The industrial marketing strategy in many industries has been largely influenced by the coming of digital marketing over the past decade. The trends are changing from the traditional to a digital era and companies are being forced by this digitalization shift. The manufacturing and marketing consultant industry is no exception. Since previous research has often been towards SMEs as a whole instead of specific industries. The research gap that the authors would like to investigate is brand equity development through digital marketing among two B2B SME industries, manufacturing and marketing consulting firms in Sweden. Moreover, the authors used a series of research methods to collect primary data and secondary data, as well as a computer-assisted coding software used for qualitative data analysis and coupled with benchmarking analysis for the secondary data analysis. Theories of brand equity and digital marketing ( marketing funnel and digital channels) are connected to the empirical findings of digital communication and business relationship to uncover what differentiates manufacturers from marketing consultants in brand equity building through digital marketing channels. The manufacturing industry has gained knowledge over the last few years when it comes to branding and digital marketing but is still split over the subject because of no clear direct benefits. They also lack the motivation that would have given them access to this knowledge, but somehow they have started outsourcing. Overall it seems that the manufacturing industry is working hard to become more digital. Lastly, a proposed model is recommended by the authors through the findings from both industries.

The medical device manufacturing industry has a deficiency in determining how to improve supplier performance for the components and systems they purchase. Many complex medical devices require components from superb suppliers. But how does a medical device manufacturer (MDM) impartially assess supplier performance to know which suppliers to continuing with (or even boost purchase volumes) and which suppliers they should exit? This study describes which supplier-specific metrics are most important to medical device manufacturers (MDMs) so they can utilize this supplier performance scorecard backed by real-world inputs. This research will focus on five categories to measure MDM supplier performance (Quality, Price, Delivery, Customer Service, and Partnership) across twenty-three (23) metrics. Because this is a focus of MDM supplier performance, we are not focusing on analysis of device sales to the final customer (e.g., distributors or group purchasing organizations {GPO}). The study will follow a framework including research analysis of supplier performance management in other industries, methods to attain data from MDMs via survey, results and analysis of the data, conclusions, and an easily understandable MDM supplier performance scorecard. In the survey, 135 MDM professionals replied when asked to rate twenty-three (23) supplier performance metrics, across five (5) categories aggregated from nine (9) different industries. The survey yielded a myriad of results including, weighting factors of each of the metrics, and those data results were used to compile an MDM supplier performance scorecard utilizing real-world feedback. The analysis revealed the ratings of importance of the categories as: Quality (43%), Delivery (24%), Customer Service (4%), Partnership (13%), Price (8%) and associated weights for the twenty-three (23) metrics that matter most to an MDM when creating a performance scorecard for their supplier base. Three contributions that this research will add to the body of knowledge: An in-depth review of supplier performance across many different industries (i.e., non-healthcare and healthcare) for contrasting/comparing evidence. A detailed MDM survey and statistical analysis on the topic of supplier performance management. An easily understandable and useable MDM supplier performance scorecard (via MS Excel) for MDM supply chain and/or operations users and/or managers.

Yes / The issues of channel conflict and channel power have received widespread research attention, including Geylani et al.’s (2007) work on channel relations in an asymmetric retail setting. Specifically, these authors suggest that a manufacturer can respond to a dominant retailer’s pricing pressure by raising the wholesale price for a weak retailer over that for the dominant retailer while transferring demand to the weak retailer channel via cooperative advertising. But, is online expansion another kind of strategic manufacturer’s optimal response to a dominant retailer? In this paper, we extend this work by adding a direct online selling channel to illustrate the impact of the manufacturer’s internet entry on firms’ demands, profits, and pricing strategies and on consumer welfare. Our analysis thus includes a condition in which the manufacturer can add an online channel. If such an online channel is opened, the channel-supported network externality will always benefit the manufacturer but hurt the retailers. Consumers, however, will only benefit from the network externality when a dominant retailer is present and will be hurt when both retailers are symmetric. / National Natural Science Foundation of China, Chongqing’s Natural Science Foundation, British Academy

