75 results on '"Cost competitiveness"'
Search Results
2. Improving competitiveness in education institutes – ABC’s neglected potential
- Author
-
Sorros, John, Lois, Petros, Charitou, Melita, Karagiorgos, Alkiviadis Theofanis, and Belesis, Nicholas
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
3. The Impact of Instability in the Business Environment on the Competitiveness of Enterprises Using the Example of the Apparel Industry.
- Author
-
Milewska, Beata
- Abstract
Recently, many disruptions have occurred in the environment of companies, mainly caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, but also, for example, by the war in Ukraine and by the sharp increase in fuel prices. The aim of the article was to present the competitive strategies of chosen companies from the garment industry and the impact of environmental instability on the competitiveness of enterprises using the example of the clothing industry in Poland. The author has been conducting comprehensive research in Polish clothing companies since mid-2017, using, first of all, the method of interviews with company management. This article presents partial results of these studies concerning the competitiveness of companies, especially in terms of the instability of the environment. On the basis of the conducted research, it can be concluded that the instability in the environment has a significant impact on the competitiveness of clothing enterprises. In the initial period, the COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on the level of logistic customer service. Because of this, availability of clothing in some stores and quality of deliveries to online customers deteriorated. The war in Ukraine also caused a temporary deterioration of the availability of clothing in the case of companies that outsourced production to Ukraine. Instability in the environment resulted in an increase in logistics and production costs, which in many cases resulted in an increase in the price of clothing for the end customer. The COVID-19 pandemic and the increase in fuel prices have reduced the efficiency of outsourcing clothing production in low-cost countries, but in the surveyed companies, this had not caused a shift of production from global to local. The problems resulting from the instability of the environment were more quickly overcome by those companies that were more flexible and that earlier on had diversified their sales channels (i.e., sold both in the stores and via e-commerce customers) and the sources of supply (production not only in low-cost countries but also in the local sewing factories). The research confirmed the significant impact of instability in the environment on the ability to compete with the level of logistic customer service and price. The instability in the environment did not affect the ability to compete with the quality of clothing in the surveyed companies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
4. Cost competitive analysis of large-scale gold mines in Ghana from 2007 to 2016.
- Author
-
Atta, Samuel Kwame and Tholana, Tinashe
- Subjects
- *
COST analysis , *GOLD mining , *MINING methodology , *GOLD industry , *INDUSTRIAL costs , *MINES & mineral resources - Abstract
The gold mining industry is a major contributor to the economy of Ghana. However, this contribution has been declining over the past decade. This decline coupled with the importance of the industry to the country's economy necessitated the need to analyse the performance of companies within the industry. Therefore, a cost performance analysis of Ghana's major gold mines was done in this paper for the period 2007 to 2016 using industry cost curves. A correlation coefficient analysis was also done to identify the key cost drivers in Ghana. This paper further analysed the cost competitiveness of Ghana's gold mining industry against other gold producing countries in the world. From the analysis, it was found that Newmont's Ahafo and Akyem mines were consistent low unit cost producers. Both mines benefited from economies of scale and high metallurgical recovery rates. On the other hand, AngloGold Ashanti's Obuasi and Golden Star's Bogoso mines were found to be consistent high unit cost producers due to low-productive and labour-intensive underground mining methods used and very low metallurgical recovery rates, respectively. Finally, the study revealed that Ghana's gold mining industry was not cost competitive when compared to other gold-producing countries over the analysis period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
5. An input–output analysis of unit labour cost developments of the German manufacturing sector since the mid-1990s.
- Author
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Albu, Nora, Joebges, Heike, and Zwiener, Rudolf
- Subjects
INPUT-output analysis ,MANUFACTURING industries ,EXPORTERS ,COST - Abstract
According to empirical studies, a statistically significant factor for German exports success is high cost (or price) competitiveness. Studies by Deutsche Bundesbank recommend correcting the nominal effective exchange rate by broad cost (or price) indicators (Deutsche Bundesbank, 1998, 2016a). This would call for total economy unit labour costs. In contrast to these findings, Dustmann et al. (2014) suggest using refined unit labour costs for the exporting manufacturing sector only, corrected for inputs from other sectors and from abroad in an Input–Output (IO) analysis framework. According to these authors' novel calculation, the export-oriented manufacturing sector of Germany experienced a decrease in unit labour costs by 25% between the mid-1990s and 2007. We try to replicate their findings. Following standard approaches in calculating sectoral unit labours costs, correcting for inputs from other sectors and from abroad, and using consistent input–output data from the Federal Statistical Office and from the World Input–Output Database, nominal unit labour costs of the manufacturing sector did not decrease over the period of analysis, and developed similarly to total unit labour costs. The similarity to total economy costs is also confirmed for a more recent period. In contrast to these authors' claim, our findings are in line with recommendations of Deutsche Bundesbank for using total economy unit labour costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
6. Price and quality competitiveness across OECD countries: An approach to quality by R&D expenditure.
- Author
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Ben Hassine, Haithem and Mathieu, Claude
- Subjects
DEMAND function ,INDUSTRIAL costs ,LOGARITHMS ,INTERNATIONAL trade ,COUNTRIES - Abstract
The aim of this paper is to analyse the effects of quality competitiveness based on technological innovation on the bilateral trade of goods. Our approach is based on the estimation of an import demand model that uses the data for 19 manufacturing sectors across 28 OECD countries over the period of 1998–2012. In the first step, to identify quality from prices, the logarithm of unit value (a proxy of price) is regressed on the logarithm of private R&D expenditure (a proxy for quality). The quality‐adjusted prices are derived from the difference between the unit value and its predicted value. In the second step, an import demand function is used to distinguish the effects of quality (private R&D expenditure) from the effects of other factors, such as production costs, which are approximated by the quality‐adjusted prices. The results of the first step indicate a significant positive effect of quality on the prices of imported goods in 7 out of 19 sectors. The results of the second step emphasise significant nonlinear effects of prices and quality on the import demand of goods: when the quality of imported goods is higher, the marginal effect of an increase in quality on the import demand is greater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
7. The economic feasibility and environmental ramifications of biodiesel, bioelectricity, and bioethanol in Malaysia.
- Author
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Szulczyk, K.R., Yap, C.S., and Ho, P.
- Subjects
RENEWABLE energy sources ,ETHANOL as fuel ,FOSSIL fuels ,CELLULOSIC ethanol ,GREENHOUSE gas mitigation ,AGRICULTURAL prices - Abstract
This paper explores several renewable energy sources to help Malaysia reduce its carbon footprint. Accordingly, this study employs a partial equilibrium model to examine the potential of the Malaysian agricultural sector to supply biodiesel, bioethanol, and bioelectricity on a commercial scale to mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG). The model includes the fourteen agricultural commodities of Malaysia. The results show that bioethanol is economically feasible with its fossil fuel counterpart, while bioelectricity is almost economically feasible. Both bioethanol and bioelectricity have the potential to offset significant GHG emissions of fossil fuels. Furthermore, this study finds that biodiesel has little mitigation on GHG emissions and cannot compete with diesel. Biodiesel also would expand the agricultural industry, which could raise agricultural prices and hasten deforestation. Therefore, the Malaysian government should further study bioethanol and bioelectricity as two candidates to supply renewable energy and help the nation meets its GHG commitment under the Paris Agreement. This study highlights further research for cellulosic ethanol because it is still in the experimental stage. • The results show that Malaysia could develop a large-scale renewable energy sector by producing bioelectricity or bioethanol from waste biomass. • Bioelectricity and bioethanol could help Malaysia reduce its carbon footprint and meets its commitment of the Paris Agreement. • The results indicate that palm biodiesel is not cost-competitive with diesel and shows modest reductions in carbon emissions. • Large-scale biodiesel production may raise agricultural prices and hasten deforestation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
8. Cost structure effects of horizontal airline mergers and acquisitions.
- Author
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Gudmundsson, Sveinn Vidar, Merkert, Rico, and Redondi, Renato
- Subjects
- *
COST structure , *MERGERS & acquisitions , *VARIABLE costs , *MARKETING costs , *IMPACT craters , *LABOR incentives - Abstract
The purpose of this research is to test the ex-post cost structure effects in horizontal mergers and acquisitions (M&A). Our proposed methodology quantifies cost structure effects empirically to inform competition policy around M&As in the airline industry. The results show that horizontal M&As involving unprofitable firms significantly reduce variable costs and increase fixed costs ex-post. M&As involving only profitable firms show no significant impact on the cost structure. We offer support that the ex-post cost structure effects of airline M&As depend on the incentives to improve efficiency, reflected in the ex-ante performance of the merging firms. We further argue that market behavior may not just depend on market structure but cost structures too, all of which should be accounted for in antitrust decision making and regulation around airline M&As. • Horizontal M&A involving unprofitable firms significantly reduce variable costs and increase fixed costs ex-post. • Horizontal M&A involving profitable firms show no significant impact on the cost structure. • The ex-post cost structure effects of airline M&As depend on the incentives to improve efficiency. • Market behavior may not just depend on market structure but cost structures too. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2020
