Tangible Products Research Articles

The Impact of Information Presentation on Consumer Perceptions of Cricket-Containing Chocolate Chip Cookies

As a source of protein and other nutrients for a growing population, edible insect production offers environmental and sustainability advantages over traditional meat production. Although around 2 billion people consume insects worldwide, Western consumers are still reluctant to practice entomophagy, hindered largely by neophobia and negative emotions. In addition to sensory quality and safety, an informational component may be crucial to consumers’ decision making involving insect consumption. In this study, three different information types, namely text, image, and a tangible product, were used to convey information about chocolate chip cookies (CCCs) containing cricket flour. The nature of the information was related to the ingredient usage level (5%), the type of insect (cricket), nutritional values, sustainability benefits, packaging, celebrity endorsement, and/or visual appearance of an actual product. Consumers’ willingness to consume (WTC), acceptance, and purchase intent (PI) were measured in response to each informed condition. Once informed of the insect ingredient, all scores significantly (α = 0.05) dropped. The lowest WTC (1.97 ± 1.06, Text), acceptance (3.55 ± 2.23, Image), and PI (1.85 ± 1.05, Text) scores were found after identifying cricket as the insect ingredient. Compared to other informed conditions, the presentation of a real chocolate chip cookie containing insects achieved the highest scores on all affective scores (WTC: 3.4 ± 1.04, acceptance: 6.17 ± 1.89, PI: 3.07 ± 1.09). The greatest improvement in scores was observed after information about nutrition and sustainability benefits (based on ANOVA), which was more impactful for males than females (based on a t-test). Celebrity endorsement did not have a significant effect. The presentation of the actual CCC containing cricket flour (for visual observation only) significantly increased WTC, acceptance, and PI compared to presenting text and images alone. Acceptance, WTC, and certain information cues were significant predictors of PI for CCCs containing cricket flour.

The Impact of Service Quality on Customer Satisfaction at 5-Star Hotels in Central Jakarta

The challenges faced by the hospitality industry differ from those encountered by organizations producing tangible products, primarily due to the distinct nature of services compared to products. In the service industry, the risk of failure is higher than in product sales, and service quality has emerged as a critical factor in the pursuit of sustainable competitive advantage. Ensuring customer satisfaction and retention is recognized as pivotal within the hospitality sector, where meeting evolving consumer demands is an ongoing challenge. In the hospitality industry, consumers not only participate in the consumption process but often come with predetermined service and quality expectations. Today's hospitality industry customers are more discerning, and exhibit higher expectations. The primary objective of this study is to elucidate the impact of service quality on customer satisfaction, specifically within the context of hotels, we conduct a comprehensive analysis of the data to identify which service quality dimensions have the greatest and least impact, as well as to understand the nature of their influence. This research uses a quantitative method for analysis, with a non-probability sampling approach to collect and gather data from 190 participants. This research findings reveal a positive correlation between five service quality dimensions (empathy, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and tangibility) and customer satisfaction. The analysis of respondent feedback reveals that the service quality dimension in 5-Star Hotels in Central Jakarta exerting the most significant impact on customer satisfaction is empathy. Data collection in this research utilized a Likert scale questionnaire, and analysis was conducted using SmartPLS 4.0.

DISCOURSED THE BASIC CONCEPT OF ENGAGEMENT AND ITS IMPACT ON STIMULATING INNOVATION AMONG CUSTOMERS IN THE ORGANIZATION

Customer engagement has been a hot issue for executives and consultants in several firms working in the field of marketing during the last few years. The current study examined the organizational capability of the company's stakeholders' participation, making that organizational capability the independent variable in the study. The value of services is not just applicable to the tertiary market but also to other industries, including manufacturing, where companies offer a variety of services in addition to their tangible products. For the majority of emerging economies, services are essential. Thus, improving services creates a demand and makes it possible to create a new and/or better offer, both of which will help the company rise to the top of its sector. Considering these This investigation would look at how customer interaction affects the inventiveness of the service. In order to achieve this, we investigate how the knowledge source (CPI) and co-developer (CCP) roles of the client might separately impact the creative service agility. We also look at how CPI and CCP affect innovation in services and procedures. Similar research was done on shared confidence as a possible example of consumer involvement. In this way, it offered a theoretical framework for understanding the findings and historical influences on innovation in the CPI and CCP. A sample of 25 service-oriented Iraqi businesses was used in the structural equation model to compare this model to the data. The CPI and CCP stimulate creative resilience, according to the results, and thus Confidence makes it easier to cooperate. Creative processes and services benefit from innovative adaptability as well. This essay makes an effort to fill that gap. Few papers have looked at this subject from a service perspective. It is important to emphasize that product innovation varies fundamentally from service innovation due to the intangible nature of the former, which is why the focus of our investigation was entirely on service organizations.

