and organizational capabilities may influence the efficacy of interdisciplinary R&D activities. We examine whether the available financial slack, collaborations with universities, and a high betweenness centrality in scientific networks may promote the flexibility, scope, and efficiency of knowledge integration, and thus moderate the direct and mediated relationships between the degree of interdisciplinarity (DoI) of a firm's R&D activities and innovation performance. To test our hypotheses, we performed an analysis of medical technology firms that are highly dependent on interdisciplinary R&D. We collected a panel dataset of R&D activities and successful market launches of new products from 79 large medical technology firms between 1997 and 2021. The measurement of a firm's DoI is based on a novel approach involving neural networks in a bibliographic data graph. Our results suggest that firms can improve their innovation performance if they conduct interdisciplinary R&D activities. However, higher levels of DoI also increase the complexity of the required outcome validation, which reduces a firm's innovation performance. We also found that high levels of financial slack help to overcome barriers of implementing interdisciplinary R&D activities. Collaborations with universities, and good access to knowledge in scientific networks, further foster interdisciplinary knowledge application in new product development.

Branding a new university: The development of Atlantic Technological University's brand identity

This paper analyses how Atlantic Technological University (ATU) successfully created a unique brand identity for this newly established university located in the west and north-west of Ireland. The opportunities and challenges presented by such a large task are reviewed. Developing a new higher education brand uniting three education institutes, each with over 50 years of history, required a team effort and considerable communication and engagement skills to ensure that all stakeholders supported the project. A strategic partnership between three Institutes of Technology, the Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, Institute of Technology Sligo and Letterkenny Institute of Technology, was formed in 2012 and was known as the Connacht-Ulster Alliance (CUA). The goal of the CUA was to establish a university of size, scale and impact for its region, which would make a substantial contribution to higher education nationally and internationally. Developing a brand for the new university involved dedicated and motivated internal teams supported by an external branding consultancy company. This case study outlines the work of the team responsible for developing the brand identity, along with the lessons learned which ultimately resulted in a successful launch of a brand for a new university — ATU. The approaches and considerations for branding a new institution may also apply to rebranding an existing entity.

A Study on the Marketing Strategy for a New Product Development and Launch in the Market

In today’s market careful planning and a good product strategy are essential to help you succeeding in the market. Companies everywhere are competing more than ever to develop new and unique products or services and gain a higher position in the market. Companies develop a high number of new products every year. Most of these products fail to secure competitive advantages and end up being just another high cost for the company. The aim of this thesis is to develop a product development and launch process for Company X, Finnish supplier of roll handling equipment for the paper industry. The need for this thesis came during the author´s working experience with the company. Company X is a young company that creates innovative products for the industry. Developing new unique products that offer several benefits to the customers is the company mission and at the same time one of the main strengths. As the new product development is a continuous process and Company X is growing its product portfolio continuously, the commissioner felt the need instructuring the product development and launch process in a well-defined step-by-step process that is easy to follow and communicate internally. The author’s knowledge and experience gained during the studies in international business and working with in the paper industry can be utilized to help Company X in building this process. New products are very essential for the corporate success. Innovation is a must if you want to continue competing in the market. However the new product development is one of the riskiest processes that require focus and high investments. Several studies have been done in the successful product launch cases, and success drivers have been discovered. Corporations are using a structured idea-to- launch processes which help them manage implementing these success drivers and reduce the risk of product launch fail.

Comparison between DInSAR and Stacking in Deformation Monitoring Using LuTan-1

Abstract. LuTan-1 (LT-1) satellite constellation is used to conduct surface deformation monitoring. Following the successful launch of two satellites, we began to use the independently developed LandSAR software for differential interferometric data processing and application at the beginning of 2022. In this paper, we tested the LandSAR software by assessing the DInSAR and stacking modules. We used 21 LT-1 single look complex (SLC) images from December 2022 to May 2023 to conduct DInSAR and stacking processing of Datong City, Shanxi Province. DInSAR revealed more subsidence funnels and larger relative deformation values compared to stacking. We tested the DInSAR technology with different parameter combination. Results show that multi-looking factor is the most important to detect the deformation details because of the phase gradient limitation of DInSAR. Compared multi-looking ratios of 2×2 and 4×4, the subsiding funnels that were detected decreased from 60 to 47. After deep testing and assessment, we found that the linear model used by stacking affects the result severely, meaning that most of the subsidence of coal mines were not linear. Stacking only found 32 subsidence funnels which were active coal mines during our observation time. The test result show that LandSAR was compatible for DInSAR and stacking. And it is useful to observe linear and nonlinear deformation in the coal mine regions.