Vascular health forms the cornerstone of overall well-being, playing a pivotal role in maintaining bodily functions and vitality. But many individuals dont know what their vascular system does or what can be done for it to run optimally. If you ever have concerns about it, contact a Vascular Surgeon Idaho Falls to help answer your questions. 

What is Vascular Health?

Vascular health encompasses the well-being of your blood vessels, which include arteries, veins, and capillaries. These vessels constitute the circulatory system, a complex network responsible for transporting oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and immune cells throughout your body. When your vascular system is healthy, blood flows smoothly, ensuring that all your organs and tissues receive the nourishment they need to function optimally.

Why Does Vascular Health Matter?

Our body’s vitality rests upon the health of its intricate network of blood vessels. The circulatory system, when operating harmoniously, has a multitude of benefits. Our blood vessels are what transport oxygen and essential nutrients to the body’s cells, a crucial process that fuels cellular metabolism and sustains overall energy levels for the body. They also help in the removal of waste products and carbon dioxide from cells, giving our body an optimal environment to thrive. Their significance extends to the regulation of blood pressure, a task they accomplish by skillfully adjusting the size of the blood vessels to accommodate shifts in blood flow and demand. The circulatory system also stands guard over our immune system, skillfully transporting immune cells to the sites of infections or injuries, aiding in a swift recovery. Our vascular system plays a vital and complicated role in the overall health of our body.

Nurturing Your Vascular Health

Taking care of your vascular health doesn’t require drastic changes. Incorporating a few simple habits into your lifestyle can go a long way:

Healthy Diet

Consume a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. When you are eating a variety of food that is full of good things for your body, it helps your body to function at its best ability. Those types of foods provide essential nutrients and antioxidants that support vascular health.

Regular Exercise

Engaging in regular physical activity, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling can be beneficial. Even just 20 minutes of exercise a day can help your body be as healthy as can be, regardless of your age. Exercise promotes blood circulation, helps maintain a healthy weight, and strengthens blood vessels. When you choose to get your body moving, it helps to get your blood pumping and moving through your blood vessels. 

Hydration

Stay well-hydrated to ensure blood flow remains smooth and efficient. Water supports a wide variety of functions and components of our body and is vital for our bodies to work properly. This would include maintaining blood volume.

Avoid Tobacco

If you smoke, consider quitting. Smoking damages blood vessels and increases the risk of vascular diseases. It is a major factor in health concerns when it comes to the vascular system and is best to stay clear of it to decrease risk factors. 

Manage Stress

Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga. Or find other ways to release stress. Stress is a common feeling to all adults, so it is vital to find ways that will allow you to cope with it. Chronic stress can negatively impact blood vessel function.

The services provided by digital marketing agencies have grown in value and necessity. As the world becomes more interconnected through digital platforms, effective marketing has transformed into a multifaceted science that calls for knowledge, strategy, and adaptability. As a result of this transformation, digital marketing agencies have emerged as success architects in today’s business world.

The significance of a strategic and well-executed digital marketing approach cannot be overstated in this era of unprecedented technological advancements and rapidly shifting consumer preferences. Businesses across industries are discovering that partnering with a capable digital marketing agency is not just a choice; it is a strategic imperative if they want to not only survive but thrive in this volatile environment. In this blog post, we will delve into the various reasons why digital marketing agencies are so important in today’s business landscape. We will look at everything from their specialized knowledge to their ability to navigate the complex web of algorithms and trends. 

What exactly are digital marketing agencies?

A digital marketing agency is a specialized firm that provides a variety of services to assist businesses and organizations in improving their online presence, engaging with their target audience, and achieving their digital marketing goals. These firms use a variety of digital platforms, tools, and strategies to develop comprehensive marketing campaigns that increase brand awareness, customer engagement, and, ultimately, business growth.

Digital marketing agencies frequently collaborate with clients to understand their goals, target audience, and overall business objectives. They then create customized strategies and campaigns that align with these goals, drawing on their specialized knowledge, industry insights, and digital expertise. Whether it’s a small business seeking local exposure or a multinational corporation seeking global recognition, digital marketing agencies play a critical role in assisting businesses in navigating the complexities of the digital landscape and achieving meaningful results. To find out more you can visit https://www.ibex.co.th who offers a free consultation with their digital marketing experts.

Time Savings and Focus on Core Business

In the fast-paced digital world, time is a valuable resource. To remain competitive, businesses must carefully allocate their resources, which is where strategic partnerships with digital marketing agencies come into play. Businesses that outsource digital marketing tasks to these agencies can streamline their operations and focus on what truly matters – their core functions and areas of expertise.

Unburdening Resources for Innovation

Managing the complexities of digital marketing requires a significant investment of time, manpower, and resources. Businesses can focus on innovation, development, and growth by delegating these responsibilities to digital marketing agencies. This newfound space fosters an environment in which creativity thrives, new ideas emerge, and strategic initiatives can be pursued without the constraints of managing multifaceted online campaigns.

Furthermore, digital marketing tools and technologies evolve quickly, necessitating constant updates and familiarity with the most recent trends. Businesses that collaborate with agencies ensure that they remain at the forefront of digital innovation without the hassle of ongoing research and learning curves.

Using Advanced Tools and Technologies

Data, insights, and the ability to make informed decisions fuel the digital marketing landscape. Digital marketing agencies have access to a plethora of advanced tools and technologies that enable them to navigate this complex terrain with precision and finesse. These tools not only streamline processes but also provide invaluable insights that drive successful campaigns.

Analytics Platforms

To track website traffic, user behaviour, and conversion rates, agencies use powerful analytics platforms such as Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, and others. This data enables them to make informed decisions, optimise campaigns, and tailor strategies to audience preferences.

SEO Tools

Search engine optimisation is a cornerstone of digital marketing. Keyword research, competitor analysis, and other tasks are handled by agencies using tools such as SEMrush, Moz, and Ahrefs.

Social Media Management Software

Agencies use tools like Hootsuite, Buffer, and Sprout Social to efficiently manage multiple social media platforms. These platforms allow for social network scheduling, content management, and performance tracking.

PPC Advertising Instruments

Agencies rely on tools like Google Ads and Bing Ads to run effective pay-per-click campaigns. Precision targeting, bid management, and performance analysis are all possible with these platforms.

Gaining a Fresh Perspective and Creativity

The fresh perspective and creative outlook that a digital marketing agency brings to the table is one of the most valuable aspects of working with them. Agencies operate outside of a company’s internal dynamics, allowing them to see the big picture objectively.

1. Novel Concepts: Agencies introduce novel strategies, creative content, and novel approaches that may not have been considered internally. This injection of creativity gives campaigns new life.

2. Creative Thinking: Digital marketing agencies frequently work with clients from a variety of industries. This exposure enables them to contribute cross-industry insights and unconventional thinking to your campaigns.

3. Objective Critique: An objective critique is provided from an outside perspective. Agencies can identify areas for improvement without being influenced by internal politics, resulting in more refined campaigns.

In the following sections, we’ll look more closely at how digital marketing agencies use these tools to create campaigns that connect with audiences, drive results, and push creative boundaries. It is clear that these tools not only improve the agency’s capabilities but also enable businesses to realise their full digital potential.

Specialised fluids require precision in manufacturing and handling. Adhesives and coatings are advanced fluids that need to be handled carefully. To facilitate this, TechnoDigm™ is a leading provider. we provide high-tech machines to streamline proper fluid application. Our automated liquid dispensing systems are top-notch and offer high performance. 

With technology advancements, automated fluid dispensing has risen in value. Within industries and other areas, this technique makes sure that fluids are utilised properly. Within this article, we have discussed how equipment such as automated fluid dispensing systems are applied in varying work fields. We will also highlight the issues they resolve along with the excellent features that make these machines better options. 

Fluid Dispensing: Precision is Key

Product quality is enhanced by applying the utility of precise fluid dispensing in various sectors. The product can become durable and functional once correct adherence and easy coating are applied. Each component of the product needs to go through this process. Failure in testing and application can result from a small error in dispensing the fluid. 

It can also reduce the lifespan of the product in its application. Not only this, but it can lead to many safety concerns. Material wastage is the prime flaw If the fluid is not dispensed correctly. The accurate placement of each ounce of the fluid optimises product usage. 

Manufacturers can prevent excessive wastage through this. Production and cost-effectiveness are enhanced through this technique. It also ensures the high-quality maintenance of the final product. 

Automated Fluid Dispensing: Approaches to Overcoming Challenges

There are a few problems that may arise with automated fluid dispensing. This can impact the performance and requires solutions. Let’s take a look at the challenges and their recurring solutions. 

Upholding Consistency in Accurate Dispensing

Product quality and its reliable nature demand continuity in dispensing. Many factors affect these. Deviations in fluid viscosity, temperature, and pressure can actively affect these. 

Solution: By applying real-time monitoring can reduce these deviations effectively. Control systems through sensors can detect the parameters in this. Adjusting these can create productive modifications for precise fluid application. This also demands choosing the correct dispensing valve.

Distinct Material Properties Adaptability

Manufacturing different products employs the use of a distinct array of materials. These materials not only show varying properties but also deviations in other parameters. 

Solution: Customisation is integral when it comes to different materials. Adaptable settings should be employed along with the dispensing systems to function according to the unique properties of the respective materials. This helps dispense and apply fluids in different products and their premium application in industries. 

System Reboots and Maintenance

While manufacturing products, regular maintenance can affect the overall manufacturing effectiveness. Unexpected power outages and downtime can highly affect and interrupt production schedules. 

Solution: AI and IoT can identify and facilitate the possible issues and forecast delays and system rebooting. Applying such predictive maintenance allows for quality production timely without hassle and delays. 

Implementation of New Technologies with Existing Manufacturing Systems

It is not easy to employ the new automated dispensing systems with the already present manufacturing systems. It can be complex, along with being resource-intensive. 

Solution: This can be made easy by selecting dispensing systems that have adaptable and flexible features. Moreover, the operators should be given adequate training in the filed regarding the new systems to make the process smooth. 

Compliance with Standard Regulations

Industry-set regulatory standards provide a specific standard that all systems should comply with. Sectors like medical and aerospace are majorly covered in this area.  

