• Journal of Global Scholars of Marketing Science
• /
• v.19 no.3
• /
• pp.28-36
• /
• 2009

While existing literature has focused extensively on the strengths and weaknesses of the Chaebol and their ownership and governance, there have been few studies of Korean non-Chaebol firms. However, Lee, Lee and Pennings (2001) did not specifically investigate the competitive strategies that non-Chaebol firms use to survive against the Chaebol in the domestic Korean market. The motivation of this paper is to document, through four exploratory case studies, the successful competitive strategies of non-Chaebol Korean companies against the Chaebol and then offer some propositions that may be useful to other entrepreneurial firms as well as public policy makers. Competition and cooperation as conceptualized by product similarity and cooperative inter.firm relationship respectively, are major dimensions of firm.level marketing strategy. From these two dimensions, we develop the following $2{\times}2$ matrix, with 4 types of competitive strategies for non-Chaebol companies against the Chaebol (Fig. 1.). The non-Chaebol firm in Cell 1 has a "me-too" product for the low-end market while conceding the high-end market to a Chaebol. In Cell 2, the non-Chaebol firm partners with a Chaebol company, either as a supplier or complementor. In Cell 3, the non-Chaebol firm engages in direct competition with a Chaebol. In Cell 4, the non-Chaebol firm targets an unserved part of the market with an innovative product or service. The four selected cases such as E.Rae Electronics Industry Company (Co-exister), Intops (Supplier), Pantech (Competitor) and Humax (Niche Player) are analyzed to provide each strategy with richer insights. Following propositions are generated based upon our conceptual framework: Proposition 1: Non-Chaebol firms that have a cooperative relationship with a Chaebol will perform better than firms that do not. Proposition 1a; Co-existers will perform better than Competitors. Proposition 1b: Partners (suppliers or complementors) will perform better than Niche players. Proposition 2: Firms that have no product similarity with a Chaebol will perform better than firms that have product similarity. Proposition 2a: Partners (suppliers or complementors) will perform better than Co.existers. Proposition 2b: Niche players will perform better than Competitors. Proposition 3: Niche players should perform better than Co-existers. Proposition 4: Performance can be rank.ordered in descending order as Partners, Niche Players, Co.existers, Competitors. A team of experts was constituted to categorize each of these 216 non-Chaebol companies into one of the 4 cells in our typology. Simple Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) in SPSS statistical software was used to test our propositions. Overall findings are that it is better to have a cooperative relationship with a Chaebol and to offer products or services differentiated from a Chaebol. It is clear that the only profitable strategy, on average, to compete against the Chaebol is to be a partner (supplier or complementor). Competing head on with a Chaebol company is a costly strategy not likely to pay off for a non-Chaebol firm. Strategies to avoid head on competition with the Chaebol by serving niche markets with differentiated products or by serving the low-end of the market ignored by the Chaebol are better survival strategies. This paper illustrates that there are ways in which small and medium Korean non-Chaebol firms can thrive in a Chaebol environment, though not without risks. Using different combinations of competition and cooperation firms may choose particular positions along the product similarity and cooperative relationship dimensions to develop their competitive strategies-co-exister, competitor, partner, niche player. Based on our exploratory case-study analysis, partner seems to be the best strategy for non-Chaebol firms while competitor appears to be the most risky one. Niche players and co-existers have intermediate performance, though the former do better than the latter. It is often the case with managers of small and medium size companies that they tend to view market leaders, typically the Chaebol, with rather simplistic assumptions of either competition or collaboration. Consequently, many non-Chaebol firms turn out to be either passive collaborators or overwhelmed competitors of the Chaebol. In fact, competition and collaboration are not mutually exclusive, and can be pursued at the same time. As suggested in this paper, non-Chaebol firms can actively choose to compete and collaborate, depending on their environment, internal resources and capabilities.

• The Korean Journal of Mycology
• /
• v.27 no.4 s.91
• /
• pp.283-288
• /
• 1999

The effect of water activity ($a_w,\;0.9{\sim}0.995$) and temperature ($18{\sim}30^{\circ}$C) on in vitro growth and interactions between ochratoxin-producing Aspergillus ochraceus and six other fungi (Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus candidus, A. flavus, A. niger, Eurotium amstelodami, E. rubrum) isolated from maize grain were investigated. A. ochraceus and each six other species were paired and their interactions given a numerical score to obtain an index of dominance ($I_D$) for each species. Generally A. ochraceus was very competitive and dominant against other fungi. It was, however, dominanted by Alternaria alternata and A. niger at high $a_w\;(0.995\;a_w)$, and mutually antagonistic when paired with E. amstelodami and E. rubrum at low $a_w\;(0.9\;a_w)$. The growth rates of each species were also calculated under the same range of environmental conditions. They were markedly influenced by aw and temperature. At high temperature ($30^{\circ}C$), A. ochraceus grew most rapidly under slightly drier conditions ($0.95\;a_w$), while A. alternata, A. flavus and A. niger did at high water availability level ($0.995\;a_w$). At $18^{\circ}C\;and\;25^{\circ}C$, and high $a_w$ level ($0.995\;a_w$), A. alternata grew fastest, while A. candidus, E. amstelodami and E. rubrum grew very slowly. Using Biolog plates the effect of $a_w$ and temperature on utilization patterns of carbon sources in maize was evaluated. The niche overlap index (NOI) relative to A. ochraceus was determined and compared with that of each interacting species. Under high water available condition ($0.995\;a_w$). the NOI of A. ochraceus was often >0.9, indicative of the coexistence with other interacting species. However, against E. amstelodami and E. rubrum at $18^{\circ}C$, the species had NOI <0.8, indicative of occupation of different niches. At low $a_w\;(0.95\;a_w)$, NOI for A. ochraceus was <0.8 when paired with A. alternata and A. niger also suggested the occupation of different niches.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
• /
• v.41 no.8
• /
• pp.202-212
• /
• 2017

