Academic literature on the topic 'PURCHASING ADVISOR'

Purpose This paper aims to enhance the successful interaction between buyers and suppliers who use intelligent agents by presenting a computational model to detect the most reliable supplier agent according to advice of an advisor agent. Design/methodology/approach In this case, the authors study the most representative models in agent environments. According to these analysis criteria, a computational model was presented to compute the reliability of supplier agents and then select the most reliable one. To evaluate the proposed method, the experimentation was carried out in two stages. First, the average accuracy of model in computing the reliability was evaluated by comparing a random selection method. Second, the performance of the model in detecting the most reliable supplier was evaluated in an agent environment by applying trust network game as a simulator. Findings The experimental results revealed that the proposed method can detect the most reliable supplier accurately in both consistent and oscillating agent environments. Originality/value The authors believe that the proposed model will be beneficial to enhance the fulfillment of purchasing between buyers and suppliers.

Abstract Background The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has spotlighted respiratory infections and the value of effective vaccines. The SARS-CoV-2 vaccine has been remarkably effective; however, influenza vaccine effectiveness has been reported to be lower among active duty military populations than in the general public (18% vs 36%). The Pragmatic Assessment of Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness in the DoD (PAIVED) study compares 3 FDA-licensed influenza vaccine types (egg-based, cell-based, and recombinant) to assess differences in immunogenicity and effectiveness in adults. Methods Participants in the 3rd year of PAIVED (2020/21 influenza season) were enrolled from October 2020 through January 2021. Participants received weekly surveys about influenza-like-illnesses (ILI) experienced in the past week; if they reported an ILI, they were queried about symptom duration and severity, and asked to self-collect a nasal swab and dried blood sample. Four weeks later, more information about symptom duration and illness burden was obtained via telephone interview, and the participant collected a second blood sample. Results PAIVED year 3 enrolled 3,269 participants (Table 1). 278 participants reported 1 ILI , while 60 reported 2 ILIs, and 18 reported 3 ILIs. No pathogen was identified for most processed ILI samples (78%); the most common viruses were SARS-CoV-2 (25, 12%), rhinovirus (24, 12%), and seasonal coronaviruses (4, 2%). No influenza has been identified thus far. Among those participants who had convalescent ILI visits (275), the median duration of the reported ILIs was 9 days (IQR 5, 15), with a median of 4 days (IQR 2, 7) of limited activity, and 2 days (IQR 0, 3) with fever. Three individuals were hospitalized. Conclusion There have been relatively low rates of ILI identified in this study during this season, with only 11% of the participants reporting an ILI so far, consistent with low rates of non-COVID-19 ILI reported elsewhere during the current pandemic. We anticipate some influenza cases may be identified as more samples are processed. Planned analyses include calculating comparative influenza vaccine effectiveness to inform future vaccine purchasing decisions, as well as comparing serological response to the different vaccines. Disclosures Ryan C. Maves, MD, EMD Serono (Advisor or Review Panel member)Heron Therapeutics (Advisor or Review Panel member) Jitu Modi, MD, GSK (Speaker’s Bureau)

Abstract The paper has analysed and evaluated the existing concepts of relations between science and education, advisory services and agricultural practice in the aspect of strengthening competitiveness of the agricultural sector of the EU and also has identified the most important elements of agricultural knowledge system (AKS) in Poland and the assessment of their relationship. The source material was literature review on the subject, statistical data and quality assessment of the relationship between stakeholders achieved as a result of a two-day panel discussion. The results indicate that the traditional concepts of linear links between science and agricultural practice are replaced with innovative concepts of networking. In Poland, there is not yet a well-functioning system of agricultural knowledge. Despite the existence of all the links in the classical system of knowledge existing links between them are highly varied. Very strong links exist only between agricultural advisors and farmers, strong between advisory, and research & education, between advisory and agricultural policy, and between farmers and companies selling agricultural inputs and purchasing agricultural products. Other links have been identified as weak.