Solution: Dispensing systems can counteract this issue by holding inbuilt compliance and safety features. Documentation regarding the fluid dispensing systems should also be kept orderly to verify that they adhere to the industry standards described. 

Scalability of Dispensing Systems

Scaling properly is the demand with the evolution of manufacturer’s requirements. They require no compromise in the precision of the product. 

Solution: System overhauls can lag the dispensing systems. Manufacturers can thus invest in modular and scalable dispensing systems to ensure smooth working. 

Multi-Sectoral Implementation and Applications

Many different types of businesses may benefit from automated fluid dispensing systems. Now, let’s look at some ways this technology is being used in the business world. 

Electronics

To manufacture high-quality and dependable electronics, accurate fluid dispensing is essential. To create a strong connection, solder pastes, adhesives, and coatings must be applied precisely. It is also for adequate shielding for the components. 

This level of accuracy is critical for protecting the integrity of electrical components. This prevents failures caused by factors like voltage spikes or accidental drops. To guarantee proper distribution of these substances, use the automated fluid dispensing systems from TechnoDigm™. 

In particular, the TR Series Desktop Dispensing Robot provides an efficient and space-saving method of dispensing fluids for use in electronics production.

Manufacturing

For manufacturing to succeed, fluids must be applied consistently and precisely throughout the assembly process. Applying a suitable quantity of adhesive or other components to each item is essential for keeping quality high.  

Supporting dependable production in the manufacturing sector is critical. TechnoDigm™’s meter mix systems provide solutions for verifying exact ratios and constant amounts of components.

Semiconductors

Extreme accuracy in fluid dispensing is required in chip and wafer fabrication in the semiconductor industry. The efficiency and dependability of semiconductor devices rely on the precise application of conductive epoxies, underfills, and other materials. 

While basic fluid dispensers might suffice for some industries that do not require ultra-precise dispensing, they fall short of the rigorous standards of the semiconductor sector. Instead, the semiconductor industry leans heavily on specialized equipment like Dispensing Valves and Automated Fluid Dispensing Systems. These advanced systems ensure that the exact amount of fluid is dispensed with impeccable precision, which is paramount in semiconductor production.

Recent Developments in Automated Fluid Dispensing Technology

Tremendous progress is common in the automated dispensing system. This enhances functionality along with precision in the application of fluids across different sectors. 

Incorporating Robotics

Robotics have been employed when it comes to accurate fluid placement over different substrates. A robotic arm can elevate the fluid placement. Product consistency is their priority, as they can dispense the exact fluid amount. They also follow the path of the system precisely. 

The GR2000 Precision Desktop Gantry Robots from TechnoDigm™, for instance, is an outstanding illustration of the application of robotics to the dispensing of fluids. These robots were developed to guarantee that the fluids used in a wide range of production processes meet all the required standards.

Sensors and Vision Systems

Live vision systems facilitate this. They ensure the fluid placement is correct and modify any changes required to enhance accuracy. The sensors constantly evaluate and control the fluid flow for a more consistent dispensing practice. 

Industry 4.0 in Automated Fluid Dispensing Systems

The integration of Industry 4.0 technologies is pivotal for modern automated fluid dispensing systems. Industry 4.0, often referred to as the Fourth Industrial Revolution, brings about a new era of interconnectedness and real-time data exchange in manufacturing processes.

In the context of fluid dispensing, Industry 4.0 capabilities allow for enhanced adaptability and responsiveness. Systems can now communicate seamlessly with other devices and central databases, ensuring that operations are optimized based on real-time feedback. This interconnectedness aids in predictive maintenance, minimizing downtime, and ensuring consistent performance and production efficiency.

IoT Connectivity

Manufacturing systems need to be in sync with the dispensing systems. This is enabled through IoT connectivity. Seamless data exchange is one of its features that improves manufacturing ability. Adaptive production processes are conducted through this. 

Superior Control and User Experience

The user interfaces and controls of today’s dispensing systems are among the most advanced in the world. These connections offer timely information for optimum performance and quality management. 

Conclusion

Accuracy is key when it comes to production in the manufacturing sector. Automated fluid dispensing can facilitate this without much effort. Electronics, semiconductors, and manufacturing industries utilise this technology to smooth their functioning. It also improves many problems relating to sectors. 

The integration of real-time monitoring and high-tech features has greatly enhanced its capabilities. Manufacturing processes will be streamlined, and their performance will be more accurate with the help of these. In this entire process, we make sure that all functions are appropriate.

The recommended time to adequately prepare for the MCAT is at least three months of full-time study. In an ideal world, students would dedicate their summer vacations to an uninterrupted study regimen, allowing them to conquer the exam with flying colors.

Yet, for many students, this timeline isn’t practical. Many students find themselves juggling MCAT preparation alongside their undergraduate studies, which can make achieving a top score seem more overwhelming and challenging.

Fortunately, I can assure you that even within the constraints of your undergraduate schedule, you can transform what may seem like an impossible task into a reachable goal. In this guide, I’ll share my proven MCAT study tips and techniques that’ll get you to your target score as a busy student!

Create a Study Schedule

When you’re juggling multiple courses, extracurricular activities, and other school commitments, staying organized is crucial. Before cracking open your first prep book, you’ll need to establish a solid plan. 

Take a moment to sit down and assess all of your obligations, creating a realistic study timeline tailored to your specific circumstances. Determine your preferred study resources, set study blocks, and allocate daily and weekly study hours.

There are a series of flexible MCAT study schedules you can use as references to simplify this process. By doing this initial leg work, you’ll ensure you remain on track and accountable, always knowing your daily objectives. This way, you can concentrate on steadily working towards your goal without the constant worry of what comes next!

Stay Consistent

You may find that you can only dedicate two hours a day to your studies, and that’s perfectly fine, as long as you maintain consistency. Avoid taking extended breaks in your study schedule. 

It’s more effective to allocate a consistent number of hours to your studies throughout the entire week rather than cramming all your study hours on days when you don’t have class. Consistency is paramount for honing your skills, reinforcing knowledge, and ensuring that information stays firmly rooted in your mind.   

For this reason, you might find it necessary to allocate more weeks or even months to your studies than you initially anticipated. What another student can accomplish in three months might require six for you. It’s important to embrace this adjustment and give yourself a generous timeframe to achieve your goals comfortably. 

Make Time for Practice

Regardless of the amount of time you can allocate to your studies, you should aim to complete six to ten practice tests to adequately prepare for the exam. Each of these practice tests will take approximately seven hours to complete, so it’s essential to carve out dedicated slots in your schedule to accommodate them.

While some students opt to split a practice test into two sessions over a week, it’s more effective to find uninterrupted time to take a full practice test. 

This approach not only helps you manage your time more efficiently but also allows you to become accustomed to the test conditions, preventing test-day anxiety—a score-threatening aspect that many students tend to overlook during their test prep.

Make the Necessary Sacrifices

Studying for this exam will demand a substantial amount of your time. You may even find yourself constantly thinking about it, even when you’re not actively studying. To ensure you have ample time for focused studying, it might be necessary to trim down your non-essential commitments. 

While maintaining your academic performance should remain a priority, it’s worth considering scaling back on extracurricular activities until you’ve completed your study period. This could also mean having to forgo certain social events or plans with friends to avoid setbacks. 

As challenging as this may be, remember it’s a short-term sacrifice. The more dedicated you are to your studies during this time, the less likely you’ll fall behind, and the sooner you’ll be prepared to ace your test, ultimately freeing up your schedule once again!

Be Realistic

You have the best understanding of yourself, your capabilities, and when it’s time to take a step back. 

Avoid overloading your schedule, as this can lead to compromised academic performance or test scores. It’s important to push yourself through doubts and obstacles, but it’s equally important to prevent burnout, as it will only hinder your progress!

One of the most common pitfalls students encounter while preparing for the MCAT is attempting to rigidly adhere to someone else’s study schedule. While it’s valuable to draw inspiration from others, your study plan should only align with your own capacities and limitations!

Final Thoughts

Balancing your courses and college commitments with your MCAT studies is undeniably challenging, but it’s also unquestionably achievable. It’ll take a strong work ethic, unwavering commitment, and the ability to hold yourself accountable. 

However, it’s important to note that you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. You can enlist the help of a seasoned tutor for the MCAT who can provide you with expert guidance and support at every step of the way! So, whether you brave this journey on your own or with some aid, know that success is well within your reach!

Author Bio: 

By: Rohan Jotwani

He is the Director of Admissions Counseling at Inspira Advantage. He is also the former Chief Resident in Anesthesiology at Weill Cornell and reviewed undergraduate and graduate applications at Columbia university.

The evolution of technology has triggered a crucial shift in the landscape of qualitative research methodology. Among the myriad of tools available, video has emerged as a remarkable medium for data collection, analysis, and presentation in qualitative research. It enables academics to examine a wide range of social phenomena because of its multidimensional methodology.

This article gives a thorough investigation of the usefulness of video as a tool for qualitative researchers.

1. Embracing Authenticity: Video in Data Collection

Video recording facilitates the collection of raw, unedited, and comprehensive data – free from the subjective interpretations of the researcher during the initial stages. It helps capture the sequence, context, and non-verbal cues often missing in textual transcripts. Video data also offers a rich visual and auditory record serving as a reference for repeated playback and analysis.

A. Recording Interviews

Incorporating video into interviews allows researchers to preserve the nuances of the interaction. Software development can also involve utilizing coding tools to examine expressions, body language, tone of voice, and other forms of verbal communication.

The video also allows researchers to capture the physical environment of the interview, providing a more holistic account of the context. A visual rеcord with a tеlеpromptеr allows rеsеarchеrs to sее what was said and how it was said, as wеll as thе physical еnvironmеnt in which thе intеrviеw took placе. The visual record can be used to support or challenge a researcher’s interpretation of the interview.

B. Ethnographic Observations

Through the capture of nonverbal cues like gestures and facial expressions, video may show the organic flow of an interaction. Visuals also make it possible to record social encounters in audio and visual ways that writing down notes on paper cannot.

