Toy Manufacturers Research Articles

Addressing Young Girls in STEM: Building Inclusion through Dialogicity. The Case of GoldieBlox

Abstract The number of women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) is still limited compared to men, and one of the reasons for this is the lack of women’s sense of inclusion and belonging within engineering contexts. It has been argued that such a sense of inclusion and belonging might be developed by exposing girls to STEM with specific activities, games, and toys from a young age. This case study explores how the US toy manufacturer GoldieBlox Inc. addresses and includes young children, specifically girls, in the promotion of their products. GoldieBlox is a company that specifically targets girls to encourage their interest in STEM subjects, namely science, technology, and mathematics. Through a close reading and a qualitative analysis of the company’s webpages, this paper explores the links between consumerism, gender, belonging, and promotional language. Under the linguistic lens of dialogicity, I analyse how girls are addressed and included in STEM through the promotion of specific products.

Extremely high levels of PBDEs in children’s toys from European markets: causes and implications for the circular economy

BackgroundWith the high influx of low-cost plastic toys on the market, there is growing concern about the safety of such toys. Some of these plastic toys contains hazardous chemicals like polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) due to the use of recycled plastics in new toy manufacturing. Here, we investigated if toys marketed in Europe are compliant with EU directives to assess the safety of currently used children's toys and identify implications of PBDE content in toys.ResultsEighty-four toys purchased from international toy retailers were screened for bromine using X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and 11 of those with bromine content higher than 500 µg/g were analyzed for ten PBDEs using GC–HRMS. PBDEs were detected in all 11 toys. Ʃ10PBDE concentrations ranged up to 23.5 mg/g (with a median concentration of 8.61 mg/g), with BDE-209 being the most abundant compound (4.40 mg/g). Eight samples exceeded the EU’s Low POP Content Limit (LPCL) of 500 µg/g for the Ʃ10PBDEs by 6–47 times and the Unintentional Trace Contaminant (UTC) limits of 10 µg/g for Deca-BDE by 12–800 times.ConclusionsPBDEs were up to percent levels, suggesting direct recycling of flame retarded plastic, e.g., e-waste plastics, into toy components. This is a call for concern and requires intervention from all stakeholders involved in the toy market. Overall, the occurrence of non-compliant toys in the EU market, as indicated in this study is primarily attributed to gaps in regulations, inadequate legislation for recycled plastics, the rise of online sales, complexities in global and national supply chains, and economic challenges. Failure to address these issues will hinder the efforts of the plastics industry to transition into a circular economy. This suggests that more actions are needed to address gaps in cross-border enforcement, and stricter sanctions are required for toy manufacturers who fail to adhere to regulations and safety standards.

Emotional Attachments in Children's Toy Design Dimensions and Strategies: A Grounded Theory Approach

Children's emotional attachments to toys foster trust and stability, impacting psychological growth. This study evaluates the concept of emotional attachments in children's toy designs. Employing a grounded theory methodology, it seeks to establish a conceptual framework for understanding the elements and principles of emotional attachments in toys. By shedding light on the factors that develop children’s emotional attachments with their toys, this research aims to inform the design and development processes of toys that promote healthy emotional development. The findings suggest that integrating a conceptual model of emotional attachments into the design processes can lead to the creation of toys that facilitate children's holistic growth and offer them positive experiences of emotional connection. Furthermore, the study proposes a conceptual framework for integrating emotional attachment into children's toy design and development processes. This has profound implications for toy designers, teachers, manufacturers, and education researchers aiming to enhance children's emotional well-being through play.

Analysis of the Effects of Fiber Loading on the Mechanical Behavior of Jute Reinforced Thermoplastic Composites

Natural fiber-reinforced composites are becoming a growing trend because of their affordability, sustainability, abundant natural source, and minimal environmental effect. It has also shown to be an effective replacement of synthetic fiber, particularly in the transportation and construction sectors as ceiling, paneling, partition etc. In this study the jute fiber (Hessian Cloth) reinforced (10% to 50% fiber content by weight) Polypropylene (PP) and Polyethylene (PE) composite were made by compression molding technique to understand the effect of fiber loading on mechanical properties of two different thermoplastic composite materials. For jute fabric-reinforced thermoplastic composites, it was discovered that with 30 % fiber loading with PP and PE yielded the best results. It was found that the mechanical properties of the composites enhanced significantly with 30 % fiber content with PP and PE thermoplastic matrixes in contrast to 10% and 20% fiber content composites. However, increasing the fiber content over 30%, dramatically decrease the mechanical properties of the composite samples. The relationship between Tensile Strength (TS), Bending Strength (BS), Impact Strength (IS) and Tensile Modulus (TM), Bending Modulus (BM) was examined, along with water resistance properties for both composites. Additionally, the jute-reinforced polypropylene (PP) composite showed superior mechanical capabilities compared to the jute-polyethylene (PE) composite. This suggests that it could be a suitable replacement for the toy manufacturing, home or garden furniture, automotive and interior construction industries in the future.

