Value-added Industries Research Articles

Correlations Among Consumers’ Perception, Satisfaction, and Preference by Nail-care Method

As the nail-care industry emerges as a high value-added industry in the Republic of Korea, consumer psychology has drawn attention as a significant demand variable. Under such circumstances, this study attempted to investigate the correlations among variables. The purpose of this study is to derive implications for the service development of the nail care industry by examining the impact on the perception of wet care and dry care methods of nail care and consumers satisfaction and preference, and analyzing their correlation. For this, a questionnaire survey was performed among 380 customers, and their perception, satisfaction, and preferences are analyzed and their correlation with each other was examined. As a research method, statistical analysis was used through reliability analysis, frequency analysis, one-way variance analysis (ANOVA), and correlation analysis as the result of the survey. The results found the following: In terms of consumer perception on two different nail care services (dry care, wet care), ‘wet care’ was viewed more positively. And Consumer satisfaction increased as consumer preferences improved. Therefore, there is a necessity to improve dry care-related consumer perception to maximize the promotion of nail care services. To accomplish this, it is required to launch diverse differentiation strategies.

Multinational Corporations and Local Content Policy: Towards a New Equilibrium

Multinational corporations operate beyond state borders and the need to regulate them has been made apparent by documented human rights violations, as well as environmental encroachments. This article considers two types of measures: (1) those that have been adopted by multinational corporations themselves such as Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives and (2) those developed by host states with a focus on Local Content policy measures. Going beyond the idea of regulating corporations, Local Content policy measures are designed to act as a growth multiplier by developing linkages and involving local populations in the production process to create a spillover effect on the local or national economy. The author reviews the advantages and risks, associated with crafting such policies, and argues that demand for such measures is on the rise, not just in high value-added industries but also in other spheres. Indeed, while Local Content policies may present some disadvantages, restricting foreign contributions to the production process in an attempt to cultivate local economic linkages, their explicit formulation offers a high degree of clarity to international investors, which could facilitate and regularize the activities of multinational corporations.

South Korea - Russia economic relations: focused on FDI

The emphasis on economic cooperation between South Korea and Russia is growing according to the new foreign policies of the two countries. This study aims to draw policy implications for increasing inter South Korea-Russia investments as reflecting growing political significances of economic cooperation of the two countries. For that, we analyzed FDI data from Central Bank of Russia, Export-Import Bank of Korea, and KOTRA given that in globalized economies, above all the other entry modes in foreign markets, FDI plays a significant role in national economic growth as allowing firms to utilize cross-border production factors with high efficiencies. Based on the data analysis, we made the following meaningful conclusions. First, despite growing political importance, FDI flows between the two countries are insignificant, partially due to the profound sense of closeness. Second, the motivations of Korean FDI showed differences dependent on Russian cities. Third, Korean FDI in Russia is highly concentrated in the manufacturing industry. To increase FDI flows between the two countries, we recommend to launch cultural exchange programs in private sectors with longterm visions and diversify investment in a way to increase cooperation among SMEs, and start-ups in high value-added and innovative industries.

최신 피부건강 개선 천연물 발굴법

The skin is the largest organ in the body. Skin is an indicator of aging and beauty. Many people want to beautify their skin. One of the best ways to improve skin health using natural products. The natural products industry will become a high value-added industry in the future. Natural products with the effect of improving skin health are competitive in the market. Therefore, it is important to find natural products with good effects in a more efficient way. In this review, we will briefly discuss how to improve skin health and explain how to find natural materials for improving skin health.

실현율을 이용한 시나리오 기반 스마트관광도시 관광객 수요예측

Recently, a growing number of local governments are seeking to invigorate the local economy through smart tourism, a high value-added industry. Thus, while many researchers discuss the economic value of smart tourism, there are few studies that present specific data. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to provide empirical basis for the economic value of smart tourism by predicting changes in the number of tourists through smart tourism. Furthermore, it aims to present specific and objective data to local governments that seek to revitalize the local economy through smart tourism. To achieve this research objective, this study utilized demand forecasting techniques that take into account visit intention and feasibility rates, and collected data through online surveys. Specifically, the study sampled the residents of metroplitan area through quota sampling and examined their respective willingness to visit Jeonju, Gyeongju, and Gangneung when they were traditional tourist cities and smart tourist cities. The analysis shows that the average number of tourists in smart tourist cities is expected to increase twice as much. In addition, as a result of analyzing the differences in the willingness to visit between existing cities and smart tourism cities, women showed higher willingness to visit than men, and 60s showed the highest willingness to visit. These analysis results were not only empirical grounds for the economic value of smart tourism, which had been discussed only conceptually, but the study also presented basic data to local governments seeking to vitalize the local economy through smart tourism.