Background: To reveal establishment strategy of Sparganium erectum, we tried to find realized niche of adults through field survey and effects of water level on the establishment process through mesocosm experiments. Results: In the field survey, the height and coverage of community living in deeper water were greater than those of community living in shallow water. There was no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) in the means of water and soil properties between the two communities. In mesocosm experiments, we found no correlation between water levels and germination rates, but S. erectum seedlings have characteristics of post germination seedling buoyancy when S. erectum seeds germinated in inundation conditions. Shoot height, total leaf length, and survival rates of sinking seedlings in shallow water levels at -5, 0, and 5 cm were higher than those in deeper water levels at 10 and 20 cm. Floating seedlings established in water levels of 3 and 6 cm only. The seedlings could live up to 6 weeks in floating state but died if they were unable to establish. Conclusions: The water level around adult S. erectum communities in the field were different from the water level at which S. erectum seedlings can survive in the mesocosm experiments. The findings provided not only understanding of S. erectum habitat characteristics but also evidence to connect historical links between the early seedlings stage and adult habitat conditions. We suggested the logical establishment strategy of S. erectum based on the data.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
• /
• v.15 no.8
• /
• pp.5070-5077
• /
• 2014

Many countries in the world have protected their native plants and utilized them as industrial materials in each country. In this aspect, it is increasingly important to develop cosmetics materials using native plants in Korea. Cosmetic materials have been developed with niche plants, such as Campanula takesimana Nakai, Dianthus superbus, Aster spathulifolius in Ullengdo, in which a specific plant distribution by distinct climate and environment was present. Water and ethanol extractions were performed from the calluses of Campanula takesimana Nakai, Dianthus superbus, Aster spathulifolius. HPLC analysis revealed different compositions and functions of effective elements in each ethanol extract. For example, all types of ethanol extracts showed an ability to heal wounds. In particular, the expression of the inflammation-related gene, COX-2, was decreased in response to the ethanol extracts of Dianthus superbus. These results indicate that the ethanol extracts from niche plants' calluses in Ullengdo are natural and environmentally-friendly compounds, and can be used as medical supplies associated with anti-inflammation and wound healing.

• Archives of design research
• /
• v.15 no.2
• /
• pp.115-124
• /
• 2002

There has been no enough consistency about the question of 'Is it possible for golden section to be applied to product design\ulcorner'In addition, There has been no near answer about 'What is proportion\ulcorner and 'How can proportion be approached\ulcorner About this matter, this study identified various types of proportion through experiment design and consumer surrey. According to the results of this study, various and different types of proportion exist in product design and therefore, proportion in product design couldn't be considered by one-dimensional aesthetic element. This kind of study about the types of proportion could give an good answer abort the matter of 'Is it possible for golden section to be applied to product design\ulcorner'and it's expected practically to give a useful insight to the approach of Product design in Which proportion is considered. In addition, preferred proportion structure is different according to the consumer characteristic, successful design strategy such as niche market penetration could be performed if designers classify consumer characteristic systematically.

• Journal of Science Education
• /
• v.41 no.2
• /
• pp.195-212
• /
• 2017

Small group learning is an educational approach to allow students to solve the problems and to achieve a common goal. Especially, small group learning in science education is one of the most important educational approaches and effective to ensure understanding of a topic. Small group learning consisting of three students in science education maximize student understanding and learning efficiency. However, It is reported that the effects of small group learning on achievement show different results, corresponding to different grouping methods(homogeneous/heterogeneous). This study investigated the effects of grouping method on difference of ecological niche of photosynthesis concepts. To achieve this, 1107 7th students were composed of homogeneous and heterogeneous groups classified into top, middle, and bottom levels. The photosynthesis units were divided into four categories: the photosynthesizing place, the substances of photosynthesis, required materials for the photosynthesizing, and environmental factors affecting photosynthesis. A questionnaire was composed by selecting concepts having a frequency of 4% or more based on prior studies on the change of the ecological status of photosynthesis. The questionnaire was scored in terms of relativity and understanding on each of the proposed concepts in the four categories. The result of this study is as set forth below. 1) There was an enhancement of learning the concept of science in small group classes consisting of 3 students. 2) To enhance the average upon composing of a group, it is proposed that the group should be formed homogeneously, and to reduce the deviation between the members, it is proposed that the group should be formed heterogeneously. Through this study, it is expected that specific studies verifying the difference or effect on the duplicity of results are conducted based on the composition of groups.

