Chain Theory Research Articles

The Effect of Green Supply Chain Strategies on the Performance of food and Beverage Manufacturing Firms in Nairobi City County, Kenya

The literature on Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) has extensively explored its potential for improving environmental performance, yet there remains a significant gap in understanding its direct impact on the economic performance of manufacturing firms, particularly in developing economies like Kenya. Previous studies have often focused on environmental and operational benefits, with limited attention to profitability, market share, and sales growth, especially within the context of Kenya’s food and beverage manufacturing sector. Additionally, much of the research on GSCM strategies has been conducted in developed economies, making the applicability of findings in developing regions uncertain. This study addresses these gaps by examining the economic implications of GSCM strategies in a sector that contributes approximately 7.8% to Kenya’s GDP but faces declining output due to economic challenges, competition, and rising operational costs. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed to provide a snapshot of the current state of GSCM practices and their immediate effects on firm performance. This design was chosen for its ability to capture data from a diverse set of firms simultaneously, allowing for generalizable conclusions across the sector. Grounded in Closed Loop Supply Chain theory, the study surveyed a sample of 164 respondents from 138 food and beverage manufacturing firms in Nairobi City County, achieving a response rate of 90.9%. The data was analyzed using simple and multiple regressions, Pearson’s product-moment correlation, and Spearman’s Rank Correlation, with SPSS version 28. The results show that GSCM strategies have a moderate positive correlation with overall firm performance (correlation coefficient = 0.285, p-value = 0.000) and profitability (correlation coefficient = 0.243, p-value = 0.003). However, the strategies’ impact on sales growth was not statistically significant (correlation coefficient = 0.135, p-value = 0.101), while their influence on market share was both positive and significant (correlation coefficient = 0.314, p-value = 0.000). These findings suggest that while GSCM strategies can enhance firm performance in terms of profitability and market share, their effect on sales growth remains limited. The study provides actionable insights for firms aiming to integrate GSCM practices to boost competitiveness and sustainability, with broader implications for policy formulation and industry standards in Kenya.

Research on the Relationship Between Emotional Energy and Revisit Intention in Camping Tourism: Based on Structural Equation Model

Camping tourism was more popular during the COVID-19 epidemic around the world, which made camping tourism a crucial part of the worldwide tourism industry. However, previous research did not fully study camping tourism from a comprehensive perspective, just focused on the environment or peer interaction, as a result, they are hard to deeply understand the nature of camping tourism. In this paper, we introduce the tourism field theory and interaction ritual chain theory to construct our model and test the model with the method of structural equation model. After testing the model, we find: (1) The tourism field can significantly and positively affect individual tourist’s emotional energy; (2) Interaction ritual can significantly positively affect the emotional energy of individual tourists; (3) The emotional energy of tourists can significantly positively affect the revisit intention; (4) There is a significant mutual positive influence between the tourism filed and the interaction ritual. Based on the research conclusions, the study provides theoretical support and reference suggestions for tourism planners and product designers from three aspects: emphasizing the construction of the tourism field, providing opportunities for interaction rituals, and developing diversified tourism projects.

DESIGN AND VERIFICATION OF THE MODEL OF STRUCTURE FORMATION AND HEAT TRANSFER IN A FLUIDIZED BED APPARATUS WITH A HEAT JACKET

A one-dimensional mathematical model of the formation of a fluidized bed and the evolution of its thermal state during the heating of an ensemble of particles is proposed based on the mathematical apparatus of the Markov chain theory. When describing the thermal state of the system, the processes of interfacial heat exchange between the gas flow and particles, as well as between the wall of the apparatus and the gas suspension, were taken into account. The results of previous studies and known empirical regularities for the material constants of the process were used to identify the parameters of the model. The parametric identification made it possible to adapt and apply the mathematical model for calculating the process of heat treatment of the suspension of silicate sand particles in an apparatus with a fluidized bed of a periodic principle of operation equipped with a heating jacket. Verification of the predictive capabilities of the physicomathematical model adapted in this way was carried out by comparing the forecasts obtained by calculation with the results of the full-scale experiment conducted during the study. To conduct the full-scale experiment, a sample of sand particles was placed in the apparatus, which was previously output to the established thermal regime of operation. After loading the material, a set of thermocouples equidistant from each other was placed in the apparatus and temperature readings were taken at different heights from the level of the gas distributor. The temperature distributions obtained in this way along the bed height were in good agreement with the calculated forecasts and show a significant heterogeneity of the gas phase temperature fields. The temperature of the particles was estimated only as an integral characteristic by measurements of the heat content of the bulk medium after unloading from the apparatus. The integral temperature of the particles also turned out to be close to the predicted values. In addition, during the computational and experimental study, the kinetic characteristics of the heating of the suspension of the material were clarified. Thus, the proposed mathematical model has sufficient predictive efficiency for engineering tasks and can be considered as a basis for constructing a computer method for calculating heat exchangers with a heating jacket using the fluidization technique of bulk media.

