The evolution analysis of agricultural global value chains

With the Uruguay Round bringing agricultural trade into multilateral regulation,the major countries have actively participated in agricultural global value chains(AGVC)and occupied an important position according to their comparative advantages.Utilizing bilateral agricultural trade data of 66 countries based on the OECD Inter-Country-Input-Output Tables(OECD ICIO)from 2010 to 2018,this study applies social network analysis indicators to measure each country’s eigenvector centrality within AGVC and to examine the current global agricultural trade patterns,with particular attention to the changes in the status of world powers within AGVC.The main findings are as follows:first,with the multilateral and regional trade liberalization,growing numbers of developing nations,including China and India,are engaging in international agricultural trade,which contributes to its diversification;second,as AGVC develops,the structure of global agricultural trade networks has become more decentralized and balanced.This is evidenced by the emergence of additional central nodes,and large nations like the United States,which formerly held the most central position as indicated by a drop in its centrality,are becoming less dominant.

How Sense of Ritual in Tourism Impacts Tourists’Co-Creation of Tourism Experience Values:A Study Based on the Theory of Value Co-Creation

Establishing a sense of ritual within tourism consumption scenarios offers tourists the opportunity for interactive engagement.Drawing upon the value co-creation theory,this study constructed an influence mechanism model to examine tourists'active engagement in the process of co-creating tourism experience values.It employed Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling(PLS-SEM)to empirically test the proposed hypotheses.The findings demonstrate that the model constructed in the present study exhibits robust reliability,validity,and explanatory power.The perception of the sense of ritual in tourism exerts a significant positive influence on tourists’co-creation of tourism experience values,thereby significantly enhancing both the communitas and flow experienced by tourists during their travels.Moreover,such communitas and flow can mediate the influence of the sense of ritual in tourism on tourists’co-creation of tourism experience values.This study contributes to advancing the current research on tourists’co-creation of tourism experience values and the sense of ritual in tourism,thereby providing theoretical foundations for cultivating a sense of ritual within tourism consumption scenarios.

Cross-border Urban Networks Based on Manufacturing Global Value Chain:A Study of Listed Companies in Western China

Cross-border investment is essential for western China’s globalization.Global value chain(GVC)forms cross-border investment networks between industries in western China and overseas cities.Focusing on GVC,this study uses the social network analysis method,entropy method,multi-index comprehensive evaluation method,and quadratic assignment procedure analysis method to examine the characteristics and influencing factors of the urban networks of research and development(R&D),production,and sales formed as a result of the overseas investments of listed manufacturing companies in western China.Results showed that the three types of investment networks involved multiple industry types and multiple central cities with differentiated diversity and multicentrality.The R&D urban network’s leading sub-industries were the mechanical equipment and instruments,medicine and biological products,and metal and nonmetal industries.The destination cities were mostly those home to educational and scientific research centers.The production urban network’s leading sub-industries were the mechanical equipment,instrument,and food and beverage industries.The destination cities were mostly regional central cities in developing countries.The sales urban network’s leading sub-industries were the mechanical equipment and instrument,metal and nonmetal,and petrochemical and plastics industries.The destination cities were numerous and scattered.In addition,the R&D urban network easily formed specialized clusters,core nodes easily controlled the production urban network,and individual nodes did not easily control the sales urban network.Technological and economic system advantages greatly impacted the three network types.Considering the different influencing factors,this study suggests optimizing the institutional investment environment to narrow the institutional gap,adjusting and optimizing the investment layout to expand overseas markets,and increasing R&D funds to stimulate technological progress and overseas investments in western China.