For researchers who wish to get a thorough record of an interaction, like a therapy session or focus group discussion, video is especially helpful.  Video can also be used to create animations like a GIF that illustrate key concepts in the findings. A GIF compressor is used to reduce the size of the file and make it easier to share and post online. The GIF format is an image file that uses lossless compression, which means there’s no loss of quality when you compress the file that way it can be used for visualizing data in a way that is engaging and easy to understand.

C. Onlinе Survеys

Online surveys can be utilized as a productive technique to quickly get data from a large number of individuals. For example, You might desire to obtain input on the user-friendliness of your website or unveil the opinions of customers regarding a novel product design before its official launch into production.

2. Expanding Perspectives: Video in Data Analysis

Qualitative data analysis pivots on interpretation, and video data offers a multi-layered realm for making sense of phenomena. It goes beyond words and voice tones, taking into account body language, spatial dynamics, and interactions that might otherwise be overlooked.

A. Microanalysis

Video allows for microanalysis, helping readers scrutinize every frame for rich information – such as changes in facial expression or variations in voice pitch.

B. Macroanalysis

Macroanalysis Video allows readers to zoom out, taking a macro-level view of the interaction and seeing how it fits into the larger context of an event or group setting.

For еxamplе, a vidеo can hеlp you sее how pеoplе movе around thе room or how thеy rеact to what othеr pеoplе say. It’s easy to miss these details in transcripts, but when you watch a video of a meeting or classroom discussion, these things become much more apparent.

C. Longitudinal Studies

The ability to review and reanalyze data over time ensures a reliable comparison and improved conclusions. Video recording makes the implementation and tracking of longitudinal studies simpler.

Videos can be compressed using an MP4 compressor to reduce their size while maintaining their original quality. This frees up storage space and enables researchers to access the videos later.

3. Enhancing Communication: Video in Data Presentation

In today’s agе of knowlеdgе, vidеos havе bеcomе a tool for rеsеarchеrs to undеrstand and convеy thеir discovеriеs. Thеy offеr a platform to showcasе rеsеarch rеsults in an intеractivе and еasily undеrstandablе way.

A. Video Abstracts

Instead of standard, text-based abstracts, video abstracts give an overview of a study, improving the accessibility and dissemination of research findings.

The ability to skim or ignore text-based abstracts makes video abstracts more attention-grabbing than those that are only text-based.  A video abstract can also be embedded in a webpage, which makes it more accessible for researchers and readers. As it facilitates the sharing and dissemination of information, the usage of video abstracts is growing in popularity among scientists.

B. Interactive Media in Academic Publishing

Complementing Written Findings: Vidеos providе visual support to tеxtual dеtails, еnhancing undеrstanding and intеrprеtation of thе rеsеarch contеnt.

Clarity: Visual representations can simplify complex information, making it easier for readers to grasp the core concepts or findings.

Strengthening Reader-Researcher Connection: Vidеos can fostеr a morе pеrsonal and intеractivе еxpеriеncе comparеd to tеxt-only formats, potеntially еngaging rеadеrs at a dееpеr lеvеl.  

Elevating Pedagogical Value: Multimеdia contеnt can support various lеarning stylеs, thus еnriching thе еducativе potential of academic publications.

Researchers should be aware of ethical problems even if the use of video in qualitative research creates a wealth of opportunity. Consent that has been informed is essential, along with the protection of participant privacy and confidentiality. The effects of technical difficulties and the significance of data management must also be considered by researchers.

Utilizing the potential of video qualitative research allows us to explore the intricacies of behavior in greater depth. It enables us to uncover nuanced insights and significantly enhances our knowledge and comprehension.

Author Bio: (If needed)

Cris is currently working in VEED.io as a Search Engine Optimisation Specialist. He is a tech enthusiast who loves capturing photos and videos. He loves technology and can do video editing, programming, QA system testing, and writing.

In a rapidly evolving business landscape, staying ahead of the curve is no small feat. But with the right strategies and techniques, you can seize every opportunity that comes your way. One such technique that has been gaining major traction recently is Relationship Mapping. But what is it exactly and how can it be used effectively in business? Below, we delve into these questions and more.

Defining Relationship Mapping in the Business Context

Relationship Mapping, at its core, is about understanding and visualizing the complex network of relationships within and surrounding a business. It involves identifying the key stakeholders, their relationships with each other, and the dynamics of those relationships.

While the concept may seem straightforward, the actual process can be intricate and multi-dimensional, requiring deep insight into individual behaviors, preferences, and motivations.

An effective relationship map can serve as an invaluable guide, providing clarity and direction through the often murky waters of business negotiations and strategic planning.

The Significance of Relationship Mapping in Today’s Competitive Market

Alt Text: A businessperson going over market trends.

In an ever-competitive market, understanding the network of relationships around your business can be a game-changer. It can influence pivotal business decisions and lead to more strategic and effective operations.

Relationship Mapping promotes greater business intelligence, strategic alignment, and customer engagement. It provides businesses with necessary insights into the requirements, challenges, and preferences of the stakeholders.

At the heart of Relationship Mapping is a data-driven approach that promotes objective decision-making, minimizes risks, and optimizes opportunities.

Step-by-Step Guide To Implementing Relationship Mapping

Implementing Relationship Mapping in your business isn’t as complex as it may initially sound. It requires a systematic approach and the right tools.

The first step is understanding who the key players are. These could be internal stakeholders, customers, vendors, or even competitors.

After identifying these individuals, the next step is to understand the intricacies of these relationships. This includes understanding the dynamics, the strengths, the weaknesses, and the opportunities.

Finally, the collected information is visualized in the form of a map to provide a clear and comprehensive view of the relationship landscape of the business.

Innovative Methods To Streamline Relationship Mapping Process

Alt Text: A businessperson mapping market trends on a board.

While Relationship Mapping can seem overwhelming, innovative solutions make it easier and more efficient. Digital tools and software solutions enable businesses to automate and streamline the Relationship Mapping process.

These tools allow businesses to store information, track changes in relationships, and visualize complex networks intuitively. They are an invaluable asset in managing and navigating the complex world of business relationships.

The combination of human insight and technology in relationship mapping is a powerful mechanism for improving business strategy, operations, and ultimately performance.

Measuring the Success of Relationship Mapping in Business

The success of Relationship Mapping in business can be measured through various metrics. These could be enhanced stakeholder engagement, improved customer relationships, and increased business growth.

Negative patterns can be identified and rectified while positive trends can be leveraged for greater success. Ultimately, the aim is to strengthen relationships and drive business growth.

Companies can also determine the value of their Relationship Mapping initiatives by observing improvements in decision-making, strategic alignment, and business intelligence.

In conclusion, Relationship Mapping is proving to be a vital management tool in the arsenal of businesses. Its value extends far beyond mere visualization and unlocks insights that can significantly influence business success. So, if you haven’t already, consider making Relationship Mapping a part of your business strategy and streamline your operations. The potential benefits are immense and can benefit any business.

Housing is no longer just about location, location, location. The conversation is rapidly shifting towards sustainability and how eco-friendly a house can be. As the awareness of our carbon footprints grows, so does the demand for eco-friendly homes. The real estate industry is taking note of this global trend. Let’s explore how this green wave is revolutionizing the property sector.

 

1. The Rise of Green Real Estate

 As stated by Green Builder Media, the global market for green building materials is anticipated to skyrocket to a staggering $1.2 trillion by 2027. Notably, in the United States, there has been a 500% increase in LEED-certified buildings within the past ten years. This upward trend highlights an increasing consumer consciousness towards the environmental repercussions of their homes and an eager willingness to minimize their carbon footprints.

Quick Fact: In 2022, the National Association of Realtors revealed that 61% of home buyers were hunting for houses with green features. The Millennials are leading this charge, with 68% prioritizing eco-friendly characteristics.

 

2. Popular Green Features in Modern Homes

Eco-friendly housing isn’t merely a buzzword; it’s a broad spectrum of features and designs that homeowners now expect in their future homes. According to the 2023 National Association of Realtors report, leading the green wish list are:

• Energy-efficient appliances (53%)
• Energy-efficient windows (48%)
• Solar panels (46%)

Yet, the innovations continue. Forbes listed the top eco-friendly housing trends in 2023, which include:

• Net-zero energy homes: Designed to balance the energy consumed with the energy produced.
• Sustainable building materials: Crafted from renewable or recycled sources.
• Smart home technology: A digital touch to reduce energy consumption and water wastage.
• Green roofs: Offering a dual benefit of reducing stormwater runoff and elevating air quality.
• Community gardens: Fostering community spirit while offering a sustainable food source.

 

3. The Real Estate Market Responds

Incorporating green features lowers utility bills, reduces environmental impact, and has a tangible monetary advantage when selling a property. As stated by the Journal of Real Estate Research, homes with eco-friendly attributes were found to sell at a premium of 4.5% over traditional houses. This stat serves as a potent reminder to buyers and sellers: sustainability is not just a passion but an investment.

A pertinent question often arises: can you buy a house before selling your own? The answer is yes, although it comes with challenges. However, in the competitive housing market, especially where green homes are concerned, making a quick purchase might be an intelligent strategy. Let’s explore how this green real estate wave is revolutionizing the property sector”

 

4. Steps Toward a Greener Home

Not all homes come eco-friendly, but they can be upgraded. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)encourages homeowners to embark on the green journey. Their top recommendations include:

• Conducting an energy audit to detect energy drains.
• Implementing basic fixes like swapping to energy-efficient bulbs and sealing any air leaks.
• Investing in more extensive energy-saving tactics like insulating homes or switching to green appliances.

Eco-friendly housing isn’t a fleeting trend; it’s the future of real estate. With more buyers prioritizing green features, it’s evident that sustainability, both in construction and living, is driving the real estate landscape. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or upgrade, now is the time to think green and invest wisely in the future of our planet.

¹Nwogbo Mercy Obianuju

²Chukwu, Regina Nwamaka

³Ofozoba, Chinonso Anthony (PhD)

⁴Ikedimma, Ifeanyi Francis

^{1, 2&4}Department of Educational Management and Policy, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.

³Department of Arts and Social Science Education, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbarim.