How personal and social-focused values shape the purchase intention for organic food: Cross-country comparison between Thailand and Germany

Organic food contributes to environmental sustainability and is becoming increasingly popular worldwide, although it is generally more expensive than conventionally produced food. Rather different sets of values and motivations are driving consumers' purchase intentions in mature compared with emerging organic food markets. To inquire about similarities and differences in consumers' motives our qualitative, comparative study employs a series of in-depth interviews with organic-food-store clients in Germany and Thailand from February to May 2021. The analysis applied means-end chain (MEC) theory to map the mental decision-making processes. Results were interpreted and compared referring to the Schwartz Theory of Basic Human Value (STV). The findings show a rather similar values base of both samples in terms of the relevance of ‘quality of personal life’ and ‘personal well-being’. Substantial differences emerged in the Germans high emphasis on the values ‘health of environment’ and ‘social responsibility’ which were absent in Thailand, while Thais put great importance on the ‘responsibility for family’. Focusing on the five most important values in each country, we conclude a more personal-focused value system in Thailand, respectively a rather social-focused one in Germany. This paper contributes to the literature as it is one of the few qualitative studies on organic food purchase intention using MEC and STV and the first one conducted in Thailand. The findings provide valuable insights for producers and marketers to better address German and Thai consumers' needs to influence their purchase intention towards organic food consumption.

The Role Of Perceived Value And Perceived Trust To Optimize Repeat Purchase Intention Based On Mean-End Chain Theory In Generations Y And Z

One sector that continues to experience development is the telecommunications sector. Telecommunications can make it easier to obtain information and carry out various activities. The communication sector has a vital role in the continuity and smoothness of communication. The objective of this research is to establish the correlation between the perceived price, perceived trust, perceived value, satisfaction, and repeat purchase intention of an Internet telecommunication service among individuals belonging to Generation Y and Z. The researchers introduce perceived trust as a new and innovative aspect of their study. Mean-End Chain Theory is used in research as the leading theory. The method in this study uses a quantitative approach using purposive sampling techniques, which resulted in 155 samples. The analytical approach utilised in the present investigation was. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM), using the AMOS Graphics 24 programmed. The study's findings suggest that the perceived price has a notable adverse impact on satisfaction. The perceived price and perceived trust favourably and dramatically effect the perceived value. This research is helpful in that mobile provider managers should improve perceived trust and perceived price of services by contributing to an event and being active in online marketing.

Towards a theoretical framework for augmented reality marketing: A means-end chain perspective on retailing

Augmented reality (AR) merges virtual elements with our physical context. Although there is evidence in marketing that AR may be superior to alternative formats, there is a lack of work explaining from the ground up why this is the case. Consequently, we applied means-end chain theory to identify specific AR-features (e.g., contextualization, interactivity, portability) that drive benefits (e.g., inspiration, better decision-making, time savings, risk reduction). These benefits contribute to consumers’ goal achievement (e.g., self-confidence, self-expression, reduced purchase regret). A subsequent study organized these factors into a practical framework (SEAD and SALES). This study contributes to a better understanding of AR.

