• Archives of design research
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• v.18 no.4 s.62
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• pp.95-104
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• 2005

The purpose of this study is to estimate the determinants of product design and analyze the impacts of product design on quality competitiveness, product reliability, and consumer satisfaction in an attempt to provide a foundation for the theory of design management. For this empirical analysis, this study has derived the relevant measurement variables from a survey on 400 Korean manufacturing firms during the period of $August{\sim}October$ 2003. The empirical findings are summarized as follows: First, the determinants of product design are very significantly (at p<0.001) estimated to be the R&D capability, the level of R&D expenditure, the level of innovative activities(5S, TQM, 6Sigma, QC, etc.). This empirical result can support Pawar and Driva(1999)'s two principles by which the performance of product design and product development can be simultaneously evaluated in the context of CE(concurrent engineering) of NPD(newly product development) activities. Second, the hypothesis on the causality: product design${\rightarrow}$quality competitiveness${\rightarrow}$customer satisfaction${\rightarrow}$customer loyalty is very significantly (at p<0.001) accepted. This implies that product design positively affects consumer satisfaction, not directly but indirectly, by influencing quality competitiveness. This empirical result of this study can also support the studies of for example Flynn et al.(1994), Ahire et at.(1996), Afire and Dreyfus(2000) which conclude that design management is a significant determinant of product quality. The aforementioned empirical results are important in the following sense: the empirical result that quality competitiveness plays a bridging role between product design and consumer satisfaction can reconcile the traditional debate between QFD(quality function development) approach asserted by product developers and conjoint analysis maintained by marketers. The first empirical result is related to QFD approach whereas the second empirical result is related to conjoint analysis. At the same time, the empirical results of this study can support the rationale of design integration(DI) of Ettlie(1997), i.e., the coordination of the timing and substance of product development activities performed by the various disciplines and organizational functions of a product's life cycle. Finally, the policy implication (at the corporate level) from the empirical results is that successful design management(DM) requires not only the support of top management but also the removal of communication barriers, (i.e. the adoption of cross-functional teams) so that concurrent engineering(CE), the simultaneous development of product and process designs can assure product development speed, design quality, and market success.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.51 no.1
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• pp.60-72
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• 2018

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine differences in eating-out, dietary life styles, and healthy dietary competencies among middle-aged consumers according to obesity status and gender for implications of consumer education. Methods: Data were drawn from the 2016 Food Consumption Behavior Survey, and 3,022 subjects (mail 1,388; female 1,634) who were middle-aged adults were investigated. Analysis of variance with $Scheff\acute{e}$ test, t-test, $x^2$-test, and factor analysis were performed using SPSS v.24. Results: Males showed less interest in diet than females. For both males and females, higher BMI degrees were associated with higher levels of interest in diet. For frequency, monthly average consumption expenditure, one-time cost for eating out, and drinking frequency, males showed higher levels than females. Especially for the male group, higher obesity status was associated with higher levels of eating out and drinking. Dietary lifestyles of males and females turned out to be very similar. For the male group, normal weight group was more likely to show 'health and high quality pursuit dietary life-style' than the other groups. For females, the normal weight group were more likely to show 'health and high quality pursuit dietary life-style' and 'safety pursuit dietary life-style' than the other groups. The level of 'healthy dietary competence' for females was found to be higher than that for males. For the female group, there were significant differences according to obesity status, and practice was more important than knowledge in determining a healthy dietary life. Conclusion: For dietary life-related education for obese middle-aged consumers, it is important to emphasize less eating-out and drinking and less overeating while eating-out based on the results that eating-out, drinking, and overeating in the obesity group were significantly higher than in the normal group. It is important to focus on the value of dietary life and diverse foods, based on the results that the obesity group was less likely to be have healthy dietary lifestyles and consume less diverse foods than the normal group.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.90 no.3
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• pp.373-379
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• 2001

The objectives of this study were to assess implementation on tariff quotas and tariff cuts committed in the WTO as result of Uruguay Round(UR) negotiations and to examine impacts of reductions in agricultural protection agreed in the UR on major non-timber forest products markets. The implementation of WTO Agreement on Agriculture was analysed based on the relevant data and statistics. The impacts of implementation on tariff cuts and tariff quotas on non-timber forest products markets were estimated by using supply and demand elasticities from previous studies and data on production, consumption and trade after UR. The quantities of Chestnut, Pine nut and Jujube imported by the system of tariff quota did not exceed the committed quotas over the five years from 1995 to 1999. The current level of applied rates on imports of non-timber products is much lower than that of bound rates, which will be maintained until the year 2004. It is estimated that increase in imports after UR reduced prices and that reduction in prices led to decrease in expenditure and to increase in consumer surplus. It is estimated, however, that production level significantly decreased due to rise in imports and that the negative effects on production exceeded positive effects on consumption. Exports of most non-timber forest products decreased after UR even though non-timber forest products could gain access to the export markets at the lower tariffs as a result of UR.

