Search Results (39)

High-bandwidth memory (HBM) has become a strategic bottleneck in AI-centric systems, shifting competitive advantage from computing power alone to a design that is orchestrated by memory and packaging. We investigate whether publicly available information about companies’ integration decisions—vertical integration by Samsung Electronics and horizontal partnerships by SK Hynix—is included in market-expected valuation. We create a Korean-language news corpus spanning January 2023 to September 2025 and use seed-guided topic models to obtain firms’ vertical and horizontal integration. We verify qualitative distinguishability with t-SNE embeddings and use firm-specific ordinary least squares specifications to link topic intensities to equity prices. According to research findings, for Samsung, consolidation-oriented vertical indicators (M&A and risk ring-fencing) positively correlate with valuation, whereas supplier-enablement or operational vertical topics are not reliably factored into their valuation. Vendor-assisted scale-up and joint development topics support positive valuation for SK Hynix. This study provides a scalable framework for text evaluation, which distinguishes between general sentiment and strategic architecture, as well as evidence that capital markets reward consolidation and alliance execution differently depending on the management of the HBM bottleneck. Full article

The logistics industry faces challenges from evolving consumer expectations, technological advances, sustainability demands, and market disruptions. Logistics collaboration is in theory perceived as one of the most promising solutions to solve these issues, but here are still a lot of challenges that needs to be better understood and addressed. While vertical collaboration among supply chain actors is well advanced, horizontal collaboration among competing service providers remains under-explored. This study developed a novel methodology based on the COM-B behaviour-change framework to better understand the main challenges, opportunities, capabilities and drivers that would motivate competing companies to exploit the potential of horizontal logistics collaboration. A survey was designed and conducted among 71 logistics service providers in Slovenia, chosen for its fragmented market and low willingness to collaborate. Statistical analysis reveals cost reduction (M = 4.21/5) and improved vehicle utilization (M = 4.29/5) as the primary motivators. On the other hand, maintaining company reputation (M = 4.64/5), fair resource sharing (M = 4.20/5), and transparency of logistics processes (M = 4.17/5) all persist as key enabling conditions. These findings underscore the pivotal role of behavioural drivers and suggest strategies that combine economic incentives with targeted trust-building measures. Future research should employ experimental designs in diverse national contexts and integrate vertical–horizontal approaches to validate causal pathways and advance theory. Full article

Industrialized construction faces persistent fragmentation challenges that negatively impact project performance. Although there is consensus on the importance of integration, its effective adoption in industrialized construction, particularly for modular timber building companies, remains underexplored. This study examines how intra-organization fragmentation and stakeholder integration influence project performance through a combined empirical case study and theoretical simulation analysis. This study adopted a computational modeling strategy based on the Virtual Design Team (VDT) approach to simulate the organizational structure and process in a real-world industrialized timber building company. The VDT’s baseline results reveal significant rework from inadequate early integration among specialties and functional departments, increasing the project schedule. A revised scenario introduces horizontal and vertical integration by co-locating design and manufacturing team members and reducing the decision-making level. These adjustments substantially reduced rework in design phases and shortened the project duration below the original plan. The critical role of early collaborative involvement of all disciplines emphasizes that integrated organizational structures and processes are essential for ensuring reliable project outcomes in industrialized timber building companies. This research provides empirically grounded insights highlighting the strategic importance of integration in industrialized construction and establishes a validated modeling basis to guide practical interventions and future research on integration-driven improvements. Full article

This article considers the impact of self-sufficiency in basic raw materials on the level of systematic risk, required return and capitalization on the example of Russian ferrous metallurgy companies. The methods applied include classical approaches to determining beta coefficient, required return and capitalization, as well as correlation–regression analysis performed in the Python programming language (version 3.0, libraries: Numpy, Pandas, Matplotlib, Datetime, Statistics, Scipy, Bambi). The study revealed an inverse relationship between the self-sufficiency of ferrous metallurgy companies in iron ore and coking coal and their systematic risk. That was confirmed by the developed regression model. The presence of this dependence directly indicates the need to consider self-sufficiency when assessing a company’s required return and capitalization. The acquisition of the Tikhov coal mine by PJSC Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Works (MMK) led to an increase in capitalization not only due to additional profit from the new asset, but also due to a decrease in the required return caused by the growth of the company’s self-sufficiency in coking coal. The proposed approach contributes to a more accurate assessment of the company’s capitalization and creates additional incentives for vertical integration transactions. Full article