Heterogeneous Material Additive Manufacturing for Hot-Stamping Die

Additive manufacturing (AM) has recently been receiving global attention. As an innovative alternative to existing manufacturing technologies, AM can produce three-dimensional objects from various materials. In the manufacturing industry, AM improves production cost, time, and quality in comparison to existing methods. In addition, AM is applied in the fabrication and production of objects in diverse fields. In particular, metal AM has been continuously commercialized in high value-added industries such as aerospace and health care by many research and development projects. However, the applicability of metal AM to the mold and die industry and other low value-added industries is limited because AM is not as economical as current manufacturing technologies. Therefore, this paper proposes an effective solution to the problem. This study examines a method for using direct energy deposition and heterogeneous materials, a heterogeneous material additive-manufacturing process for metals used to optimize the cooling channels and a key process in manufacturing hot-stamping dies. The improvements in the cooling performances and uniform cooling were evaluated by heat-flow analysis in a continuous process. Finally, trial products were fabricated using the proposed method, and a trial for hot stamping was conducted to examine the possibility of it being used in commercial applications.

Industrial Policy, Industrialization and Economic Development of Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan pursued the market-based reform in the process of transition. Based on the literature review and statistical data covering 1990s-2010s, this paper explains economic development and industrialization of Kyrgyzstan in its transition process. The government of Kyrgyzstan promoted several priority sectors including agriculture, mining, energy, garment and agro-processing industry by industrial policy measures. There is little evidence that Kyrgyzstan has a comparative advantage in agriculture. Gold mining is expected to be depleted by 2020s. Kyrgyzstan appears to be competitive in hydroelectricity generation and agro-processing industry. Although the garment industry has led the manufacturing sector, it has been losing the foreign investors’ attention. Therefore, it is necessary for Kyrgyzstan to think of the next stage of economic development with the new industrial-led economic development strategy. The government of Kyrgyzstan may benefit from promoting value-added industries. For such value-added industries to develop, strengthening infrastructure particularly in human capital would be critical.

Repetitive recycling of 3D printing PLA filament as renewable resources on mechanical and thermal loads

3D printing technology has emerged as a high value-added industry with high efficiency that has dramatically broken away from the existing material and manufacturing industry’s human-based production system. These technologies, ranging from small parts to large structures, are rapidly developing due to the challenge of various filament materials, whereas there are significant concerns about waste filler materials, and complimentary research is needed to improve them. Polylactic acid (PLA), the representative polymer of 3D printing, contributes to minimizing environmental risks. However, although thermoplastic PLA has excellent reversible properties for heat in terms of sustainable resources, it is degraded as a low value-added material afterward. Therefore, in this study, the effect of repetitive recycling on the mechanical and thermal properties of PLA filaments was analyzed to verify and re-evaluate PLA as a renewable resource. As a result, recycled PLA has decreased tensile and flexural strength by up to 69% and 53%, respectively, compared to initial neat PLA with the increase of the number of repetitive recycling, and this demonstrates the change in the thermal properties of recycled PLA.

Manganese Nodules in Chile, an Alternative for the Production of Co and Mn in the Future—A Review

Given the active growth of emerging technology industries, it has become essential to have large quantities of critical metals to meet the current demand. In the Chilean mining industry, there is a depletion of high-grade mineral ores, and there is hence a need to increase production levels in the copper industry and diversify its market by extracting other elements. One of the strategies is to foster the production of lithium batteries, but the manufacture requires reserves of cobalt (Co) and manganese (Mn). Currently, Co reserves are not being exploited in Chile, and Mn production is almost negligible. This is due to the apparent shortage of high-grade ores on the land surface of the country. Given this scenario, the seabed manganese nodules are presented as a good alternative due to their high average grades of Co and Mn, which in turn would allow the growth of strategic value-added industries including lithium battery production. Chile’s current environmental regulations prevent the exploitation of marine resources. However, given technological advances worldwide, both in collection mechanisms and extractive processes, in addition to the needs generated from the future strategic plans, leads us to think about a project to exploit manganese nodules locally.