Small ruminant value chain in Al-Ruwaished District,Jordan

This study aims to assess the small ruminant value chain in Al-Ruwaished District,Jordan,to identify the potential intervention areas that could improve the production efficiency and guarantee the sustainability of the small ruminant sector in this area.Sheep breeding is the source of livelihood for most of the people in Al-Ruwaished District,which is characterized by the large number of sheep and goats.We surveyed 5.0% of the small ruminant holders in the study area and conducted individual interviews and surveys with the potential actors in the value chain to undertake a small ruminant value chain analysis.From the survey,we found that the small ruminant value chain consists of five core functions,namely,input supply,production management,marketing,processing,and consumption.Despite the stable impression given by the large number of holdings in the small ruminant sector,the surveyed results show a clear fragility in the value chain of small ruminants in this area.The small ruminant production system is negatively impacted by climate change,especially continuous drought.In addition,the high prices of feed that the farmer cannot afford with clear and real absence of the governmental and non-governmental support activities also impact the development of the value chain.The results of strengths,weaknesses,opportunities,and threats(SWOT)analysis reveal that the major constraints faced by this value chain could be divided into external and internal threats.Specifically,the most prominent external threats are the nature of the desert land and continuous drought,while the major internal threats are the absence of appropriate infrastructure,shortage of inputs,and weakness in the production management and marketing.We proposed solutions to these challenges to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of the sector,such as the formulation of emergency response plans to severe weather,qualifying farmers’skills,and establishment of agricultural cooperative societies.

A Study on the Factors Influencing Value-Added in the Cruise Ship Value Chain Based on the DEMATEL-ISM Model

Cruise value chain is to take the exchange of cruise products and services as the core in a certain spatial scope,and enterprises with core advantages within or between different industries establish associations in accordance with certain technical and economic conditions,so as to realise the multi-dimensional extension and value appreciation of the cruise value chain in the vertical and horizontal links,and ultimately establish a chain-network type of enterprise strategic alliance.This paper tries to analyse the value-added factors of the cruise industry chain by constructing a multi-level hierarchical structural model with reference to the influencing factor analysis methods of relevant literature-DEMATEL(Decision Making Experiment and Evaluation Experiment)and ISM(Interpretative Structural Model).The study shows that the innovation and scale value-added module in the upstream of the cruise industry chain is the core module of value-added of the whole cruise industry chain,and the value-added mainly originates from the design and manufacturing of cruise ships.The middle reaches of the cruise industry chain are mainly cruise operation enterprises,and the specificity of cruise operation determines that its brand value-added is mainly accomplished through the global layout of multinational corporations,and the cruise brand is able to drive the consumption demand and has value-added ability.The downstream value-added of the cruise industry chain is mainly realised through the increase in profits of cruise tourism service products.

基于HR Value Chain的农民工HRM实践研究

从价值链理论(Value Chain)发展而来的人力资源价值链(HR Value Chain)肯定了HRM实践是企业价值的来源。在概要介绍HR Value Chain的基础上,着重分析企业内部针对农民工的HRM实践所存在的问题,并提出了相应的改进措施。

Does strict environmental regulation enhance the global value chains position of China's industrial sector?

Given the vital importance of global value chains(GVCs)position for a country's international competitiveness,this paper tries to investigate the impacts of environmental regulation on the GVCs position of China's industrial sector.Using the latest value-added decomposition method,we first measure the GVCs position of China's industrial sector from 2003 to 2014.Subsequently,both two-stage least squares(2 SLS)method with panel data and mediating effect model are employed to empirically examine the effects of environmental regulation on China's position in GVCs.The results indicate that environmental regulation has significantly upgraded the GVCs position of China's industrial sector,and the effect is more evident for the sub-sectors with originally lower GVCs position.The mediation effect test shows that increasing R&D investment is an important channel through which environmental regulation affects the GVCs position of China's industrial sector,which verifies the existence of the Porter hypothesis.Further analysis finds that the enhancement of GVCs position of China's industrial sector caused by environmental regulation is mainly achieved through reducing the backward GVCs position.

Spatial Interaction Between the Industrial Undertaking Capacity and Global Value Chain Position of East Asian Countries

A comprehensive understanding of the spatial interaction between the industrial undertaking capability and the position of the global value chain of the 12 East Asian countries is conducive to strengthening regional cooperation, gaining a say in foreign trade and becoming the dominant player in the global division of labor system. The article reveals the operating rules of the interaction between the industrial undertaking capacity and the global value chain position of East Asian countries by calculating the Global Moran Index(Moran’s I), coupling coordination degree and other indicators. The results show that: in time, the values of industrial undertaking capacity and the positions of global value chain in East Asian countries showed a sustained and stable growth trend, and have a consistent trend of change. Spatially, both of the two indexes had significant positive spatial correlation, with Moran’s I showing an ‘inverted U’pattern, and the spatial aggregation distribution of global value chain position lagged behind the spatial aggregation distribution of industrial undertaking capacity by one year. In terms of spatial coupling coordination, the coupling coordination values of the two indicators show a steady upward trend. Combined with the comparative advantage of each country, this paper provides suggestions for promoting the positions of Chinese and other East Asian industries in the global value chain from the perspectives of enhancing independent innovation capability and upgrading industrial structure.