Power sector companies are crucial in global decarbonization, accounting for 32% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Despite frameworks like the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi), there is ongoing debate about the adequacy of current target-setting methods and emissions allocation. This paper focuses on Brazil’s diverse, renewable-heavy energy mix and complex regulatory environment. It highlights the challenges faced by vertically integrated and predominantly renewable energy companies in meeting SBTi goals, despite their commitment to climate action. The study finds that the current SBTi methodology fails to accurately reflect the efforts of these companies, often penalizing them for emissions beyond their control. An alternative methodology is proposed that excludes unmanageable emissions, aligning targets more closely with operational actions while maintaining transparency in reporting. A key finding is that this new methodology avoids distortions caused by external factors, ensuring emissions reductions are tied to company actions. For renewable power utilities, the methodology emphasizes high-emission categories within the value chain, such as asset construction and maintenance, promoting deeper engagement in decarbonization. A new tool and scenarios were developed, showing that proposed adjustments enhance target accuracy, support global emissions reduction goals, and provide a more transparent and equitable way for companies to report emissions, distinguishing between controllable and external factors. Full article

The potential of Industry 4.0 enabling tools is emerging as a strategic factor for the adaptation and innovation of companies in the clothing sector. Thus, the aim is to identify global trends and practices in I4.0 applications in the clothing sector based on a systematic literature review. From the systematic literature review, 11 articles were selected from the Scopus and Web of Science databases. The results showed global trends in the application of I4.0 enabling tools, such as the Internet of Things, Cybersecurity and Additive Manufacturing, in addition to the benefits that I4.0 can provide in manufacturing, such as the possibility of efficient processes with lower operating costs. When studying the perception of businesspeople, the most critical dimensions were: vertical integration, flexibility, data analysis, supply chain integration, traceability, remote production monitoring, strategy, organizational culture and people. The originality of the paper is highlighted by its specific sectoral focus, emerging applications of Industry 4.0 and holistic approach to the value chain. In addition to the academic contribution in terms of mapping key global trends, identifying challenges and opportunities and providing a basis for future research, the results can provide practical recommendations for companies in the apparel sector seeking to start or accelerate their digital transformation journey. Full article

Epidemic (e.g., COVID-19) outbreaks can seriously disrupt logistics, and the coordination of intercity logistics and urban distribution plays an important role in goods distribution. In previous studies, some scholars analyzed different sharing logistics mechanisms for cost reduction and efficiency improvement, while others analyzed the disruption problems in both logistics and supply chain management. In this study, we combine these two operational management philosophies and first develop a two-echelon logistics benchmark model (BM), with two intercity logistics companies and two urban distribution companies, taking into consideration the load ratio and the disruption factor. This is the first time that the load ratio is considered in research on logistics, and it will make the supply and demand as well as the cost structure of logistics services much more practical. We then develop three urban sharing logistics models with two intercity logistics companies and one urban sharing logistics distribution company, with the sharing mechanisms SM1 (only sharing logistics), SM2 (sharing logistics with revenue sharing), and SM3 (sharing logistics with equity investment). We compare the pros and cons of the three sharing mechanisms and identify the optimal and suboptimal Pareto improvements for the BM. We identify different sharing decisions with respect to different load ratios and the disruption ratio. Finally, we analyze the sustainability of the three sharing mechanisms from the load ratio, low-carbon, and low-disruption dimensions. The managerial implications drawn from the model and case study provide a practice framework for sharing logistics operations: vertical integration, the standardization of logistics technology and equipment, and coordination and sharing. Full article