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
9. Capital Inflows and Costs: The Role of the Euro.
- Author
-
Beneito, Pilar and Cháfer, Carlos
- Subjects
CAPITAL movements ,CAPITAL costs ,BALANCE of payments ,EURO ,EUROZONE - Abstract
The changing environment that the Euro has brought to its member countries could have fuelled the deteriorating effect that net capital inflows potentially have on their cost competitiveness. This paper uses a difference-in-differences (DID) approach to assess the effect of the Euro on the relationship between capital inflows, as measured by current account imbalances, and unit labour costs over the period 1993-2007. The sample used consists of annual data for 24 developed economies, comprising both the first EA12 countries as well as non-EA countries, with the latter used as the comparison group in the analysis. We find that the Euro seems to have amplified the deteriorating effect of capital inflows on costs. This finding suggests that the Eurozone should monitor cumulative current account imbalances, the associated inflows of capital, and the potential vulnerability of each country to the detrimental effects that capital inflows may have on their economies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2020
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
10. Bioelectricity in Malaysia: economic feasibility, environmental and deforestation implications.
- Author
-
Szulczyk, Kenneth R., Cheema, Muhammad A., Cullen, Ross, and Khan, Atiqur Rahman
- Subjects
DEFORESTATION ,ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY ,OIL palm ,AGRICULTURAL prices ,VEGETABLE oils - Abstract
We investigate the economic feasibility of bioelectricity production from biomass in Malaysia and its impact on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and storage, agricultural prices, agricultural employment and deforestation. For this purpose, we develop a partial equilibrium model that projects agricultural prices, production, imports, exports, domestic consumption and land use in 5‐year increments between 2015 and 2065. Our results show that by 2030 biomass‐generated electricity can supply 36.5 per cent of the electricity generated in Malaysia, 16 times more than the 2016 electricity supply from biomass. Increased bioelectricity production from biomass will significantly reduce GHG emissions and will help Malaysia meet its commitment in the Paris Agreement to mitigate GHG emission by 45 per cent before 2030. Our modelling shows that biomass‐generated electricity creates a derived demand for waste biomass that expands the area of oil palm plantations. The expansion lowers agricultural prices, boosts agricultural employment and leads to some deforestation as landowners clear rainforest to plant oil palm trees. Nonetheless, the deforestation does not increase GHG emissions since GHG gains from bioelectricity significantly exceed GHG losses from deforestation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2020
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
11. MILK PRODUCTION COSTS IN POLISH AND OTHER EU COUNTRIES’ DAIRY FARMS - ASSESSMENT IN 2009-2015.
- Author
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Parzonko, Andrzej
- Subjects
- *
MILK yield , *DAIRY farms , *ECONOMIC competition - Abstract
The main purpose of the study was to assess the cost competitiveness of milk production in dairy farms from selected EU countries in the years 2009-2015. In addition, differences in the volume of milk production in individual EU countries were presented and the problem of the scale of milk production in agricultural farms was outlined. According to the study, average dairy farms from selected 10 EU countries significantly differed in the production potential and scale of milk production. The average arable land area of a dairy farm in Poland was only approximately 20 ha of arable land area, while at the same time in the Czech Republic it was at the level of approximately 300 ha of arable land area. The lowest production costs of 100 kg of produced milk were recorded in Poland, Lithuania and Latvia, while the highest were in Denmark and the Czech Republic. It can be observed that in the years 2009-2015 in nine out of ten analysed countries, the total costs of production of 100 kg of milk increased (by 2.4 euro on average). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2018
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
12. The cost competitiveness, competitiveness and sustainability of the hospitality industry in India
- Author
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Vij, Madhu
- Published
- 2016
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
13. Improving Cost Competitiveness of Small and Medium Enterprises by Using Participatory Lean Approach - A Case Study.
- Author
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Hussain, A., Tahir, Z. R., Siddiqui, F. A., Asim, M., and Ahmad, Q. W.
- Subjects
ORGANIZATIONAL learning ,PERSONNEL management ,LEAN management ,MASS media use ,LABOR costs ,EMPLOYEE ownership - Abstract
Cost competitiveness of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in developing countries such as Pakistan can be improved using lean manufacturing premise. Benefit realization of lean implementation has been a challenge because of implementation cost and employees' ownership. This study aims at developing a lean implementing methodology for SMEs that can help in designing and implementing low-cost interventions by involving stakeholders especially employees and management in the implementation process. The proposed methodology is a seven steps cyclic approach based on the concept of continuous improvement where lessons learned from the implementation process provide opportunities for organizational learning. These could help in developing sustainable organizational change. The proposed methodology has been validated through a case study. Different tools and techniques like processflow analysis, line balancing, time study, fishbone diagram, TAKT time, Work-in-Process (WIP) have been used to quantify key Performance Indicators (KPIs). As mentioned that the implementation approach is based on the participation of stakeholders; so, KPIs have been quantified at pre and postintervention phases where low-cost interventions suggested by the employees have been implemented and their effects in terms of performance improvements have been quantified. Results indicate that as a result of the implementation of interventions Work-in-Process (WIP) and Batch travel distance (BTD) is reduced by 64% and 86%, respectively. It is also found that the average production per day and line balancing efficiency is improved by 38% and 133%, respectively. Furthermore, the suggested interventions help in achieving higher labour productivity by reducing the number of workers 22%. It is concluded that the development and implementation of low-cost interventions through active participation of employees, during the process of lean implementation, can significantly improve the process performance, which ultimately leads to achieving cost competitiveness in SMEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2019
14. Does productivity affect profitability in dairy processing industry? Evidence from Slovenia, Croatia and Serbia
- Author
-
Saša Muminović and Željana Aljinović Barać
- Subjects
dairy processing industry ,profitability ,productivity ,cost efficiency ,cost competitiveness ,Dairying ,SF221-250 - Abstract
This paper provides insights into productivity in dairy processing companies in Slovenia, Croatia and Serbia. The aim is to find out whether EBITDA per employee, as a measure of overall productivity as well as labour and capital productivity and their management positively affect company’s profitability. Literature review shows that this issue was relatively neglected, although increase in productivity is regarded as the most important factor in maintaining a competitive advantage in most developed countries. Results obtained show that comprehensive measure of productivity EBITDA per employee has statistically significant positive impact on company’s profitability, the same as productivity management components labour cost competitiveness and capital productivity.
- Published
- 2015
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
15. The Impact of Instability in the Business Environment on the Competitiveness of Enterprises Using the Example of the Apparel Industry
- Author
-
Beata Milewska
- Subjects
Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment ,competitiveness ,clothing companies ,COVID-19 pandemic ,instability ,war in Ukraine ,supply chain ,logistic customer service ,cost competitiveness ,competing with quality ,Geography, Planning and Development ,Building and Construction ,Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law - Abstract
Recently, many disruptions have occurred in the environment of companies, mainly caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, but also, for example, by the war in Ukraine and by the sharp increase in fuel prices. The aim of the article was to present the competitive strategies of chosen companies from the garment industry and the impact of environmental instability on the competitiveness of enterprises using the example of the clothing industry in Poland. The author has been conducting comprehensive research in Polish clothing companies since mid-2017, using, first of all, the method of interviews with company management. This article presents partial results of these studies concerning the competitiveness of companies, especially in terms of the instability of the environment. On the basis of the conducted research, it can be concluded that the instability in the environment has a significant impact on the competitiveness of clothing enterprises. In the initial period, the COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on the level of logistic customer service. Because of this, availability of clothing in some stores and quality of deliveries to online customers deteriorated. The war in Ukraine also caused a temporary deterioration of the availability of clothing in the case of companies that outsourced production to Ukraine. Instability in the environment resulted in an increase in logistics and production costs, which in many cases resulted in an increase in the price of clothing for the end customer. The COVID-19 pandemic and the increase in fuel prices have reduced the efficiency of outsourcing clothing production in low-cost countries, but in the surveyed companies, this had not caused a shift of production from global to local. The problems resulting from the instability of the environment were more quickly overcome by those companies that were more flexible and that earlier on had diversified their sales channels (i.e., sold both in the stores and via e-commerce customers) and the sources of supply (production not only in low-cost countries but also in the local sewing factories). The research confirmed the significant impact of instability in the environment on the ability to compete with the level of logistic customer service and price. The instability in the environment did not affect the ability to compete with the quality of clothing in the surveyed companies.