Design Thinking in Higher Education Case Studies: Disciplinary Contrasts between Cultural Heritage and Language and Technology

Design thinking is a set of cognitive, strategic, and practical procedures used in innovation. This article argues that this approach varies across disciplines. The contexts for this study are two higher educational frameworks where language and technology have different aims and target unique skill sets and where transdisciplinarity is crucial. In our contrastive case study, we use a four-step model to compare two contexts. QUAN(qual) → QUAL mixed methodology is used which includes a quantitative and a qualitative comparative analysis. Context one takes place in an education faculty and focuses on developing cultural heritage. Context two takes place within a research project on linguistics and telecommunications involving linguistic analysis and bioelectrical measurement. Our findings indicate that there are clear and specific differences between the two domains when approaching design thinking. We observe that engineers seem to have a tangible final product in mind at each step of the process, while in the social sciences, the construct is more humanistic in its approach and works towards multiple tangible goals, including an examination of the existing needs in the community. The novelty of the study is the applied approach it takes in treating transdisciplinarity as a skill that is essential both in research as well as in the teaching–learning process.

Fostering Knowledge to Innovation: Enhancing Student Research Experience in Transforming Ideas into Project, Patent and Product

Abstract—This research study focuses on fostering a transformative journey from knowledge to innovation among students by enhancing their research experiences. The process involves converting initial conceptual ideas into tangible projects, which are subsequently developed into design patents, culminating in the creation of market-ready products. The study draws inspiration from the exploration of the critical radius of insulation, undertaken during the sixth semester of a mechanical engineering undergraduate program. This concept was practically applied to mitigate heat losses in household pressure cookers. Notably, a gap in the availability of such products in the Indian market was identified through extensive literature review, leading to the student’s engagement in this project. Encouraged by their mentors, the students presented their innovation to the university innovation, incubation, and research center, successfully obtaining financial backing. This paper comprehensively recounts the entirety of the student’s research journey. It commences with the translation of theoretical curriculum knowledge into actionable research ideas. The subsequent phases encompass various research methodologies, including theoretical analysis and simulation studies. The journey progresses with the execution of experimental approaches, effectively translating findings into design patents and, ultimately, tangible market-ready products. Overall, this research emphasizes the crucial role of research experiences in bridging the gap between theoretical learning and practical application. It underscores the significance of nurturing student’s innovative capabilities within the structured curriculum, contributing to their holistic development as future contributors to academia and industry alike. Keywords—Idea; Energy; Patent; Research; Transformation.

Empowering Dyslexic Learners: A Design Approach to Tangible Educational Products

This study addresses the challenge of developing effective educational tools for dyslexic learners, who often struggle with traditional learning methods due to their unique cognitive processing needs. The aim of the study is to design and evaluate a tangible educational product that integrates multisensory learning, Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, and Cognitive Load Theory to enhance literacy skills in dyslexic children. The methodology involves a mixed-methods approach, including usability testing with at-risk children, followed by a structured intervention study with 20-30 children from an elementary school and the Dyslexia Association of Malaysia. The findings indicate that the designed product significantly improves literacy outcomes by providing a multisensory and accessible learning experience that reduces cognitive load. The study’s implications suggest that such products, when designed with these principles, can be powerful tools in supporting the education of dyslexic learners, offering a model that could be adapted for broader educational contexts.