Abstract

The study examined the influence of effective classroom control and management on the academic performance of secondary school students in Enugu East LGA. The study was guided by one specific purpose and one research question. From a population of 36,711 a sample size of 335, were drawn using simple random sampling technique. A structured questionnaire which was validated by experts was used to collect data for the study. The reliability of the instrument was carried out using Cronbach’s Alpha and this yielded a reliability index of 0.75. The data collected was analyzed using mean score. The result showed that use of the right teaching methods and adequate use of instructional material helps in improving classroom management and control in secondary schools. The researchers recommended that workshops/seminars should be organized for teachers on the importance of instructional materials in teaching and learning process so as to improve their classroom management.

Keywords: Classroom Management, Classroom Control, and Academic Performance

Introduction

Classroom management has been highlighted across numerous research studies as a major variable that affects students’ academic performance. The most obvious reason for this assertion is that, effective classroom management sets the stage for teaching and learning. It sets a tone in the classroom that captures students’ attention – as a necessity for effective teaching and learning (Onyali, 2020). This statement is obvious since a classroom which is chaotic and disorganized as a result of poor classroom management is highly unlikely to enhance expansive learning and students’ academic performance and might, indeed, inhibit it. In chaos, according to Ononye (2020), very little academic learning can take place. According to Walter (2012), classroom management differs from one teacher to another because of the teacher’s personality, teaching style, preparedness, and number of students in the classroom. According to Oguejiofor (2020), the concept of classroom management is broader than the notion of student control and discipline, it includes all the things teachers must do in the classroom to foster students’ academic involvement and cooperation in classroom activities to create conducive learning environment.

Nwankwo (2022), relates that classroom management involves curtailing learner’s disruptive behaviors such as fighting and noise making, close observation, arrangement of classroom learning materials, and response to students who suffer from poor sight (vision), poor hea3etb ring, poor reading, poor writing, poor spelling, shame, dullness, hyperactivity and poor study habits. When classroom management is viewed in a more wider and holistic sense, incorporating every element of the classroom from lesson delivery to classroom environment becomes important (‘Obiakor’ 2022). According to Nicholas, this includes creating organized and orderly classroom, establishing expectations, inducing students’ cooperation in learning tasks, and dealing with the procedural demands of the classroom. This view of classroom management contrasts to a more narrow view of classroom management as it deals with just discipline and control. According to Bassey (2012), the wider view of classroom management shows increased engagement, reduction in inappropriate and disruptive behaviors, promotion of student responsibility for academic work, and improved academic performance of students. In effect, discipline, control and the consequences become authoritative or punitive approaches to classroom management. These have become much smaller part of the term classroom management. Thus, classroom management denotes much more than any of these words (Charlie, 2016). 

In the view of Williams (2014), classroom management involves how the teacher works, how the class works, how the teacher and students work together and how teaching and learning takes place. An analyses of the past 50 years of classroom management research identified classroom management as the most important factor, even above students’ aptitude, affecting students’ learning and academic performance (Akubilo, 2019). Contrary to popular belief held by Obi and Obiakor (2021), classroom management is not a gift bestowed upon some teachers. While it is true that some teachers adapt to classroom management easily, making it felt by their colleagues as if they possess some innate talents. Classroom management is a skill that can be acquired like any other profession. It is a skill that must be practiced to achieve proficiency. Classroom management thus requires specific skills such as planning organizing, as well as an aptitude for team work. It requires a great deal of commitment, initiatives, teachers’ willingness to adjust, creative thinking and actions (Abel, 2011)

Ofojebe and Obiakor (2022) observes that improved teacher training in classroom management is a critical part in improving academic performance in a particular subject. Factors contributing to effective classroom management include: teaching methodology, lesson planning and preparation, interpersonal relationships and student motivation (Gaston, Lee and MacArthur 2010). Ezenwagu and Obiakor (2021) observed that structuring a classroom so that it supports positive student behavior requires prior planning. The structure of the classroom environment should decrease the likelihood of inappropriate student behavior and increases desirable student interactions and consequently improves academic performance. A classroom environment would enable learners to study in a way that is interesting, enjoyable and purposeful. Among models to restructure a good classroom environment include: use of a variety of teaching methods and involving students to numerous learning activities, physical class arrangement that allows a teacher to access students, efficient use of class time and ensuring that students interact positively during cooperative learning activities (Obiakor and Oguejofor,2021).  Kerr and Nelson (2012) assert that the use of rules is a “powerful, preventive component of classroom organization and management plans.” Rules are aimed at establishing the expected behaviors, what to be reinforced and the consequences for inappropriate behavior. Thus emphasis of effective class discipline helps to cut down on discipline problems and leave the classroom with fewer interruptions and disruptions. Wong (2009) believes that student performance is influenced by how well the procedures are laid out and taught to them.

To instill class discipline, teachers should introduce class rules early enough when the year is beginning and make sure they are understood by all. The teacher should be fair and impartial across all the students. In case of disruption within a lesson, the teacher should deal with the interruption with as little distraction as possible. Teachers should consider over planning as a recipe to avoid giving students free-time within the lesson. The teacher should be consistent in that they cannot afford to ignore negative behavior. Collins (2012) advocates for “cooperative discipline” where the teacher and students work together to make decisions. To him teachers should come up with a code of conduct that shows how students should behave and not how they should not behave. This instills discipline in a child as they know what is expected of them. Glenn (2013) emphasized the need for teachers to hold class meetings severally. Class meetings encourage respect among teacher and students. According to Barbara Coloroso theory of Inner self control, students should be given an opportunity to develop their self-control and that classrooms are the ideal places for this opportunities.

Thus class discipline can be identified through the use of lesson plans, learning activities, a code of conduct (rules and routines), communicating to parents and through group works (Collins 2012). Consequently there are strategies that promote good use of routines such as: praising, giving a token and signing behavior contracts with students with behavior problems (Emmer and Stough 2011). In South Africa: school Act of 1996 encouraged the need for positive disciplinary strategies as opposed to corporal punishment. Mabeba and Prinsobo (2010) asserts that positive discipline builds a learners’ self-esteem and enables them to cooperate and participate in the classroom and consequently assume responsibility for what happens. A research carried out by Nelson (2012) in Nigeria shows that teachers who assist students to set high expectations and engage them in self-evaluation of their performance get better grades as compared to student with poor self-efficacy.

Kerr and Nelson (2012) encourage the use of humor as a way to engage students and activate their learning. To them, when teachers share a laugh or a smile with students, they help students feel more comfortable and open to learning. Moreover, humor brings enthusiasm, positive feelings, and optimism to the classroom. Teachers are expected to conduct a needs analysis to identify the needs of students so as to capture their attention during learning process. Students need to be taught respect for self and others so that they can be able to function healthily in the society (Rogers, 2009). In Nigeria, as a behavior adjustment strategy, guiding and counseling department has been introduced in educational institutions as opposed to corporal punishment used in many African countries. Thus a good classroom environment should promote independent learning (Kireria 2014). Students should be exposed to numerous learning activities so that they can take pride in their accomplishments and instill a desire for knowledge.

The quality of education has been reflected not only in the subjects taught and achievement levels reached, but also in the learning environment. The environment has both reflected and influenced the behavior of students, and it has been affected by events within and outside of the school (Condition of Education, 2014). Most educators and researchers have agreed that the total environment should be comfortable, pleasant, and psychologically uplifting; should provide a physical setting that students find educationally stimulating; should produce a feeling of well-being among its occupants; and should support the academic process. One major aspect of the classroom climate that has fallen under the control of the teacher is that of classroom management and discipline. As might be expected classroom climate which motivated learning and afforded the students the opportunity to be actively and meaningfully engaged in academic activities influenced the positive rating of teacher’s classroom management hence the relation to their performance in physics.

Classroom management has referred to all the planned or spontaneous activities and interactions that have occurred within a classroom. In recent years, a growing interest has emerged in the area of classroom management. The classroom environment is a large part of classroom management that will either encourage students to succeed, or hamper their abilities and cause more failures. The classroom environment is different than the classroom management because it deals with how the students feel in the classroom. While classroom management focuses on procedures, routines, and expectations, the classroom environment focuses on the relationships between students and teachers, as well as how the students feel amongst their peers in the classroom (Stepanek, 2011). Classroom management is the heart of teaching and learning in school setting. A well-managed classroom can provide an exciting and dynamic experience for everyone involved. Unfortunately, student behavior can often with this process. Good classroom management implies not only that the teacher has elicited the cooperation of the student s in minimizing misconduct and can intervene effectively when misconduct occurs, but also that worthwhile academic activities are occurring more or less continuously and that the classroom management system as a whole is designed to maximize student engagement in those activities, not merely to minimize misconduct. Many times, by encouraging behavior that is more positive and uplifting in one classroom, the behavior will carry on into other classrooms, taking the safe environment further than one classroom. Student achievement, as well as emotional and social outcomes, can all be positively affected by a safe, positive learning environment (Stepanek, 2011). When teachers do not tolerate disrespect both among students and between the students and teacher, they set the standard for their classroom and students feel more encouraged to participate and take risks in the classroom. Because of this, setting the classroom environment is often just as important as establishing classroom management strategies.

Teachers have entered a new age of classroom management. Faced with new challenges during the first part of the twenty first century teachers, teacher educators and school administrators have searched for alternative ways to manage classrooms. However, finding answers to classroom management situations is difficult because there is disagreement about what constitutes effective classroom management approaches.

Some administrators and teachers think of classroom management and discipline as being synonymous terms. Vasa (2014) describe classroom management as behaviors related to maintenance of on-task student behaviors and the reduction off-task or disruptive behaviors. Those who share his view define effective classroom management as a way of preparing students for life. They focus not on controlling students‟ behavior today but on preparing students for the world they live in tomorrow. Teachers and administrators who approach classroom management from this perspective define effective classroom management as the process of creating a positive social and emotional climate in the classroom (Morris, 2016). One of the most important skills possessed by effective teachers is that of classroom management. These skills are considered by Lang (2012) as by far the most important aspect of a teachers training and they state that effective classroom management is largely concerned with disruptive strategies, but other aspects are also of vital importance. Aspects are also of vital importance. The definitions developed by Conrath (2011) for classroom management includes the organization and planning of students’ space, time and materials so that instruction and learning actives can take place effectively.