As Sweden ambitiously works toward fulfilling its climate goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2045, the transportation sector emerges as a critical area of focus, given its substantial impact on regional emissions. In achieving these goals, Vehicle to Grid (V2G) stands out as a promising solution for integrating renewable energy sources and balancing the energy ecosystem. The technology is used to not only charge Electric Vehicles (EVs) but also to discharge electricity stored in the battery, presumably during peak demand periods. This thesis aims to explore the integration of V2G within the automotive industry, through a focal lens of the Swedish market and its conditions. The aim is dissected into an investigation and analysis of the acting barriers and drivers of V2G together with an examination of strategic business approaches that automotive manufacturers can employ to facilitate V2G integration and adoption. Through expert interviews and a comprehensive literature review, this study evaluates the current landscape, challenges, and opportunities associated with V2G in the Swedish context, providing insights into practical strategies for automotive manufacturers. The study finds that regulatory uncertainty, economic incentivization, technological and infrastructural readiness, and market dynamics act as significant barriers, while political interest, social consciousness, and legislative action toward sustainability are key drivers. With these barriers and drivers in mind, establishing a clear and secure business landscape for V2G implementation and adoption is outlined as the main aim of a strategic approach. In order to capture the aim of a strategic approach, the thesis proposes actionable strategies for automotive manufacturers to facilitate the integration of V2G, such as stakeholder collaboration, consumer education, and policy advocacy. / Sveriges ambitiösa mål att reducera utsläppet av växthusgaser med 55% till 2030 och att uppnå netto-noll utsläpp till 2045, hänvisar till transportsektorn som ett kritiskt fokusområde givet dess betydande bidrag till regionala utsläpp. I syfte att uppnå dessa mål, står Vehicle to Grid (V2G) som ett lovande alternativ till att integrera förnybara energikällor och balansera energiekosystemet. Tekniken används inte enbart till att ladda elektriska fordon, utan även till att ladda ur energi lagrad i batteriet, förutsättningsvis under perioder då belastningen på elsystemet är hög. Därmed syftar detta arbete till att undersöka integrationen av V2G inom fordonssektorn, genom perspektivet av den svenska marknaden. Arbetets mål är fokuserat på en undersökning av de innefattande barriärerna och drivkrafterna för V2G, tillsammans med en utredning av potentiella strategier för fordonstillverkare för att möjliggöra integration och användande av V2G. Genom att intervjua experter och att genomföra en omfattande litteraturstudie, så utvärderar denna studie det nuvarande landskapet, utmaningar och möjligheter associerade med V2G i en svensk miljö. Detta med syfte att ge insikter i praktiska strategier vilka fordonstillverkare kan tillämpa. Denna studie finner att lagmässig otydlighet, ekonomiska incitament, teknisk och infrastrukturell förberedelse samt marknadsdynamik är dem huvudsakliga barriärerna. Politiskt intresse, social medvetenhet och lagmässigt fokus mot hållbarhet framstår som huvudsakliga drivkrafter. Med barriärena och drivkrafterna i åtanke, är huvudsyftet med en strategi att skapa ett affärslandskap som tydliggör och stöttar integrationen av V2G. Strategins utformning föreslår att samarbete med intressenter, informationsspridning till kunder och förespråkande av stöttande lagmässiga incitament är kritiskt för att V2G ska lyckas.

This study determined whether local manufacturers of light vehicles in South Africa employ supply chain best practices and strategies. The research design employed was a combination of exploratory and descriptive research design using qualitative and quantitative approaches based on a survey of light vehicle manufacturers in South Africa. A face-to–face, semi-structured interview questionnaire was used, based on purposive sampling. Descriptive statistics using SPSS software were used for the data analysis and interpretation. The findings of the study revealed that across the supply chain, best practices were implemented to a large extent by all manufacturers. Light vehicle manufacturers in South Africa, however face supply chain challenges, which include technological, infrastructural, cost, market/service and production/skills challenges. The most important supply chain performance indicator that contributes to optimisation of performance is quality, followed by final product delivery reliability, and then cost and supplier reliability. All the manufacturers followed a lean strategy for their inbound supply chain and some had a lean supply chain strategy for their outbound supply chain. A number of them also had an agile supply chain strategy in the outbound supply chain which suggests a leagile supply chain strategy. It was also found that in some instances there was a mismatch between strategies and practices in the area of product characteristics, manufacturing characteristics and the decision drivers of supply chain. One of the conclusions of the study was that local manufacturers of light vehicles do not always make decisions and implement practices in line with their chosen supply chain strategies. The study concluded by developing a framework for determining supply chain best practices in line with a chosen strategy that could guide supply chain managers (in locally manufactured light vehicles) in the automotive in South Africa in their decision making. / Business Management / D. Com. (Business Management)