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
16. Intermodal Inland Waterway Transport: Modelling Conditions Influencing Its Cost Competitiveness
- Author
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Bart Wiegmans and Rob Konings
- Subjects
Inland Waterway Transport ,Intermodal ,Cost Competitiveness ,Economies of Scale ,Europe ,Shipment of goods. Delivery of goods ,HF5761-5780 - Abstract
In this paper a model is developed to analyse and compare the transport costs of intermodal inland waterway transport and road-only-transport. The influence of the economies of scale in inland waterway transport and terminal operations are taken into account in the analysis. In the model the transport costs are defined and related to different transport operations and conditions (e.g. share of empty kilometres, capacity usage of terminals, etc.) in order to analyse the sensitivity of the cost performance of intermodal inland waterway transport. By doing this it is possible to analyse to what extent intermodal freight transport is competitive with road-only transport in terms of transport costs and specific operations and conditions (both in shipping and terminal). The conclusions prove that roundtrips, drop & pick operations in pre- and end-haulage and smaller containers (20 ft instead of 40 ft) considerably improve the competitiveness of intermodal inland waterway transport, while the relative high cost operations in small terminals reduce the competitiveness of intermodal inland waterway transport.
- Published
- 2015
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
17. Assessment of costs of nuclear power in Bangladesh
- Author
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Tanvir Hassan Bhuiyan and Islam Md. Shafiqul
- Subjects
business.industry ,LUEC ,020209 energy ,Economic and financial indicators Rooppur NPP project VVER-1200 Gen III+ reactor LUEC Cost sensitivity Cost competitiveness ,Cost sensitivity ,02 engineering and technology ,010501 environmental sciences ,Environmental economics ,Nuclear power ,01 natural sciences ,lcsh:TK9001-9401 ,Economic and financial indicators ,0202 electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering ,lcsh:Nuclear engineering. Atomic power ,Business ,VVER-1200 Gen III+ reactor ,Rooppur NPP project ,Cost competitiveness ,0105 earth and related environmental sciences - Abstract
Financing and economic risks are two of the major challenges facing by the nuclear industry today for the construction of a new build Gen III+ or an advanced Gen IV nuclear power plant (NPP). Prediction of economics and financial aspects of an NPP always remains uncertain as these are heavily dependent on investment costs, construction time, licensing and regulation, operation and maintenance (O&M) costs, fuel costs, financing costs, plant capacity factor (PCF), etc. Such uncertainty in accurately predicting the risk of financing and economics limits the growth of the nuclear industry. Furthermore, global high-trend construction costs of NPPs lack confidence amongst manufacturers and builders. This paper attempts for modeling the costs of the twin under construction VVER-1200 model Gen III+ reactors at Rooppur in Bangladesh based on techno-economic and financial data, and some assumptions. To calculate the levelized unit electricity cost (LUEC), net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR), and payback period (PBP), nine scenarios are modeled in the FINPLAN modeling tool given the plant technical data, investment costs, financial terms & conditions, global benchmarked operation & maintenance (O&M) costs and fuel costs, PCFs of 50–90%, and a fixed discount rate of 10%. The study finds that the estimations of LUECs of the Rooppur NPP project are in the range of 43.8–82.5 $/MWh of which are lower than for coal, oil, and renewable energy sources. The annual rate of return of the project is found in the range of 13–20%. The PBP is within 7–8 years after the start of commercial operation. Cost sensitivity analysis is performed by taking a large variation of O&M costs, fuel costs, and PCFs. The results show favorable economic situations with regard to the country’s other power sources and are expected to be competitive with global NPPs projects. Only the competitive NPP projects can contribute to a sustainable economic, social, environmental, scientific, and technological developments for both NPP importing and exporting countries.
- Published
- 2020
18. Enabling Mini-Grid Development in Rural India.
- Author
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Comello, Stephen D., Reichelstein, Stefan J., Sahoo, Anshuman, and Schmidt, Tobias S.
- Subjects
- *
ELECTRIC power distribution grids , *RURAL electrification , *RURAL population , *ELECTRIC power , *INVESTMENTS , *GOVERNMENT policy - Abstract
Summary Rural electrification rates in India lag behind government goals, in part due to the inability of distribution companies (discoms) to fund central grid expansion. In the absence of central grid electrification, mini-grids offer significant potential for an immediate pathway toward rural electrification and the attendant gains in economic growth and productivity. Yet private investment in mini-grids has been virtually absent in India. Using a comprehensive life-cycle cost analysis, we find that mini-grids based on solar PV power and storage are more economical than incumbent energy services available to households without central grid connection. Under current law, a prospective entrepreneur in India does not require a license or certification in order to build a mini-grid and subsequently provide electricity services in the area covered by said installation. Conversely, there is no legal or regulatory framework that specifies what is to happen if the central grid were to be extended to an area that is already covered by a mini-grid. We report detailed survey evidence from interviews with entrepreneurs, analysts and policymakers whose assessments converge on the same point: mini-grid investments would be jeopardized in the event of central grid extension, precisely because discoms would, by regulatory order, provide electricity services at highly subsidized rates, well below their full economic cost. Our fieldwork suggests that the threat of central grid extension is a gateway barrier preventing mini-grid development in India. The issues associated with the gateway barrier have common elements with the so-called holdup problem as identified in the economics of organizations. There have been two recent federal policy guidelines and one actual state-level policy addressing the regulatory status of mini-grids. We examine the effectiveness of these policies/proposals in terms of an entrepreneur’s willingness to develop mini-grids in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2017
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
19. Co-movements between public and private wages in the EU: what factors and with what policy implications?
- Author
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Marzinotto, Benedicta and Turrini, Alessandro
- Subjects
- *
ECONOMIC policy , *PRODUCTION (Economic theory) , *MANUFACTURING industries , *FISCAL policy - Abstract
This paper assesses the relationship between public and private wages in the EU, as measured by general government and manufacturing compensations, respectively. We find that the long-run relation between the two is stronger when the government is a large employer. Manufacturing compensations are better aligned with productivity and unemployment when general government compensations, to which they generally respond, are set through bargaining. Finally, manufacturing compensations react in the same way whether those in the general government sector are increased or cut, a relation that seems to hold also under fiscal consolidation provided the government is a large employer. JEL Classification: C32, E24, E62, H59 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2017
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
20. Impact of Dairy Cooperatives Model Farm (MF) on Milk Production, Cost Competitiveness and Rural Livelihood Improvement in Selected Regions of Bangladesh
- Author
-
Mohammad Jalal Uddin, Mohamamd Uddin, M. N. Sultana, Mohammad Mazharul Haque, A Akter, and Mohammad Nazrul Islam
- Subjects
Agricultural science ,model farm ,Cost competitiveness ,farm resilience ,farm income ,Agriculture ,Business ,milk production ,Livelihood ,Milk production ,traditional farms - Abstract
The aim of present study was to assess Dairy Cooperatives Model Farm (MF-an approach of the Department of Cooperatives) compared with traditional farms in terms of milk productivity and cost of milk production as a measure of cost competitiveness, farm resilience and rural livelihoods of the dairy farmers in four regions of Bangladesh. The holistic approach which combines with research and development agenda was used to handle the complexity of the current dairy farming system and scarcity of data on dairy farms. The International Farm Comparison Network (IFCN) methodology consisting of Typical Farm Approach (TFA), Technology Impact Policy Impact Calculations (TIPICAL) model and dairy networking approach were used. The four regions were selected namely Gopalganj, Tangail, Mymensingh, and Sirajganj purposively where the Dairy Co-operative Model Farm (DCMF) were operating. Data were collected using the IFCN panel approach which is considered as Modified Delphi Technique along with baseline survey, transect survey and panel help survey. Within the DCMF, the 2-cow model farm was selected where under each region first type of farm was Model Farm (MF) with support services where the second farm was Traditional Farm (TF) without any support services. The average milk productivity for MF for all region was higher (1660 kg per cow/year) than TF (1446 kg/cow/year) which is 14.8% higher in MF. The milk productivity has strong regional variations, highest milk production was observed in MF in Sirajganj while the lowest in Gopalganj. The cost of milk production is 7.5% lower in MF than TF where the average cost is 36.44 BDT/kg milk in MF and 39.40 BDT/kg in TF. In relation to cost competitiveness, Gopalganj MF has the lowest cost, implies that highly cost competitive among the regions. The buffer capacity is found to be higher in MF in Tangail and Gopalganj. The Model farms in all regions have increased land, higher income and more income sources than the TF. The study concludes that 2 -cow MF under cooperatives is highly competitive than TF, however, further study might be needed to identify which factors might affect this variation. The results are expected to be beneficial for the policy makers for identifying the suitable farm type and regions for increasing milk production. [J Bangladesh Agril Univ 2020; 18(3.000): 708-716]
- Published
- 2020
21. Investigation of Functionally Graded Adherents on Failure of Socket Joint of FRP Composite Tubes
- Author
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Ankita Mistri, Chander Prakash, Bhargav Prajwal Pathri, Sunpreet Singh, Amrinder Singh Uppal, Jonty Mago, Linda Y. L. Wu, Atul Babbar, Ankit Sharma, Hongyu Zheng, and Vidyapati Kumar
- Subjects
Technology ,Computer science ,Composite number ,Article ,Cost competitiveness ,functionally graded adhesive ,General Materials Science ,Microscopy ,QC120-168.85 ,FEM ,business.industry ,QH201-278.5 ,bonded joint ,Structural engineering ,Fibre-reinforced plastic ,Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General) ,Finite element method ,TK1-9971 ,FRP composite ,Descriptive and experimental mechanics ,Service life ,Joint (building) ,Adhesive ,Electrical engineering. Electronics. Nuclear engineering ,TA1-2040 ,business ,tubular socket joint - Abstract
Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) matrix materials are quickly being investigated for application in concrete construction repair, reinforcement, and refurbishment. The technology has progressed to the point that its future acceptance is mainly reliant on the availability of established design guidelines based on recognized performance criteria, as well as the cost competitiveness of these technologies in contrast to conventional rehabilitation methods. The goal of this study is to evaluate the different functional grades of adhesives throughout bond length for bonded socket joints of laminated FRP composite pipes. Damage development resistance is high with a functionally graded FRP composite socket joint, as shown. To extend the service life of the structure, the joint designer should use an FRP composite socket joint with a functionally graded adhesive (FGA).