Alternatively, effective classroom management was divided into four main categories in the studies of Evertson & Emmer (2012) and Sanford (2014). These four categories are: classroom procedures and rules, student work procedures, managing student behavior and organizing instruction. It is clear from these examples that classroom management is much more than a collection of strategies for discipline and involves many aspects of a teacher’s professional expertise. Teacher’s varying approaches to classroom management are reflected in differing levels of effectiveness. For example, a well-prepared teacher has a much greater chance of achieving effective lesson management. In the discussion of Lang (2012), different approaches to discipline are said to range from intimidation to total permissiveness. They advise that such extremes should include monitoring and enforcing reasonable classroom rules, procedures and routines. Effective teaching is more than discipline alone and classroom management has been closely linked to the achievement and engagement of high school science students (McGarity & Butts, 2010). Both this study and the discussion of Lang indicate that teachers should strive to develop effective classroom management techniques and that this will have a significant impact on their educational effectiveness. An analysis of the past fifty years of educational research as noted by (Wang, Haertel, and Walberg 2011) revealed that effective classroom management increases student engagement, decreases disruptive behaviors, and makes good use of instructional time.

A teacher is a person who possess specified knowledge and skills from an institution of higher education and have fulfilled requirements for certification (McNergney and Herbert 2011). Teacher qualifications include attaining a post graduate certificate in education (PGCE), Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) and Bachelor of Education. Telia (2013) defined teacher qualification as the highest educational certificate possessed by a particular teacher. Whitehurst (2009), views teacher qualification indicators as; teacher’s academic ability, teacher’s certification status, teacher’s instructional practice in the classroom, teacher’s subject matter expertise and experience. In the study area, teacher preparation takes the form of undergraduate training with a period of teaching practice designed to provide opportunities to practice in the classroom. During teaching practice, the trainee is required to maintain a record about students’ needs and abilities, classroom rules and routines and the flow of instructional activities. At the same time, the trainee is expected to conduct tutoring sessions in the classroom or/and assist the teacher with classroom activities. It is after successful completion of the five year undergraduate course that a teacher is awarded a certificate or licensed if they meet the basic requirements and standards of a particular state.

Moreover, the certification is a way of preventing harmful teaching practice. Thus the certified teacher needs to continually attend seminars organized in colleges and university campus to discuss issues of teaching and share ideas about more and less effective teaching strategies. In a research carried out by Moreau (2017), asserts that extra training of teachers influences pupil learning outcomes positively. Extra training improves teacher performance by sharpening both their technical skills and their instructional competence.

This is confirmed by the fact that many state governments in Nigeria have increased the requirements for one to qualify for certification (MacPhialWilcox and King 2012). At the same time, it was noted that possession of master’s degree or teacher education at graduate level did not have an impact on pupil learning. However, Bidwell and Kasadra (2009) asserted that teacher qualification is closely tied to teaching skills that is the nature of instruction and concluded that teacher retention in the profession was of significant importance in influencing the level of student performance. Goldhaber and Brewer (2010) noted significant achievement on high school students handled by teachers with standard, probationary or emergency certification as compared to those students handled by teachers who are not certified and those who held private school certification. Similarly, Fetler (2009) found that students of fully certified teachers did better than those of emergency certified teachers. In India there are two groups of teachers; teachers with formal Education (TFEs) and subject specialist teachers. The TFEs are teachers with minimum qualification in Bachelor of Education degree or Masters in Education but they are not subject specialists. Specialist teachers include teachers with at least a Master’s degree in a particular subject. 

In conclusion, teacher training should provide appropriate field experience. The trainees should practice with experienced teachers in their subject field (Emmer and Stough, 2011). They recommend that teacher training programs should provide content and supervised experience related to classroom organization and behavior management.

Poorly managed classrooms are usually characterized by disruptive behaviors such as sleeping, late coming, noise making, miscopying of notes, eating, calling of nicknames, verbal or physical threat to fellow students or the teacher (Ekere, 2013). These disruptive behaviors disorganize learning processes and hamper academic performance of students. Effiong (2012) suggests that teachers can deal with these disruptive behaviors in the classroom and reduce them to the minimum through effective classroom management so that effective learning can take place. Once teachers are able to effectively reduce or eliminate disruptive behaviors in the classroom, there would be increased academic attentiveness and engagement which would pave way for better academic performance by students. The use of verbal instruction is one of the techniques for effective classroom management that can be adopted by teachers. According to Good (2014), clear instruction on what should be done gives the students concrete direction to compliance. In this approach, teachers try to be consistent in enforcing the verbal instruction so that it produces the desired results. Until recently, corporal punishments were used widely as an effective classroom management technique to curb disruptive behaviors in the classroom. It is now not commonly applicable through it is still practiced in some schools as an effective classroom management technique.   

Instructional supervision is another technique of effective classroom management adopted by teachers in the classroom. According to Obot (2010), instructional supervision involves moving around the classroom to observe students closely, engaging students in academic activities, asking questions and employing both verbal and non‐verbal teaching methods to ensure that students are paying undivided attention and taking more from the lesson than simple facts. Delegation of authority to learners is still another technique of effective classroom management where the teacher delegates his/her authority to deserving students and assign them duties such as cleaning chalk board, time keeping, controlling noisemakers, managing learning materials, collecting assignment from students, copying lesson notes on the chalk board, class representatives on behalf of the class (Nima, 2014). These contribute a great deal to making the classroom a conducive place since cooperation between students and teachers in the classroom is fostered. Classroom management techniques are aimed at producing conducive learning environment where students can learn with ease and perform better academically. All of these techniques can be adopted in the classroom depending on the nature of the problem at hand.

This study is aimed at examining the influence of effective classroom control and management on the academic performance of secondary school students in economics in Enugu East LGA.

Statement of the Problems

Unconducive learning environment in the public schools has posed serious problems to students’ academic performance over many decades ago. This trend has been on the increase on daily basis. Its prevalence has attracted the concern of the teachers, parents, the guidance counselors and many researchers. Effective classroom management has been discussed extensively at educational seminars and workshops, with efforts aimed at bringing lasting solution to the problem of students’ poor academic performance encountered in secondary schools. In most cases, classroom teachers become tired of using verbal instruction in attempts to establish effective classroom management, but this method alone does not produce desired results. Many teachers use corporal punishment to instill fear and discipline in the classroom yet there are prevalence of disruptive behaviors in the classroom. A lot of teachers waste time and energy in intensive classroom supervision so that the classroom climate could be conducive for lessons. Some classroom teachers delegates authority to deserving prefects such as time – keeper, noise prefects, class prefects, etc. to share in the responsibility of ensuring a conducive learning atmosphere in the classroom. These methods are adopted by teachers to enable the classroom become conducive enough for effective teaching – learning process and to facilitate higher academic performance of the students and it seems not to be yielding any result hence this study.

Purpose of the Study

The main purpose of the study is to examine the influence of effective classroom control and management on the academic performance of secondary school students in economics in Enugu East LGA of Enugu State.

Research Question

How does the environment influence classroom management and control in secondary schools?

Methods

A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study which was carried out in public secondary schools in Enugu East Local Government Area of Enugu State. One research question guided the study. From a population of 38,077 respondents, a sample of 335 was drawn using a multistage sampling procedure. A researchers’ developed instrument titled “Classroom Management and Control Questionnaire” (CMCQ) which was validated by three experts was used for data collection. The questionnaire was structured on a four point scale of Strongly Agree (SA), Agree (A) Disagree (D) and Strongly Disagreed (SD) weighted 4, 3, 2 and 1. The internal consistency of the instrument was ascertained using Cronbach’s Alpha and this yielded reliability coefficient of 0.75. The instrument was considered reliable in line with Nworgu (2015), who stated that if the co-efficient obtained for an instrument is up to 0.70 and above, the instrument should be considered good enough to be used for a study. The direct administration and retrieval method was used for data collection. Mean was used to answer the research questions.

Results

Table 1: Mean responses of respondents on how environment influences classroom management and control in secondary schools

S/N	Items	Mean	SD	Remark
1	Home factor/parental upbringing affects the child behavior in school	2.61	.83	Agree
2	Unfriendly school atmosphere influences classroom management	2.86	.98	Agree
3	Lack of teacher’s attention in the school influences classroom management	2.65	1.28	Agree
4	Inadequate infrastructure influences classroom management	2.50	1.16	Agree
5	Influence of peer groups affects classroom management and control	2.56	.95	Agree
6	Children from wealthy single parent homes do not have much financial support compared to their counterpart from poor single parent’s homes.	2.66	1.23	Agree
7	Children from poor parental homes do not have much financial support compared to those from wealthy single parental homes.	2.52	1.28	Agree

According to the table above, the respondents agree that all seven items are factors that influence classroom management and control in secondary schools in Enugu East Local Government Area of Enugu State. The mean ratings for the seven items ranged from 2.50 to 2.86.

Discussion

The finding of the study showed that unfriendly school atmosphere, inadequate infrastructure, influence of peer groups and lack of teacher’s attention in the school are some of the environmental influences on classroom management and control in secondary schools. This was in line with the findings of Johnson (2013) who noted that unconducive learning environment and non-availability of the teaching materials can make the teaching/learning environment boring and unbearable. Also, the finding Ngwangwa (2012) is in line with the findings of the present study. His study showed that environmental influences impacts on teachers’ classroom management and control.