This study presents a comprehensive exploration of vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft within advanced air mobility (AAM), examining the crucial challenges of integrating these innovative technologies into transportation systems. AAM promises transformational social change by enhancing transportation energy efficiency, safety, and operational effectiveness. This research utilizes a methodical approach that juxtaposes a systematic review of patents with an extensive analysis of the academic literature to map the innovation landscape of VTOL technology. This dual analysis reveals a dynamic progression in VTOL advancements, highlighting significant strides in aerodynamic optimization, propulsion technology, and control systems. The novelty of this study lies in its dual-method approach, combining patent analysis with the academic literature to provide a holistic view of VTOL technological evolution. The patent analysis reveals that companies have been most productive on innovations relating to VTOL aircraft transition efficiency, control enhancement, and energy management. The literature review identifies key trends such as the rise in electric propulsion technologies and the integration of AI-driven control mechanisms. These results provide new engineering knowledge that can guide future VTOL development and policy formulation. The original contributions include a detailed mapping of VTOL innovation trends, identification of key technological advancements, and a predictive lens into future directions. These findings offer a valuable resource for aerospace engineers, policymakers, and urban planners. This study contributes a detailed assessment of both theoretical foundations and practical applications, fostering a holistic view of the challenges and innovations shaping the future of AAM. By connecting research and practical development, this study serves as a critical tool for strategic decision making and policy formulation towards advancing the integration of VTOL aircraft into sustainable urban transportation networks. Full article

The last decade has seen dramatic progress in research on FETs with 2D channels. Starting from the single devices fabricated using exfoliated flakes in the early 2010s, by the early 2020s, 2D FETs being trialed for mass production and vertical stacking of 2D channels made by leading semiconductor companies. However, the industry is focused solely on transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) channels coupled with conventional 3D oxide insulators such as Al₂O₃ and HfO₂. This has resulted in numerous challenges, such as poor-quality interfaces and reliability limitations due to oxide traps. At the same time, the alternative routes for 2D FETs offered by laboratory (LAB) research have not been appreciated until now, even though the use of the native oxides of 2D channels has recently resulted in the first 2D FinFETs. Considering the research progress achieved in the last decade, from this perspective, we will discuss the main challenges for industry integration of 2D FETs and also suggest possible future steps which could propel these emerging technologies towards market applications. Full article

The management of waste, especially ferrous waste, poses great problems in the steel industry due to strict regulations on preventing, reducing, or even eliminating the factors that generate a high degree of environmental pollution (landfills resulting from the steel industry and adjacent industries—mining, energy, etc.). The present paper presents a synthesis of the specialized literature regarding the processes used, both worldwide and nationally, regarding the transformation of raw materials (ores or concentrates) and iron-containing waste (steel mill dust, mill scale and scale, sludge from agglomeration factories, sideritic waste, etc.) into by-products that can be used in the steel industry. For technological reasons, the option of pelletizing powdered waste was applied—in laboratory conditions, according to its own recipes, with results that justify the application of the technology on an industrial scale (appearance after hardening; drop resistance). The aim of the paper was to identify a practical solution; based on this solution, original conceptual models of organizational strategies (management and processing, respectively, recovery of ferrous waste within steel companies) were developed, such as a concentration strategy, diversification, vertical integration, etc. Within graphical representations of the proposed strategies, other processing variants were mentioned: agglomeration; briquetting. Full article

Intermodal terminals and warehouses operate in different countries and deliver specific services to their customers. For many clients, it is important to receive a full set of the logistics services delivered by a single operator. However, individual intermodal terminals and warehouses may face challenges with providing these services, e.g., just-in-time goods delivery, goods distribution, cargo handling in non-standard situations, and others. In such cases, the cooperation between logistics companies may be required to organize the comprehensive service of cargo within supply chains. One of the possible solutions is to integrate transport and logistics services providers, establishing their cooperation within one virtual logistics center. The aim of this article is to justify theoretically the possibility of creating such a center by combining services performed by the intermodal terminals and warehouses already in operation under a single entity, in order to minimize the cost of logistics services and the time of goods delivery, as well as to create a comprehensive range of logistics services needed by customers. The relevance of the article and the novelty of the idea are associated with justification of the possibility of combining the activities of intermodal terminals and warehouses located separately in the region in order to improve the logistical service of customers. The theoretical basis for creating a virtual logistics center is based on graph theory methods. The article presents a theoretical model, based on a system of edges and vertices of the graph tree, which corresponds to the activities performed by separately located intermodal terminals and individual warehouses. The discussion is focused on the current problems of creating virtual logistics centers. The research results may be interesting for the managers of intermodal terminals, warehouses, and logistics centers, as well as other decision-makers involved in supply chains implementation and development. Full article