台灣的製造型企業目前正處於腹背受敵的窘境，先進國家之企業以巨資和科技應用優勢持續地擴大其市場空間，開發中國家之企業也運用其充沛的勞力資源而逐漸地擴充其規模，台灣製造型企業之生存空間因此受到嚴重的壓迫，為低毛利生產陷入了生產效率和成本導向之惡性競爭中。此時，台灣製造型企業所需要的是一套超越競爭的思考模式，而價值創造導向的策略思維正是破局而出的關鍵。它不依循過去的成功經驗，也不受制於競爭者之作為，反而聚焦於本身核心能力的延伸，使競爭與自己無關，並透過與顧客和關係夥伴合作、與自然環境和社會共生的方式，以及價值創造導向的組織轉型，來為企業開創全新的價值網域和生存空間。本論文提出顧客價值、企業價值、環境價值、社會價值等四種價值創造導向，配合變革三部曲的策略性再思考、組織轉型、變革管理等三項進程，來呈現日本製造型企業的價值創造導向之企業轉型內涵。企業可以顧客需求為思考點，提供整合性的解決方案，創造顧客價值；以關係夥伴的利益為考量，整合價值網絡的總體流程，創造無疆界事業，提升企業價值；以自然環境的長期發展為出發，創造環境價值；或以增添社會福祉為目標，創造社會價值。論文中的個案顯示，任何價值創造導向所產生的結果，最終都可以有利於企業本身；其中顧客價值應是價值創造的近程目標，而環境價值與社會價值的創造才是價值創造的長期根本。

臺灣對於韓國法令規定都很陌生，且關於韓國之法律專題論文甚少，故透過本文將韓國政府採購制度及相關法令規定，建構出基礎架構，以利日後有志於韓國法律研究者之參考。本文重點在於韓國政府採購制度之介紹，並深入研究臺、韓二國之政府採購廠商停權制度之異同比較，最後並嘗試對我國停權制度之問題提出修法建議。

This study determined whether local manufacturers of light vehicles in South Africa employ supply chain best practices and strategies. The research design employed was a combination of exploratory and descriptive research design using qualitative and quantitative approaches based on a survey of light vehicle manufacturers in South Africa. A face-to–face, semi-structured interview questionnaire was used, based on purposive sampling. Descriptive statistics using SPSS software were used for the data analysis and interpretation. The findings of the study revealed that across the supply chain, best practices were implemented to a large extent by all manufacturers. Light vehicle manufacturers in South Africa, however face supply chain challenges, which include technological, infrastructural, cost, market/service and production/skills challenges. The most important supply chain performance indicator that contributes to optimisation of performance is quality, followed by final product delivery reliability, and then cost and supplier reliability. All the manufacturers followed a lean strategy for their inbound supply chain and some had a lean supply chain strategy for their outbound supply chain. A number of them also had an agile supply chain strategy in the outbound supply chain which suggests a leagile supply chain strategy. It was also found that in some instances there was a mismatch between strategies and practices in the area of product characteristics, manufacturing characteristics and the decision drivers of supply chain. One of the conclusions of the study was that local manufacturers of light vehicles do not always make decisions and implement practices in line with their chosen supply chain strategies. The study concluded by developing a framework for determining supply chain best practices in line with a chosen strategy that could guide supply chain managers (in locally manufactured light vehicles) in the automotive in South Africa in their decision making. / Business Management / D. Com. (Business Management)

ith one controlled extraction and one uncontrolled extraction, calculation of the flow channel at all stage, design and calculation of the regulation valve and create connection diagram of steam turbine and air cooled condenser. At the beginning of this work is an overview of manufacturers of steam turbines and their unified products. Master thesis was developer with G-Team, a.s. as using calculations and the instructions given in the recommended literature with supporting CFD simulations to determine the loss coefficients and FEA simulations to determine the eigenfrequencies blades.