Global supply chain of biomass use and the shift of environmental welfare from primary exploiters to final consumers

With the increasingly frequent interregional trade that leads to the geographical separation of production and consumption, the invisible shift of the environmental welfare bestowed by biomass use is brought to attention. Using a systems embodiment accounting model, this study tracked the dynamic process of interregional transfer of biomass use from primary supply to final consumption via the global supply chain. The results reveal that biomass use embodied in global trade is 87% of total global biomass exploitation. Moreover, the intermediate trade volume is 1.7 times higher than the final trade volume. In terms of biomass use, the United States, South Korea, mainland China, Japan, and the United Kingdom are revealed as the five leading net importers and also the main final consumers. Brazil, India, Cyprus, Indonesia, and Latvia are demonstrated to be the top five net exporters and also the main exploiters of biomass resources. The biomass self-sufficiency rate by source and that by sink for each country are then discussed. The outcome shows that through the channels of global supply chain, the shift of environmental welfare from biomass-exporting nations to biomass-importing nations occurs along with interregional trade. For Brazil and India, we suggest that they should strike a balance between economic revenues and long-term sustainability. Regarding the consumption-oriented nations such as the United States, an increase in the energy efficiency of high value-added industries is recommended.

Intelligent optimization system for powder bed fusion of processable thermoplastics

Powder bed fusion (PBF) represents a class of additive manufacturing processes with the unique advantage of being able to fabricate functional products with complex three-dimensional geometries. PBF has been broadly applied in highly value-added industries, including the biomedical device and aerospace industries. However, it is challenging to construct a comprehensive knowledgebase to guide material selection and process optimization decisions to satisfy the product standards of various industries based on a poor understanding of process-structure-property/performance relationships for each type of thermoplastic. In this paper, an intelligent optimization system is proposed to establish quantitative relationships between process parameters and multiple optimization objectives, including mechanical properties, productivity, energy efficiency, and degree of material degradation. Polyurethane is considered as a representative thermoplastic because it is sensitive to thermal-induced degradation and has a relatively narrow process window. Material and powder properties as functions of temperature are investigated using systematic material screening. Numerical models are created to analyze the interactions between laser beams and polymeric powders by considering the effects of chamber thermal conditions, laser parameters, temperature-dependent properties, and phase transitions of polymers, as well as laser beam characteristics. The theoretically predicted features of melting pools are validated experimentally and then utilized to develop quantitative relationships between process parameters and multiple optimization objectives. The established relationships can guide process parameter optimization and material selection decisions for polymer PBF.

Biorefinery Concept Applied to Phytochemical Extraction and Bio-Syngas Production using Agro-Industrial Waste Biomass: A Review

Second-generation biomass is a renewable resource that can address the increasing global energy demand and help to partially substitute the use of and dependence on fossil fuels, since it can be transformed into gas, liquid and/or solid fuels by physical, thermal, thermochemical and/or biological processes. However, its potential is not fully exploited because the process to extract the phytochemicals present in such organic byproducts has been largely omitted. Natural compounds are of interest to high value-added industries such as cosmetics and pharmaceutics. Therefore, this work proposes to thoroughly use such residual biomass in a biorefinery by a simultaneous, efficient and sustainable integration and operation of extraction processes to obtain phytochemicals and functional extracts. A thermochemical process known as gasification is implemented to produce syngas, which can be turned into fuels, chemicals, and energy such as methanol and synthetic gasoline. Furthermore, this review article describes the state of the art of each process and the concept of biorefinery.