Synopsis Josh Williams is a Student at the NAU who has driven buses on campus and wants to improve the transportation on campus. He is convinced that purchasing a new type of bus that is more fuel efficient, has larger capacity, better designed for boarding, and has a longer life is worth the higher purchase cost. He sets out to prove it by creating a discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis. Since many of the estimates for the DCF analysis are uncertain, he decides to perform a Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) analysis. Students are asked to step into Josh’s role and perform the analysis. Research methodology Josh Williams was a Student in the authors’ MBA program. Both authors teach in this program and one author was the Advisor for Net Impact and worked with Josh to present his idea to the university administration. The authors have changed a name or two but otherwise, the case describes a real situation in a real organization without disguise. Relevant courses and levels The authors have used this case in a first semester MBA-Applied Management course, Decision Modeling and Simulation. Students already have experience with DCF analysis and have been introduced to MCS. With this case, students apply MCS at the conclusion of a three-week module on predictive analytics. Students have run at least two MCS models and have become comfortable with the software. The case would also be appropriate for a senior-level undergraduate course such as business analytics or management science. It might also be useful for other courses that include the MCS modeling technique learning objectives such as project management. Theoretical bases This case provides an opportunity for students to perform an MCS analysis. MCS is useful when many of the inputs to a DCF analysis (or any model) have been estimated and the modeler is concerned that the estimates are uncertain and could perhaps be a range of values. MCS can be used to understand the effect of this uncertainty on NPV which in turn may affect the decision. The case could also be used without MCS focusing just on the DCF analysis with deterministic sensitivity analysis.

Objectives: To help develop a means, based on the views of purchasers and providers of health care, of incorporating national research on clinical effectiveness into local professional advisory mechanisms in order to inform health care purchasing and contracting. Methods: Three geographically based multidisciplinary workshops attended by National Health Service (NHS) staff drawn from the principal purchaser and provider groups in one English region were organized around the discussion of three health care purchasing case studies: Coronary artery disease, diabetes and management of clinical depression in general practice. The proceedings were transcribed and analyzed using content analysis methods. Results: 95 people took part. There were major differences between the purchasers' and health care providers' views on the right balance between local and national information and advisory sources for purchasing. In general, providers wanted the provision of advice to purchasers to be local, in which their opinion was sought, either individually or collectively, acted on and the results fed back to them. In contrast, health authority purchasers considered that local professionals were only one source of professional advice, albeit an important one, to be utilized in coming to decisions. General practitioner fundholders as purchasers, however, preferred to rely on their own experiences and contacts with local providers in making purchasing decisions. Conclusions: Professional specialist advisory groups are necessary to inform the purchasing of health care, but should extend beyond advising on the placement of individual contracts. Involving health care providers in all short-term contracting is unlikely to be cost-effective given the time commitment required. The emphasis at purchaser/provider meetings should be on education: Providing an opportunity for purchasers and providers to develop closer relationships to discuss political imperatives and financial constraints; increasing communication and understanding of providers' and purchasers' roles; and providing an environment for professionals and purchasers to share their views on purchasing. As currently presented, elements of the national policies in the NHS advocating the use of both national evidence on clinical effectiveness and local professional advice are contradictory and should be clarified.

The development of a financial consulting for citizens and promotion of financial consulting services have a positive effect on the efficiency of managing personal finances and the welfare of citizens. The theoretical and organizational aspects of financial advising of the population and the problems of its functioning in Ukraine are analyzed in the article. The financial consulting for citizens is the process of interaction between a consultant and a client (an individual). It is based on a particular methods or technology and involves providing fee or free information in the form of advice, conclusions and recommendations on optimization, rational using and profitable investment of personal funds. An independent financial adviser is an important subject in the financial consulting market that provides professional advices on getting a loan, choosing an insurance or retirement plan, placing a deposit, creating a family budget or personal financial plan. The personal financial plan is the main tool for the independent financial adviser. This is an action plan that is developed for a particular person or family to achieve the desired financial goals and includes selection of credit, investment, insurance, pension and other financial products. The preparation of the financial plan involves the development of an investment strategy and the creation of a financial protection plan. The services of independent financial advisers are not popular within the Ukrainian citizens because of their low purchasing power, high level of distrust regarding the professionalism of independent financial advisers and the quality of consulting services and the lack of awareness of the benefits of financial counseling.