[ES] A lo largo de más de un siglo de historia de la industria del automóvil, los cambios tecnológicos y la externalización de algunos procesos productivos, han precisado que los proveedores de los grandes constructores desarrollaran nuevas y mayores capacidades. Con ello también se han establecido unas relaciones colaborativas más activas entre los diferentes agentes que forman parte de la industria del automóvil. Recientemente se anunciaba una revolución en la movilidad, la cual generaría cambios disruptivos en la industria del automóvil. Cambios que vendrían provocados por las nuevas normativas de emisiones contaminantes, la necesidad de hacer unas ciudades más habitables y sostenibles, así como la conectividad, los vehículos de conducción autónoma y la movilidad compartida (Neckermann, 2015). Los nuevos requisitos y necesidades suponen un entorno de grandes incertidumbres. Esta situación está provocando el debate en la industria del automóvil la cual ha de hacer frente a importantes retos tecnológicos, manteniendo su competitividad, a la vez que debe continuar satisfaciendo a sus clientes. Una de las claves para mantener el éxito y la competitividad de las empresas que conforman la industria del automóvil pasa por su capacidad en adaptar sus cadenas de valor a dichos cambios. Esto significa establecer cadenas de valor responsivas capaces de afrontar los cambios y oscilaciones a las demandas de los mercados. Ante ese panorama, cabe preguntarse si la industria del automóvil, ubicada en España, está preparada para afrontar las necesidades actuales y futuras de un mercado cada vez más cambiante. En caso contrario, conviene conocer qué acciones deberían emprender para mantener el atractivo que ha llevado a los grandes constructores, y también a importantes proveedores de primer nivel, a continuar realizando inversiones como las que se han llevado a cabo en las últimas décadas. Con este fin, en este trabajo de investigación se ha estudiado la situación de los constructores de automóviles y el modo en que éstos establecen sus relaciones con los proveedores que conforman la industria auxiliar. A lo largo de esta tesis se han ido identificando aquellos factores que influyen en dichas relaciones. Los cuales abarcan desde la comunicación interempresarial y la confianza mutua, hasta las actividades para la introducción de la industria 4.0, o el desarrollo y adquisición de nuevas capacidades y competencias. Se ha tenido en cuenta también la influencia de esas relaciones en la mejora de las cadenas de valor responsivas. Asimismo, se ha realizado una revisión de las Agrupaciones Empresariales Innovadoras - en adelante AEIs -, o clústers del automóvil organizados en España y la labor que estos ejercen en el fortalecimiento de las relaciones cliente-proveedor. La contribución más relevante del presente trabajo es la aportación a la industria del automóvil establecida en España del estado del arte del modo en que se desarrollan las relaciones entre la industria auxiliar y sus clientes, es decir, con los OEMs o los proveedores de nivel superior. Asimismo, se incluye el papel que desempeñan los clústers del automóvil o AEIs en esas relaciones. Mediante el estudio cualitativo y cuantitativo realizado de las empresas proveedoras, así como de los clústers existentes en España, se ha identificado la existencia de cadenas de valor responsivas que contribuyen a la competitividad de la industria automotriz. Al mismo tiempo se ha establecido la fortaleza y debilidad de los diferentes clústers y el rol desempeñado. Finalmente, esta tesis sugiere la continuación de este trabajo de investigación ampliándolo a los OEMs para identificar el rol de liderazgo que desempeñan en la gobernanza de los clústers y la dependencia de las estrategias establecidas por sus sedes centrales. / [CA] Al llarg de més d'un segle d'història de la indústria de l'automòbil, els canvis tecnològics i l'externalització d'alguns processos productius han precisat que els proveïdors dels grans constructors desenvoluparen noves i majors capacitats. Amb això també s'han establit unes relacions col·laboratives més actives entre els diferents agents que formen part de la indústria de l'automòbil. Recientment s'anunciava una revolució en la mobilitat, la qual generaria canvis disruptius en la indústria de l'automòbil. Canvis que vindrien provocats per les noves normatives d'emissions contaminants, la necessitat de fer unes ciutats més habitables i sostenibles, així com la connectivitat, els vehicles de conducció autònoma i la mobilitat compartida (Neckermann, 2015). Els nous requisits i necessitats suposen un entorn de grans incerteses. Aquesta situació està provocant el debat en la indústria de l'automòbil, la qual ha de fer front a importants reptes tecnològics, mantenint la seua competitivitat, alhora que ha de continuar satisfent als seus clients. Una de les claus per a mantindre l'èxit i la competitivitat de les empreses que conformen la indústria de l'automòbil passa per la seua capacitat a adaptar les seues cadenes de valor a aquests canvis. Això significa establir cadenes de valor responsives capaços d'afrontar els canvis i oscil·lacions a les demandes dels mercats. Davant aqueix nou panorama, cal preguntar-se si la indústria de l'automòbil, situada a Espanya, està preparada per a afrontar les necessitats actuals i futures d'un mercat cada vegada més canviant. En cas contrari, convé conéixer quines accions haurien d'emprendre per a mantindre l'atractiu que ha portat als grans constructors, i també a importants proveïdors de primer nivell, a continuar realitzant