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
22. The U.S. investment tax credit for solar energy: Alternatives to the anticipated 2017 step-down.
- Author
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Comello, Stephen and Reichelstein, Stefan
- Subjects
- *
INVESTMENT tax credit , *SOLAR energy industries , *COST control , *PHOTOVOLTAIC power generation , *RENEWABLE energy source research - Abstract
Solar photovoltaic (PV) installations in the United States have been deployed at a rapid pace in recent years, a development that is attributed in significant part to the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC). Yet, this credit is scheduled to step-down from 30% to 10% at the beginning of 2017 for corporate investors. For a sample of five U.S. states and different segments of the solar industry, we find that the anticipated ITC step-down in 2017 would increase the levelized cost of solar power by a significant margin, raising the specter of a ‘cliff’ for the solar industry. Our analysis identifies and evaluates an alternative phase-down scenario that would reduce the ITC gradually over time and eliminate it completely by 2024. For this alternative phase-down scenario, it is shown that solar PV would remain broadly competitive, provided the solar industry can maintain the pace of cost reductions demonstrated in past years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2016
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
23. ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL ISSUES RELATED WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF DAIRY FARMS IN POLAND.
- Author
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Parzonko, Andrzej
- Subjects
- *
DAIRY farms , *FARM produce , *FARM management , *MILK yield , *DAIRY farming - Abstract
The main aim of the article was to present the specificity of dairy farms in Poland in comparison with other European countries, to analyse the causes of the existing state, and to present the possible directions for the development of dairy farms in Poland in the perspective of the proposed intervention mechanisms for the years 2014-2020 in scope of the Common Agricultural Policy of the EU. As shown by the research results, agricultural holdings which deal with milk production in Poland are characterised by a low volume of production in relation to the situation present in other European countries. In 2010, the dominating group of farms keeping milk cows were holdings owning up to 10 cows (83%). The majority of holdings breeding cows in Poland are non-competitive in the scope of production costs in relation to holdings from the Western Europe. The prices of factors of production (including labour) only widen the gap. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2014
24. Masterpieces of Swiss Entrepreneurship
- Author
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Jeannet, Jean-Pierre, Volery, Thierry, Bergmann, Heiko, and Amstutz, Cornelia
- Subjects
Business Strategy/Leadership ,Family Business ,International Business ,Management ,Entrepreneurship ,Open access book ,Competitiveness of Swiss SMEs ,Export strategies of swiss companies ,SME export strategy ,Swiss family enterprises ,Swiss founders and entrepreneurs ,B2B market leaders in Switzerland ,Management field research ,Stakeholder management ,Innovation and intellectual property in Switzerland ,Leveraging competencies ,Cost competitiveness ,Quality engineering ,Business strategy ,Small businesses & self-employed ,Business & Management ,bic Book Industry Communication::K Economics, finance, business & management::KJ Business & management::KJC Business strategy ,bic Book Industry Communication::K Economics, finance, business & management::KJ Business & management::KJV Ownership & organization of enterprises::KJVS Small businesses & self-employed ,bic Book Industry Communication::K Economics, finance, business & management::KJ Business & management - Abstract
This open access book focuses on Switzerland-based medium-sized companies with a longstanding export tradition and a proven dominance in global niche markets. Based upon in-depth documentation and analysis of 36 Swiss companies over their entire history, an expert team of authors presents several parallels in the pathways and success factors which allowed these firms to become dominant and operate from a high-cost location such as Switzerland. The book enhances these insights by providing detailed company profiles documenting the company history, development, and how their relevant global niche positions were reached. Readers will benefit from these profiles as they compile a diverse selection of industries, mainly active within the B2B sector, with mostly mature companies (60 years to older than 100 years since founding) and different types of ownership structures including family firms. ‘Masterpieces of Swiss Entrepreneurship’ brings unique learning opportunities to owners and leaders of SMEs in Switzerland and elsewhere. Findings are based on detailed bottom-up research of 36 companies -- without any preconceived notions. The book is both conceptual and practical. It fosters understanding for different choices in development pathways and management practices. Matti Alahuhta, Chairman DevCo Partners, ex-CEO Kone, Board member of several global listed companies, Helsinki, Finland Start-up entrepreneurs need proven models from industry which demonstrate the various paths to success. “Masterpieces of Swiss Entrepreneurship” provides deep insights highlighting these models and the important trade-offs entrepreneurial teams must consider when choosing the path of high growth or of maximum control, as they are often mutually exclusive. Gina Domanig, Managing Partner, Emerald Technology Ventures, Zurich
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
25. Decarbonization of natural gas systems in the EU – Costs, barriers, and constraints of hydrogen production with a case study in Portugal.
- Author
-
Khatiwada, Dilip, Vasudevan, Rohan Adithya, and Santos, Bruno Henrique
- Subjects
- *
NATURAL gas , *STEAM reforming , *CARBON dioxide mitigation , *ECONOMIC competition , *CARBON taxes , *HYDROGEN production , *HYDROGEN as fuel , *SOLAR energy - Abstract
The European Union (EU) imports a large amount of natural gas, and the injection of renewable hydrogen (H 2) into the natural gas systems could help decarbonize the sector. The new geopolitical and energy market situation demands urgent actions in the clean energy transition and energy independence from fossil fuels. This paper aims to investigate techno-economic analysis, barriers, and constraints in the EU policies/frameworks that affect natural gas decarbonization. First, the study examines the levelized cost of hydrogen production (LCOH). The LCOH is evaluated for blue and grey hydrogen, i.e., Steam Methane Reforming (SMR) natural gas as the feedstock, with and without carbon capture, and green hydrogen (three type electrolyzers with electricity from the grid, solar, and wind) for the years 2020, 2030, and 2050. Second, the study evaluates the current policies and framework based on a SWOT (Strength, Weakness, Opportunities, and Weakness) analysis, which includes a PEST (Political, Economic, Social, and Technological) macro-economic factor assessment with a case study in Portugal. The results show that the cheapest production costs continue to be dominated by grey hydrogen (1.33 €/kg.H 2) and blue hydrogen (1.68 €/kg.H 2) in comparison to green hydrogen (4.65 €/kg.H 2 and 3.54 €/kg.H 2) from grid electricity and solar power in the PEM - Polymer Electrolyte Membrane for the year 2020, respectively. The costs are expected to decrease to 4.03 €/kg.H 2 (grid-electricity) and 2.49 €/kg.H 2 (solar – electricity) in 2030. The LCOH of the green grid-electricity and solar/wind-powered Alkaline Electrolyzer (ALK) and Solid Oxide Electrolyzer Cell (SOEC) are also expected to decrease in the time-span from 2020 to 2050. A sensitivity analysis shows that investments costs, electricity price, the efficiency of electrolyzers, and carbon tax (for SMR) could play a key role in reducing LCOH, thereby making the economic competitiveness of hydrogen production. The key barriers are costs, amendments in rules/regulations, institutions and market creation, public perception, provisions of incentives, and constraints in creating market demand. • The study evaluates the levelized cost of hydrogen production (LCOH). • LCOH of green hydrogen expected to decrease in the time-span from 2030 to 2050. • Investment costs, efficiencies, fuel and electricity prices, and carbon tax are the key variables. • We identify barriers and constraints in the decarbonization of natural gas systems. • Rules/regulations, incentives, and restructuring of market/institution are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