An exploratory study for product-as-a-service (PaaS) offers development for electrical and electronic equipment

Manufacturing enterprises continue to grapple with transforming from their existing business model, which revolves around designing and selling tangible products, to business models centered on providing a blend of products and services. Product-as-a-Service (PaaS) emerges as a business strategy capable of catalyzing the shift toward higher levels of circularity. However, effecting changes in operational methodologies and value delivery mechanisms is imperative, consequently prompting modifications in the core business strategies of these companies. The objective of this study is to discern and categorize prevailing PaaS business models for electrical and electronic equipment (EEE). The Business Model Canvas (BMC) is introduced as a foundational tool to facilitate this transition, emphasizing the central role of the value proposition within the business model. Additionally, the study underscores the importance of robust take-back systems and repairability in PaaS implementation, particularly within the EEE sector. It highlights the need for novel partnerships, redesigned reverse logistics networks, and efficient product assessment methods to facilitate environmentally responsible decisions. Furthermore, the research evaluates the financial implications of PaaS adoption through Life Cycle Costing (LCC), emphasizing its value in predicting and addressing temporary financial complications, thereby ensuring a smoother transition to service-oriented business models.

Map your Burden of Treatment (MyBoT): an arts-based digital communication aid for young people with a chronic condition and their care providers

Background: Young people with a chronic somatic condition receive treatment to reduce symptoms, but treatment can pose a heavy burden and affect their quality of life. Despite this, they rarely discuss this so-called treatment burden with care providers. Discussing treatment burden can help to identify treatment barriers and personalize care. We developed the digital tool MyBoT to improve communication about treatment burden.
 Methods: MyBoT was developed for young people (aged 16-25) who undergo treatment for a chronic condition and their care providers. It was designed and developed by a team of academic researchers, care providers, young people with a chronic condition and a design studio. Additionally, other young people and care providers were invited to advise during the project. The development took place in four stages. The first consisted of a literature study, a design session with young people with a chronic condition and an interview with a care provider. Based on this, the team designed a paper prototype – an initial design of the tool on paper. In the second stage, this prototype was digitalized. This was an iterative process in which team members provided feedback on several versions. During the third stage, a demo version of the tool was applied in six workshops with young people with a chronic condition. Based on their experiences the tool was finalized. In the fourth stage, a dialogue session with young people with a chronic condition and care providers was organized to discuss implementation.
 Results: In MyBoT, young people portray their treatment burden by making a 'body map'. This is an image of a body, in which users indicate the impact of treatment on their lives and wellbeing with photos, icons and text. A chatbot asks questions about how they are doing, what they like to do and the impact of treatment on this. Users can print their body map and discuss it with their care provider. Users reported positive experiences with MyBoT. They considered it a useful visual aid to discuss treatment-related topics that are difficult to express in words, such as future planning and non-adherence. Users noted that the tool helps to take control and introduce topics that matter to them during consultations with care providers, because it results in a tangible product (a body map) they can show. They appreciated that the chatbot in the tool treated them as a person rather than a patient, because it covered topics like hobbies, friends and dreams.
 Conclusion: Digital body mapping exercises can be a valuable aid in discussing treatment burden. It helps young people with a chronic condition to tell their stories, as they can visualize and show their experiences before they discuss them. This is especially helpful in discussing sensitive topics.
 Next steps: MyBoT is being used in a rehabilitation center and other options for implementation are currently explored. Because of the positive experiences, we are now also developing an arts-based digital communication aid for young people with a mental chronic condition.

Strategic Preferential Procurement Policy for Localisation and Inclusive Growth for Micro Small Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Gauteng Province