Entrepreneurship in a transformative and resource-rich state: The case of Qatar

Countries blessed with natural resources have generally struggled to achieve sustainable economic development and prosperity. Population growth, the depletion of natural resources coupled with mismanagement, and sharp fluctuations in prices of those resources are among the main reasons for sub-optimal economic performance. Some resource-rich countries have been expending effort and money in an attempt to change this inverse relationship (a.k.a. “the resource curse”) by designing policies to diversify their economies with high value-added industries and sectors. Qatar is a such country and point of the interest in this article. Qatar's political and economic structure, its efforts to diversify its economy, and the potential for improved entrepreneurial outcomes with high value-added products, services, businesses, and industries are analyzed. The country has been very effective in maximizing the benefits of its oil resources and especially its large natural gas reserves, becoming the largest exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the world. Revenues from oil and gas sales have been invested in the domestic economy and global assets. Thus far, however, it has not shown the in-house capacity for innovation and entrepreneurship critical for sustainable economic diversification going forward.This publication was made possible in part by NPRP grant #10–1203–160007 from the Qatar National Research Fund (a member of the Qatar Foundation).

A Study on the Complementary Direction of Guidelines for Developing Green Conventions in Korea: Using Comparative Analysis among Domestic and Overseas Cases

As interests in sustainability have been increasing and discussions of environmental issues are ongoing globally, the MICE industry (Meeting, Incentive Travel, Convention, and Exhibition), which is attracting attention as a high value-added industry, also became an important part of the sustainability domain. Consequently, there has been a rise in hosting ‘green conventions’, or ‘green MICE’ which are designed to minimize all the negative impacts on the environment such as energy and water consumption. At some point, a large number of studies had been conducted for the development of green conventions, but most of them mainly used empirical methods. Although the Ministry of Environment has presented guidelines and some domestic exhibition convention centers have implemented strategies, they are not enough compared to overseas countries. This study aims to examine the latest guidelines to supplement the guidelines of Korea’s green convention. In this regard, the study will use a comparative analysis method among the current guidelines of convention centers in Australia (Sydney), Canada (Vancouver), and the U.S.A (Detroit and San Francisco) and draw up complementary directions. As a result, we could draw out common items in the facility management and event planning and operation section. Some items were similar in all convention centers, but others were included in the guidelines of few centers only. This research is sure to be the academic background for developing related practices and standards for the future green convention in Korea. In addition, this study will have value in terms of investigating sustainable management in the convention industry as the importance of sustainability in the tourism industry emerges.

Clustering of the Russian coal mining regions: Investment and innovation activity

On a global scale, Russia’s competitive advantages remain linked with extractive and low value-added industries despite numerous attempts of the government to make the national economy more innovative. The paper focuses on the problem of the Russian economy’s transi tion to innovative development and overcoming its resource dependency. Methodologically, the paper relies on the concepts of an enclave dual economy and fragmented (dual) innovation sys tems. The object of the study is coal mining regions, which are clustered based on the analysis of investment and innovation activity. Statistical methods of data analysis (calculation of descrip tive statistics) as well as cluster analysis methods (hierarchical method and k-means method) are used for processing the initial information. The researchers form the indicators characteris ing investment and innovative activity in the selected regions. Investment indicators include the ones reflecting the total share of investment in fixed capital by economic activities related to extractive and manufacturing industries. To assess innovation activity the authors calculated the total share of expenses of the organisations of extractive and manufacturing industries on technological innovations. The results of hierarchical analysis in a group of investment activity indicators allow identifying four clusters of regions. Based on the innovation activity indica tors, regions form three clusters. The research findings demonstrate that most of coal mining regions feature low or medium level of investment activity in the extractive and manufacturing industries; medium level of innovation activity in extractive industries and medium or low level of innovation activity in manufacturing industries. The results of the study can be one of the foundations for the regional policy targeting the transition to innovation economy.

Some aspects of internationalization of small and medium enterprises in Latin America and the Caribbean region