26. Does productivity affect profitability in dairy processing industry? Evidence from Slovenia, Croatia and Serbia.
- Author
-
Muminović, Saša and Aljinović Barać, Željana
- Subjects
- *
DAIRY processing , *CAPITAL productivity , *MILK yield , *PROFITABILITY - Abstract
This paper provides insights into productivity in dairy processing companies in Slovenia, Croatia and Serbia. The aim is to find out whether EBITDA per employee, as a measure of overall productivity as well as labour and capital productivity and their management positively affect company's profitability . Literature review shows that this issue was relatively neglected, although increase in productivity is regarded as the most important factor in maintaining a competitive advantage in most developed countries. Results obtained show that comprehensive measure of productivity EBITDA per employee has statistically significant positive impact on company's profitability, the same as productivity management components labour cost competitiveness and capital productivity . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2015
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
27. Intermodal Inland Waterway Transport: Modelling Conditions Influencing Its Cost Competitiveness.
- Author
-
Wiegmans, Bart and Konings, Rob
- Abstract
In this paper a model is developed to analyse and compare the transport costs of intermodal inland waterway transport and road-only-transport. The influence of the economies of scale in inland waterway transport and terminal operations are taken into account in the analysis. In the model the transport costs are defined and related to different transport operations and conditions (e.g. share of empty kilometres, capacity usage of terminals, etc.) in order to analyse the sensitivity of the cost performance of intermodal inland waterway transport. By doing this it is possible to analyse to what extent intermodal freight transport is competitive with road-only transport in terms of transport costs and specific operations and conditions (both in shipping and terminal). The conclusions prove that roundtrips, drop & pick operations in pre- and end-haulage and smaller containers (20 ft instead of 40 ft) considerably improve the competitiveness of intermodal inland waterway transport, while the relative high cost operations in small terminals reduce the competitiveness of intermodal inland waterway transport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2015
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
28. New Generation Solar Cooling and Heating Systems with IEA SHC Task 53: Overview and First Results.
- Author
-
Mugnier, Daniel, Fedrizzi, Roberto, Thygesen, Richard, and Selke, Tim
- Abstract
Solar cooling technology is currently facing a very exciting challenge. Air conditioning is a large and growing energy consumer, especially in sunny and developing countries. Worldwide efforts to develop renewable energy solutions must address this critical cooling application. A new Generation of Solar Cooling systems including the coupling between Photovoltaic modules and a reversible heat pump is very promising and able to represent a cost competitive solution both reliable and efficient. To address this new generation of solar cooling, a new IEA Solar Heating and Cooling Program Task, called Task 53 has just started for 3.5 years and will be described. This paper will first concentrate on the description of Task 53 with its objectives and work plan then it will show the first results such as the state of the art of the new generation solar cooling systems. Then, a virtual case study on the cost competitiveness of a PV reversible heat pump installed in Madrid for cooling and heating will be presented, underlining that such a solution already would present a payback time of less than 10 years in the Spanish economical today's conditions [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2015
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
29. Crisis and recovery in the German economy: The real lessons.
- Author
-
Storm, Servaas and Naastepad, C.W.M.
- Subjects
- *
FINANCIAL crises , *EXPORTS , *CONSERVATISM , *FISCAL policy , *ECONOMIC competition , *ECONOMIC models - Abstract
Owing to its strong dependence on exports, Germany was among the economies hit hardest by the financial crisis. But unlike almost all other countries, Germany emerged from the crisis quickly and stronger than before. What lies behind this success story, if at all it is one? The commonplace – neoliberal – answer is that Germany's success is the hard-won reward for strict economic management, combining fiscal conservatism and structural reforms of welfare and the labour market. The latter, by reducing labour costs, fostered competitiveness, boosted growth, and increased employment. “Progressive” economists arguing that Germany beggared its Eurozone neighbours by squeezing workers’ wages, share a similar view. However, this particular explanation of Germany's resilience is wrong and unhelpful. Germany's export success cannot be explained in terms of its (labour) cost competitiveness, but is caused by strong non-price competitiveness. This, in turn, is due – much more than is normally recognized – by the remaining distinctly non-neoliberal dimensions of Germany's economic model (including a Keynesian crisis response). German and European policymakers preaching austerity and structural labour-market changes as the model for other Eurozone countries, misunderstand Germany's rebound from crisis, with serious costs to Eurozone populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2015
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
30. Masterpieces of Swiss entrepreneurship : Swiss SMEs competing in global markets
- Author
-
Jean-Pierre Jeannet, Thierry Volery, Heiko Bergmann, and Cornelia Amstutz
- Subjects
Stakeholder management ,SME export strategy ,Competitiveness of Swiss SME ,338: Produktion ,658: Allgemeines Management ,business studies ,B2B market leader in Switzerland ,Management field research ,Quality engineering ,Cost competitiveness - Abstract
This open access book focuses on Switzerland-based medium-sized companies with a longstanding export tradition and a proven dominance in global niche markets. Based upon in-depth documentation and analysis of 36 Swiss companies over their entire history, an expert team of authors presents several parallels in the pathways and success factors which allowed these firms to become dominant and operate from a high-cost location such as Switzerland. The book enhances these insights by providing detailed company profiles documenting the company history, development, and how their relevant global niche positions were reached. Readers will benefit from these profiles as they compile a diverse selection of industries, mainly active within the B2B sector, with mostly mature companies (60 years to older than 100 years since founding) and different types of ownership structures including family firms. ‘Masterpieces of Swiss Entrepreneurship’ brings unique learning opportunities to owners and leaders of SMEs in Switzerland and elsewhere. Findings are based on detailed bottom-up research of 36 companies -- without any preconceived notions. The book is both conceptual and practical. It fosters understanding for different choices in development pathways and management practices. Matti Alahuhta, Chairman DevCo Partners, ex-CEO Kone, Board member of several global listed companies, Helsinki, Finland Start-up entrepreneurs need proven models from industry which demonstrate the various paths to success. “Masterpieces of Swiss Entrepreneurship” provides deep insights highlighting these models and the important trade-offs entrepreneurial teams must consider when choosing the path of high growth or of maximum control, as they are often mutually exclusive.
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
31. Precious metals: miners may hold a key to the future
- Author
-
MacLeod, John
- Published
- 1995
32. Are current accounts driven by cost competitiveness or asset prices? A synthetic model and an empirical test
- Author
-
Alexander Guschanski and Engelbert Stockhammer
- Subjects
Economics and Econometrics ,050208 finance ,Financial economics ,05 social sciences ,Oecd countries ,Monetary economics ,Current account ,Mark to model ,Empirical research ,Cost competitiveness ,0502 economics and business ,Economics ,H1 ,Asset (economics) ,050207 economics - Abstract
While current account imbalances have widened in recent decades, their causes are still debated. Trade-centred approaches highlight the role of cost competitiveness, in particular unit labour costs, and aggregate demand. In contrast, finance-centred approaches focus on gross financial flows, driven by expectations and the return on assets, that impact demand and the exchange rate. This article, first, builds a simple model of the current account that provides a synthesis between the two approaches. Unit labour costs impact the current account via the real exchange rate and income distribution, while financial inflows drive up asset prices, which leads to nominal appreciation and an increase in domestic demand. Second, we estimate a reduced form of this model for 28 OECD countries from 1972 to 2014, controlling for both trade- and finance-centred channels and a wide range of control variables. Our results indicate that finance-centred channels, via equity and residential property prices, drove current account divergence in the OECD, while unit labour costs were less important. They suggest that the effects of gross financial flows deserve more attention in theoretical and empirical models of the current account.
- Published
- 2020
33. Consolidation and change, 1860–1914.
- Author
-
Rose, Mary B.
- Abstract
The preceding four chapters have explored the forces which shaped the evolution of business attitudes and the emergence of networks in the British and American cotton industries before 1860. Their findings are summarised in Table 6.1 which demonstrates that, whilst sharing the common concerns of production, profitability and market penetration, businessmen on either side of the Atlantic often displayed differences in priorities, perceptions and behaviour. These were born of the varying social, political and economic forces to which they were subject, and in turn were translated into the culture of business. For example, the production-driven strategies, detected in much of the United States cotton industry, clearly only partly resulted from resource allocation. Rather they derived from a combination of collective approaches to community development traceable even to the colonial period, from a faith in the power of technology which was rarely contradicted by the workforce and the habitual transience of the workforce plus a confidence in a protected domestic market. Yet in Britain eighteenth- and early nineteenth-century infant industry protection against cheap colonial imports allowed the successful development of cotton manufacturing. However, the constraints of a small, but strongly differentiated domestic market, combined with overseas opportunities, brought with it greater market complexity than was then the case in America and significantly enhanced the relative power of mercantile groups, as opposed to manufacturers. This factor, combined with a need for cheap imported raw materials, a reliance on overseas markets for business expansion and the social and political forces which brought free trade, led to a shift in government policy in favour of liberalism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2000
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
34. Industrialisation and the cotton industry in Britain and the United States.
- Author
-
Rose, Mary B.