Current state and prospects for digitalization of the Russian coal industry

Background. Innovative robotic systems for mineral extraction and processing are increasingly changing the core operational principles of mining enterprises, thus making the creation of an intelligent mining enterprise a reality.Aim. To develop a set of proposals for promoting the digitalization of the coal industry in Russia by carrying out an analysis of the current state of implementation of innovative equipment and digital technologies within the Industry 4.0 state initiative in Russian coal companies.Materials and methods. The research was conducted using the methods of systems approach, value chain theory, expert evaluation, technological foresight, logical and comparative analysis, economic and statistical processing of information, including its tabular interpretation. The research materials included the data of coal companies, JSC “Rosinformugol”, Internet sources, and open publications.Results. The proposal is made to develop five groups of key technological digital industry platforms(TP), as follows: 1) TP “Prospecting and exploration works”; 2) TP “Underground mining technologies”; 3) TP “Open-pit mining technologies”; 4) TP “Technologies for processing coal and industrial waste”; 5) TP “Technologies for transporting rock mass”. It is proposed to implement the innovative digital potential of the coal industry in two stages, thereby completing the structural and digital transformation of the coal industry.Conclusion. The proposed TPs of the Russian coal industry should solve the following tasks:determination of the basic requirements and functional properties of the Russian coal industry based on the Industry 4.0 state initiative, along with the principles of their implementation;determination of the main technological directions for the main sectors (processes) of technological development of the coal industry, including prospecting and exploration; underground and open-pit coal mining; upgrading and processing of coal and industrial waste; transportation of coal;identification of the main components, technologies, information and management solutions in all the above processes;diversification of the activities of coal mining companies in the creation of products with high added value;overcoming the technological gap and import dependence by implementing phased import substitution and innovative development of the Russian coal industry and mining engineering with the achievement of technological sovereignty.The research results can be used when creating a unified network of scientific and educational centers on the principles of public-private partnership for the development and industrial implementation of innovative technologies in the coal, mining, and exploration industries, as well as in the training of highly-qualified personnel on the basis of Sergo Ordzhonikidze Russian State University for Geological Prospecting.

Critical Factors Influencing New Product Development Success in Sierra Leone Brewery Limited

This research investigates the crucial factors that affect new product development (NPD) in the beverage industry, concentrating on Sierra Leone Brewery Limited (SLBL). Acknowledging the inherent risks and uncertainties in NPD, the study seeks to recognize and assess both internal and external factors that influence the success of new product initiatives at SLBL. The analysis examines key elements (timing, pricing, packaging, testing, competition, market selection, promotional strategies, and brand development) to enhance our understanding of factors shaping new product introductions within the company. The study uses a case study approach, analyzing primary and secondary data to understand SLBL's new product development. It employs a phenomenological research approach involving stakeholders like managers, product developers, marketing personnel, and consumers. The study utilizes the supply chain and distribution theory as a theoretical framework to understand the factors influencing new product development in the beverage industry. SLBL adopts a meticulous NPD approach, using feasibility studies for decision-making. The concept development phase outlines a trajectory and collaboration, serving as a blueprint. Crafting business cases ensures strategic alignment, and the asset and recipe development phase emphasizes innovation. In material ordering, production, and sampling, SLBL prioritizes strategic procurement and stringent quality control. The success of the product launch depends on factors like market timing and effective promotional strategies. Diverse research methods contribute to a comprehensive analysis, and strategic recommendations include innovation, rebranding, extensive promotion, repositioning, and careful financial allocation. SLBL's NPD approach reflects strategic foresight and commitment to excellence for sustained success in a competitive market.

Memorable interactive experiences between hosts and guests in B&Bs and their generation process: The host perspective

Experiences of bed and breakfast (B&B) hosts during guest interactions profoundly affect both guest experiences and the hosts' business passion. However, research on hosts' memorable interaction experiences (MIEs) is still limited. This study, using the critical incident technique and thematic analysis, examines MIEs among B&B hosts in Yangshuo, China, within the framework of interaction ritual chains theory. It identifies that MIEs of B&B practitioners vary from negative to positive, underpinned by two primary experiences: social interaction and novelty. Preventing negative MIEs hinges on service outcomes, decent work, and emotional experience. MIEs, emerging from both successful and broken interaction rituals around positively distinctive daily interactions and problematic crisis events, impact practitioners' well-being and professional passion through the accumulation of emotional energy and sacred symbols. This research contributes to the theoretical understanding of tourism host-guest relations and supports the sustainable growth of the B&B industry.

