Price and its forecasting of Chinese cross-border E-commerce

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (10) ◽  
pp. 1605-1618
Author(s):  
Jianping Chen ◽  
Nadine Tournois ◽  
Qiming Fu
Keyword(s):  
Business Models ◽  
Price Dispersion ◽  
Baby Food ◽  
Price Forecasting ◽  
Food Sector ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cross Border ◽  
Food Market

Purpose Cross-border e-commerce in China has been booming in recent years. This paper aims to study pricing in Chinese cross-border e-commerce companies and focuses on the baby food market, which is simply examined as a case study to highlight broader implications. In this intensely competitive sector, the biggest challenge faced by such companies is ensuring that they are in a position to be able set prices in the short-term to maximize their competitive advantage and profitability. The study of pricing will help management to make correct operational decisions. Design/methodology/approach This study utilizes transaction data, which were obtained from the Taobao e-commerce platform. Taobao is the largest e-commerce retail platform in the world. We analyzed factors, including business models, homogeneity, reputation ratings and sales volumes, which may affect pricing. Findings This study found that consumers in the baby food sector of Chinese cross-border e-commerce are not price-sensitive. Consumers are reputation-rating-sensitive. The reputation ratings of sellers affect the price dispersion in e-commerce markets. The Core Price Dispersion Rate Model not only considers the prices but also takes sales volumes into account in the calculations. Finally, based on Gaussian processes, a model was developed for price forecasting in the area of cross-border e-commerce. The experimental results show that the proposed method is highly valuable for price forecasting. Originality/value This study provides a novel understanding of the baby food sector in the Chinese cross-border e-commerce market by examining the business model, price dispersion, reputation rating and correlation between the reputation of sellers, prices and sales volume. Furthermore, a model for price forecasting is proposed.

Purchasing behaviour and supplier base evolution – a longitudinal case study

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Dubois ◽  
Lars-Erik Gadde ◽  
Lars-Gunnar Mattsson
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Longitudinal Case Study ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Supplier Relationships ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Purchasing Behaviour ◽  
Time Periods

Purpose The purpose of the paper is to describe and analyse the evolution of the supplier base of a buying firm and the reasons behind these changes. Design/methodology/approach The paper is based on a case study of the changes over 52 years in a sub-set of the supplier base of a firm manufacturing fork-lifts. Findings The study shows that some relationships feature substantial longevity. However, the duration of one-third of the total relationships is shorter than five years. There was considerable variation over time in the dynamics of the supplier base in terms of entries and exits of suppliers. Owing to this variation, research findings and conclusions in short-term studies are heavily dependent on the specific conditions at the time of the study. Finally, no less than one-fourth of the terminated supplier relationships were reactivated later. Research limitations/implications The study was designed in a time when purchasing was considered entirely from the perspective of the buying firm. Further studies, therefore, must increasingly emphasise the role of suppliers and the interaction in the buyer–supplier relationships, as well as the embeddedness in networks. Originality/value The findings of the study are unique in two ways. First, they are based on systematic observations over more than 50 years. Second, the study involves the purchases of 11 components representing different technical and economic features. The (few) previous studies are based on much shorter time periods and involves fewer suppliers/components. Moreover, the findings regarding re-activation of terminated relationships represent unique contributions.

Saregama Carvaan: a phoenix that rose from the ashes

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-20
Author(s):  
Tausif Amir Mulla
Keyword(s):  
Consumer Behavior ◽  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Graduate Program ◽  
Smart Device ◽  
Strategic Decisions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Profit Center ◽  
Academic Level

Learning outcomes The learning outcomes of this case are product innovation, the importance of consumer insights and data in marketing and the role of consumer insights in brand revival. Case overview/synopsis This case study is a fascinating look into how the shift from music compact disc (CDs) to streaming has completely changed consumer behavior. This change in attitude led many music labels down one of two paths as follows: shutting down the business or embracing new business models. The case study aims to bring out essential learning from a company, Saregama, that was on the verge of shutting down because of the losses incurred with the shift in consumer behavior from buying music CDs to streaming music for free on every smart device. This shift led most record companies to become shuttered. However, not all were as fortunate as Saregama, who threaded its way toward profitability. This case analyzes how Saregama turned from a loss-making business unit into a profit center by launching a breakthrough product backed by innovative thinking and strong consumer research. The researcher opted for secondary research based on reports from Deloitte and McKinsey & Company and other credible sources to understand the music streaming market in India. The study also includes excerpts from the interview of Vikram Mehra (MD of Saregama India Ltd.) to various media houses and customer reviews on e-commerce sites. Complexity academic level The case is relevant for learners studying for an undergraduate or graduate program and for discussions for modules such as marketing management and international marketing with a focus on product development and strategy. Applicability the case will provide the following exposure to the learners: the difference between corporate and marketing objectives; Using frameworks such as valuable, rare, inimitable, and organization and SAP-LAP to understand the rationale behind strategic decisions; An understanding of the importance of listening to consumers; Using the right marketing elements such as segmentation, targeting and positioning and marketing mix for a competitive marketing strategy. Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS: 8 Marketing.