Effects of Global Value Chain Position on the Carbon Emissions of Manufacturing Industry in China: An Empirical Study Based on the STIRPAT Model

Based on the input-output data from the World Input-Output Database( WIOD),the global value chain( GVC) position of China's manufacturing industry from 2003 to 2014 was calculated,and the relationship between the carbon emissions and global value chain position of China's manufacturing industry was studied based on the improved STIRPAT model. The results show that the improvement of global value chain position could significantly reduce the carbon emissions of China's manufacturing industry. In addition,foreign investment and energy structure hindered the low-carbon development of China's manufacturing industry. The effects of population size and research intensity on the carbon emissions of manufacturing industry were not significant. In the process of participating in the global value chain,China's manufacturing industry should effectively reduce carbon emissions by strengthening environmental regulation,optimizing energy structure and improving production technology.

Local Poultry Value Chian Analysis in Somaliland

Poultry production has important economic, social and cultural benefits and plays a significant role in family nutrition in developing countries. In most tropical countries it is based mainly on scavenging production systems, which makes substantial contributions to household food security throughout the developing world. All over the developing world, these low-input and low-output poultry-husbandry systems are an integral component of the livelihoods of most rural, peri-urban, and some urban households and are likely to continue to meet this role for the foreseeable future. Although the contributions of chicken farming to household food security and income as well as its potential contribution to the income of rural communities are known, chicken production is practiced very little in Somaliland. Therefore, the purpose of this project was to carry out a baseline study on the potential of chicken production (eggs and meats) in Somaliland and its existing chain gaps in order to identify whether chicken production could be a successful income source for women and boost female economic activity in the project areas of Saaxil, MaroodiJeex and Togdheer. The result from this assessment showed that rural chicken production was a women-related activity that helped them to be the sole decision-makers and also users of the benefits regarding chicken and chicken products. The main purposes for keeping chicken were egg production for income generating, home consumption and meat provision. The major constraints for rural poultry keeping were the lack of extension and veterinary services, predators, poor housing, poor breeds, and lack of financial services among others. Women in all the selected villages made remarkable contributions to the local chicken production system. The result of the assessments showed that indigenous poultry value chain consisted of producers, collectors/retaileres, shops and consumers/restaurents. However, the absence of processors along the chain means that chickens are sold live and consequently cannot be retailed through formal channels like supermarkets leading to the exclusion of potential customers in the middle and high income categories who normally shop from supermarkets. Furthermore, as population and incomes grow, demand for indigenous chicken is likely to continue growing, especially among the high income groups who not only prefer it for its taste but also for health reasons due to its low fat content. Finally, although the value chain for indigenous chickens shows potential growth for all the players along the chain, there is a need to address the various constraints affecting the value chain for indigenous chickens in order to improve the operation of the chain hence leading to increased incomes for the value chain actors and at the same time ensuring cheap delivery of indigenous chicken in a more convenient form and in formal outlets.

Re-Evaluation of China＇s Service Trade Competitiveness： A Global Value Chain Perspective

Based on the World Input-Output Database(WIOD), this paper conducts a forward-linkage decomposition of value-added in trade to estimate China's service value-added exports and its service sector's international competitiveness during 2000-2014. Result indicates that during the sample period, China's service exports measured by forward-linkage decomposition method accounted for around 35% in its total export. While the value of services exported directly through the service sector accounted for a falling share, the value of services exported through other sectors represented an increasing share. China ranks second in the world in terms of market share of service exports. However, the revealed comparative advantage(RCA) of China's service exports and export sophistication remains limited.

Does the Belt and Road Initiative Promote Value Chain Connection Between China and the Silk Road Countries?

