Latest Publications & Patents on Circular Economy

Relationship marketing is a strategic approach that shifts the focus from individual transactions to building long-term customer loyalty and engagement. It emphasizes customer retention, satisfaction, and lifetime value over short-term sales goals. Key tactics include customer relationship management (CRM) systems, loyalty programs, and personalized communication, aiming to create a strong, emotional connection between the brand and the customer.

Disintermediation is the economic process of removing intermediaries from a supply chain, thereby connecting producers directly with consumers. In the DTC context, this means bypassing traditional wholesalers, distributors, and brick-and-mortar retailers. This structural change allows brands to capture profit margins that would otherwise go to middlemen, while also gaining direct control over their product's journey and presentation to the market.

The term 'upcycling' was first coined in 1994 by German engineer Reiner Pilz in an interview with journalist Thornton Kay. Pilz contrasted it with 'down-cycling,' where materials are converted into something of lesser quality. He described upcycling as the process where old products are given more value, not less, highlighting the need for a new perspective on waste materials.

The C2C model has two primary implementations: online marketplaces and classifieds. Marketplaces, like eBay, are highly integrated, providing payment processing, structured listings, and reputation systems. They are active intermediaries. In contrast, classifieds platforms, like Craigslist, act more as simple connectors, providing a venue for listings but typically leaving the payment and transaction logistics entirely up to the users themselves.

Digital trust and reputation systems are critical mechanisms that facilitate cooperation between strangers in online P2P platforms. They quantify and display the past behavior of users, typically through ratings, reviews, and endorsements. This creates a form of social collateral, reducing transaction uncertainty and risk, which is essential for the functioning of the sharing economy where traditional trust indicators are absent.

A "blockbuster drug" is a pharmaceutical product that generates more than $1 billion in annual sales for its manufacturer. This business model has historically driven the pharmaceutical industry, focusing research and development (R&D) on common, chronic conditions to maximize patent-protected revenue. This revenue funds further R&D for new drugs, creating a cycle of innovation and high profits.

Gemba (現場) is the Japanese term for 'the actual place.' In management, it refers to the place where value is created, such as the factory floor. Gemba Kaizen is the principle of going to the Gemba to observe the process, engage with workers, and identify opportunities for improvement directly at the source, rather than from a remote office.

Six Sigma implementation involves a hierarchy of certified professionals, designated by colored "belts" similar to martial arts. Key roles include Master Black Belts, who mentor and train; Black Belts, who lead complex improvement projects; Green Belts, who lead smaller projects as part of their regular duties; and Yellow Belts, who have basic training and participate on project teams.

Customer-to-customer (C2C) is a business model where consumers trade directly with each other, typically facilitated by a third-party online platform. This model contrasts with business-to-consumer (B2C) and business-to-business (B2B) models. The platform provider is not the seller but an intermediary that enables the transaction, creating a market for second-hand goods, handmade items, or collectibles.

DMAIC is a data-driven improvement cycle used for improving, optimizing, and stabilizing business processes. The acronym stands for Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control. It is the core tool used to drive Six Sigma projects. Each phase has specific tasks and utilizes various statistical tools to identify root causes of problems and implement sustainable solutions.

The Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) model is a business strategy where a company manufactures and ships its products directly to buyers, bypassing traditional intermediaries like wholesalers or retailers. This approach primarily leverages e-commerce platforms and digital marketing to establish a direct relationship with the end consumer, enabling greater control over branding, customer experience, and pricing structures.