inversions com les que s'han dut a terme en els últims anys. A aquest efecte, en aquest treball de recerca hem estudiat la situació dels constructors i com aquests estableixen les seues relacions amb els proveïdors que conformen la indústria auxiliar. Al llarg d'aquesta tesi s'han anat identificant aquells factors que influeixen en aquestes relacions. Els quals abasten des de la comunicació interempresarial i la confiança mútua, fins a les activitats per a la introducció de la indústria 4.0, o el desenvolupament i adquisició de noves capacitats i competències. Així com la influència d'aqueixes relacions en la millora de les cadenes de valor responsives. També s'ha realitzat una revisió de les Agrupacions Empresarials Innovadores - d'ara en avant AEIs -, o clústers de l'automòbil organitzats a Espanya i la labor que aquests exerceixen en l'enfortiment de les relacions client-proveïdor. La principal contribució d'aquest estudi és l'aportació a la indústria de l'automòbil establida a Espanya de l'estat de l'art en les relacions que manté la indústria auxiliar amb els seus clients, es dir OEMs i Tiers de nivel superior, així com el paper que exerceixen en aquestes relacions els clústers de l'automòbil o AEIs. Mitjançant l'estudi qualitatiu i quantitatiu realitzat de les empreses proveïdores, així com dels clústers existents a Espanya, s'ha identificat l'existència de cadenes de valor responsives que contribueixen a la competitivitat de la indústria automotriu. Al mateix temps s'ha establit la fortalesa i feblesa dels diferents clústers i el rol que exerceixen. Finalment, aquesta tesi suggereix la continuació d'aquest treball de recerca ampliant-lo als OEMs per a identificar el rol de lideratge eixercit en la governança dels clústers i la dependència de les estratègies establides per les seues seus centrals. / [EN] Throughout more than a century of history of the automobile industry, the technological changes and the outsourcing of some production processes, have required that the suppliers of the most important automobile manufacturers develop new and greater capacities. Within this new environment, more active collaborative relationships have also been established between the different agents that are part of the automotive industry. Recently, it was announced a revolution in mobility, which would generate disruptive changes in the automotive industry. Changes that would be caused by the new regulations on polluting emissions, the need to make cities more liveable and sustainable, as well as the connectivity, the autonomous driving vehicles and the shared mobility (Neckermann, 2015). The new requirements and needs represent an environment of great uncertainties. This situation is causing the debate in the automotive industry, which must face important technological challenges, while maintaining its competitiveness, and continuing to satisfy its customers. One of the keys to maintain the success and competitiveness of the companies that make up the automotive industry is their ability to adapt their value chains to these changes. This means establishing responsive value chains capable of dealing with changes and oscillations to the demands of the markets. In front of this new panorama, it is worth wondering if the automobile industry, located in Spain, is prepared to face the current and future needs of an increasingly changing market. If not, it is important to know what actions they should take to maintain the attractiveness that has led important car manufacturers, as well as major first level suppliers, to continue making investments such as those that have been carried out in recent past years. For this purpose, in this research work it has been studied the situation of the automobile manufacturers and how they establish their relationships with the suppliers that make up the supply industry. Throughout this thesis, those factors that influence these relationships have been identified, from inter-company communication and mutual trust, to the introduction of industry 4.0 activities, or the development and acquisition of new skills and competencies. Identified as well, are the influence of these relationships in the improvement of responsive value chains. A review has also been carried out of the Innovative Business Groups - hereinafter AEIs -, or those automobile clusters organized in Spain and the task they carry out in strengthening customer-supplier relationships. The contribution of this study is the report to the automotive industry established in Spain of the state of the art in the relationships that the auxiliary industry maintains with its customers, i.e.: OEMs and Tiers 1, as well as the role that automotive clústers or AEIs play in these relationships. Through the qualitative and quantitative study carried out of the supplier companies, as well as of the existing clusters in Spain, the existence of responsive value chains that contribute to the competitiveness of the automotive industry has been identified. At the same time, the strength and weakness of the different clusters and the role played have been established. Finally, this thesis suggests the continuation of this research work, extending it to OEMs to identify their leadership role in the governance of the clusters, and the dependence on the strategies established by their headquarters. / Collado Fuentes, A. (2022). Relación cliente-proveedor como ventaja competitiva en la industria del automóvil. Aplicación al clúster del automóvil de la Comunidad Valenciana [Tesis doctoral]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/182418 / TESIS