- Abstract
Textiles and industrialisation are synonymous and almost everywhere the first factories have been in the cotton industry. The position of clothing as a basic necessity, early success in mechanising textile production, and the comparative simplicity of technology, have meant that textiles in general, and the cotton industry in particular, are often the earliest industries to be modernised. Labour-rather than capital-intensive and requiring limited skill of operatives, the cotton and related textile industries suited both the resource profiles and the domestic markets of many early industrialisers and continue to do so. Similarly, textile production was developed extensively prior to modernisation in many countries. As a result basic skills became available to industrialists, even though prejudice against changing working habits might lead to significant labour market imperfections when factories and mechanisation were introduced. Moreover modest financial and technological requirements meant that relatively few barriers to entry existed until after 1960 when the industry became increasingly capital-intensive (Chandler and Tedlow 1985: 140; GATT 1984: 4; Kriedte, Medick and Schlumbohm 1982: 8; Pollard 1991: 33). These factors have meant that, whilst the cotton industry could form the basis of early spontaneous development in many countries, it has also been a prime candidate for government support as part of import substituting strategies aimed at speeding up the industrialisation process (Hoffman 1958:2–4). The cotton industry emerged as a dominant sector in the ‘take-off’ of both Britain and the United States although the macroeconomic consequences may be unclear. The two industries shared common technological origins as new ideas on manufacturing diffused comparatively rapidly from the first industrial nation to her one-time colony. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2000
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
35. Evaluation of Cost Competitiveness of Electric Vehicles in Malaysia Using Life Cycle Cost Analysis Approach
- Author
-
Waznatol Widad Mohamad Ishak, Siti Indati Mustapa, Bamidele Victor Ayodele, and Freida Ozavize Ayodele
- Subjects
020209 energy ,lcsh:TJ807-830 ,Geography, Planning and Development ,lcsh:Renewable energy sources ,02 engineering and technology ,010501 environmental sciences ,Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law ,01 natural sciences ,Cost competitiveness ,0202 electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering ,life cycle cost ,Cost of ownership ,lcsh:Environmental sciences ,0105 earth and related environmental sciences ,electric vehicles ,lcsh:GE1-350 ,electric vehicle policies ,cost competitiveness ,Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment ,lcsh:Environmental effects of industries and plants ,Malaysia ,Environmental economics ,Life-cycle cost analysis ,lcsh:TD194-195 ,Cost analysis ,Business - Abstract
The need to mitigate CO2 emissions from the transportation sector has necessitated the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and other forms of alternative vehicles. Despite the global rise of EVs demand as a complementary means of green transportations, the level of adoption in Malaysia is still not encouraging. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the cost competitiveness of EVs in comparison with Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) and an Internal Combustion Vehicle (ICV) based on Malaysia scenarios. Using the existing data in Malaysia, life cost analysis (LCC) of two EVs was computed and compared with HEVs and ICVs. The study shows that Nissan leaf and BMW i3s EVs with LCC of $1.75 and $2.5 per km are not cost-competitive based on prevalent data available in Malaysia compared to the HEVs and ICV. Based on the sensitivity analysis, changes in the components of the operating costs significantly influence the accumulated cost of ownership of the EVs whereas the cost of ownership of the HEVs and ICVs did not experience any significant influence. The findings from this study could serve as bases for policymakers to formulate appropriate policies and strategies to improve the competitiveness of EVs in Malaysia.
- Published
- 2020
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
36. Dissecting the total cost of ownership of fully electric cars in Italy: The impact of annual distance travelled, home charging and urban driving
- Author
-
Mariangela Scorrano, Marco Giansoldati, Romeo Danielis, Scorrano, M., Danielis, R., and Giansoldati, M.
- Subjects
050210 logistics & transportation ,Total cost of ownership ,Electric car ,Urban travelling ,05 social sciences ,Economics, Econometrics and Finance (miscellaneous) ,0211 other engineering and technologies ,Home charging ,Purchase subsidy ,Transportation ,Subsidy ,02 engineering and technology ,Agricultural economics ,Purchasing ,Competition (economics) ,Cost competitiveness ,0502 economics and business ,Parking space ,TRIPS architecture ,021108 energy ,Business ,Electric cars - Abstract
The paper quantifies the importance for cost competitiveness of fully electric cars (BEVs) of three determinants of the total cost of ownership (TCO): the annual distance travelled (ADT), the percentage of urban trips, and the availability of a private parking space. The estimates are performed with reference to the Italian car market. We find that charging at home increases the break-even BEV manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) relative to other propulsion systems by €2866-11,466, depending on the ADT. Driving in urban areas increases the break-even BEV MSRP by €910-10,314, depending on the ADT and on the referenced propulsion system. Taking into account the share of Italian drivers who own a garage and drive in urban areas, we find the cheapest BEVs are cost competitive without a subsidy with respect to the HEVs for 11.8% of the Italian drivers, but not with respect to the diesel and petrol cars, unless extremely high annual distances are driven. With the purchase subsidy recently introduced by the Italian government, the cheapest BEVs become competitive also with respect to the diesel cars, but not relative to the petrol cars, unless more than 12,500 km are annually driven.
- Published
- 2020
37. Two decades of wage developments and wage setting in central and eastern Europe.
- Author
-
Galgóczi, Béla
- Subjects
WAGES ,INCOME ,COLLECTIVE bargaining ,LABOR costs - Abstract
This article provides an overview of wage developments and their drivers during the twenty-year transformation process in central and eastern Europe and puts this into the context of the lessons for EU accession and candidate countries. The author examines wage developments in the past period and addresses some of the contradictions that arose from the dynamic catching-up process that took place before the crisis. The article also looks at the issue of wage convergence, highlighting the paradoxical case that wage dynamism has proceeded hand-in-hand with declining union density rates and, often also, declining collective bargaining coverage rates. The ongoing crisis has questioned one of the fundamental pillars of the European idea: the income convergence of poorer countries towards the level of their rich counterparts. Much of the wage convergence that had taken place is now being questioned, while wage cuts and wage moderation are proving to be common features for central and east European countries in the post-crisis period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2013
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
38. Implications for competitiveness of the Estonian carbon-intensive industry post-2013.
- Author
-
Kleesmaa, Jüri, Viiding, Marko, and Latõšov, Eduard
- Subjects
ECONOMIC impact ,ECONOMIC competition ,CARBON dioxide ,UNIT pricing ,VARIABLE costs ,PROFIT margins - Abstract
From 2013 the total quantity of permitted CO
2 emissions in the European Union will be decreasingly capped, putting pressure on their unit price. This in turn will influence carbon-intensive companies' total costs and potentially affect profit margins. This article offers analysis of a small open country's carbon-intensive firms' variable cost sensitivity to CO2 prices at €15, €25 and €50 per tonne, using Estonia as a reference. The analysis reveals that firms using heavily carbon-intensive fuels (such as oil shale) could experience variable cost increase up to 100%. Although such fuel is primarily used in Estonia's electricity generation, the biggest impact would hit the country's mineral sector where carbon-intensive manufacturing faces on average a 20% variable cost change. Such companies could eventually move their activities outside the EU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2011
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
39. Engines of growth. Innovation and productivity in industry groups
- Author
-
Bogliacino, Francesco and Pianta, Mario
- Subjects
- *
TECHNOLOGICAL innovations , *INDUSTRIAL productivity , *LABOR productivity , *MANUFACTURING industries , *ECONOMIC competition , *SAVINGS - Abstract
Abstract: The diversity of technological activities that contribute to growth in labour productivity is examined in this article for manufacturing and services industries in eight major EU countries. We test the relevance of two “engines of growth”, i.e., the strategies of technological competitiveness (based on innovation in products and markets) and cost competitiveness (relying on innovation in processes and machinery) and their impact on economic performance. We propose models for the determinants of changes in labour productivity and we carry out empirical tests for both the whole economy and for the four Revised Pavitt classes that group manufacturing and services industries with distinct patterns of innovation. Tests are carried out by pooling industries, countries and three time periods, using innovation survey data from CIS 2, 3 and 4, linked to economic variables. The results confirm the specificity of the two “engines of growth”; economic performances in European industries appear as the result of different innovation models, with strong specificities of the four Revised Pavitt classes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2011