scholarly journals Managing brand presence through social media: the case of UK football clubs

2014 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 181-204 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeff McCarthy ◽  
Jennifer Rowley ◽  
Catherine Jane Ashworth ◽  
Elke Pioch
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Web Sites ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Football Clubs ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Community Growth ◽  
Further Development

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to contribute knowledge on the issues and benefits associated with managing brand presence and relationships through social media. UK football clubs are big businesses, with committed communities of fans, so are an ideal context from which to develop an understanding of the issues and challenges facing organisations as they seek to protect and promote their brand online. Design/methodology/approach – Due to the emergent nature of social media, and the criticality of the relationships between clubs and their fans, an exploratory study using a multiple case study approach was used to gather rich insights into the phenomenon. Findings – Clubs agreed that further development of social media strategies had potential to deliver interaction and engagement, community growth and belonging, traffic flow to official web sites and commercial gain. However, in developing their social media strategies they had two key concerns. The first concern was the control of the brand presence and image in social media, and how to respond to the opportunities that social media present to fans to impact on the brand. The second concern was how to strike an appropriate balance between strategies that deliver short-term revenue, and those that build longer term brand loyalty. Originality/value – This research is the first to offer insights into the issues facing organisations when developing their social media strategy.

Supply chain agility in humanitarian protracted operations

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 173-201 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cécile L'Hermitte ◽  
Peter Tatham ◽  
Ben Brooks ◽  
Marcus Bowles
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Humanitarian Logistics ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Emergency Operations ◽  
Supply Chain Agility ◽  
Agile Practices ◽  
Basic Features

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to extend the concept of agility in humanitarian logistics beyond emergency operations. Since the humanitarian logistics literature focuses primarily on emergencies and sees longer term and regular operations as being conducted in relatively stable and predictable environments, agile practices are usually not associated with humanitarian protracted operations. Therefore, this paper explores the logistics and supply chain environment in such operations in order to identify their basic features and determine if agility is an important requirement. Design/methodology/approach – Using a case study of the United Nations World Food Programme, the authors collected and analysed qualitative and quantitative data on the characteristics of protracted operations, the risks and uncertainties most frequently encountered, their impact, and the ways that field logisticians manage contingencies. Findings – The research demonstrates that unpredictability and disruptions exist in protracted operations. Therefore, short-term operational adjustments and agile practices are needed in order to support the continuity of humanitarian deliveries. Research limitations/implications – Future research should focus on a wider range of humanitarian organisations and move from a descriptive to a prescriptive approach in order to inform practice. Notwithstanding these limitations, the study highlights the need for academics to broaden the scope of their research beyond emergencies and to address the specific needs of humanitarian organisations involved in longer term operations. Originality/value – This paper is the first empirical research focusing exclusively on the logistics features of humanitarian protracted operations. It provides a more concrete and complete understanding of these operations.

Tensions to rise on Haiti-Dominican Republic border

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Dominican Republic ◽  
Black Market ◽  
Border Security ◽  
Irrigation Canal ◽  
Undocumented Migration ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cross Border ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Term Labour

Significance One is the Dominican Republic’s controversial plan to build a border ‘wall’, to halt undocumented migration. Another is the Haitian authorities’ recent construction of an irrigation canal just within the Haitian side of the border. Protests and border clashes are likely to intensify over the coming months. Impacts Increased border security will drive up demand for, and the cost of, cross-border smuggling, worsening insecurity. Effective border policing may foster short-term labour shortages in the Dominican Republic. Demands for vaccination evidence before crossing the border will probably prompt a surge in black-market vaccination certificates.