The study aims to develop interventions to address the low productive capacity and competitiveness levels of township Micro Small Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to enable meaningful participation in the mainstream economy. Most township firms continue to be informal and underdeveloped. Despite countless interventions by the development finance institutions, most township enterprises remain perpetual survivalists. The study is anchored upon the neoliberal theory, which emphasizes value for money and market efficiencies in procurement, as well as interventionist theories promoting the inclusion and participation of MSMEs in business, and advocating for the localization of products through various policy interventions. The researcher adopted a mixed-method approach to gather primary and secondary data. Secondary data was used for analysis and supported by the primary information or empirical evidence. The secondary data enriched the research content and complemented the primary data. Databases and reports on township suppliers from the Gauteng Provincial Treasury (Procurement Division) and Gauteng Department of Economic Development helped determine the extent of MSMEs' access to development and financial support opportunities. The study found that the high informality level of township businesses, low level of development, poor economic infrastructure, and lack of access to finance hinder MSMEs' participation in public procurement. Programs and products offered by government agencies do not adequately respond to public procurement challenges facing MSMEs, e.g. product testing and accreditation. The high barriers to entry due to complicated administrative processes and procedures continue to deter MSMEs from participating in the mainstream economy. The Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) were found to be a challenge due to a mismatch between the resource structure to drive economic development and the products offered. The study recommends that to increase the participation of MSMEs in public procurement, there needs to be a targeted growth continuum strategy that tracks interventions from the beginning to the end. Additionally, there needs to be a shift from a quantitative approach with minimal impact to a customised one with qualitative, tangible and tradable products and skills aimed at increasing participation of MSMEs. Furthermore, the political will is required to address the resource mismatch, repurpose resources, or develop specific products by the well-resourced Development Finance Institutions to suit the material conditions of township MSMEs with lesser stringent measures.

Effects of Sports Event Tourism Service on Social Imagery and Socioeconomic Benefit

Current sports tourism market focuses on sports events. In terms of economic benefits, it does not simply create tourism output, but also increases consumption to further boost the economy and increase employment opportunities. Sports tourism present great influence on modern life, and hosting sports events allows the organizers enhancing exposure and visibility as well as resulting in considerable tourism receipts for the place. Sports events would increase tourists’ consumption in host places and create new job opportunities and considerable income. Selecting people in Fujian Province, with experience in sports event tourism, as the research samples, total 800 copies of questionnaire are distributed. After removing ones without participating in sports event tourism and invalid/incomplete copies, 423 copies are valid, with the retrieval rate 53%. The research results show that sports tourists could feel the service provided by sports event organizers through actual participation and perceive certain value to achieve satisfaction and further promote social imagery and socioeconomic benefit and sports tourists perceiving quality and complete tangible products or intangible services in the activity and consistent sports tourism activity to the expectation before participation would present the worthy feeling and value and further positively affect the social imagery. According to the results to propose discussions and suggestions, it is expected to affect the social imagery and social benefit of host places in the future events to present good service quality and benefit domestic relevant events in the future.

A Study on the Inheritance and Protection Mechanism of Chinese Handicraft Intangible Cultural Heritage

This paper takes the intangible cultural heritage of Chinese handicrafts as the object of study, aiming to deeply explore the mechanism of its inheritance and protection. The intangible cultural heritage of handicrafts refers to traditional artefacts and handicraft products created through craftsmanship, as well as the knowledge, skills and cultural expressions associated with them. Such heritage is not only a collection of tangible products, but also intangible cultural expressions rich in history, culture, skills and philosophy. They often represent the history, tradition and identity of a culture. Chinese handicrafts have a rich history and contain many cultural connotations and historical values. Each craft holds deep cultural traditions and unique regional characteristics. The innovation of the article is that it proposes a diversified protection framework, stresses the synergy of government, market and society, and analyses the lessons learned in combination with specific cases. It is found that although China's intangible cultural heritage of handicrafts faces many challenges, such as the impact of industrialization, the transformation of the market economy, and the loss of talents in traditional skills, its inheritance and preservation can be effectively promoted through measures such as improving laws and regulations, strengthening public education, and promoting social participation. The article ultimately calls for the construction of an inclusive protection mechanism to achieve the sustainable development of China's handicraft-based intangible cultural heritage. (This article is the result of the project "Mutual learning of strategies for preservation and transmission of intangible cultural heritage of Russia and China in the field of handicrafts".)

Stitchers of Instagram

Stitchers of Instagram

Household Food Security through Wetland Resources with Adaptation to Climate Change: An Empirical Analysis of Ranikor, Meghalaya, India