Factors of Value Chain Affect Bank Efficiency

This paper aims to determine and estimate the factors in the value chain that affect the efficiency of state-owned commercial banks in Vietnam. The study employs a combination of qualitative techniques, such as conducting interviews with top executives, financial managers, chief accountants, and employee surveys, along with quantitative methods like ordinary least squares analysis. The outcomes reveal four critical segments within the value chain – the retail department, operation department, back office, and call center – all of which significantly influence the efficiency of the banks. Additionally, drawing upon value chain theory and Porter's model (1985), the author underscores the significance of implementing a robust value chain strategy. This strategic approach has the potential to substantially enhance the competitive advantages of state-owned commercial banks in Vietnam. Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2023-07-06-010 Full Text: PDF

안전의 4요소(4M)가 굴삭기 사고에 미치는 영향에 관한 연구

The construction industry is a disaster-prone industry, which accounts for about 50% of all industrial accidents, and the frequency of construction equipment use is increasing due to the large size and high-rise of structures in domestic construction projects, and the possibility of serious accidents is increasing, and in the event of a disaster, it is characterized by high intensity and high human and material losses. Despite existing research to solve these problems, construction machinery accidents have not decreased at construction sites, and this study aims to identify the cause of the accident by dividing the cause of the accident into four categories, examining the results, and contributing to the establishment of basic data to establish measures to prevent future construction accidents.
 This study is composed of five categories and I. In the introduction, research background, purpose, scope of research, and research method were presented, and II. In the theoretical consideration, H. W. Heinrich's 1959 theory of accident chain reaction, F. E. Fird's latest theory of disaster chain, construction machine accident cases, and prior research, III. The research method consisted of research questions, research hypotheses, operational definition of variables, composition of measurement tools, and surveys, IV. In the analysis results, general characteristic analysis, correlation, hypothesis verification, V. Through the conclusion, the test results were recorded and the direction setting of the limitations of the study and the impact of the four elements (4M) of future safety on excavator accidents was presented.
 <Table 7> shows how 'the four elements of safety (4M) affect excavator accidents at the construction site, which is a research problem, and the effects of Man (t=0.914, p=0.361) and Media (t=0.200, p=0.841) on excavators were not found to be significant. Accordingly, '[Hypothesis 1, 3] Human and environmental factors at construction sites will affect excavator accidents.' was rejected, and the effects of Machine (t=3.527, p<0.001), Management (t=5.988, p<0.001) on excavators have a significant impact, and accordingly, '[Hypothesis 2, 4] mechanical and management factors will affect excavator accidents at construction sites.'The research hypothesis 'was adopted.
 In the excavator accident, mechanical factors such as connection and mechanical device malfunction of the brought equipment and management factors such as safety inspections of equipment and surroundings before work are the most affected by the disaster impact. Accordingly, it is necessary to establish and implement measures through risk assessment during excavator work to identify industrial accident characteristics and social issues by industry and occupation to reduce accidents and deaths caused by industrial accidents, It is necessary to present policy directions and alternatives to prevent accidents and deaths more efficiently through multidimensional surveys and analysis of the risk of deaths and accidents in the area, and active research should be conducted.

Immigrant-critical alternative media in online conversations.

In this work, we explore the role of immigrant-critical alternative media in shaping collective emotions and users' evaluations of the immigration issue, using a conversational approach and an empirical case of Flashback, a prominent Swedish online platform where many immigration-related discussions take place. Our text and network-based analysis of more than 9,000 conversations during the last election period reveals that the platform users consume and distribute diverging types of media content across a wide ideological spectrum which, however, has a limited influence on the evolution of conversations and users' stances in the immigration debate. Nevertheless, we find that the conversation networks with alternative media content tend to include more negative evaluations of the immigration issue, attracting fewer participants and lasting less than other conversations. We contextualise our findings using Collins' Interaction Ritual Chains (IRC) theory and discuss the conditions under which such online conversations can produce high user involvement and, potentially, participants' radicalisation.

