Innovative Logistics Management under Uncertainty using Markov Model

This paper proposes an innovative uncertainty management using a stochastic model to formulate logistics network starting from order processing, purchasing, inventory management, transportation, and reverse logistics activities. As this activity chain fits well with Markov process, we exploit the very principle to represent not only the transition among various activities, but also the inherent uncertainty that has plagued logistics activities across the board. The logistics network model is thus designed to support logistics management by retrieving and analyzing logistics performance in a timely and cost effective manner. The application of information technology entails this network to become a Markovian information model that is stochastically predictable and flexibly manageable. A case study is presented to highlight the significance of the model. Keywords: Logistics network; Markov process; Risk management; Uncertainty management

Analysis of Linkages between Logistics Information Systems and Logistics Performance Management under Uncertainty

Logistics performance management has received more attention by government and organizations in recent years as it becomes the critical success factor of the supply chain. The study of logistics performance management in this paper aims to analyze dimensions and relevant factors of logistics information system (LIS) usage that affects logistics performance management under uncertainty. A survey was conducted on distribution activity and applied Technology Acceptance Model to extrapolate the intention to use LIS. Exploratory factor analysis and ANOVA were employed to examine the association among the dimensions that influent on LIS usage. A case study was taken from a large household product firm whose business survival depended on logistics performance. We analyzed various logistics activities to determine the associativity among these activities. As such, related linkages can be established for subsequent logistics performance monitor and improvement. Summary of findings and future work are reported. Keywords: Logistics information systems; Logistics performance management; Uncertainty management; Technology acceptance model

Innovativeness in Thai family SMEs: An exploratory case study

Over the past decade, academic research has revealed innovativeness to be one of the core components effecting SME performance. This research aims to study the linkage between innovativeness and “familiness” in family SMEs. The paper employs a qualitative approach and exploratory case studies, in collecting data on three categories of firms manufacturing, trading and servicing companies in order to identify how “familiness” effects the innovativeness of their family SMEs. To identify how “familiness” either accelerates or decelerates innovativeness in family SMEs, we adopted the F-PEC scale as a tool to study the connection between family and business values and also the impact of family commitments to the company. We found that power, experience and culture accelerate innovativeness in family SMEs. The paper illustrates the important role of family in firm innovativeness and how this can bring competitive advantage and success to family SMEs

An Innovative Mobile Application for Wellness Tourism Destination Competitiveness Assessment: The Research and Development Approach

Objectives: This research developed and evaluated the effectiveness of an innovative mobile application for wellness tourism destination competitiveness and also studied the adoption effectiveness of this application. Methods/Analysis: A mixed-methods research and development approach was applied to construct a wellness tourism destination competitiveness evaluation model for qualitative research using in-depth interviews, followed by quantitative research using a questionnaire. Weighted scores of criteria and indicators for wellness tourism destination competitiveness were evaluated by the DEMATEL method. The cut-off points for classifying the competitiveness level were set by K-means cluster analysis, while the internal and external accuracy of the model were validated by the confusion matrix technique and the Kruskal-Wallis test. The innovative mobile application was developed using a linear waterfall conceptual design consisting of five software development phases: requirement, design, implementation, verification, and maintenance. A questionnaire was also used to assess the adoption and commercialization of the innovative mobile application. Findings: Results showed that 1) the model gave high accuracy with the confusion matrix technique at 85.42% and the Kruskal-Wallis test classified destination competitiveness at a significance level of 0.0001; and 2) the level of adoption of the innovative mobile application was high. Target users were interested in purchasing a license as the commercial mode of the program. Novelty/Improvement:This research provides a tool to assess the overall competitiveness of wellness tourism destinations. Results can be used to support decision-making and provide practical suggestions for wellness tourism cluster users to adapt when conducting their own competitiveness assessment. The competitiveness assessment results were accurate and in line with the research objectives. Doi: 10.28991/HIJ-2023-04-03-010 Full Text: PD

Academic scientist’s motivation in research commercialization from National Research Universities in Thailand: An individual Level

The main objective of this research was to study a model of the motivation of academic scientists to commercialise research by investigating the relationship between their motivation and influence factors, focusing on the individual level. Questionnaire surveys were used to collect the data. The target samples were selected from professors in national research universities in Thailand. The results from regression analysis showed that both personal driving force and opportunity recognition affected the motivation of academic scientists in research commercialization. The results of the analysis of variance, t-tests and Pearson Chi-Square identified the type of research, intellectual property ownership, taking a business course, involvement in the scientific community and having a personal connection with industry affected the driving force of the researcher. University-industry linkage directly affected to recognise opportunities. This research may help guide policy makers to increase research commercialization by academic researchers. Keywords: academic scientist, research commercialization, scientist’s motivation, academic entrepreneurship, university-industry linkage, national research university, technology transfe

Development of Herbal Topical Anesthetic Mucoadhesive Spray for oral Cavity using Customer-Centric Approach