The global value chains have become the core skeleton of the global economy.As a large-scale international cooperation initiative,the Belt and Road Initiative(BRI hereafter)may have a significant impact on the global economic landscape.In this context,the spatiotemporal pattern and evolution of the value chain connection of the Silk Road countries and whether the BRI will promote the value chain connections between China and these countries are important research questions for understanding the changing global economic landscape.This paper employs input-output analysis,network analysis and difference-in-differences based on Propensity Score Matching(PSM-DID)to conduct an in-depth quantitative study of these questions.The results show that,first,the overall value chain connection between China and the Silk Road countries has been rising since 2001.From the perspective of geographical distribution,Southeast Asia is the highest value chain connection region with China,and the growth in the central and eastern Europe is the most significant,whereas the central Asia is the lowest value connection region.From the perspective of complex network analysis,China’s position in the network of value flow among the Silk Road countries has been increasing continuously,and it has been in the lead position since 2008.Besides,the implementation of the BRI has had a significant positive influence on the overall value chain connection between China and the Silk Road countries,but this positive influence is limited to the central and eastern Europe region,whereas it is not significant in other regions.Finally,this paper suggests that to promote the development of value chain connection,the Silk Road countries need to develop more specific policies related to value chains.Policymakers need to be able to correctly identify the comparative advantages of the region and the types of value chains that are compatible with them and then find suitable partners and formulate targeted promotion policies.

Value chain financing and plantain production in Nigeria:an ex-ante approach

Value chain finance(VCF)represents the aligning and structuring of finance within a value chain or as a result of its existence.Given the growing need to explore innovative approaches to rural and agricultural finance in Nigeria,such financing solutions have become imperative.However,few studies on the ex-ante impact of financing innovations exist.Therefore,to ascertain the benefits derivable from VCF,this paper analyzes the potential impact of VCF on plantain production in Nigeria.The expected benefits are estimated based on the economic surplus model,using the Dynamic Research Evaluation for Management(DREAM)software.Results from a 25-year simulation period at a 15%discount rate and an innovation cost of USD 1,300,000,show that,in the least optimistic scenario,the economy is expected to have an overall net gain(economic surplus)of USD 3256,800,with a net present value of USD 3406,880,benefit-cost ratio of 3.83,and an internal rate of return or break-even discount rate of 36.80%.These results indicate the positive impact of VCF,measured in terms of net present value and net benefit,expressed as producer and consumer surplus.This suggests VCF is a viable and beneficial financing innovation for food production in Nigeria.Finally,it is recommended that a value chain financing agency be established to make finance available to farmers to boost food production in Nigeria.

Parameterless Pruning Algorithms for Similarity-Weight Network and Its Application in Extracting the Backbone of Global Value Chain

Purpose:With the availability and utilization of Inter-Country Input-Output(ICIO)tables,it is possible to construct quantitative indices to assess its impact on the Global Value Chain(GVC).For the sake of visualization,ICIO networks with tremendous low-weight edges are too dense to show the substantial structure.These redundant edges,inevitably make the network data full of noise and eventually exert negative effects on Social Network Analysis(SNA).In this case,we need a method to filter such edges and obtain a sparser network with only the meaningful connections.Design/methodology/approach:In this paper,we propose two parameterless pruning algorithms from the global and local perspectives respectively,then the performance of them is examined using the ICIO table from different databases.Findings:The Searching Paths(SP)method extracts the strongest association paths from the global perspective,while Filtering Edges(FE)method captures the key links according to the local weight ratio.The results show that the FE method can basically include the SP method and become the best solution for the ICIO networks.Research limitations:There are still two limitations in this research.One is that the computational complexity may increase rapidly while processing the large-scale networks,so the proposed method should be further improved.The other is that much more empirical networks should be introduced to testify the scientificity and practicability of our methodology.Practical implications:The network pruning methods we proposed will promote the analysis of the ICIO network,in terms of community detection,link prediction,and spatial econometrics,etc.Also,they can be applied to many other complex networks with similar characteristics.Originality/value:This paper improves the existing research from two aspects,namely,considering the heterogeneity of weights and avoiding the interference of parameters.Therefore,it provides a new idea for the research of network backbone extraction.