Purpose- This study analyzes the effect of word of mouth, product quality on consumer purchasing decisions, and simultaneously analyzes purchasing decisions, word of mouth, and product quality on customer loyalty.
 Design/methodology/approach- Data were collected from 150 respondents from 3 (three) areas Jakarta, Depok, and Bogor. Data analysis techniques using Path Analysis.
 Findings- word of mouth and product quality have a positive effect on purchasing decisions, as well as simultaneous purchasing decisions, word of mouth affects customer loyalty but not product quality. Product quality does not affect loyalty consumption of local specialties in the city of Bogor-Depok
 Implications-Local culinary SMEs are advised to maintain consumer satisfaction by interacting with them to create a positive impression. Consumers who have a positive impression will provide the word of mouth so as to increase purchasing decisions and customer loyaltyKeywords: Word of Mouth, Quality Product, Purchasing Decision, Loyalty

This study aims to examine the value of personal norms in addition to the theory of planned behavior (TPB) variables (i.e., attitude toward behavior, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, and behavioral intention) in explaining consumers’ pro-environmental purchasing behavior. The hypotheses and model were formulated and tested with structural equation modeling using the data from 281 consumers who are active members of a U.S.-based recycling company. Model fit statistics indicate a good fit of empirical data and model structure for pro-environmental purchasing behavior. The findings suggest that while personal and subjective norms, attitudes toward behavior, and intention explain consumers’ pro-environmental purchasing behavior, perceived behavioral control does not have any power in explaining behavior-related intention. Policy makers and marketing professionals are advised to adopt various social and sustainability marketing strategies that focus on communicating different normative aspects of purchasing decisions to promote pro-environmental consumer behaviors. The normative concerns covered in the environmental behavior studies are mostly limited to “subjective norms” as represented in the TPB, which has been widely adopted in the behavioral studies. By extending the TPB with “personal norms,” this study contributes to the better explanation of environmentally relevant purchase behaviors of consumers.

According to Toffin, in 2019 there was a 3-fold increase in the coffee shop business compared to the previous 3 years. An increase in the number of coffee shops is a threat and a challenge for coffee shop business owners. Ohayou Bandung is one coffee shop that is facing competition in the increasing number of coffee shops in the Ciumbuleuit area, Bandung. Due to its strategic location where UNPAR students are the target market, Ohayou has a great opportunity to meet the demand for coffee and public spaces. For this reason, companies need to pay attention to product attributes which are one of the main factors that are considered by consumers and customers in purchasing decisions. The purpose of this study was to determine whether product attributes and service quality affect purchasing decisions at Ohayou Bandung. Product attribute variables are measured by the dimensions of quality, features, design, brand, and packaging. Service quality variables are measured by the dimensions of reliability, responsiveness, assurance, empathy, and physical evidence. The variable of the purchasing decision making process is measured by the dimensions of problem recognition, information seeking, evaluation of alternatives, purchasing decisions, and post-purchase behavior. The results showed that the product attributes and service quality influenced purchasing decisions by 28.7%. In multiple linear analysis it is concluded that product attributes have a greater influence on purchasing decisions than service quality. Based on the partial hypothesis test, product attributes partially influence purchasing decisions. Meanwhile, service quality has no partial effect on purchasing decisions. It is concluded that improving service quality alone is not sufficient to improve purchasing decisions. Ohayou Bandung is advised to improve product quality and features, as well as increase the use of social media. Keywords: Product Attributes, Service Quality, Buying Decision, Ohayou Bandung