Characteristic Reform of the Curriculum System of Toy Design and Manufacturing Major in Applied Colleges and Universities

Through extensive and in-depth research and demonstration, this study has clarified the professional positioning and talent training objectives of toy design and manufacturing in application-oriented colleges and universities, created professional curriculum groups according to the curriculum structure required by the core competence of vocational posts, built high-quality professional core courses, training packages, and standard curriculum systems around the core competence of posts, and introduced practical projects combined with engineering characteristics. Focusing on the training objectives of high-quality technical skills to improve students’ practical skills, the formation of “teaching-learning-doing” integration of a characteristic course system has achieved remarkable results.

Penanganan Sampah Plastik Di Desa Medan Krio Menjadi Barang Berguna Siap Pakai Kab.Deli Serdang

One non-organic waste that is used extensively in daily life is plastic, particularly for food packaging vendors and as a raw material for toy manufacturers. Waste will result from the vast amount of plastic that residents of Medan Krio use and discard after consumption. The goal of the research program's implementation is to enable locals to recycle waste materials to create valuable products. The village of Medan Krio Village has a high population density, which has led to the development of waste management issues. The village has traditionally disposed of waste by burning it and throwing it beside the street, which is why there is a garbage stench. which has a strong odor as a result of careless trash dumping. In light of this issue, Ecobricks may offer a way to lessen plastic waste and turn it into products with a positive economic impact. Method: PAR (Participatory Action Research), which is study that identifies issues and then offers potential solutions. Findings: The Ecobrick technique is being used in Medan Krio Village to make use of plastic waste. A recycling technique known as "ecobricks" uses plastic bottles that have been packed full of non-organic materials until they are extremely hard and dense.

Risk and related factors of elbow musculoskeletal diseases: A nationwide cross-sectional survey in China.

Although studies have shown that Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) are common and continue to be a main source of disability and work time loss, there are few reports on elbow WMSDs. The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence and associated factors of elbow WMSDs. The valid questionnaires of 57501 workers from 15 different industries nationwide were collected and the Chi-square test and logistic-regression-analysis were applied to reveal the prevalence and risk factors of elbow. The findings indicated that prevalence of elbow WMSDs among workers was 7.3%. The prevalence of elbow WMSDs in toy manufacturing was 21.3%, which significantly higher than that in other industries (P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that aged 40 and above, married, very poor health, left-handed, lifting weights (more than 20 kg each time) , work requiring upper limb or hand force, work in an uncomfortable position, repetitive operations within one minute, using vibrating tools, work involves cold, cool winds or temperature changes, work being completed in the same workshop, work being done outdoors, frequent deal with customers , two shifts, often work overtime, staff shortage, often work for colleagues were the risk factors of elbow WMSDs.The higer education level and monthly income, and enough rest time were the protective factors of elbow WMSDs. The toy manufacturing is a high-risk industry for elbow WMSDs. The publicity and education of ergonomics knowledge should be strengthened, and the workers' ergonomics awareness should be improved to reduce the impact of WMSDs.