Conclusion 

Based on the findings of the study, the researcher concluded that unfriendly school atmosphere, lack of teacher’s attention in the school, peer group influence and inadequate infrastructure influences classroom management and control in secondary schools.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of the study, the researcher recommended that;

1. Schools should endeavor to provide the necessary learning facilities that will enhance classroom management and control.
2. Teachers should be advised to use the available instructional material in teaching as it will enhance their classroom management

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Ermiyas Abate¹ &Yared Negussie

Manufacturing Technology and Engineering Industry R& D Center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (Msc)

Lijalem Gebrehiwet ²

Ethiopian Space Science and Technology Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (Msc)

Abstract

Semi-Knock-Down (SKD) and Complete-Knock-Down (CKD) solutions have been widely accepted worldwide for export and import goods especially for automotive industry. The CKD kit ensures trade benefits and boosts technological capability for import substitutions. Duty at customs is high for products which are in the state of ready to use conditions where as the duty on SKD or CKD products imported from another country is lesser. Most domestic companies where the assembly cost is low and import cost is high prefer to buy product in SKD or CKD kits where as Complete-Built-Up (CBU) are not preferred technically and economically. This study focuses primarily on the basic concepts of assembly kit in Ethiopia, their benefits in tariff considerations, import substitution, technological transfer and other economic advantages. Secondly to analyzes basic problems on the understanding of these concepts to develop vehicle standard SKD and CKD in Ethiopia. In addition to this to highlight the automotive industry stage of development. The implementation of these concepts has great benefits in the size of job creation and import substitution rates which have impact on the economy. The investment for CKD in automotive industry requires greater finance when to compare machineries and equipment.

Keywords: Automotive, SKD, CKD, Tariff, Manufacturing, Assembly kit.

1. Introduction

          The automotive sector is vast in terms of commercial and technical factors which require different types of assembling and vehicle body manufacturing facilities to produce finished products (White, 1979). Ethiopia is transforming from total car importer to domestic assembler to some extent and its automotive stage of development is compared and contrasted in Figure 1 in which Kenya and Myanmar are a little ahead of Ethiopia (Ohno, 2019). Information of products, suppliers, international quality service links and technology is still lagging behind which still gives space for CBU second hand cars in Ethiopia. The main problems in SKD and CKD shipments are related to tariff issues in a particular country and it should promote manufacturers over importers (Ohno, 2019).

Figure:01 Automotive industry development

           According to Rob (2016), there are differences and inconsistencies in SKD and CKD definitions and standards worldwide as a result different countries may have different standards for these particular kits. The basic definition for these kits is provided by the Japan Automobile Manufacturing Association (JAMA) as shown in Figure 2 (Kim, 2013).

Figure:02 Definition of SKD,CKD and CBU by JAMA

           The vehicle production for assembling of manufactured and inspected parts is referred to as SKD where as in CKD kit there are car body related tasks including interior parts assembly, welding and painting works (Hofmann, Neukart & Bäck, 2017). According to Tomiyama (2014) & Sherry (2015), CKD is more sophisticated than a SKD. The main objective of this study is to standardize different products in SKD and CKD kits. Secondly assessing their tariff system and impact on the domestic trade and labour. Finally standardize the binding rules for national SKD and CKD concepts in automotive industry. At the end we should identify the stage of SKD & CKD development in Ethiopia from different manufacturers’ point of view.

• Literature Review

2.1  CBU, SKD and CKD Conditions

          The use of any form of kit has a direct impact on the total cost of the chain of supply. CBU, SKD and CKD logistics have great impact to the imported country. Motorcycles, trucks, buses, and tractors occasionally need to be imported in CKD, which accounts for greater market share as viewed by Libor and Alan (2008). Saberi (2018) described that CKD forms are exported to countries where automotive industry is at high development stage from developed countries which require high capital investment. Knocked down strategy for a company should be carefully evaluated in order to decide with any kind of deal and the formula used to calculate the overall logistics cost of CKD is shown below (Malavolti, 2019) ;                                                                                     

Cost of CKD = Cost of stock + Cost of warehouse + Cost of customer clearance + Cost of Shipping + Cost of customer clearance (Supplier) + Cost of stock (Supplier) + Cost of packing (supplier) + Cost of unpacking…………………………………………………(1)

           The finished bodywork is assembled in the country of destination and they are exported where complete disassembled of parts not required (Libor & Alan, 2008). According to the definition of Toni (2022), kit is not totally knocked down and SKD often refers to subassemblies that can be quickly and readily put together partially in another nation. CBU vehicles are those that arrive in a country ready to use with completely build. In the research paper of Yongwook (1987) and Tulder & Ruigrok (1998) each model change requires production line changes, re-tooling, and constant technological change. Some companies in Malaysia issued supplier development and localization program as well as locally produced parts initiated by the company with listed parts in different category (Abdullah, Lall, & Tatsuo, 2008). In conclusion, the common definitions of the three terms can be illustrated as shown below (Chemendy, 2018).

                  Figure:03 Automobile model kits

2.2  Automotive Manufacturing Processes

           Automotive integrated manufacturing facilities consist of different shops or departments each with a special function with input resource delivered from outside suppliers. The body shop, paint shop, assembly shop and material logistics department are the five key departments that make up the general organisation of the assembly plant (Oumer, Atnaw, Cheng, and Singh, 2016). According to the paper by Sherry (2015) Mortimer (1987), KD parts are delivered to the production site by the car manufacturer or independent contract suppliers.

2.2.1      Chassis Fabrication

      Generally there are different types of chassis according to the fitting of engine namely, Conventional chassis, Non-Conventional chassis, Full forward, Semi forward, Bus chassis, Engine in front and Engine at the center. Conventional type is also known as a non-load-carrying frame where as the non-conventional chassis is known as frameless chassis or unibody chassis (Abernathy, 2012), (Brünger, Engler, & Hirsch, 2006) and (Selvamanikandan &Venkatesan, 2019).

Figure:04 Conventional and Non-conventional chassis

According to Bhise, (2012) and Hryciów, Wiśniewski, Rybak & Tarnożek, (2021), the bus chassis provides an increased floor space in the vehicle. Harr, (2018) described the automobile frame moves to component assembly areas where complete front, rear suspensions, different components and accessories are sequentially installed. Chassis is mostly imported from OEM in different forms. Every assembly task on chassis has provided assembly workers with the safest and most efficient tools available (Anazawa, 2021 and Aswicahyono & Kartika, 2010). 

2.2.2      Stamping Process

          Metal stamping is a sophisticated industrial process that uses a variety of metal shaping techniques to transform flat metal sheets into precise forms which is also known as pressing. The term “Body in White” (BIW) describes the parts of the car that have been welded together using various types of connecting methods. The parts included in the BIW are the cover, body, floor, and encon (Mortimer, 1987), (Selvamanikandan &Venkatesan, 2019), (Cooper, Rossie, & Gutowski, 2016), (Fu, Guang-Hong, Yang, Ma, Chen, & Zhu, 2022) and (Awatiger, 2020).

Figure: 05 BIW stamped parts (Yu-Kai Fu and et al, 2022)

           The required shape is obtained by shaping the metal using different stamping techniques and model BIW stamped parts is shown in Figure 5  (Mortimer, 1987), (Cooper, Rossie, & Gutowski, 2016), (Fu, Guang-Hong, Yang, Ma, Chen, & Zhu, 2022) and (Asnafi, Shams, Aspenberg, & Öberg, 2019). Stamping is a common choice in the automotive sector due to its high productivity, affordable, capacity to provide exceptional strength, and cost-effectiveness at high production volumes (Cao, Kinsey, Yao, Viswanathan, & Song, 2001). Technically stamping is considered to be a net shaping process (Mortimer, 1987) and (Brünger, Engler, & Hirsch, 2006). The body of a vehicle is made up of several hundreds of stamped components which are joined together by spot welding and accurate production of the car body (BIW) is essential (Thiruvengadam, 2010) and (Chaturvedi & Kumar, 2019).

2.2.3      Body Fabrication

          The process of fabricating bodies is extremely mechanized and most popular tools are used to create unibody chassis assemblies. The largest body component to which a multitude of panels and braces will subsequently be either welded or bolted together as it moves down the assembly line (Almeida, Diasa, Goncalvesa, Peschlb, & Hoffmeisterc, 2011). According to Sherry (2015), manually operated welding equipment is also used in less automated manufacturing facilities.  The front and rear door pillars, roof, body and side panels are assembled in the same fashion with a high number of weld operations with a degree of great accuracy (Mortimer, 1987) and (Brünger, Engler, & Hirsch, 2006). Fully assembled parts are subsequently installed using pneumatically assisted tools (Almeida, Diasa, Goncalvesa, Peschlb, & Hoffmeisterc, 2011).

Figure:06 Car body fabrication

2.2.4      Vehicle Painting and Curing Ovens

           Vehicles move into the paint shop after final body assembly. According to research paper of Pendar, Rodrigues, Carlos Pascoa, & Lima, (2022), the paint shop provides corrosion protection and attractive appearance to the BIW vehicle body. Primer coating operations in an automobile assembly plant are usually implemented in three stages (M. Mahajan, Varade, P. Mahajan & Patil, 2019).

Figure: 07 Layers in primer coating

            The exterior body parts are thoroughly cleaned and inspected as it moves through a brilliantly illuminated white chamber to see any flaws (Pendar, Rodrigues, Carlos Pascoa, & Lima, 2022). The main purpose of painting is to prevent the BIW from corrosion and to provide desired shapes in style, texture and color. Different countries have their own vehicle painting standards and processes (Lovell, Higgs, & Deshmukh, 2006). Paints usage should be free of environmental hazard and most eco-friendly painting process should be used (Meschievitz T., Rahangdale Y., & Pearson R., 1995)

           Curing ovens are directly or indirectly heated by various types of fuels and they are applied after the primer coat, base coat and the clear coats. Ovens are divided into multiple zones with the radiated heat dries the outer layer of the paint (Sherry, 2015) and (Akafuah, Poozesh, Salaimeh, Patrick, Lawle, & Saito, 2016).

Figure:08 Flowchart of car painting process

2.2.5      Vehicle Interior Assembly and Car Mating

           The painted body travels through the process where parts like instrumentation, wiring systems, dash panels, interior lights, seats, door and trim panels, headliners, radios, speakers, all glass (except the automobile windshield), steering column, wheel, body weather strips, brake and gas pedals, carpeting, bumpers and fascias are assembled. The automated lines facilitates a continuous process with a moderate speed which enables human operators to perform interior and door assembly tasks with the required level of safety (Mortimer, 1987) and (Brünger, Engler, & Hirsch, 2006). During mating the chassis assembly and body shell conveyor meet at final stage of production in which the shell is lifted from its conveyor fixtures and placed onto the frame to be bolted by assembly workers. The automobile travels down the assembly line to receive final trim components after auto mating of body shell and chassis White (1979) and (Brünger, Engler, & Hirsch, 2006). The majority of modern automobiles has a unibody construction in the middle of the vehicle and supports various components in a half-frame configuration (Mortimer, 1987) and (Brünger, Engler, & Hirsch, 2006).