Wetland ecosystems are the most diverse and productive ecosystems on Earth and include marshes, lakes, rivers, flood basins, estuarine deltas, ponds, rice fields, and marine water areas where the depth at low tide does not exceed 6 m. Tangible and intangible diverse resources and products of wetland functions have historically provided a source of income and livelihood for human beings. The present study investigated the different causes and the perceived indicators of food insecurity among the wetland dwellers, determined the wetland contribution to household food security and assessed the determinants of wetland based income with a view on the adaptive strategies adopted by the households residing around Ranikor, Meghalaya. Data was collected from 70 wetland resource-user households which was analyzed using simple percentage, t-test, regression analysis and Garrett ranking technique. The wetland resources contributed significantly to the household food security in the study area. It was found that climate change and limited labour were the major causes of food insecurity. Factors like household size, agricultural land area and age of the respondent determined the extraction of resources. Moreover, the study revealed crop diversification, re-digging of canal, construction of embankments and poultry rearing as the adaptive measures in the face of climate change having merits. The study recommends the need to design appropriate food production technologies that ensure sustainable use of wetland resources for food security as increasing population coupled with climate change will have drastic impact on the households relying on wetland for food security and income.

The Evaluation and Selection of Creative Ideas in Educational Settings: Current Knowledge and Future Directions

ABSTRACT Worldwide, student-centered pedagogies have emerged in education to develop creativity. However, these pedagogies do not automatically enhance students’ creativity, because students tend to underestimate and reject creative ideas – even when highly novel ideas are required to solve the problem at hand. Understanding how students evaluate and select ideas is crucial for enhancing creativity. Therefore, this paper reviews research on idea evaluation and idea selection among students. This paper suggests that the evaluation of ideas depends both on specific and general components, and a mild state of affect and openness to experience seems to play a significant role. To improve idea evaluation and idea selection, students should be exposed to a variety of ideas and effective instructional strategies benefit students as well. Teachers should explicitly instruct students to select creative ideas and encourage them to simultaneously generate and refine ideas. However, instructing students to transform their creative ideas into tangible products may unintentionally influence their choices for creative ideas. Balancing novelty and usefulness pose challenges for students during evaluation and selection, and teachers should attune to students’ reactions as much as possible (e.g. accommodating emotional outbursts). Finally, several future trends and important research questions are highlighted.

An Exploration of Conceptual Prototype of an Artistic Handcraft Wallet (AHW) Design

The exploration of a conceptual prototype of an Artistic Handcraft Wallet (AHW) design is a studio practice study that engages the experience of both virtual and real physical prototyping. This article is method based .i.e. it unfolds the method used in the design of AHW. It involves the use of 5H + 1H for design thinking. Simulation of AHW involves CorelDraw X5 and Adobe Photoshop CS5 for motif, surface pattern and object transformation. The real physical prototyping involves studio experiment on textile decoration to produce AHW. The significance of this exploration is to fulfil of one of the objectives of Industrial Design Department, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. That is, students have to develop creative, aesthetic and industrial skills needed for product design. The findings show that design thinking is important for insightful design. Art and design making like AHW can bring up analogy that are useful for social design. Moreover, the findings show that it is enjoyable to use CAD during conceptual prototyping depending on the designers’ optimum proficiency in the use of CAD software application. Finding as well reveals that the satisfactory level of virtual and real physical prototyping are different in terms of process and end product/finishing/design outcome. It is also noticed that there are challenges tackling the translation of CAD virtual prototype to real tangible physical products. It is also realized that suitable learning environment is needed for the proper psyche to initiate good designs.

Influence of Pro-Environmental Attitudes on the Choice between Tangible and Virtual Product Forms

The development of modern technology has contributed to changes in consumer shopping trends. Increasingly, there is a departure from traditional to digital sales channels and similar trends are also being observed for different categories of products—e.g., books or movies. The most important reasons behind such a shift includes purchase convenience, storage ease, or a supposed lower environmental impact. The purpose of this research was to verify whether the pro-environmental attitudes represented by consumers are a moderating variable in the choice between the traditional and digital form of a product. In order to do this, a survey questionnaire was first developed and then a representative sample of 1000 Polish respondents were surveyed. The research procedure included an exploratory factor analysis used for extracting consumers’ pro-environmental attitudes, as well as an indicator of propensity to choose either digital or traditional products; Ward’s hierarchical analysis and the k-means method for grouping participants into clusters based on such attitudes and then evaluating the willingness to choose a particular product in each cluster; differences between clusters (Mann–Whitney’s U and Kruskal–Wallis H tests); as well as a correlation between those attitudes and the preferred product form. The research proved that there were consumer groups taking similar actions related to environmental issues, as well as tending to choose a particular product form. The conducted analyses revealed that isolated, pro-environmental attitudes were positively correlated with a willingness to choose a digital product, although such a relationship is weak. Additionally, it was proven that groups with general pro-environmental orientation are more willing to buy products in traditional form, whereas digital forms were visibly more popular in groups with more neutral or negative approaches towards the environment.