• Korean Journal of Social Welfare
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• v.38
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• pp.7-32
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• 1999

Providing the income support program for people under the poverty level has been regarded as the basic obligational role of modern government. The target population of this program should include all the poor who are unable to maintain the minimum health and decency level with their own income. The minimum living cost, however, varies within a country because there are regional differences in consumer price and the mode of living. The current program does not count for the regional differences, leaving a significant portion of Seoul's poor needy people being ineligible for this public care. Recognizing these regional differences, this paper attempts to estimate the minimum living cost in Seoul area, comparing it to the national one. It employs the data and method that the Korea Institute of Health and Social Affairs adopted in its 1994 study, since it has been served as a basis of the current public assistance program. The minimum cost of living in Seoul is estimated to be \887,611 per month for a 4-person household. It is 1.33 times greater than the national monthly minimum of \666,684. Based upon the '94 urban household expenditure survey data, some 5.9 percent of Seoul's population, 636,132 people, are found to be under the Seoul's minimum living level. This number is 5.2 times greater than those 123,304 people who are eligible for the current public assistance program in Seoul.

• Journal of Korean Home Economics Education Association
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• v.18 no.2 s.40
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• pp.47-62
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• 2006

This research was conducted to find out price change of education service. Consumer Price Index annual series data in Korea National Statistical office from 1990 to 2004 were used for analysis. First, education price indexes showed an average annual increase of 7.3% during the last 15 years (1990-2004), marking the highest increase among items in the CPI basket. The average annual increase in tuition fees and other fees, expenditure classes of education price. has been 7.5% and 6.0%, respectively. Secondly, an average increase in tuition fees for two-year college was higher, followed by tuition fees for kindergarten, private four-year college, national four-year college and secondary schools. An average increase in primary school textbook costs was higher in the category of 'other fees' followed by junior high school textbook costs, junior high school supplementary book costs and home delivery supplementary book costs Thirdly, there were no differences in price changes of secondary school textbooks, junior high school supplementary books, high school supplementary books among 16 locations. An average increase in after-school education (selective subjects) for college entrance examination was higher in Gwangju but lower in Seoul, compared with other cities. An average of 7% difference was seen annually among regions. When the year 2000 was considered as 100, the most significant gains were seen in Kwangju at 80% and Gangwon at 57%. An increase in after-school education (all subjects) for college entrance examination was higher in South Cholla Province but lower in North Gyeongsang Province. An increase in after-school education (all subjects) for college entrance examination was higher in South Cholla Province but lower in North Gyeongsang Province. An average of 7% difference was seen annually in the annual increase. When the year 2000 was considered 100, most significant increase was seen in Busan and South Gyeongsang Province at 37% and Jeju Island at 34%.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.22 no.4 s.28
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• pp.542-554
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• 1989

The skyrocketing inflation of medical costs has become a major health problem among most developed countries. Korea, which recently covered the entire population with National Health Insurance, is facing the same problem. The proportion of health expenditure to GNP has increased from 3% to 4.8% during the last decade. This was remarkable, if we consider the rapid economic growth during that time. A few policy analysts began to raise cost containment as an agenda, after recognizing the importance of medical cost inflation. In order to Prepare an appropriate alternative for the agenda, it is necessary to find out reasons for the cost inflation. Then, we should focus on the reasons which are controllable, and those whose control are socially desirable. This study is designed to articulate the theory of medical cost inflation through literature reviews, to find out reasons for cost inflation, by analyzing aggregated data with a deterministic model. Finally to identify determinants of changes in both medical demand and service intensity which are major reasons for cost inflation. The reasons for cost inflation are classified into cost push inflation and demand pull inflation, The former consists of increases in price and intensity of services, while the latter is made of consumer derived demand and supplier induced demand. We used a time series (1983-1987), and cross sectional (over regions) data of health insurance. The deterministic model reveals, that an increase in service intensity is a major cause of inflation in the case of inpatient care, while, more utilization, is a primary attribute in the case of physician visits. Multiple regression analysis shows that an increase in hospital beds is a leading explanatory variable for the increase in hospital care. It also reveals, that an introduction of a deductible clause, an increase in hospital beds and degree of urbanization, are statistically significant variables explaining physician visits. The results are consistent with the existing theory, The magnitude of service intensity is influenced by the level of co-payment, the proportion of old age and an increase in co-payment. In short, an increase in co-payment reduced the utilization, but it induced more intensities or services. We can conclude that the strict fee regulation or increase in the level of co-payment can not be an effective measure for cost containment under the fee for service system. Because the provider can react against the regulation by inducing more services.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.339-348
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• 2012

