Show Me the Money: The Economic Impact of Membership-Based Free Shipping Programs on E-Tailers

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhen Fang ◽  
Yi-Chun (Chad) Ho ◽  
Xue (Jane) Tan ◽  
Yong Tan
Keyword(s):  
Optimal Design ◽  
Economic Impact ◽  
Two Dimensions ◽  
Consumer Heterogeneity ◽  
Product Price ◽  
Desirable Outcome ◽  
Segmented Market ◽  
Free Shipping ◽  
The Cost

This research examines the economic impact of membership-based free-shipping (MFS) programs when introduced as an augmentation to widely accepted contingent free-shipping (CFS) policies. Under CFS, consumers waive the shipping surcharge if the order exceeds a certain threshold, whereas under MFS, consumers pay an upfront fee and enjoy the free-shipping perk throughout the membership period. We develop a stylized model that considers consumer heterogeneity in two dimensions: (1) disutility from acquiring an auxiliary product—a product that consumers would not otherwise purchase—to qualify for CFS; and (2) shopping frequency over a given period. Our analysis suggests that the introduction of MFS allows the e-tailer to segment the market further, which could lead to a higher product price. When the disutility from acquiring an auxiliary product is moderate, the e-tailer should charge a high membership fee to target only frequent shoppers who forgo CFS. However, the e-tailer should lower the fee to lure also (1) frequent shoppers who would otherwise take CFS, when the disutility is high; or (2) infrequent shoppers who would otherwise forgo CFS, when the disutility is low. In all cases, although the collected fee revenue can never compensate for the cost arising from offering the free-shipping perk, the loss can be recouped as a desirable outcome of a more segmented market. Our research generates insights into the optimal design of e-tailers’ shipping policies, shedding light on the practical challenges that confront e-tailers.

Economic impact of the use of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program

2021 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alvine Fansi ◽  
Angela Ly ◽  
Julie Mayrand ◽  
Maggy Wassef ◽  
Aldanie Rho ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Improvement ◽  
Cost Analysis ◽  
Economic Impact ◽  
Quality Improvement Program ◽  
Economic Evaluations ◽  
Complication Rates ◽  
Improvement Program ◽  
Surgical Quality ◽  
Acs Nsqip ◽  
The Cost

Objectives The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP®) is a validated, risk-adjusted database for improving the quality and security of surgical care. ACS NSQIP can help participating hospitals target areas that need improvement. The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature analyzing the economic impact of using NSQIP. This paper also provides an estimation of annual cost savings following the implementation of NSQIP and quality improvement (QI) activities in two hospitals in Quebec. Methods In June 2018, we searched in seven databases, including PubMed, Embase, and NHSEED for economic evaluations based on NSQIP data. Contextual NSQIP databases from two hospitals were collected and analyzed. A cost analysis was conducted from the hospital care perspective, comparing complication costs before and after 1 year of the implementation of NSQIP and QI activities. The number and the cost of complications are measured. Costs are presented in 2018 Canadian dollars. Results Out of 1,612 studies, 11 were selected. The level of overall evidence was judged to be of moderate to high quality. In general, data showed that, following the implementation of NSQIP and QI activities, a significant decrease in complications and associated costs was observed, which improved with time. In the cost analysis of contextual data, the reduction in complication costs outweighed the cost of implementing NSQIP. However, this cost analysis did not take into account the costs of QI activities. Conclusions NSQIP improves complication rates and associated costs when QI activities are implemented.

From a Seed to a Need: the Growth of Shape Memory Applications in Europe.

1991 ◽  
Vol 246 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ir. J. Van Humbeeck
Keyword(s):  
Shape Memory ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Marketing Research ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Manufacturing Cost ◽  
Product Price ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
Place Promotion ◽  
Memory Applications ◽  
The Cost

AbstractA more systematic marketing research approach has finally revealed good ideas anticipating a market need for the use of shape memory alloys. The success of those new ideas, prototypes and applications are analysed in terms of “the value of the function”, defined as the importance of the function divided by the cost of providing the function. A high importance and/or a low cost of the function are thus the basic requirements for the successful introduction of shape memory applications. Attention is also paid to the way how the 4 P's, product, price, place, promotion (the marketing mix) are applied by the European companies. Those different items will be illustrated on the basis of some small-, medium- and largescale applications, used in different markets. “to the point research”, fundamental and applied, on material properties as well as on manufacturing (cost reduction) is being discussed as the key factor to increase the function value.