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
40. Exchange rate changes and the cost competitiveness of international airlines: The Aviation Trade Weighted Index.
- Author
-
Forsyth, Peter and Dwyer, Larry
- Subjects
AIRLINE industry ,FOREIGN exchange rates ,COMMERCIAL aeronautics ,AIR travel ,TRANSPORTATION industry ,REVENUE ,AIRLINE management - Abstract
Abstract: Discussions of how changes in exchange rates impact on international airlines tend to be ambivalent. In this paper, it is shown that the relative cost competitiveness of an international airline will decline when there is an exchange rate appreciation in its home country – as will be the case for other tradable goods and services. The extent to which this happens depends on which countries the prices of the inputs are set in and also on which countries'' airlines it is closely competing with. The impact is greater if there is an appreciation relative to those countries whose airlines the home airlines are closely competing with. In the trade literature, this is recognised in the Trade Weighted Index of exchange rates, which weights exchanges rates according to their importance in a country''s trade flows. In this paper, an Airline Trade Weighted Index is developed – the weights for this index depend on airline traffic and revenues on routes to and from a country. The ATWI is calculated for Australian international airlines, and it indicates that there has been a significant loss of competitiveness in recent years, due to the appreciation of the Australian dollar relative to currencies of key airline competitor countries. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2010
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
41. Challenges of contemporary management in Papua New Guinea.
- Author
-
Ambang, Tabian
- Subjects
- *
INDUSTRIAL management , *INTERNATIONAL business enterprises , *ECONOMIC trends , *INDUSTRYWIDE conditions , *INDUSTRIES - Abstract
Management trends at the global level are transforming the international business environment and also having an impact on the way organisations are managed in Papua New Guinea (PNG). This article discusses the challenges of contemporary management in PNG particularly how organisations are responding to the management trends at the global level. Managers in PNG need to be aware of the changes in the external business environment when managing their organisations. The changes can be a threat or an opportunity to the organisation. Understanding management trends enables managers and their organisations to deal with management challenges of the contemporary business environment by applying relevant management practices and strategies. Discussions are based on managerial views from literature, interview notes and postgraduate essays. The first part of the paper reviews the literature on management trends at the global level. The second part examines the impact of management trends at the global level on organisational management in PNG. The third part discusses the challenges managers in PNG face when managing organisations in the contemporary business environment stimulated by global factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2009
42. A measurement and Comparison of Cost Competitiveness of Container Ports in Southeast Asia.
- Author
-
Lam, Jasmine S. L. and Wei Yim Yap
- Subjects
CONTAINER terminals ,MARINE terminals ,TERMINALS (Transportation) ,PORT charges ,COMPETITIVE advantage in business - Abstract
Terminal users face a variety of costs associated with the container terminal and those that are harder to quantify should not be ignored for they might represent a larger component of the overall costs associated with using a particular terminal. Similarly, the competitive advantage of a container terminal operator goes beyond the elements that can be quantified. The paper uses and modifies Cournot’s simultaneous quantity-setting model as a means to derive the overall costs of using the terminal. The application of this model to the perspective of competition between container terminal operators in Singapore, Port Klang and Tanjung Pelepas finds that the increasingly cost competitive operators in Port Klang and Tanjung Pelepas were able to close the gap with PSA Corporation in Singapore in the overall costs of using their terminal facilities between 1998 and 2002 although PSAC continued to enjoy a dominant share of the container-handling market in the region. The paper also highlights the tremendous amount of opportunities available to these terminal operators to advance and capitalise on their competitive advantages beyond aggressive price competition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2006
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
43. New evidences on airline efficiency and yields: a comparative analysis of major North American air carriers and its implications
- Author
-
Oum, Tae Hoon, Fu, Xiaowen, and Yu, Chunyan
- Subjects
- *
AIRLINE industry , *COST effectiveness , *COMMERCIAL aeronautics , *ENGINEERING economy - Abstract
Abstract: This paper measures and compares the performance of 10 major North American airlines in terms of residual total factor productivity, cost competitiveness, and residual average yields during the period 1990–2001. Our key findings are: (a) the airlines in North American improved productive efficiency by about 12% between 1990 and 2001 despite the fact that there were substantial reduction of residual TFP between 2000 and 2001; (b) airlines need to perform well in both productive efficiency and pricing to be financially successful; (c) significant productivity improvement in the 1990s enabled the airlines to cope with rising input prices and downward pressure on yields; (d) airlines that aggressively expanded fleet in response to the fast growing market during the mid-1990s have suffered loss in productive efficiency; (e) the 9/11 terrorist attack has led to substantial reductions in airlines'' yields, and declining productivity and increasing unit cost. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2005
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
44. Environmental policies for agriculture in Europe.
- Author
-
Toyoda, Takashi and Managi, Shunsuke
- Subjects
ENVIRONMENTAL policy ,GOVERNMENT policy ,TAX exemption ,ENVIRONMENTAL impact charges - Abstract
This study analyses the environmental policies in Europe and particularly in The Netherlands. Comprehensive analysis of their policy package, which includes environmental taxes, tax exemptions, and the voluntary environmental agreement are provided. Each method does seem to show significant effects to reduce the environmental bads. This paper also presents an economic analysis of the glasshouse horticulture industry in The Netherlands, focusing on direct and dynamic effects, where direct effect refers to strengthening the cost competitiveness of the industry and dynamic effect refers to the incentives on technological innovations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2004
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
45. An experimental study on the corrosion susceptibility of Recycled Steel Fiber Reinforced Concrete
- Author
-
B. Díaz, Joaquim A. O. Barros, J. Alexandre Bogas, Cristina Maria Vieira Frazão, Fatih Toptan, and Universidade do Minho
- Subjects
Materials science ,0211 other engineering and technologies ,02 engineering and technology ,Fiber-reinforced concrete ,Chloride ,12. Responsible consumption ,Corrosion ,law.invention ,Natural rubber ,law ,Engenharia e Tecnologia::Engenharia Civil ,Cost competitiveness ,021105 building & construction ,medicine ,RSF ,General Materials Science ,Composite material ,Splitting tensile test ,Science & Technology ,Building and Construction ,021001 nanoscience & nanotechnology ,Durability ,Fiber pullout test ,visual_art ,RSFRC ,visual_art.visual_art_medium ,Engenharia Civil [Engenharia e Tecnologia] ,0210 nano-technology ,medicine.drug - Abstract
Steel fibers resulting from the industry of tire recycling can be efficiently employed in concrete to improve its mechanical performance, such as post-cracking load bearing and energy absorption capacity. Under chloride attack, an important aspect of Recycled Steel Fiber Reinforced Concrete (RSFRC) durability is its corrosion resistance. However, the insufficient knowledge on this domain contributes for a conservative design philosophy, which can compromise the cost competitiveness of RSFRC and prevent its application in elements where this occurrence, even eventual, is not acceptable. In the present work, an experimental program was performed with the aim of assessing the corrosion susceptibility of RSFRC including the characterization of the micro-mechanical properties and the corrosion resistance of recycled steel fiber (RSF) by means of nano-indentation testing, electrochemical monitoring techniques and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. The influence of the small rubber debris attached to the RSF surface was also analyzed by using two distinct pre-treatment methods. The adhesive bond behavior between the RSF and the surrounding self-compacting concrete (SCC) matrix was analyzed by performing monotonic RSF pullout tests. Double edge wedge splitting (DEWS) tests were conducted for evaluating the corrosion effects on the post-cracking response of RSFRC., CiviTest Company and the Scientific and Technological Research Assistance Centre (CACTI) of the University of Vigo. The first author would like to thank the FCT for the financial support through the Research Grant PD/BD/113638/2015. The third author acknowledges the grant SFRH/BSAB/114302/2016 provided by FCT. Part of this work is supported by FCT with the reference project UID/EEA/04436/2013, COMPETE 2020 with the code POCI-01- 0145-FEDER-006941. Finally the support of the FCT through the project PTDC/ECM-EST/2635/2014
- Published
- 2019
46. Economic Assessment of Autonomous Electric Microtransit Vehicles
- Author
-
Felix Roemer, Fengqi Chang, Erik Loewer, Markus Lienkamp, Aybike Ongel, and Ganesh Sethuraman
- Subjects
business.product_category ,020209 energy ,Transit system ,Geography, Planning and Development ,Taxis ,TJ807-830 ,02 engineering and technology ,Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law ,transit services ,TD194-195 ,Renewable energy sources ,Transport engineering ,Economic assessment ,Cost competitiveness ,0502 economics and business ,Electric vehicle ,0202 electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering ,GE1-350 ,total cost of ownership (TCO) ,electric vehicles ,050210 logistics & transportation ,Environmental effects of industries and plants ,Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment ,05 social sciences ,Total cost of ownership ,ddc ,Environmental sciences ,Software deployment ,Business ,autonomous vehicles ,shared-use mobility ,Market penetration - Abstract
There is rapidly growing interest in autonomous electric vehicles due to their potential in improving safety, accessibility, and environmental outcomes. However, their market penetration rate is dependent on costs. Use of autonomous electric vehicles for shared-use mobility may improve their cost competitiveness. So far, most of the research has focused on the cost impact of autonomy on taxis and ridesourcing services. Singapore is planning for island-wide deployment of autonomous vehicles for both scheduled and on-demand services as part of their transit system in the year 2030. TUMCREATE developed an autonomous electric vehicle concept, a microtransit vehicle with 30-passenger capacity, which can complement the existing bus transit system. This study aims to determine the cost of autonomous electric microtransit vehicles and compare them to those of buses. A total cost of ownership (TCO) approach was used to compare the lifecycle costs. It was shown that although the acquisition costs of autonomous electric vehicles are higher than those of their conventional counterparts, they can reduce the TCO per passenger-km up to 75% and 60% compared to their conventional counterparts and buses, respectively.