Artificial Intelligence Creates Art? An Experimental Investigation of Value and Creativity Perceptions

ABSTRACTThis paper presents a study analyzing the perception of artistic products created by or with the support of artificial intelligence (AI). The research builds on previous studies revealing that the output of artificial creativity processes can indeed rival human‐made products, satisfy consumer expectations, and derive enjoyment. However, in contrast to earlier works, the study focuses on the awareness of how AI is used during production processes (full automation, human‐AI co‐creation, and solely human) and product types (levels of involvement and product tangibility). A laboratory experiment was conducted to compare the value and creativity perceptions of 199 participants. Results revealed that, overall, the use of AI enhanced perceptions of process novelty. Additionally, the use of AI led to more positive evaluations of intangible and high involvement products such as songs compared to tangible and high involvement products such as paintings. This shows a decrease in perceived quality as more AI is involved in the production process. Furthermore, the level of product involvement level indicated no causal relationship to the degree of AI used in the production process.

Growing with smart products: Why customization capabilities matter for manufacturing firms

AbstractManufacturing firms that engage in digital transformation develop increasingly smarter versions of their tangible products to reinvigorate growth in shrinking markets. However, they often struggle with translating their investments in digitalization capabilities into actual returns in the form of sales growth. The associated technological advantages often remain unexploited, and digital product innovations frequently fail. Building on the resource‐based view of the firm and the demand‐side perspective, we theorize that there is a need for complementary capabilities that integrate heterogeneous customer demands, thus, allowing firms to capture more value from smart products. We empirically investigate the mediating role of smart customization capability on the relationship between digitalization capabilities and sales growth. Moreover, we argue that this relationship is further strengthened by integrating information and data across sales and service channels (i.e., channel integration). We test and find support for our hypotheses based on a dataset comprising survey and archival data of 136 smart product manufacturers in Austria, Germany, Switzerland, and the United States. In doing so, we enhance the theoretical understanding of resource and capability configurations needed for digital transformation in general and smart product success in particular. We further update the traditional concept of mass customization by showing how customization with smart products helps manufacturing firms provide personalized solutions at scale.

Not Everyone Can be a Chief

Introduction:In 2014, the residency program adopted a new chief resident model. Multiple other programs had adopted a similar style of having all final-year residents have a “chief” role. Chief residents are meant to be leaders in the residency, have a direct influence on the program, and serve as liaisons with other department chiefs.Method:Prior to 2014, the program had three chief residents a year: one Admin, one Academic, and one Recruitment. They were chosen using a vote amongst residents/faculty, with the ultimate decision made by the residency leadership. Many other residents were interested, and often qualified, but were ultimately not chosen. In 2014, the all-chief model was adopted. Each PGY-3 would have a responsibility. The goal was to give each a leadership opportunity, and a tangible product as they transition to fellowships or new jobs. The residents were allowed to pick their position, with some influence by residency leadership. Residents were encouraged to create new roles which aligned with their personal interests or career goals. Examples included Medical Director Chief, U/S chief, PEM chief and Wellness Chief.Results:Some residents thrived when given responsibility, while others did not. Some could not manage more responsibility: there was a clear disparity in the effort. At the start of this, all residents’ total shifts/month decreased equally. This created some controversy when the workload was not equal. The alteration of details, requirements, and expectations occurred every year in an attempt to correct the failures.Conclusion:Ultimately, the all-chief model was a failure. The program reverted to a traditional chief model, allowing only those the residency leadership felt could manage chief responsibilities to have a role. Those not doing a chief role were given additional shifts and those with less added work were given only a partial shift reduction.

Understanding the manufacturing scene today

Hardtech’ refers to technologies used to make tangible products Manufacturing only employs about 10% of the global workforce The UK is not the outlier it is sometimes described as Manufacturing today is very different from the situation a few decades ago Hardtech is more than advanced manufacturing or high-tech products.