• Proceedings of the Korean Operations and Management Science Society Conference
• /
• 2001.10a
• /
• pp.233-236
• /
• 2001

This study explores on the static and dynamic growth patterns of high-tech ventures in Korea. We developed an integrative framework with target market (local vs. global), product/market maturity (existing vs. emerging), and technological capability (follower vs. pioneer). We also identified seven new ventures strategies as follows: i) reactive imitation, ii) proactive localization, iii) import substitution, iv) creative imitation, v) early market-entry, vi) global niche, and vii) global innovation. With five successful Korean new ventures, we found different competitive behaviors and performance among new venture strategic types. This study also observed two different growth patterns: growth through strategic replication and growth through strategic change. It depends on whether they are pursuing similar strategy over time or different strategy within for growth. In addition, we found that creative imitation plays a stepping-stone role in two-step internationalization processes. Although this study is exploratory and needs more empirical studies, it can provide new ventures with meaningful guidelines for growth and internationalization with a dynamic perspective.

• 한국해양학회지
• /
• v.30 no.5
• /
• pp.442-457
• /
• 1995

The relationships of environmental factors to the distribution patterns of the three species of ophiuroids, Ophiura kinbergi, O. sarsi and ). sarsi vadicola from Yellow Sea southeast seas and East Sea of Korea were studied to characterize their habitual niches. These three species chosen for study illustrated distinct niche and patterns according to their various preferences mainly for bottom water temperature, bottom water salinity and depth from seven environmental variables which were depth, bottom water temperature and salinity, density, bottom water oxygen content, grain size of the surface sediment, and sediment sorting coefficient. The results of habitat niche study mainly dealing with O. sarsi vadicola suggested that the optimum habitat rages were approximately 6$^{\circ}C$∼10$^{\circ}C$ in bottom temperature and 31%∼33.5% in bottom water salinity which also corresponded with the characteristic ranges of Yellow Sea Bottom Cold Water and higher probabilities of occurrence (more than 70%) were found in depth ranging from 100 to 200 m. In addition, the habitats of O. kinbergi and O. sarsi were compared with that of O. sarsi vadicola. Their ranges of habitat niches were found to have different niches in physical space of bottom water temperature, bottom water salinity and depth. Based on the distribution pattern of O. sarsi vadicola in the Yellow Sea, the ecological barrier which confined the distribution of benthic macro-invertebrates in southern Yellow Sea was determined to be the Yellow Sea Warm Current (approximately 34% < and 18$^{\circ}C$ in December) which occurs between 33$^{\circ}$ and 34$^{\circ}$N of southern Yellow Sea in winter time.

• Journal of Wetlands Research
• /
• v.13 no.2
• /
• pp.355-362
• /
• 2011

Bog bean (Menyanthes trifoliata L.) is an endangered species in Korea and a perennial macrophyte with long rhizome, inhabiting in oligotrophic fen or edges of montane lakes. To decide appropriate substrate type for restoration of this plant, we investigated the effect of substrates (e.g. water, Sphagnum mat, paddy soil) on growth of bog bean. There were two water conditions on paddy soils: saturated and flooded. We planted 10cm rhizome in mesocosms and measured coverage, leaf area, leaf number and rhizome biomass. Bog bean growed until August in water and Sphagnum mat and until October in paddy soil. Rhizome biomass at the end of November were 49, 77, 239, and 312g in water, Sphagnum mat, paddy soil with water saturated, and paddy soil with water flooded conditions, respectively. The results indicate that bog bean can grow better in paddy soil which have higher nutrient than water or Sphagnum mat which represents natural habitat condition of bog bean. This reveals that actual ecological niche of bog bean is different from fundamental ecological niche in substrate. For successful restoration of bog bean in nutrient rich area, it is necessary to know the competitiveness of bog bean in various substrate conditions.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
• /
• v.54 no.4
• /
• pp.363-373
• /
• 2021

An ecological niche is defined as the specific role of a species influenced by time, space, and other resources. By investigating overlaps between ecological niches of different species, we could estimate the degrees of interspecific competition. Such studies often use geographic information systems (GIS) to discover niche overlaps between species. In this study, we used GIS to estimate the spatial niches of two Korean frog species(Pelophylax nigromaculatus and P. chosenicus). This enabled us to predict their geographic distributions in order to identify their coexistence regions and distribution patterns. The results confirmed that altitude was an important variable for predicting their distribution, with a correlation with their climatic range. Spatial distributions of the two frog species were highly overlapped, as the distribution range for P. nigromaculatus included most of the range of P. chosenicus, showing a sympatric distribution pattern. Within the coexisting regions, however, the presence sites for the two species did not overlap, implying weak competition. To confirm the principal factors influencing their competitive relationship and reasons for their sympatric distribution pattern, we need more detailed in-depth studies on the diverse environmental variables within the regions where the two species coexist. By doing so, we would be able to identify various mechanisms for avoiding competition in sympatric frog species.