Markov-chain-driven optimization of inspection-based maintenance, Part I: Models and methods

System reliability and life-cycle cost are significantly influenced by preventive maintenance (PM). PM is commonly classified into two categories: time-based maintenance (TBM) and condition-based maintenance. Another PM approach referred to as inspection-based maintenance (IBM) incorporates condition-based activities within periodic inspections and tests. Determining the optimal maintenance rate for both TBM and IBM plans, and scheduling them effectively, poses a crucial challenge. Traditional methods assess equipment importance and condition within a reliability-centered maintenance framework. Mathematical models are commonly employed to devise robust plans, but accurate modeling based on practical conditions of the system equipment remains a key challenge. This two-part paper series introduces a novel model based on the Markov chain theory, that establishes the relationship between equipment status transition rates and the risk indices. The proposed model can be used alone or in combination with risk analysis outcomes to overcome data and budget limitations. To demonstrate its efficacy, the proposed method is implemented to optimize the PM rate of high-voltage equipment within a real-world sub-transmission substation, where the results can aid in cost estimation, equipment replacement decisions, and inventory management.

Effect of moisture on the edgewise flexural properties of acetylated and unmodified birch plywood: a comparison of strength, stiffness and brittleness properties

Birch plywood has superior mechanical properties compared with that made from most softwoods. However, durability-related issues still limit the application of birch plywood in outdoor structures. A means to enhance its durability is to acetylate birch veneers before processing them into plywood. An earlier study showed that such acetylated birch plywood has equivalent mechanical properties to unmodified ones. However, there is a need to better understand the moisture effect on the mechanical properties of unmodified and acetylated birch plywood for a better design of structural birch plywood elements. Moreover, due to the pronounced in-plane anisotropy of plywood, extra concern should be given to the weakest load angle due to the weakest chain theory. In this study, acetylated and unmodified birch plywood specimens were conditioned in climate chambers under three different environments with a temperature of 20 °C and increasing relative humidity (RH) from 35 to 65% to 95%. Thereafter, their in-plane edgewise flexural properties with load-to-face grain angles of 0, 45, and 90 degrees were tested. The influence of both RH and measured moisture contents on bending strength and stiffness are then presented. Prediction formulas of mechanical properties with moisture contents are derived by performing linear regressions among test results. Variations of brittleness factors and brittleness indexes under various RH conditions and load-face grain angles were also studied.

Research on Digital Transformation of New Retail Enterprises Based on AI+RPA

Faced with the breakthrough of digital technology and upgrading of consumer structure, the traditional retail industry has achieved the basic transformation and efficiency of a full value chain relying on digital technology. Among them, AI+RPA has become a new direction in developing the new retail industry with artificial intelligence empowerment machine automation. This article takes the new retail industry as the target market and the application of AI+RPA technology as the research content, using the theoretical and multiple case analysis methods to study. Choose three companies: Freshippo, Yonghui superstores, and Suning.com, for external horizontal contrast and internal vertical contrast. Relying on the theory of value chain, the division is divided into four aspects: the supply side, the demand side, financial management, and logistics. To a certain extent, this article has made up for the research gap of the omni -channel ecological construction of the new retail industry and the application of the AI+RPA technology industry, expecting to broaden the future development channels and directions of the new retail industry.

Research on the Application of Financial Sharing Center Based on Value Chain Theory Take the Mengniu Company as an Example

The growing size of enterprise groups and the rapid development of information technology have given rise to financial shared services. They have brought about changes in the financial management model, improved the efficiency of accounting processes, and strengthened the control of molecular companies by reconstructing financial processes. However, there are some shortcomings in the current financial shared services, for example, the application of financial shared services is mainly focused on the operational level, concentrating on post-event processing, lagging behind the demand and facing difficulties. Therefore, this paper takes the financial shared service center of Mengniu Group as the research object and focuses on how to use new types of financial information technology to realize the digital transformation of the enterprise financial management process. The case is analyzed using relevant theories. The financial shared services model has improved the efficiency of modern enterprises' production and operations, expanded the analysis and decision support functions of finance, and facilitated the digital transformation of enterprise finance; at the same time, the value of data assets related to financial shared services has not been fully exploited, and the benefits of financial sharing are still limited to internal enterprises and have not been extended to other enterprises in the value chain. It is recommended that enterprises further improve their shared services and combine them with digital transformation based on data, process, and business specifications, and implement them more deeply in all dimensions of the value chain in the future to achieve value creation.