Digital platforms in Russia: competition between national and foreign multi-sided platforms stimulates growth and innovation

2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 129-145 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yaroslav Eferin ◽  
Yuri Hohlov ◽  
Carlo Rossotto
Keyword(s):  
Emerging Markets ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Emerging Market ◽  
Policy Framework ◽  
Policy Objective ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Digital Platforms ◽  
Digital Platform ◽  
Winner Takes All

Purpose This paper aims to test the “winner-takes-all” vs the “winner-takes-some” scenarios in digital platform competition dynamics in emerging markets. Design/methodology/approach This paper uses an analytical reference framework to assess the emergence of digital platforms in Russia, including four elements: definition of multi-sided platforms (MSPs), platform enablers, business models and competitive dynamics. Findings This paper concludes that Russia shows that a healthy competition between national and foreign MSPs led to the emergence of a shared equilibrium, where local platforms were able to retain a significant, often majority, share vis-à-vis foreign and global platforms. Research limitations/implications This paper stands as a counterpoint to the widespread conviction that digital platform dynamics will result into a “winner-takes-all” scenario and dominance of global platforms. Practical implications This case study offers practical data and analysis that can be used to create a baseline and evaluate the dynamics of digital platforms in emerging markets. It offers data, trends and evidence on Russia’s digital economy. Social implications This research provides a logical framework to help policymakers take decisions on a policy framework to regulate platforms in emerging markets. The good outcome of competition between local and foreign platforms should emerge as a policy objective to achieve in most emerging markets. Originality/value This case study is the first baseline to assess the dynamics of competition between national and foreign digital platforms in the Russian market. It is one of the first papers to tackle the market of digital platforms in an emerging and developing economy. It tries to address the debate between “winner-takes-all” and “winner-takes some” competition equilibrium through a concrete case study in an important G20 emerging market economy.

scholarly journals Preventing a boondoggle: assuring a short term research abroad activity is an educative experience

2019 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelly George ◽  
Aaron Clevenger
Keyword(s):  
Study Abroad ◽  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Experiential Education ◽  
Undergraduate Research ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Term Study ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Instrumental Case Study ◽  
Short Term Study

Purpose At Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, an annual short-term, research abroad non-credit program was created in 2012 as a core component of the undergraduate research initiative that achieves learning outcomes in a meaningful way. The paper aims to discuss this issue. Design/methodology/approach In order to describe, and analyze the short-term research abroad activity, an instrumental case study design was created. The instrumental case study was chosen as a means of allowing the facilitators/authors to communicate how they attempted to assure that the program was educative. In order to determine if the program was in fact educative and that it met its goal of being an effective research experience the authors utilized two additional research methods. The first was a document analysis of the participant’s research artifacts. Each participant was required to communicate their findings by writing a paper that was submitted for publication to an applicable research journal. Findings The study found that an experiential education as a pedagogical framework coupled with a short-term research abroad activity can lead to a substantive educative experience, where the authors described and analyzed attempts to ensure that the short-term research abroad program was educative, it also describes the educational assessment findings which describe what was found when the authors tested whether they, in fact, met this goal. Research limitations/implications During the design phase of the short-term research abroad program, the authors turned to experiential education as a principle for how they would ensure that the program was grounded in an acceptable educational theory. Experiential education is a widely accepted educational practice used in experiences such as co-ops and internships, study abroad, undergraduate research and service learning. Practical implications To frame the short-term cultural research abroad program as something from which student could learn the authors utilized the National Society of Experiential Education’s (2013) list of eight principles of good practice. In order to safeguard that an activity is educative, an assessment or an evaluation of a demonstrative artifact is essential. In assessing the final artifact against a rubric or some other non-biased or less biased criteria, an educator can ensure that the student has gained new knowledge in the form of student learning outcomes (SLOs). In addition, the educator can use the results of this assessment to modify many different aspects of the experience ranging from the timing, the modality, the pre-work, even the learning outcomes themselves. Social implications Given financial and curriculum inflexibility of some students, Universities and faculty could achieve attainment of research-based, program agnostic, SLOs by offering short-term study abroad alternatives to the traditional semester or year-long experiences. With graduates looking to enter the job market where businesses are more globalized and executive’s recognition of a need for more international experience, carefully constructed short-term study abroad programs are meaningful avenues to build those credentials. Originality/value Such offerings can be constructed as customized experiences to achieve highly integrated skills across all degree programs.

Successful approaches for implementing additive manufacturing

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 131-148
Author(s):  
Robert Martens ◽  
Susan K. Fan ◽  
Rocky J. Dwyer
Keyword(s):  
Additive Manufacturing ◽  
The Netherlands ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Multiple Case Study ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Qualitative Multiple Case Study

PurposeThe purpose of this qualitative, multiple-case study was to explore the successful strategies that managers of light and high-tech small and medium-sized manufacturing companies in the Netherlands, use to adopt additive manufacturing (AM) technology into their business models.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative, multiple-case study approach was used. The participants for this study consisted of executive-level managers of light and high-tech manufacturing companies in the Netherlands. Company documents were studied, and individual interviews were undertaken with participants to gain an understanding of the strategies they used to adopt AM technology into their business models.FindingsThree significant themes emerged from the data analysis: identify business opportunities for AM technology, experiment with AM technology and embed AM technology.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings of this study could be of advantage to industry leaders and manufacturing managers who are contemplating to adopt AM in their business models.Originality/valueThis study may contribute to the further proliferation of AM technology. Industry leaders may also gain a clearer understanding of the effects of 3DP on local employment. The results of the study may also work as a catalyst for increased awareness for manufacturing firm leaders who have not yet considered the opportunities and threats AM technology presents to their organizations.