Formulating a Model for Enhancing Children's Social Skills as a Prerequisite for Development

Objective: The aim of the present research was to provide a model for enhancing children's social skills as a prerequisite for development. Methodology: The research method was qualitative, and the target population included managers of toy manufacturing companies, experienced specialists, experts in the toy industry, policymakers, and university professors. The sample size was selected purposefully until theoretical saturation from the aforementioned statistical population. In this phase, using an exploratory semi-structured interview method among the statistical population, the factors and components of children's social skills were identified. With the help of these factors and indicators, a grounded theory-based model for enhancing children's social skills was designed. Findings: According to the results and outputs obtained from the interviews, the factors affecting the model for enhancing children's social skills include causal conditions (the existing potential of games for development, financial and human resource issues in game design and production, deficiencies in policies and laws related to skill development in children, corporate culture and management attitudes, systematic and strategic planning for capability development), contextual conditions (management issues, infrastructure, economic conditions, corporate, legal and regulatory factors, corporate systems and processes), intervening conditions (knowledge and scientific factors, governmental and political factors, environmental factors, individual factors, corporate culture), strategies (allocating appropriate budgets, employing specialized personnel, formulating and implementing training and development programs, using modern technology in processes, providing development incentives, monitoring and evaluating improvement and development), and outcomes (increased skill development and growth, improved quality of services provided, family satisfaction and enhanced participation, increased productivity and improved performance, creating play opportunities, enhancing play skill capabilities). Conclusion: Therefore, studying these movements and providing opportunities for their nurturing and growth strengthens and even repairs mental abilities. What children learn at home or kindergarten, they think about and derive many meanings from these phenomena when repeated in the form of games and physical activities

Developing a Business Intelligence Dashboard of Liquid Material at a Toy Manufacturing Company using a System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) Model

Fashion doll manufacturers place a substantial emphasis on maintaining aesthetic appeal. One of the most important aspects of preserving a fashion doll's attractive appearance is using liquids to keep the hair in place despite countless shocks and bumps during the distribution process. According to a recent observation on liquid material control at one of the largest toy manufacturing companies worldwide, the process and database had shortcomings that might be fixed by developing a business intelligence dashboard using the SDLC methodology. The SDLC approach was adopted as the improvement methodology. According to the initial observation, improvement can be made by designing a system architecture that includes input data until data visualization. The form was created in Microsoft Forms and integrated into Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Power Automate, and Microsoft Power BI. After being implemented, this enhancement successfully reduced deficiencies and waste. According to the testing findings, all the capabilities perform as the users and stakeholders desired, satisfying all user requirements. Consequently, the organization applies business intelligence to the other departmental areas to visualize the data.

BARBIE’S SUCCESS IN THE NEW BUSINESS ERA: TECHNOLOGY, INNOVATION AND PERFORMANCE. THE MATTEL CASE

"The success of the companies is credited to their capacity to generate change, developing or implementing new systems while it is admitted that success in the production area is based on monitoring the latest technologies and their transformation into viable products, on understanding current and future customer’s needs which can be satisfied with new or improved processes and products, taking into consideration the alignment with the uniqueness of the specifications or permanent adaptation to the market conditions. Companies need a long-term vision with the purpose of covering the demand through technology and generating new needs through research and development. This paper focus is on the technology-innovation-performance triadic model which is both a novel approach and a new integrative analysis. Trying to bridge the literature gap, the article proposes a discussion exploring the possible inter-links between the three elements of the triad. The results of this endeavor are twofold encouraging: (i) by underlying the investigation the potential of the triadic model technology-innovation-performance; and (ii) by implications for business managers, in general, and (in this particular case), for managers while making strategic decisions, considering the organization level. Mattel is a leading toy manufacturer which operates on a global level but also an entertainment corporation which aims to expand the content, the consumer products and to offer unique digital experiences. The company has been founded in more than 70 years ago in the United States and is operating in 35 countries through its own stores while offering their products to the public from more than 150 countries through accredited partners or resellers. The iconic Barbie doll and the famous Hot Wheels represent two of their most valuable brands, the products under this label being a subject to constant innovations during the time and succeeding to be considered the best-selling toys of the year for two consecutive years in a row, 2020 and 2021 while also being named the top global toy property. The currents study has the purpose to analyze the connection between innovation, technology and performance by highlighting the main elements that have conducted Mattel to the astonishing success which was achieved in the last years."

A new automatic method for demoulding plastic parts using an intelligent robotic system

Nowadays, there are many different industrial processes in which people spend several hours performing tedious and repetitive tasks. Furthermore, most of these processes involve the manipulation of dangerous materials or machinery, such as the toy manufacturing, where people handle ovens with high temperatures and make weary physical effort for a long period of time during the process. In this work, it is presented an automatic and innovative collaborative robotic system that is able to deal with the demoulding task during the manufacturing process of toy dolls. The intelligent robotic system is composed by an UR10e robot with a RealSense RGB-D camera integrated which detects the pieces in the mould using a developed vision-based algorithm and extracts them by means of a custom gripper located and the end of the robot. We introduce a pipeline to perform the demoulding task of different plastic pieces relying in the use of this intelligent robotic system. Finally, to validate this approach, the automatic method has been successfully implemented in a real toy factory providing a novel approach in this traditional manufacturing process. The paper describes the robotic system performance using different forces and velocities, obtaining a success rate of more than 90% in the experimental results.