The effect of digital fashion visual symbol perception on consumer repurchase intention: a moderated chain mediation model

PurposeThe study aims to explore how fashion visual symbols influence consumers' inclination for repurchasing. It attempts to investigate the intricate interplay among three essential variables (social presence, collective excitement and cultural identification) from the perspective of Interaction Ritual Chains theory. Meanwhile, an attempt is made to reveal the underlying patterns in these relationships, fully harnessing the positive impact of fashion brand visual symbols in brand marketing.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs a quantitative research methodology, administering an online survey in China, from which 381 valid responses were collected by simple random sampling. The acquired data were subjected to structural equation model and hypotheses testing.FindingsThe analysis reveals that heightened visual symbol perception significantly strengthens consumers' social presence, consequently elevating the probability of collective excitement. This establishes a mediated chain model, reinforcing repurchase intention. Additionally, the moderation effect analysis indicates that cultural identification negatively moderates both direct paths in the mediated chain model, with particularly pronounced effects for low cultural identification.Originality/valueThis study establishes a closed-loop system in fashion brand product marketing, continuously enhancing the intimacy and interactive willingness between consumers, as well as between consumers and the brand. The objective is to increase brand repurchase rates. Additionally, the research provides valuable recommendations and strategies for fashion brands to adapt to Chinese consumer demands, strengthen emotional attachment between consumers and the brand, and achieve sustainable development in the realm of fashion consumption.

The streaming industry and the platform economy: An analysis

As television is embracing a new set of internet-related technologies, the medium is transitioning from broadcasting to streaming. With it, a new mode of distribution has emerged: the streaming platform. This research makes a three-pronged effort to assess their impact on the TV industry: it analyses the way platforms monetize content; it distinguishes types of streaming platforms based on a set of criteria that includes supply-chain arrangements and the way they structure commercial transactions among different sets of participants, and it considers the ownership of streaming services. This article contributes to media and communication studies by combining the platform literature with global value chain (GVC) theory in order to foster our understanding of streaming platforms. It contextualizes streaming platforms in the history of television and analyses how they are transforming the medium.

Understanding the role of demand and supply integration in achieving retail supply chain agility: An information technology capability perspective

AbstractWith the popularity of e‐commerce business, the evolution of information technology (IT) has played an important role in the evolution of global retail industry over the past two decades. Although the existing supply chain theories have discussed the effects of demand management on supply chain; however, there is a lack of in‐depth theoretical discussions among demand and supply integration (DSI) and supply chain agility from an IT capability view. The purpose of this study is to explore the role of DSI in achieving retail supply chain agility. Based on the information processing theory, this study takes JD.com and Alibaba, China's largest retailers, as business cases to conduct empirical investigations. We offer semi‐structured interviews with senior executives from IT, operations, and marketing department, and depict the coding process of survey data through a multi‐disciplinary literature review, grounded theory, and case study method. For retail firms, this study opens the black box of the antecedent research of supply chain agility by information processing theory, and puts forward some practical inspirations about retail IT capability under the COVID‐19 epidemic era.

Survey on Insurance Claim analysis using Natural Language Processing and Machine Learning

In the insurance industry nowadays, data is carrying the major asset and playing a key role. There is a wealth of information available to insurance transporters nowadays. We can identify three major eras in the insurance industry's more than 700-year history. The industry follows the manual era from the 15th century to 1960, the systems era from 1960 to 2000, and the current digital era, i.e., 2001-20X0. The core insurance sector has been decided by trusting data analytics and implementing new technologies to improve and maintain existing practices and maintain capital together. This has been the highest corporate object in all three periods.AI techniques have been progressively utilized for a variety of insurance activities in recent years. In this study, we give a comprehensive general assessment of the existing research that incorporates multiple artificial intelligence (AI) methods into all essential insurance jobs. Our work provides a more comprehensive review of this research, even if there have already been a number of them published on the topic of using artificial intelligence for certain insurance jobs. We study algorithms for learning, big data, block chain, data mining, and conversational theory, and their applications in insurance policy, claim prediction, risk estimation, and other fields in order to comprehensively integrate existing work in the insurance sector using AI approaches.