- Published
- 2019
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
47. Assessing the economic feasibility of utility-scale electrical energy storage technologies for South Africa
- Author
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Fourie, D., Kleynhans, E.P.J., Prof, Cameron, M.J., 11289570 - Kleynhans, Ewert Philippus Johannes (Supervisor), 10211802 - Cameron, Marthinus Johannes (Supervisor), and Kleynhans, E.P.J.
- Subjects
sodium-sulphur (NaS) ,utility-scale ,projections ,cost competitiveness ,batteries ,vanadium redox flow (VRFB) ,applications ,energy storage ,economic theory ,economic development ,South Africa ,Electricity ,economic feasibility ,lithium-ion ,levelised cost of storage (LCOS) ,technologies ,solar photovoltaic (PV) ,energy economics - Abstract
MCom (Economics), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2018 Increased electrical production from renewable energy technologies, such as solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind plants, is at the forefront of the global energy transition to environmentally sustainable economic growth and development. The variability and intermittency associated with their resources, however, entail growing risks to the stability of electricity systems as their share in total electricity generation capacity rises. Energy storage systems provide an opportunity to overcome the risks associated with renewable energy technologies, although uncertainty regarding their technical capability and cost competitiveness has limited their application at the utility scale. The purpose of this study is to assess the competitive ability and economic feasibility of utility-scale energy storage systems for South Africa in 2016 and projected for 2020. The research method to achieve this general objective is divided into a literature review and empirical analysis. Background is provided on the role for energy storage in electricity environments characterised by rising shares of variable and intermittent renewable energy electrical production plants. Context is offered by clarifying the utility-scale energy storage concept, need, system components, selection criteria, various technologies, technical characteristics, value applications, costs and related considerations. Literature regarding the economic feasibility of energy storage technologies is reviewed and the relevance of such technologies to economic theory is explained. Existing methods to analyse and forecast the economic feasibility or cost competitiveness of energy storage systems is improved upon and applied in practice. A novel contribution of this study is the development, description and use of a techno-economic levelised cost of energy storage (LCOS) model and its extension to the weighted average levelised cost of energy storage systems coupled with solar PV plants (LCOS-PV). The LCOS articulates the comparable present value cost per kilowatt hour (kWh) over the lifetime of an energy storage system, while accounting for all lifecycle cost and technical performance parameters. The methods are applied to estimate, project and assess the cost competitiveness of utility-scale energy storage systems with one another and alternative electrical generation options. The technologies selected for the empirical analysis include lithium-ion, vanadium redox flow (VRFB) and sodium-sulphur (NaS) batteries. This is due to their modular scalability to provide high energy and/or electrical power capacity and capability to perform the primary utility-scale application investigated, namely renewables integration with solar PV plants. The application requires the select technologies to discharge electrical energy for four hours at a 50 megawatt (MW) power rating for 350 days a year to overcome solar resource variability and intermittency, supply electrical energy during peak demand periods, enable electricity price arbitrage and integrate more renewable generators into the electric grid. These services are important for economic growth and development by supporting electrical energy security, reliability, flexibility, access and relative affordability. The modelling results are evaluated under four scenarios as a function of either one or two charge-discharge cycles per day and 10- or 20-year project contract lifetimes. The outcome of this study confirms the economic feasibility or cost competitiveness of the select utility-scale energy storage technologies for South Africa. It is demonstrated empirically that the select energy storage systems coupled with solar PV plants offer improved investment alternatives in comparison to concentrating solar power (CSP) plants with thermal energy storage capability. More specifically, under the most cost competitive scenario, which requires two daily cycles over 20 years, the collective average LCOS-PV is approximately 20.8% and 27.2% lower than the levelised cost of electricity (LCOE) for CSP plants with thermal energy storage capability in 2016 and projected for 2020, respectively. The select technologies coupled with solar PV plants could conceivably further be economic alternatives to some fossil fuel-based electrical generation options within the South African context. The cost competitiveness of energy storage and renewable energy technologies will continue to improve and increasingly displace the need for conventional electricity generators. This study involves academic, practical and policy recommendations, as well as suggestions for further research. -o0o- JEL classification: C02, L94, N77, O00, O33, P18, Q01, Q42, Q43, Q47, Q48, Q55 Masters
- Published
- 2018
48. Corrigendum to 'Cost-competitiveness of organic photovoltaics for electricity self-consumption at residential buildings: A comparative study of Denmark and Greece under real market conditions' [Appl. Energy 208 (2017) 471–479]
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Georgios C. Christoforidis, Alexis Laurent, Frederik C. Krebs, and Marios Dimos Chatzisideris
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Organic solar cell ,business.industry ,020209 energy ,Mechanical Engineering ,02 engineering and technology ,Building and Construction ,Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law ,Environmental economics ,General Energy ,Self consumption ,Cost competitiveness ,0202 electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering ,Business ,Electricity ,Energy (signal processing) ,Market conditions - Published
- 2018
49. Sequencing jobs in an engineer-to-order engineering environment
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John M. Usher and Douglas H. Grabenstetter
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engineer-to-order ,Engineering ,business.industry ,Transaction processing ,Build to order ,lcsh:T ,design ,Scheduling (production processes) ,sequencing ,lcsh:Business ,Industrial engineering ,lcsh:Technology ,Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering ,Cost competitiveness ,lcsh:Manufactures ,business ,Engineering design process ,lcsh:HF5001-6182 ,Lead time ,lcsh:TS1-2301 - Abstract
Engineer–to-order (ETO) firms produce complex – one of a kind – products and desire shorter lead time as a key component to cost competitiveness. In ETO firms, the engineering process is the largest controllable consumer of lead time. Given that lead time is a function of completion rate and scheduling policy, one critical process is to accurately sequence jobs in front of the engineering function. However, unlike other manufacturing models, such as make–to-stock or make-to-order models, the design for an ETO product is not realized until after the engineering process has been completed. Hence, the only information available does not include data normally required by most sequencing algorithms. Therefore, the problem becomes the determination of an accurate schedule within a complex transactional process for jobs which have not even been designed yet. This paper investigates this topic in the context of the engineering process within the ETO model. Based on research conducted in conjunction with multiple firms, common factors are identified which drive complexity, and a new framework and algorithm are presented for using these factors to sequence jobs. Using discrete event simulation, the performance of this new algorithm is found to be a significant improvement over current industry and published methods.
- Published
- 2015
50. Sectorial ULCs as Measures of Competitiveness: An Analysis of Southern Euro Area Economies
- Author
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Noel Rapa
- Subjects
lcsh:Social Sciences ,lcsh:H ,Foreign exchange rates ,Effective exchange rate ,Economy ,General Arts and Humanities ,Cost competitiveness ,Economics ,General Social Sciences ,General Economics, Econometrics and Finance - Abstract
This article analyses developments in the international cost competitiveness of six southern euro area economies using newly developed Effective Exchange Rate indices. It argues that traditional aggregate ULC-based indicators suffer from a number of limitations. In particular, they are affected by shifts towards more labour intensive industries and are also susceptible to global trends in the ULCs of particular sectors. In this light, this article computes sectorial ULC-deflated Effective Exchange Rate indices for a selection of southern euro area economies, which apart from providing more detail at a sectorial level, are more robust to structural changes. The newly developed indicators show a considerable degree of heterogeneity in the sectorial competitiveness developments of some economies. Moreover the newly developed overall economy sectorial ULC-deflated indices tend to diverge considerably from the traditional aggregate ULC-based indicators for small open economies that have been undergoing fast structural changes. In particular, the use of traditional ULC-based indicators tends to over-state the loss in competitiveness for economies that have either a fast-growing, or a larger than average services sector. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2016.v7n6p17
- Published
- 2016
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