3D PRINTING TECHNIQUE TO DOCUMENT AND PRESERVE TRADITIONAL DESIGNS OF CHANNAPATNA TOYS

Dasara Doll festival is a tradition during the Navaratri Hindu festival celebrations in South India. The festival of Navratri is celebrated in a very interesting and unique way at homes, which is commonly known as Bombe Habba or Golu or Kolu (Kannada) or Bommala Koluvu (Telugu) or Bommai Kolu (Tamil) or simply Dasara dolls. This tradition involves a toy festival that is celebrated by families across Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu. Family toys are arranged and displayed to invited guests as part of the festival. Channapatna town close to Bangalore and Mysore is the hub of the toy making industry catering to the demand for such toys. Artisan families have been engaged in the manufacture of toys for many centuries. Designs and manufacturing techniques remained within artisan families and the knowledge transfer is through word of mouth from parents to children. Kondapalli Toys of Andhra Pradesh are made by artisans in Kondapalli which is located close to Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh and has a similar history. The changing lifestyles in the present day have altered the way festivals are celebrated, and the patronage of such traditional crafts is on the decline. The creation of an express highway between Bangalore and Mysore has changed the road route and bypassed Channapatna town reducing the footfalls at the retail shops which sold toys for hundreds of years. Artisans are forced to explore other avenues of employment and the risk of losing the art technique is real. The portfolio of designs is dwindling, and many models are very rare and difficult to obtain from the market; they become antique collection pieces of a few individuals. Conserving the designs through CAD techniques and making prototypes using 3D printing is an effective way to preserve them. CAD documentation can be used to train a new generation of artisans or enthusiasts across the country. This will open new markets for the products and will sustain the art and design. This paper attempts to outline the technique and make a few 3D-printing prototypes with detailed drawings and present the results.

Sourcing strategies for competing manufacturers in the toy industry

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the optimal sourcing strategies and pricing decisions of competing toy manufacturers and to discuss how manufacturers’ decisions are impacted by competition.Design/methodology/approachThe authors consider a single-period model to characterise the competition between two competing toy manufacturers. Both of them are free to choose between virgin material and recycled material. The authors consider two types of consumers: sensitive consumers who are concerned about product safety and prefer the toy made of virgin material and insensitive consumers who do not care what material is used in the toy. The competing manufacturers play a Cournot competition.FindingsThe results reveal a special case of a win-win situation for both the manufacturer and the consumer. In addition, an increasing number of sensitive consumers does not always raise the price of virgin-material toys.Practical implicationsThe authors derive the manufacturer’s equilibrium sourcing strategies, corresponding market-clearing prices and profits obtained.Originality/valueThe paper investigates how toy manufacturers’ optimal sourcing strategies are impacted by competition, considering market segments.

Children’s War Games and Toys in Hungary, 1914–1918

Children’s games are accurate reflections of a community’s culture with its values, norms and expectations. The Hungarian games of the World War I period were also such expressions both in regard to children’s play activities (which they were able to pursue without toys, with toys they made themselves, or with those produced by official manufacturers) and the products of toy manufacturing companies. In this study, numerous games (for example, group battles, board games produced by manufacturers and put into commercial circulation, etc.) are discussed and analysed. At the same time, the various views on games by pedagogical experts and contributors to children’s magazines published at the time are also discussed. My research has revealed that not only do these games demonstrate some peculiarities of the World War I (for example, the war’s impact upon the most diverse areas of life) but that the War itself brought into prominence certain features of such games and carried into effect their latent possibilities (for example, war games becoming especially brutal). Beyond the scope of research on games and toys, on a more general note this study shows that cultural phenomena can react to radical historical changes.