Application and Research of Digital Technology in Optimal Design of CNC Floor Boring and Milling Machine

2012 ◽  
Vol 429 ◽  
pp. 111-115
Author(s):  
Zhen Long Leng ◽  
Jin Feng Yang ◽  
Qun Ping Liu ◽  
Xun Deng
Keyword(s):  
Numerical Simulation ◽  
Optimal Design ◽  
Digital Technology ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Milling Machine ◽  
Machine Model ◽  
Digital Modeling ◽  
Key Technologies ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Interference Checking

This paper focuses on application of the three-dimensional digital modeling, numerical analysis and optimization, digital control and other key technologies which provide technical support for the design and development in CNC floor boring and milling machine manufactruing. The three-dimensional digital modeling, digital assembly, interference checking help to eliminate some hidden trouble before processing and assembly. Numerical simulation reduces the cost and shortens the cycle of designand manufactruing in the optimal design of the machine. This technique has been successfully applied to a CNC Floor Boring and Milling Machine Model, which has been running for three years and achieved satisfactary economic result.

Estimating the cost of pure cybercrime to Australian individuals

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Coen Teunissen ◽  
Isabella Voce
Keyword(s):  
Economic Impact ◽  
The Other ◽  
Population Estimates ◽  
Australian Population ◽  
Probability Sampling ◽  
The Past ◽  
Online Panels ◽  
The Cost

This report estimates the cost of pure cybercrime to individuals in Australia in 2019. A survey was administered to a sample of 11,840 adults drawn from two online panels—one using probability sampling and the other non-probability sampling—with the resulting data weighted to better reflect the distribution of the wider Australian population. Thirty-four percent of respondents had experienced some form of pure cybercrime, with 14 percent being victimised in the last 12 months. This is equivalent to nearly 6.7 million Australian adults having ever been the victim of pure cybercrime, and 2.8 million Australians being victimised in the past year. Drawing on these population estimates, the total economic impact of pure cybercrime in 2019 was approximately $3.5b. This encompasses $1.9b in money directly lost by victims, $597m spent dealing with the consequences of victimisation, and $1.4b spent on prevention costs. Victims recovered $389m.

scholarly journals Robust Explorative Particle Swarm Optimization for Optimal Design of EV Traction Motor

Processes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 2000
Author(s):  
Jin-Hwan Lee ◽  
Woo-Jung Kim ◽  
Sang-Yong Jung
Keyword(s):  
Particle Swarm Optimization ◽  
Optimal Design ◽  
Cost Function ◽  
Particle Swarm ◽  
Torque Ripple ◽  
Rate Of Change ◽  
Swarm Optimization ◽  
Traction Motor ◽  
Target Performance ◽  
The Cost

This paper proposes a robust optimization algorithm customized for the optimal design of electric machines. The proposed algorithm, termed “robust explorative particle swarm optimization” (RePSO), is a hybrid algorithm that affords high accuracy and a high search speed when determining robust optimal solutions. To ensure the robustness of the determined optimal solution, RePSO employs the rate of change of the cost function. When this rate is high, the cost function appears as a steep curve, indicating low robustness; in contrast, when the rate is low, the cost function takes the form of a gradual curve, indicating high robustness. For verification, the performance of the proposed algorithm was compared with those of the conventional methods of robust particle swarm optimization and explorative particle swarm optimization with a Gaussian basis test function. The target performance of the traction motor for the optimal design was derived using a simulation of vehicle driving performance. Based on the simulation results, the target performance of the traction motor requires a maximum torque and power of 294 Nm and 88 kW, respectively. The base model, an 8-pole 72-slot permanent magnet synchronous machine, was designed considering the target performance. Accordingly, an optimal design was realized using the proposed algorithm. The cost function for this optimal design was selected such that the torque ripple, total harmonic distortion of back-electromotive force, and cogging torque were minimized. Finally, experiments were performed on the manufactured optimal model. The robustness and effectiveness of the proposed algorithm were validated by comparing the analytical and experimental results.

Optimal design with variable cost and precision requirements

1989 ◽  
Vol 19 (12) ◽  
pp. 1591-1597
Author(s):  
Margaret Penner
Keyword(s):  
Biological Sciences ◽  
Optimal Design ◽  
Sample Size ◽  
Design Theory ◽  
Sampling Design ◽  
Unit Cost ◽  
Evaluation Process ◽  
Variable Cost ◽  
Design Flexibility ◽  
The Cost

A method for incorporating variable costs and differing precision requirements into optimal design theory is developed and discussed. In many studies and experiments, particularly in the biological sciences, the cost of each observation can vary considerably depending on the attributes of the sample. Ignoring observation costs leads to designs that maximize precision for a given sample size. However, by incorporating costs, efficiency is maximized by optimizing precision per unit cost. An example is presented that demonstrates the efficiency of a weighted optimal design in comparison with several alternatives. The weighted optimal design is most efficient at meeting the experimenter's precision objectives. Comparing designs allows the introduction of additional criteria such as design flexibility into the evaluation process. Explicitly incorporating both cost and precision in the search for a sampling design ensures time is wisely spent considering study objectives, including precision requirements.