The purpose of this study is to predict the economic size of foods-for-elderly market, which will be valuable information for establishing related policy and backup system. After setting the scope of related industry, detailed information for current market situation was investigated and a systematic forecast for market changes in the future was performed. Economic growth, changes in consumer expenditure and economic status of the elderly, current subscription of medical insurance and saving for pension were reflected. In addition, a survey toward related firms was completed and changes in aged population and incidence of chronic disease in the elderly were taken into account. Results show that the annual growth rate of the market was predicted to be the minimum 4.54% through the maximum 8.32% from 2010 to 2025 and its market size was forecasted to be the minimum 7,073 ten million won through the maximum 10,976 ten million won. It is expected that the market of foods-for-elderly will grow rapidly with development of foods technology and fast increase of aged population. Especially, growth of health functional foods and foods for special dietary uses for elderly will be distinguished. However, it seems that related firms are on the hedge, watching current trend of the related industry. This may results in insufficient supply against the demand. Therefore, policy for foods-for-elderly should be introduced and systematically administered, including R&D support, standardization and authentication for foods-for-elderly, construction of related database system.

• International Area Studies Review
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.153-169
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• 2008

This paper examines the recently empirical test for the two types of endogenous growth models, which one is more fitted to real data. We adopt the non-stationary panel data methodologies for seeking empirical implication by using productivity and R&D data in the OECD over the past two decades. The Empirical tests show that there is a robust relationship Total Factor Productivity and R&D variables implied by semi-endogenous growth model. The relationship suggested by fully endogenous growth theory, however, is sensitive to R&D variables. Therefore, the estimation results provide empirical evidence in favour of endogenous growth theory of R&D expenditure role for sustaining economic growth. The sustained Total Factor Productivity, however, is maintained by more increasing R&D inputs for overcoming diminishing return to R&D efforts.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.122-126
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• 2007

Expenditure on meat and meat products has been increased in Korea due to the increase of income and the change of diet. From raising farm animals to eating the meat, various hazardous elements can make their ways into the meat and meat products. Recently the issues on food safety and hygiene are drawing a lot of attention, and the current system for managing the safety of foods is still needed to be improved. This survey was aimed to monitor the current situation of country-of-origin labels and hygiene for the meat markets at 4 regions Korea. The survey was performed by collecting samples from whole- sale and retail stores in the nation, which were selling beef. The markets were divided into groups as to territory and the size of the market (Large size, Medium size, and Small size). In terms of size distribution, small butcher shops occupied the highest percentage. On the itemized suitability test of unpacked and packed beef, all the market of 4 regions showed good agreements. However, such labels indicating the methods of cooking and storage were not properly posted on the products. Especially for Ho-nam region, corrections are needed. The results of monitoring sanitation conditions for the butcher shops at 4 regions in Korea showed relatively low suitability. Especially, there were serious lack of knowledge about wearing the sanitation clothing, caps, and shoes. The problem with food safety is so complicated that producer, consumer, food manufacturer, the press, the government, and scholar should solve altogether. It is necessary to educate farmers, food handlers, consumers, etc. and provide them with an accurate information and knowledge.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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• v.44 no.6
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• pp.177-187
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• 2016

This study started with the question, "Is the cost of landscape construction work in residential areas measured by public enterprises, 'in response to the needs of consumers?" The study analyzed whether the landscape construction expenditure is being introduced at an appropriate ratio according to the value the residents have regarding landscape elements. Following this, research was conducted for the purpose of providing basic data for improving the efficiency of formulating apartment landscape construction costs in the future. This research proceeded based on a questionnaire survey of residents of apartments, and the content of the questionnaire used frequency analysis and descriptive statistics research methods. To take a look at a comparative analysis of value recognition, in particular, a comparative analysis was performed based on the actual input cost based on the ratio of landscape elements by layer. Conclusions were found as follows: First, the degree of interest in the apartment landscape of the tenants was high, and the value of the landscape was high but realistic satisfaction appeared comparatively low. Second, the awareness of residents' values regarding landscape elements appeared to give "plantings" more value than "facilities". Thirdly, as a result of a mutual comparison between the values recognized by the resident regarding landscape elements and the construction input fee, depending on the landscape elements, it appeared that there is a difference in the ratio of up to 52 times from 1.25. Fourth, the fact that there is a difference in the relative proportion of value recognition and inputting construction cost indicates that it is not possible to respond to the needs of tenants during the construction cost development process. It also shows that the utility of inputting construction costs is low. Therefore, a macro-level examination such as reflecting the existing inflation rate is necessary to develop the efficient landscape construction cost of apartment such as the awareness of the value of the residents regarding landscape elements, out of the customary construction cost formulation method based on the microscopic dimensions of the consumer side.