The Sesame (<i>Sesamum indicum L.</i>) Value Chain and Microbiological Quality of Crude Sesame Oil, a Case Study in Western Tigray, Ethiopia

Crude sesame oil (CSO) is the widely used unrefined edible oil. Storage instability, off-flavour, and discoloration are, however, challenges in the industry. The purpose of this study was to map the sesame value chain, assess the suitability of CSO extraction plant, and analyze the microbial quality of CSO and premises environment. A structured Questionnaire and checklist were used to assess the sesame value chain and evaluate the suitability of the CSO extraction plant. Microbiological quality assessment was conducted using standard analytical methods. Stakeholders in the sesame value chain were inclusive of farmers, market mediators, traders, regulatory, extension workers and researchers. Though, illiteracy, inadequate technology, and infrastructure were the drawbacks. The CSO extraction plant was suitable apart from inadequate ingredients and CSO handling and unhygienic practices. Total aerobic bacteria (4.34 - 5.06 log10 CFU/m2 on swap surfaces, 2.44 log10 CFU/g in CSO), total Coliforms (5.81 log10 CFU/g of animal manure and 1.36 log10 CFU of indoor air after extraction), yeasts and moulds (2.31 log10 CFU/g of sesame seed and CSO and 4.47 log10 CFU/m2 of swap sample), Aspergillus species (1.17 - 1.33 log10 CFU/g of sesame seed/CSO, 3.37 - 3.50 log10 CFU/m2 of swap samples), and Staphylococcus aureus (2.09 log10 CFU/g of CSO, 2.56 - 3.22 log10 CFU/m2 of surface swaps, 3.26 - 3.77 log10 CFU/protective clothing, 0.74 - 1.82 log10 CFU of the indoor and outdoor air) were detected. Escherichia coli, Salmonella and Shigella were not detected. In conclusion, potential microbial pathogens were detected to impose food safety problems and economic loss. To improve the sesame value chain and CSO quality workers training on good handling and hygienic practices and thoughtful regulatory implementation are significant.

Strategic Agricultural Commodity Value Chains in Africa for Increased Food: The Regional Approach for Food Security

The challenge Africa faces the most is how to feed the 2.4 billion people in 2050. This will require a transformational agriculture. Africa doesn’t need subsistence agriculture, but rather agriculture linked to the market where market demand and the consuming habits are taken in consideration. Agriculture evolves in an environment where small holders are linked to markets (national and regional), where economies of complementarity and economies of scale are taken advantage of by producers and private sector. In short, Africa will need a paradigm shift to industrialise and commercialise its agriculture sector in order to increase food production, and income and to create jobs in and outside the sector. Africa needs agribusiness and agro-industries to domesticate the benefits of the sector, to create wealth in the sector and retain that wealth in the continent. Agricultural commodities regional value chains for increased food should be the target for Africa. The continent remains the region with the highest prevalence of under-nourishment. Since agriculture remains the mainstay of most African economies except the mineral producers, the sector deserves a close attention from leaders. It accounts for 65% of employment and 40% of Africa’s export earnings and accounts for 17% of the GDP. This shows how important the sector is. Agriculture needs to be seen as a conduit for farmers to get connected to markets, a conduit for revenue, for jobs and for transformation. Africa needs to come back on the international scene as food sufficient continent and even food exporter. This can be achieved only with a stable, productive agricultural resource base. Thus, achieving and sustaining food security and economic prosperity in Africa will require significant efforts to modernize the continent’s agriculture sector through injection of agribusiness and agro-industries and through the application of science and technology in agriculture. In essence, agriculture needs to be viewed as knowledge based entrepreneurial activity. Smart investments in agriculture will have multiplier effects for the whole economy and hence induce prosperity to other sectors. In recent years, a renewed focus on agriculture has been evident in policy and development agendas across the African continent. This paper outlines the status of agriculture, agribusiness and agro-industries in Africa, their role in the agenda of agricultural transformation and economic transformation and the focus on regional value chain to increase food production, transformation and trade. The paper adopts a new thinking in agriculture, which reflects a regional value chain approach. The author covers such issues as: need for agricultural transformation, the role of value chain in agricultural sector, the need for regional value chain for increased income and increased food, the role of markets and the common denominator of all, the regional integration to push forward the African agriculture agenda. Evidence shows that it is agricultural growth, through its leverage effects on the rest of the economy that typically enables poor countries, poor regions and ultimately poor households to take the first steps toward economic transformation. Therefore agricultural productivity, at the small holder’s level, has the potential to lift millions of Africa’s vulnerable out of poverty and provide sustainable jobs. Other factors, namely “the rapid urbanization” and “increased population growth”, are quoted to be of critical importance. Africa population is projected to double, attaining the 2.3 billion people mark over the next 40 years representing half of the globe’s total population. This could trigger competition for resources and can have devastating effects on natural resources if not rightly channelled.