Infrastructure, Accessibility and Growth in Tuscany: A Macroeconomic Impact Evaluation

2010 ◽  
pp. 75-100
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Francesco Gori ◽  
Patrizia Lattarulo ◽  
Renato Panicciŕ
Keyword(s):  
Economic Impact ◽  
Regional Growth ◽  
Agglomeration Economies ◽  
Regional Mobility ◽  
Macroeconomic Impact ◽  
Productivity Differentials ◽  
The Cost ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Cost Of Transportation

The purpose of the paper is to assess the impact of the Regional Mobility and Logistic Plan (RMLP) of Tuscany on regional growth and spatial disparities between the Tuscan provinces. In order to evaluate its economic impact, we first quantify the impact in terms of changes in travel time and variations in the cost of transportation per unit of delivered output. We then make use of the Remi-Irpet model. The latter explains the agglomeration economies and productivity differentials. We find that, despite the fact that the RMLP does not solve the structural problem of mobility within Tuscany, it does make it possible to get rid of some potential constraints for long-term regional growth, even if the economic impact across the provinces is disequalizing.

Personality traits as predictors of language learner engagement

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 285-310
Author(s):  
Tanja Angelovska ◽  
Sarah Mercer ◽  
Kyle Read Talbot
Keyword(s):  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Personality Traits ◽  
Big Five ◽  
Two Dimensions ◽  
Language Learner ◽  
Tertiary Level ◽  
Big Five Personality ◽  
Learner Engagement ◽  
Desirable Outcome

Abstract Engagement is seen as a highly desirable outcome and process contributing to successful learning. In second language acquisition (SLA), we know comparatively little about the nature of engagement for learning a language, in particular the kind of individual differences in learners that account for variations in engagement. In this study, we investigate whether a relationship exists between the engagement of tertiary-level English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students and one key individual difference, student personality traits, as measured by Goldberg, Lewis R. 1992. The development of markers for the Big-Five factor structure. Psychological Assessment 4(1). 26–42, Big-Five Personality Markers. Participants in this study were 154 EFL tertiary-level students from two universities in Austria. Language learning engagement (LLE) was measured using a modified version of the standardized Student Engagement Instrument (Appleton et al. 2006) adapted specifically for the tertiary-level EFL context in which this study was conducted. The study revealed that trait neuroticism and age predicted LLE and its two dimensions, the cognitive and the affective. Pedagogical implications of the study are presented and discussed.

Factor Choice Distortion under Cost-Based Reimbursement

2003 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 145-160 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Christensen ◽  
Joel S. Demski
Keyword(s):  
Economic Impact ◽  
Returns To Scale ◽  
Relative Prices ◽  
Traditional Procedure ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Constant Returns To Scale ◽  
Accounting Procedure

We study a setting in which a firm faces commercial and cost-reimbursed products, and, following Rogerson (1992), examine the factor choice distortions that are induced by the cost-based reimbursement arrangement. The firm's technology is separable, which allows us to rationalize fully an ABC procedure (given constant returns to scale) and also allows us to document whether the distortions occur in the direct or indirect subcost functions. The location and magnitude of the distortions depend on the precise costing procedure, but the preference for an ABC versus traditional procedure is far more subtle. Absent constant returns, any (linear) accounting procedure invites factor distortions because of the cost-reimbursement feedback, but the economic impact of these distortions depends on the technology, the relative prices, and the costing procedure.

scholarly journals Resilient optimal design of multi-family buildings in future climate scenarios

2019 ◽  
Vol 111 ◽  
pp. 06006 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matteo Bilardo ◽  
Maria Ferrara ◽  
Enrico Fabrizio
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Optimal Design ◽  
Building Design ◽  
Building Envelope ◽  
Future Climate ◽  
Future Scenarios ◽  
Optimal Solutions ◽  
Climate Scenarios ◽  
Global Cost ◽  
The Cost

In Europe, the second recast of EPBD promotes long-term strategies to accelerate the path to nZEBs, fostering the cost-optimized building design already suggested in the EPBD first recast. Since the nZEB design is a complex optimization problem that is subjected to uncertainty in its boundary conditions (climate, technologies, market, ...), it is necessary to guarantee the resilience of the NZEB optimal design to possible variations of future scenarios, especially as regards the climate change. This work applies the new EdeSSOpt methodology (Energy Demand and Supply Simultaneous Optimization) developed by the Authors aiming at investigating the variation of the cost-optimized multi-family building design in different Italian future climate scenarios, therefore considering parameters related to the building envelope, energy systems and renewable energy sources. The method is implemented into the TRNSYS® (energy model), GenOpt (optimizer) and WeatherShift® (future climate scenario generator) tools. The resulting cost-optimal solutions in future scenarios are related to a lower global cost and a decreased total primary energy consumption. Beyond the future trends of such performance indexes, the fact that most of technical solutions associated with the optimal solutions have not changed with the studied climate scenarios, indicates a certain resilience of the optimal design variables facing climate change.

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