scholarly journals Driving internationalization through business model innovation

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 201-220 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angelo Cavallo ◽  
Antonio Ghezzi ◽  
Bertha Viviana Ruales Guzmán
Keyword(s):  
Business Model ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Business Models ◽  
International Entrepreneurship ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Business Model Innovation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
A Company ◽  
North Western

Purpose This paper aims to investigate how a firm may innovate its business model to internationalize. Design/methodology/approach Owing to its novelty and to the depth of the investigation required to grasp the mechanisms and logics of business model innovation aiming at internationalization, a single case study has been performed related to a company located in North-Western Colombia. Findings The study provides detailed empirical evidences over the mutual connection and complementarities among value mechanisms of business models. Moreover, this study suggests that BMI fosters internationalization to scale, which, in turn, will require additional changes to match new customer needs as they emerge. Also, the study shows an extension of the action–space of lean startup approaches, intended as scientific approaches to international entrepreneurship. Originality/value This study connects business model innovation and internationalization as few studies have done before.

Convergence and digital fusion lead to competitive differentiation

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 707-720
Author(s):  
Ashish Thomas
Keyword(s):  
Business Models ◽  
Business Processes ◽  
Growth Strategies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Business Operations ◽  
Digital Convergence ◽  
Global Banking ◽  
New Business ◽  
New Business Models

Purpose Organizations are consistently seeking innovative strategies and novel pathways to enhance business processes and create differentiation. The global business ecosystem is changing and there is growing demand for multi-modal digital technologies, big data consolidation and data analytics to harness a cost-competitive agile system. Technological convergence and integration of digital systems is one of the preferred methodologies that facilitates new and effective workflows and revives business processes. The progressive interlinking of digital technologies with business operations leads to the convergence and blending of management disciplines, devices and applications. The growing inconsistencies in managerial understanding regarding the benefits of convergence prompts a comprehensive examination of digital convergence pathways, identifying the impacts on converging entities and business objectives. The State bank of India (SBI) mega-merger case study was selected to investigate the pragmatic framework of digital convergence and to understand the impacts on interlinked entities such as: business operations, strategic management, project team that support value creation and competitive differentiation. The purpose of this paper is to focus on the phenomena of techno-fusion of emerging technologies creating new opportunities, business models and unique strategies for global banking and financial service organizations. Design/methodology/approach This study applies the qualitative, inductive research method using critical reflection of before and after the implementation of convergence and digital integration strategies. The SBI case study employs this research strategy based on the premise that banks must stay agile and highly responsive to the changing environment to enhance its value proposition and competitive differentiation objectives. The study methodology incorporates cooperative inquiry and multiple levels of analysis using data collection techniques of exhaustive review of archives, informal interviews, questionnaires and observations to identify the synergistic process improvement pathway. The study is grounded on the concept that the convergence of diverse business pathways involves innovative and interlinked project, strategic and information technology (IT) workflows that results in open innovative systems. Findings The studies identify that organizational innovation and creative solutions are a result of ecosystem turbulence, environmental force diversity, competitive pressure and the need for differentiation. Organizations that harness the power of digital fusion and convergence of management, systems and data generate a competitive advantage. The technological convergence strategy pulls multiple business and technology processes (project, strategic, IT, Cloud, AI and business process management) at the organizational, divisional or functional level generating new opportunities and threats, new business models and unique growth strategies for global banking and financial services organizations. Organizations that fully integrate techno-fusion of business and digital strategies produce synergistic effects and enhance adaptability, innovation and resiliency in the face of competitive challenges. Research limitations/implications Additional areas that can be explored further as an extension of this study are listed below: identifying factors to improve the speed of convergence; the current results are limited to large size organizations where formal management and technology functions are distinctive. Similar studies on smaller organizations are warranted. Originality/value This study focuses on the evolving field of technology innovation, which is increasingly being intertwined with business operations. Innovative digital technology is enabling the convergence of the disciplines of management, digital devices and applications. This facilitates the creation of a pragmatic framework that supports convergence of business operations, strategic management and digital fusion which leads to value creation and competitive differentiation. The techno-fusion of emerging technologies and digital strategies generates new opportunities and threats, new business models and unique growth strategies for organizations.

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