Despite the increasing popularity of glamping structures, empirical studies often overlook the carbon impact of wood in these constructions, creating a significant research gap. Understanding the net carbon effect of wood in glamping structures is crucial for informing sustainable building practices. This paper aims to quantitatively compare the net carbon impact of wood in glamping structures, filling a notable gap in the current research literature. The investigation undertakes a thorough evaluation employing a life cycle methodology, appraising the emissions linked with the complete glamping life span. Seven Romanian companies are examined vertically within the glamping production chain and horizontally across the supply value chain. The investigation unveils a notable discovery: the integration of wood within glamping yields considerable carbon sequestration, wherein the wood employed sequesters 36.83 metric tons of CO₂ per glamping unit. This surpasses the carbon emissions entailed throughout the entirety of the glamping life cycle, ranging from 9.97 to 11.72 metric tons of carbon. Remarkably, a single wood-incorporated glamping structure has the capacity to sequester approximately 25 metric tons of carbon within a span of 50 years. In summary, the investigation underscores the capacity of responsibly sourced timber to function as a carbon reservoir, proficiently counterbalancing emissions across the entirety of the construction life cycle. The findings underscore the importance of sustainably sourced wood in achieving carbon neutrality and provide valuable insights for promoting sustainable building practices. This methodology has broad applicability beyond glamping structures, holding potential for replication and scalability across various sectors and regions, thereby contributing to global efforts towards mitigating climate change and fostering positive environmental change. Full article

This study employs an innovative industrial design decision-making approach based on the notion of product family architecture and structural equation modeling. The aim is to enhance the product competitiveness of machine tool enterprises, which is crucial for their development. Key domains within machine tool industrial design were systematically analyzed, leading to the creation of a design evaluation criteria system. Through quantitative data, the importance order of indicators at all levels was determined to enhance the overall competitiveness of product industrial design. First, teachers of relevant majors and professionals from machine tool companies completed a Likert scale questionnaire to validate the PFA-SEM hypothesis model. Next, a subjective–objective integrated weighting method was introduced to guide the ranking of multiple design elements. The feasibility of this method was confirmed by applying the Entropy-Based Multi-Objective Decision-Making Method (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution). These approaches helped achieve industrial design improvements in Heatking induction vertical hardening machines. This research aids in optimizing machine tool design, guiding design iterations, and serving as a reference for the development and optimization of other machine tool design solutions. Full article

The present study reports a critical review of NIO′s business model considering the evolving landscape of the electric vehicle market and servicing. The objective of this study is to develop a comprehensive framework that facilitates the identification of key elements characterizing a company’s business model and highlights ongoing transformations crucial for adaptation and survival in a rapidly changing environmental context. Focusing on the case study of NIO, a relatively young Chinese original equipment manufacturer (OEM) specializing in high-tech electric cars, the research delves into the challenging scenario of the Chinese electric vehicle market, which recently faced a bubble in 2023. The market proliferation, supply chain disruptions, and price wars triggered by Tesla have resulted in a survival struggle for numerous automotive startups, leaving larger companies with increasing market shares. Despite facing adversities, NIO managed to secure a promising segment catering to premium-range battery electric vehicles (BEVs), establishing a competitive advantage through differentiation. By pursuing ambitious investments, the company aims to create economies of scope and achieve cost leadership, venturing into new market sectors and vertically integrating the production chain. Given NIO’s agility in adapting to market conditions, aggressive entry into new segments, and a strategic vision for the future, it serves as an excellent candidate for testing and validating the proposed framework. The research sheds light on NIO’s trajectory and offers insights into its potential for sustained growth in the dynamic electric vehicle market. Full article

The successful deployment of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) requires the safe integration of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in non-segregated airspace. However, a lack of practical deployment demonstrations can slow the regulatory progress. This study presents a practical deployment framework for the integration of eVTOL aircraft into public airspace, in accordance with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) special airworthiness criteria. This study focused on a corporate use case to provide a comprehensive scenario for enhancing intra-company mobility. The scenario supports early implementation and demonstration goals by removing reliance on air traffic management systems or air traffic controller separation services. The practical deployment framework included facility selection, route planning, terrain mapping, collision avoidance, aircraft selection, infrastructure requirements, vertiport placement, electric chargers, ground handling, operational staff, and cost estimates. Planners can use the framework as a template to inform the implementation of real-world AAM services using eVTOL aircraft. Full article