3.    Material and Methods

3.1  Kit Production Network

           The kit concepts mainly differ in terms of the degree of disassembly, partition, number of kits and the value addition. The automotive global production network clearly put the production strategy that determines the type of assembly sections established at the local production facility as well as in the sales country as shown in Figure 9 (Börold, Teucke, Rust, & Freitag, 2020) and (Schwede C., Song Y., Sieben B., Hellingrath B. & Wagenitz A., 2009). 

Figure: 09 Strategies in global automotive production network

            In SKD process description, the exporter collects and packs the parts in the SKD warehouse but the importer repacks the products in the local OEM factory. This process can be referred as SKD-packing-and-SKD-unpacking process (Börold, Teucke, Rust, & Freitag, 2020) and (Schwede C., Song Y., Sieben B., Hellingrath B. & Wagenitz A., 2009). Similarly under the CKD mode, the exporter has the control of technology, the factory organizational structure and information flow. The operation point of view all CKD parts are subject to the CKD-packing before export in the exporter warehouse. The CKD kits are subject to the CKD unpacking before the assembly in the importer plant (Börold, Teucke, Rust, & Freitag, 2020) and (Schwede C., Song Y., Sieben B., Hellingrath B. & Wagenitz A., 2009).

3.2  CBU/SKD and CKD Tariff Conditions

            Ethiopia is known for its high automotive tax rates which require various policies and amendments for car assembly from the CBU to SKD and then to CKD stage. Nigeria raised CBU tariffs to 70% for passenger cars and 35% for commercial vehicles while SKD tariff is 10%. CBU is taxed at higher than CKD which gives sufficient incentive for domestic assemblers. There is no distinction between passenger cars and commercial vehicles in Kenya’s tax structure as shown in the Figure 10 (Ohno, 2020) and (K.Ohno, I. Ohno, & Nagashima, 2018).

Figure: 10 Kenya’s automotive tax structure until 2019 (Ohno, 2020)

           According to Ohno, (2020) and K. Ohno et al (2018), positive rates are applied for designated 17 automotive components but Kenya did not have an SKD definition as of 2019. The smaller tax gap is not economical to cover production cost and Japanese producers need at least 20-30% advantage in favor of SKD/CKD over CBU (Ohno, 2019), (Nogimori, 2020) and JETRO (2018). The duty rate for different automotive products and tariff code is tabulated from Ethiopian custom commission in accordance with different references from the Ethiopia Custom Guide, (2017), Ethiopian Customs proclamation, (No. 859/2014), Ethiopian Customs Tariff Book, (HS 2017) and Ethiopian HS Code Import Data. The tariff system for parts and accessories is seen clearly from Ethiopia’s automotive tariff structure as shown in the Table 1.

Table 1

HS code chapter 87 tariff description

Type of product	HS codeTariff code	Tariff description	Duty rate
Complete vehicle	8703  3219	Other vehicles, with compression ignition internal combustion piston engine(diesel or semi diesel)…..Of a cylinder capacity exceeding 1500cm3 but not exceeding 2500cm3   …..Others	35%
Intermediateproducts	8706 0091	Chassis fitted with engines, for motor vehicles of headings 8701 to 8705      …..Others….For vehicle of heading 8703	10%
Parts andaccessories	8708  4020	Gearbox and parts thereof…..for industry assembly of (end-use condition)Vehicle of heading 8703	5%

3.3  Definitions and ambiguity

           The main ambiguity for vehicle SKD/CKD kits arose due to the fact that all components are available in different chapters of the harmonized system and HS code. Most of the parts are found in Chapters 40, 68, 70, 73, 83, 84, 85, 90, 91 and 94.  Concerns on Chapter 87 is that motor chassis fitted with cabs fall in headings 8702 to 8704 but not in heading 8706 about chassis fitted with engines for motor vehicles of headings 8701 to 8705.  As stated on Ethiopian Customs Tariff Book (HS 2017) and Ethiopian HS Code Import Data, it is important to consider the exclusions as well as the texts of headings 87.06 and 87.07 including note 3 in Chapter 87 when considering general HS code interpretation to sets of unassembled parts. 

Table 2 

Concerns on HS code chapter 87 subtitles

8706	Chassis with engine for tractors, motor vehicles for pass/good & special purpose
870600	Chassis fitted with engines, for the motor vehicles of headings 8701 to 8705. For the vehicles of subheading 870120 or heading 8702 or 8704
8707	Bodies (including cabs), for specific motor vehicles
870710	Bodies (including cabs)For the vehicles of heading 8703
870790	Other Bodies, for the Other Motor Vehicles

            Each component in SKD and CKD kits are not specified clearly in order to insert additional clarifications in the subtitles. In the CKD case studies of Aswicahyono & Kartika (2010), some joint venture company are responsible to produce engine for commercial trucks and others to be imported from overseas companies as well as locally produced engine parts as shown in the Figure 11.

Figure: 11 Engine CKD part for firm 2

           The actual collection of “parts” does not have to be sufficient to assemble complete vehicles according to the clarification and the “parts” can be assembled into an incomplete article that has the essential character of a complete or finished article as declared in Ethiopian Customs Tariff Book, (HS 2017) and Ethiopian HS Code Import Data.

3.4  Custom Duty and Product for Imported goods

           The supply strategies and the growth of sales of the product or product life cycle from CBU to different KD products can be related with the market’s maturity as a result the economic concept leads to a chronological order of the strategies (Schwede, Song, Sieben, Hellingrath and Wagenitz, 2009). The different import tax systems and facts in Ethiopia are shown in Table 3;

Table 3

Import tax in Ethiopia (Custom proclamation No. 307/2002, 570/2008, 610/2008 and directive no 18/2009), (Income tax proclamation No 286/2002 & Proclamation No. 285/2002), (Customs proclamation No. 622/2009) and (Customs tariff amendment No.1, 1996 edition)

 

S/N	Facts of taxes in Ethiopia	Remark
F1	The tax sequential orders are customs duty, excise tax, VAT, surtax and withholding tax. Taxes on imported goods are collected by Ethiopian Revenues and Customs Authority (ERCA).	ERCA collects customs duty based on the rules stipulated in the customs proclamation No. 622/2009.
F2	ERCA collects customs duty on a great variety of goods which can be classified into two categories. Depending on the primary purpose of the imported goods. Items for public, personal or non productive uses.	Category 1It includes raw materials, semi finished goods, producers goods and import items for public use.Category 2It includes items such as consumer or finished goods imported for personal use.
F3	Customs duty has 6 bands or groups of rates which are applied to imported goods. These bands of rates are 0%, 5%, 10% 20%, 30% and 35%.	The maximum is 35 percent of the CIF (Cost + Insurance + Freight) value of an imported item.
F4	According to the Customs Tariff, the maximum customs duty rate used to be 60 % of the CIF value of an imported item.	CIF(Cost + Insurance + Freight) value of an imported item
F5	Excise tax it is one of the most well known forms of tax in Ethiopia. It is a tax levied on selected goods such as luxury goods and basic goods. The minimum excise tax rate is 10% & maximum is 100%.	Excise Tax is also applied to goods which are considered hazardous to health and that may cause social problems.
F6	Excise tax has 10 bands or groups of rates at which excise can be charged. These band rates are 10%, 20%, 30%, 33%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 75%, 80% and 100%.	These rates are used to calculate the payable excise tax.
F7	In Ethiopia, VAT is levied at a flat percentage rate. To the exclusion of goods detailed in article 8 of the proclamation No. 285/2002 and goods exempted from VAT by the directive issued by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development.	VAT is levied on every imported item. Importers are liable to pay 15 percent of the sum of cost, insurance, freight, customs duty and excise tax.
F8	Automotive techs are not included in the type of goods or services exempted from payment or VAT except the supply or import of fuel gas. It is stated at “Circular Ref. No. Am3/16/28/227.	The law that allows exemption of goods and services from payment of VAT for the supply or import of fuel gas.
F9	Surtax is the fourth of the five taxes imposed on import items. Surtax was introduced in the Ethiopian tax system on April 9, 2007. The council of Ministers issued a regulation to levy 10 percent surtax on imported goods.	Ten percent of the sum of cost, insurance, freight, customs duty, excise tax, and VAT is the base of computation for surtax on all goods imported into the country.
F10	There are items and services which are exempted from payment of surtax. Fertilizer, Petroleum, lubricants and motor vehicles.	Motor vehicles for freight and passenger and other special purpose motor vehicles.
F11	Withholding tax is not a tax in the traditional sense. Goods imported by the following individuals and firms are exempted from the 3 percent withholding tax imposed on commercial import items.	The amount collected on imported goods shall be three percent of the sum of cost, insurance and freight (CIF value). Auto tech is not included in this privilege.

From customs proclamation No. 622/2009 and Customs tariff amendment No.1, (1996 edition), the formula for calculating customs duty and other taxes in Ethiopia are shown below;

 Where 

DPV = Duty Paying Value; CUDU = Customs Duty Rate; EXTA = Excise Tax Rate; SURTAX = Surtax; WHT = Withholding tax 

• Results and Discussion

4.1  Basic Standards Identified for SKD and CKD 

      Basic standards are required in the tax related issue and should be clearly put with clarifications as a result the Ethiopian standards (recommended) for SKD and CKD automotive products or categories is tabulated in Table 4,5,6 and 7 below. The SKD/CKD parts and production methodology differs from company-to-company, permission of OEM, manufacturers’ company standard which is compatible with specific types of vehicles. SKD/CKD standards are summarized for vehicle types categorized as LMV, MMV and HMV for different models are described in the tables below.