Relevance of the research topic. The article discusses the foreign trade of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Latin American region in the context of economic integration. Formulation of the problem. The SMEs are particularly vulnerable if the country integrates into the trade block, opens up the domestic market and is subject to competition from foreign companies. This aspect requires further study. Analysis of recent research and publications. The issues of regionalization and integration were studied by the economists J. Weiner, B. Balassa, R. Cooper. A special attention was paid to small business and international entrepreneurship by the authors F. Weidersheim-Paul, J. Johanson, P. MacDougall, A.Danilchenko and D. Kalinin. Problem statement, research objectives. The purpose of the article is to summarize information about SMEs foreign economic relations, as well as directions to encourage internationalization in the Latin American trading blocks. Research methodology. When writing the article, the basic methods of general scientific study were used, an analysis of expert opinions and international databases was carried out. Presentation of the main research material (results of work). The article compares the state of the SME sector in the Latin American region. The author shows the imperfection of the support policy for enterprises and the limited opportunities for the internationalization of Latin American SMEs. It discusses the integrated approach to encourage the SMEs foreign trade and its implementation by the given governments. The field of the results application. The results of the study can be used by the relevant government agencies in developing support programs for SMEs internationalization. Conclusions according to the article. Currently Latin America and the Caribbean’s have not reached a level of integration at which a unified sector development strategy and a support policy for SMEs internationalization are being developed. The governments have embarked on poverty alleviation issue and raising living standards through creating microenterprises in low value-added industries. Along with this, the measures are being taken to include SMEs in the supply chains of large businesses, encouraging the indirect internationalization of the sector. Integration with the developed countries will increase the chances of SMEs internationalizing. It will be facilitated by a vast foreign market, FDI and the establishment of supporting competitive industries among SMEs, as well as financial assistance from the regional funds.

Taiwan’s New Southbound Policy and the Cross-Strait Relations

Taiwan still faces the problem of identifying its relationship and developing its attitude within the Cross-Strait Relations, not only due to the well-known political considerations and diplomatic isolation, but also because it is widely perceptible that Taiwanese investors and the Taiwanese government are scared of the possible implications of a trade war between the USA and the People’s Republic of China (PRC, hereinafter: Mainland China). Besides other reasons, this is the main motivation behind the sudden Taiwanese FDI divestment from Mainland China. This huge amount of capital, however, does not return to Taiwan to create new jobs and develop new, high value-added industries, rather it flows to Southeast Asia, an area still focusing on the low-cost labour-intensive manufacturing sector. Besides other, non-industrial fields, the present NPP-based Tsai administration fosters its New Southbound Policy (NSP), which is partially implemented under the umbrella of a special NGO, the Taiwan–Asia Exchange Foundation (TAEF). The 18 target countries of NSP comprise the complete ASEAN plus South Asia, Australia and New Zealand. However, among Taiwan’s target countries, the most intensive investment and trade relations are maintained with the ASEAN region (mostly Vietnam, Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia). The future might, however, bring about significant changes, as Mainland China has still been by far the biggest export market of Taiwan.

Liberalización comercial en Colombia: ¿modernización o trampa?

Este artículo analiza el comercio exterior colombiano para determinar por qué los resultados de la apertura no han sido satisfactorios frente a los propósitos que la impulsaron. Se plantea como hipótesis que el modelo de desarrollo está sujeto a dicha política y que la liberalización comercial no ha motivado el desarrollo de sectores que agreguen valor. Finalmente, mediante la teoría de los ciclos políticos, se sugiere que la economía colombiana puede estar atrapada en una trampa de dependencia económica internacional a la que ha contribuido la dirigencia política del país.

Economic Contribution of Ohio’s Wood Industry Cluster: Identifying Opportunities in the Appalachian Region

Ohio’s wood industry cluster contributes nearly $25 billion and 116,321 jobs to the state’s economy, yet most of this value-added impact occurs outside of the heavily forested Appalachian Ohio region. This research, conducted as part of a Small Business Administration Regional Innovation Cluster grant, includes a multi-industry economic contribution analysis to document wood industry impacts to the entire State of Ohio and the 32-county Appalachian Ohio region. Findings indicated that Appalachian Ohio contained lower paying and lower on the value chain sectors compared to the state. This paper highlights these metrics and presents recommendations to improve investment and value-added industry opportunities in the wood industry cluster to support Appalachian Ohio.

A Review of Metal Additive Manufacturing Application and Numerical Simulation

Metal additive manufacturing has achieved high economic benefits in aerospace, military, biomedical and other high value-added industries. It has good application prospects in automobile, nuclear power, petrochemical, ship and other traditional industries. The numerical simulation can effectively predict the thermal evolution, molten pool morphology, residual stress and deformation in the process of adding metal. However, due to the limitation of the calculation speed of commercial software such as ANSYS and ABAQUS, the calculation results are difficult to accurately guide the actual manufacturing process of adding metal components. Therefore, special simulation software for additive manufacturing should be developed to carry out simulation and prediction.