Platform Rhetoric and Fan Labour as the Building Blocks of &lt;em&gt;LEGO Ideas&lt;/em&gt;

Platform Rhetoric and Fan Labour as the Building Blocks of &lt;em&gt;LEGO Ideas&lt;/em&gt;

LEGO and the Infrastructural Limits of Open Play

LEGO and the Infrastructural Limits of Open Play

Play Is a Child’s Work (on Instagram)

Play Is a Child’s Work (on Instagram)

PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS OF TOY COMPANIES USING BALANCED SCORECARD METHOD INTEGRATED WITH OMAX AND TLS (Case Study: PT. X)

PT. X is a company engaged in the toy industry. Located in Surabaya, this company has the vision to become a quality and professional toy manufacturer. Along with the increasingly intense competition in the industrial world, every company must compete to improve its performance evenly. So far, the performance measurement conducted by PT. X only tends to financial measures, so other factors receive less attention. It will impact delays in the process of achieving the vision set by the company. Against the background of these problems, it is necessary to conduct a thorough performance appraisal using the balanced scorecard method integrated with the factual matrix (OMAX). PT.X Performance Evaluation Results using the balanced scorecard method weighted 16 key performance indicators (KPI) with the Objective Matrix (OMAX). 4 KPIs belong to the green category, which means that they have exceeded the target, 7 KPIs belonged to the yellow category, which means that it needs to be improved so the performance can be improved according to the targets expected by the company, and 5 KPIs belonging to the red category which means it needs special attention to get it immediately corrective action.

Prevalence status and associated factors of wrist postural injury in the Chinese occupational population.

This study investigated the prevalence of wrist injuries in 15 industries and different types of work in China. Study on the associated factors of wrist injuries provides a scientific basis for prevention and treatment of wrist diseases in occupational workers. A cross-sectional study of musculoskeletal symptoms of related practitioners in 15 industries, including automobile manufacturing, was conducted to retrieve worker demographic information, working wrist posture, and pain conditions. Multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). The prevalence of wrist injuries among the study population was 13.2%. Toy manufacturing, animal husbandry, automobile manufacturing, shoe manufacturing, and biopharmaceutical manufacturing had the highest wrist injury rates at 29.1, 19.1, 14.9, 14.9, and 14.0%, respectively. Among the types of jobs, enamel workers (63.0%), butchers (43.6%), combers (32.5%), welders (31.3%), and scaffolders (26.5%) had the highest prevalence rates. Based on the final multivariate logistic regression analysis: female [odds ratios (OR) = 1.24; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.15-1.35], 6-10 years of service (OR = 1.11; 95% CI, 1.03-1.18), >10 years of service (OR = 1.15; 95% CI, 1.06-1.25), frequent upward and downward flexion in wrist posture at work (OR = 1.81; 95% CI, 1.84-2.11), and frequent wrist placement on the edge of angular objects increased the OR of injury (OR = 1.52; 95% CI, 1.44-1.61). Need to squeeze objects tightly while working (OR = 1.72; 95% CI, 1.57-1.89), prolonged wrist flexion (OR = 1.86; 95% CI, 1.75-1.97), and work hand position above the shoulder for prolonged periods (OR = 1.11; 95% CI, 1.04-1.19) also suggested the relationship between these factors and the higher prevalence of wrist injury in the workers. The associated factor was physical activity (OR = 0.86; 95% CI, 0.80-0.94). This study suggested the relationship between these factors and the higher prevalence of wrist injury in the toy manufacturing, animal husbandry, automobile manufacturing, and shoe-making industries, enamel workers, butchers, and combers. And are work types that require special attention. Females, working age, physical activity, and abnormal posture of the wrist were factors significantly associated with WMSDs.

The research on priority selection of e-commerce agent operation service providers based on Fuzzy-DEMATEL, ANP combination weighting and TOPSIS analysis

In view of the comprehensive evaluation and selection of e-commerce agent service provider, this paper discusses the construction of e-commerce agent service provider selection index system. Fuzzy-Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (Fuzzy-DEMATEL) is selected to analyze the logical relationship and influence relationship between the selection indexes of e-commerce representative operation service providers, and the importance and relevance Analytic Network Process (ANP) network was constructed. The combined weighting method of Fuzzy-Dematel and ANP is used to calculate the mixed weight, and Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method was used to complete the comprehensive ranking and selection of alternatives. Finally, the empirical analysis of M company, a toy manufacturing enterprise in central China, choosing e-commerce agent operation service provider is carried out by using the established evaluation method, and the results show that the evaluation method is effective and feasible.