Identifying E-Business Model: A Value Chain-Based Analysis

E-business will change the ways that all companies do business, and most traditional businesses will evolve from their current business model to a combination of place and space via e-business model. To choose the proper e-business model becomes the important strategic concern for company to succeed. The main objective of this paper is to investigate the analysis framework for identifying e-business model. Based on the e-business process, from the value chain to the value net perspective. This paper provides a theoretical framework for identifying e-business models, and results in 11 e-business models. The strategic intend of every e-business model is discussed in the end of this paper. An enterprise e-business model design and implementation can be specified by the combination of one or more among 11 e-business models.

Integrating value-chain approach with participatory multicriteria analysis for sustainable planning of a niche crop in Indian Himalayas

The value-chain approach(VCA)was used for exploring how a niche crop,namely large cardamom(Amomum subulatum Roxb.),can be developed sustainably to increase incomes and enhance rural livelihoods in the mountains.Large cardamom is a high-value,agro-climatically suitable,and non-perishable spice crop grown in the Himalayan region.Originating in Sikkim,the crop is important to the local economy and is sold in both domestic and international markets;however,its production in India has been declining significantly in recent years.Using VCA and participatory methods of data collection the study helped elicit value chain actors’perspectives on various reasons for the decline as well as potential strategies to improve the cardamom value chain.The results present the multiple environmental and climatic(e.g.water stress),social(e.g.women participation)and institutional(e.g.lack of trust between actors)challenges and corresponding upgrading strategies.Through participatory multi-criteria analysis(MCA),the strategies were prioritized based on the overall preferences of multiple stakeholders.The analysis considered eight criteria and 25 options,or strategies,and found that that marketability and profitability were the most important criteria,and increasing cardamom production,the most important optiontrait.Stakeholder discussions along with sensitivity analysis also showed how these options could be implemented and revealed how criteria preferences can change with expert inputs.This combination of VCA and MCA,because it supports participatory decision-making and balances multiple dimensions of sustainable development,can be effectively deployed in planning for agricultural development in the mountains.

The Analysis of B2B Business Model from the Viewpoint of Value Chain

Electronic business impacts differently the busines s process in or between the corporations in variant degree. In view of the new fea tures of the internet, critical questions to be answered inclued: what are t he emerging business models and related to this, which strategic marketing appro aches are applied,or emerging. In the paper, the business models in B2B are clas sified into four types as e-procurement, e-marketplace, e-trade exchange, and collaborative trading community from the value viewpoint.And then the paper giv es the measure among the four business models by providing a framework that has been developed on the basis of current commercial Internet business and experime ntal work. The difference between the value chain in traditional commerce and th e one in e-business is compared. And we give the success factors by a case stud y and the barriers to electronic business in the developing B2B business model.

Profit Allocation Scheme Among Players in Supply-Chain Based on Shapley Value of Fuzzy Bi-cooperative Games

The Shapley value of fuzzy bi-eooperative game is developed based on the conventional Shapley value of bi-cooperative game. From the viewpoint that the players can participate in the coalitions to a certain extent and there are at least two independent cooperative projects for every player to choose, Shapley value which is introduced by Grabisch is extended to the case of fuzzy bi-cooperative game by Choquet integral. Moreover, the explicit fuzzy Shapley value is given. The explicit fuzzy Shapley function can be used to allocate the profits among players in supply-chain under the competitive and uncertain environment.