The use of herbal medicines is increasing globally due to consumer perceptions and scientific research. The limited availability of herbal medications and a lack of effective topical anesthetics have driven the development of new products using a customer-centric strategy. This study aimed to present a novel herbal topical anesthetic mucoadhesive spray development using the New Product Development (NPD) process though three steps: the idea concept of the product, prototype development, and consumers’ acceptance evaluation, involving key stakeholders-consumers and healthcare professionals. Multiple research methods were implemented, including qualitative, quantitative, and scientific methods, in each step. The findings showed insights gathered through in-depth interviews about the product needs of stakeholders. Multiple regression analysis showed that price, attitude, and social value significantly positively influenced consumer purchase intentions, while attitude influenced healthcare professionals' prescribing intentions. Consequently, the prototype was developed based on consumer needs. The results of the acceptance evaluation phase indicated high consumer acceptance of the herbal topical anesthetic mucoadhesive spray. The entire journey of the new product development process in this study enhances our understanding of customer-centric approaches in product development and can be applied to generate market-driven innovations that meet the needs of the target market.   Doi: 10.28991/HEF-2023-04-03-02 Full Text: PD

A FRAMEWORK FOR ASSESSING WELLNESS TOURISM DESTINATION COMPETITIVENESS: A PERSPECTIVE FROM THE WELLNESS TOURISM CLUSTERS IN THAILAND

This article aims to identify the variables that determine wellness tourism destination competitiveness using a case study in Thailand. This study outlines a suggested competitiveness framework for wellness tourism destinations based on the viewpoint of wellness tourism clusters. The study’s model illustrates the different categories and components and their relationship to competitiveness. Thirteen in-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with leading experts in wellness tourism. Thematic and content analysis was used to examine the interview data using the Nvivo 12 programme. The study identified seven emerging themes that encompass factors that affect a wellness tourism destination’s competitiveness. These factors include the destination’s environment, the area’s policy and strategy to facilitate travelling and wellness tourism, infrastructure and capability to support wellness tourism, human-made resources and culture of wellness tourism, strategy and structure for healthcare services, potential for developing innovation and cooperation to build collaborative strengths and proactive marketing. The participants’ descriptions show the existence of a comprehensive framework for assessing the competitiveness of wellness tourism destinations in the Thai wellness tourism market. The concept elucidates the dynamic complexity of wellness tourism destination competition, which is believed to guarantee success for both individual stakeholders and society

The Front End in Anti-Electrostatic Discharge for Product Innovation Development:Polycarbonate/graphene Composite

Abstract:The conceptualization of new polymer compounding, for use in anti-electrostatic product innovation development, consists of five sub-phases which include; finding market demands and potential users, conducting preliminary scientific experiment so as to achieve the best possible compound recipes, conducting an upscale of the compound recipes for industrial prospect, assessing technology acceptance using technology acceptance methods (TAM) and, finally assessing a potential for business commercialization. Some key activities were studied in the front end research, for example, literature reviews, the methodologies of quantitative performed in front end research findings about market demands and capabilities, polymeric composites laboratory testing for finding the types and dosage amounts of graphene to be administered. In addition, the product concepts were frequently developed in parallel that require specifications of the physical, conductive and structural properties. These findings have implications for increasing the success and the qualities of front end efforts for composites of excellence

BANKGAME

Bankgame is a comprehensive interactive multiperiod banking management business game. It provides a simulated banking environment in which a small group will become the banking management team and operate within banking industry composed of several banking firms. All bankgame companies start the game with the same asset mix, financial structure, and potential for success. Each firm has to make decisions each period concerning interests on deposits, interests on customers loan, amount of customer’s loan, amount of banks’ loans, promotion budget, research and development expense, dividend per share. This decisionmaking cycle will continue over several periods of simulated business operation until the administrator stop the game and evaluate each firms operation

An innovation model of alumni relationship management: Alumni segmentation analysis

The purpose of this study was to cluster alumni into segments to better understand the alumni's characteristics, lifestyles, types of behavior, and interests. A sample of 300 university alumni records was used to obtain their respective attribute values consisting of demographics, preferred communication channels, lifestyle, activities/interests, and expectation from university, needed information, donation willingness, and frequency of contact. The researcher used logistic regression and the k-mean clustering technique to analyze the data from the survey. Five segments could be derived from the analysis. Segment 3, the so-called “Mid Age Religious” contained the highest portion while segment 5, the so-called “Elaborate Cohort” had the least portion. Most of the population under these two segments was female. Differences were identified in age, marital status, education, occupation, position, income, experience, and field of work. The Elaborate Cohort segment represented young females having a bachelor degree, with low experience and low income, working for their first employer, and still enjoying being single. Another segment with similar values of attributes as the Elaborate Cohort was segment 1, the so-called “Activist Mainstreamer” whose field of work was computer technology. The segment called “Senior League” consisted of members older than 41 years like the Mid Age Religious segment, however all members were male. The last segment, the so-called “Passionate Learner” had members aged between 31 and 40 years. In conclusion, the results of this study can assist in formulating strategic marketing by alumni associations to satisfy and engage their alumni. Keywords: cluster, data mining, segmentation analysis, university alumn