Table 4

Vehicle parts for standard SKD/CKD category (Engine)

Vehicle type	LMV, MMV and HMV
KD type or form		SKD
Engine	From OEM for SKD parts
LMV, MMV and HMV Except for Bajaj and motor cycles	Full engine kit fixed on car chassis		Fittings and mechanical hardware
	Assembly manuals		Electrical harness
	User instructions		Fuel system pipe connection
	Basic drawings		Cooling system assembly
`KD type or form		CKD
Engine	From OEM to CKD parts
It is for LMV, MMV and HMV Except for Bajaj and motor cyclesNote: Low Motor Vehicle = LMV= Car, Jeep, Minivan, etc    Medium MV = MMV= Tempo, bus, mini truck, etc  High MV = HMV=   Truck, trailer, container, tractor, multi-axle bus	Separate engine kit in box		Disc assembly clutch
	Engine is not fixed on chassis or airframe		Cover assembly clutch
	Assembly manuals		Fly wheel
	User instructions		Bracket mounting
	Basic drawings		Cushion rubber
	Engine testing instructions		Stopper
	Defect troubleshooting manuals		Alternator
	Ground support equipments		Starter motor
	Radiator		Manifold exhaust rear/front
	Oil pump		Fan
	Water pump		Inlet manifold
	Air filter & Oil filter		Cover assembly & Cover rocker assembly
	Battery		Fitting and mechanical hardware
	EGR valve and Catalyzer		Harness and Engine mounts

Table 5

Vehicle parts for standard SKD category (Car body)

Vehicle type	LMV, MMV and HMV
KD type or form			SKD
Car body	From OEM for SKD parts
It is for LMV, MMV and HMV Except for Bajaj and motor cyclesNote: Low Motor Vehicle = LMV= Car, Jeep, Minivan, etc     Medium MV = MMV= Tempo, bus, mini truck, etc   High MV = HMV=   Truck, trailer, container, tractor, multi-axle bus	Main body (Body shell) + chassis unpainted§  All basic parts are supplied unassembled (LMV) (MMV and HMV)§  Car chassis without body parts but engine, gearbox, wheel/ tire, steering, drive train, suspension/dumper, seats, batteries, exhaust system, control parts supplied unassembled (MMV and HMV)§  All electrical wiring installed with lightsCar body parts painted for LMV
	LMV	MMV		HMV
	Fender and fender liner	Chassis without body		Chassis without body
	Roof panels	Doors & door ways		Hinges
	Doors	Skirt panel front/rear		Truck cabin
	Sill	Main side panels bay1, 2, 3.		Catches and latches
	Hood or bonnet	Access cap		Door checks
	Number plate lid	Skirt panels (all)		Door panel locks
	Window glass & mirrors	Spare wheel access flap and other panels		Handles
	Wiper	Pillar capping (All)		Dump hoist assembly
	Wheels	Roof panel bay1, 2, 3….		Bumper and hitch (rear)
	Brake shoe	Valance panels		Other small assemblies
	Trunk lid	Side panels (all type)		Parts to be manufacturedLocally for truck bodySide walls Columns (rails)Bulkheads (portal frame)Truck floor assemblySide sheet panelsRear panel (door)Beam doorSide ladderMetering chainDouble acting tailgateTank
	Front and center pillar	Emergency door parts
	Front  and side roof rail	Flaps
	Side member	Entrance steps
	Small body parts	Door aperture
	Engine hood	Longitudinal and lateral, rails, & frames
	Floor parts	Wheel arches
	Windshield glass	Roof parts (roof sticks)
	Outside  handle (locks)	Arch members
	Door weather strip	Cross bearer
	Front and rear bumper	Mirrors
	Head & tail lights, lamps	Window glasses
	Mud flaps	Windshield glass

Table 6

Car body CKD manufaturing requirements

CKD tasks

Main body (Body shell) + chassis unpainted§  Unassembled chassis or main body§  Car chassis without body parts but engine, gearbox, wheel/ tire, steering, drive train, suspension/dumper, seats, batteries, exhaust system, control parts supplied unassembled (MMV and HMV)§  All electrical wiring uninstalled §  Car body parts fully not assemble, unpainted and not glazed Some component customized locally

Related to chassis

Without leaf springØ  Without differential/axel partsØ  Without suspension jointsØ  Without axle longitudinal link supportsØ  Without inner cross members and bracketsUnassembled brake and suspension components

Table 7

Vehicle parts for standard CKD category (Car body)

Vehicle type	LMV, MMV and HMV
KD type or form			CKD
Car body	From OEM for CKD parts
It is for LMV, MMV and HMV Except for Bajaj and motor cyclesNote: Low Motor Vehicle = LMV= Car, Jeep, Minivan, etc    Medium MV = MMV= Tempo, bus, mini truck, etc  High MV = HMV=   Truck, trailer, container, tractor, multi-axle bus	LMV	MMV		HMV
	All car body SKD components unassembled	All car body SKD components unassembled		All car body SKD components unassembled
	Body sides, roof and floor supplied loose	Body sides, roof and floor supplied loose		All car body SKD manufacturing tasks
	Fully disassembled body frame (chassis)	Disassembled (loose) chassis		Body sides, roof and floor supplied loose
	Disassembled body parts(Read- made)	All materials supplied loose for final welding and assembling		All materials supplied loose for final welding and assembling
	Disassembled doors, handle and locks	Disassembled doors, handle and locks		Disassembled (loose) chassis
	Full logistics with assembly line is required	Full logistics with assembly line is required		Disassembled doors, handle and locks
		Full logistics with assembly line is required		Full logistics with assembly line is required
	Required equipments for CKD Welding guns, Jigs, Templates,Metrology Equipment (3-D measuring machines), etc.Conveyors, paint tanks, paint both,Drying oven, etc. Wheel alignment tester, Turning radius tester and Shower testing Head light tester, Side slip tester, Speedometer tester, Brake dynamometer and

 

4.2  Stages of Development for Domestic Assembling Companies in Ethiopia

     The development stage of different domestic vehicle companies for light vehicle, bus, truck and trailer assembling as well as manufacturing are assessed as per to 2019 data and the current five years data will be required to further filter the respective assessment but the stage is mostly at CKD. Table 8 for light vehicle, Table 9 for buses, Table 10 for trucks and Table 11 for trailer fabrication companies are tabulated below to assess their developmental stage in SKD/CKD strategies.

Table 8

S/N	INDUSTRY	Stage of development
		SKD	CKD
1	Abay technical and trading sc.
2	Belayab motors plc
3	Bishofitu automotive industry
4	JIN BEI motors plc
5	Marathon motors engineering plc
6	Mesfin industrial engineering plc
7	Tamrin international trading plc
8	Yangfan motors plc

Light vehicle assembling companies

Table 9

Bus assembling companies

S/N	INDUSTRY	Stage of development
		SKD	CKD
1	Ada bus assembling and steel engineering
2	Bishofitu automotive industry

Table 10

 

Truck assembling companies

S/N	INDUSTRY	Stage of development
		SKD	CKD
1	Bishofitu automotive industry
2	Frankun ET automotive engineering plc
3	NA metal industry and engineering
4	AMCE(Automotive manufacturing of Ethiopia)
5	Mesfin industrial engineering

Table 11

Trailer fabrication and assembling companies

S/N	INDUSTRY DESCRIPTION	Stage of development
		SKD	CKD
1	Abenco general construction industry and  trading  plc
2	Alami industrial engineering
3	AMCE (Automotive manufacturing company of Ethiopia (sc.)
4	Ami metal engineering
5	Asnake engineering
6	Belaynehe Kindie metal Engineering complex
7	Bridge metal & wood shop business plc
8	Dagim Kennedy general trading plc
9	Fasil Mesfin Derso manufacturing
10	Frankun ET automotive engineering plc
11	Habtom G/Egziebher Woldehawaryat
12	HH engineering plc
13	KG Engineering
14	Kifle Mekonene importer trade in iron & steel manufacturing
15	Maru metals industry plc
16	Mesfin industrial engineering plc
17	NA metal industry and engineering
18	Nehemmiah engineering plc
19	NKG Engineering
20	Ocfa metal manufacturing plc
21	Rahel Dagnachew Gelaye
22	Tsehay industries sc.

      From the above table, we can conclude that Ethiopia’s automotive development stage is mostly on SKD/CKD strategy and the import substitution or technological specialization is only on some body parts of vehicle types. Generally Ethiopia is in the second automotive manufacturing stage which is similar to the JICA report on automotive industrial development stage for Africa as shown below (FRN 2015 Report).

Figure: 12 Automotive manufacturing stages

5.    Conclusion

           In this study it is revealed that the value chain of interconnected global market system shows the importance of automotive manufacturing development with higher foreign investors’ and OEM role in this sector. The study identified clearly the following significance for assembling and manufacturing of auto vehicles in Ethiopia;

• Perform relevant research studies on SKD/CKD concepts practically which is functional in different countries and CKD related tariff system encouraged by other nations.

 Collection of annual market data in SKD/CKD for all vehicle types in auto manufacturing areas in Ethiopia and the impact of tax rates. Review highlights for custom classifications and their gap in fulfilling the CKD tariff systems

• Clearly identify items to be manufactured domestically for all types of vehicles in order to promote the import substitutions. Auto domestic parts production capability study should be undertaken to restrict import of these parts and promote the manufacturers.
• Revise the established standard for SKD/CKD kits for automotive industry in all types of vehicle models annually. All the prepared documents should be revised side-by-side with the assemblers for its effectiveness or gaps in production. 
• Import and excise duties for completed built-up and complete knocked-down vehicles should be promising in order to prohibit imports of used commercial vehicles, their parts, components gradually. Promising incentives should be provided for critical and high value-added parts and components.
• The custom and tariff issues should encourage strategic partnership between globally branded manufacturers (OEM) with domestic investors which enhance the competitiveness and effective technological transfer.
• Complete implementation of vehicle-type and component approval as well as vehicle end-of-life policy should be introduced by the Ministry of Transport for all types of vehicle imported to Ethiopia.
• The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation should introduce and enforce mandatory standards for vehicles, their parts and components operational nationally.
• Relevant federal offices related to natural resources and environment should establish a clear roadmap for fuel, lubricants and paints standards used in vehicle operation, maintenance as well as manufacturing.    

Acknowledgements

     We convey our gratitude to all of our colleagues for their support and encouragement to publish the article.

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