bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cross‐cultural comparisons of consumer satisfaction ratings
Authors: Duque Lola C. , Lado Nora 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThis paper seeks to propose Albert Hirschman's theory of “exit, voice and loyalty” as a complementary conceptual framework to Hofstede's cultural dimensions and use them in conjunction to compare consumer satisfaction with services across cultures.Design/methodology/approachA model of satisfaction with complex services (higher education) is developed and then tested in two different cultures, Colombia and Spain, with a sample of 879 students. Structural equation modeling based on the partial least squares algorithm is used to test the proposed model.FindingsColombian students are more satisfied with the educational system than Spanish ones. This is explained by cultural and contextual differences that pose greater restrictions on accessibility to higher education, provide fewer choice alternatives and present more switching costs for the Colombian student.Originality/valueThis study applies the conditions of Hirschman's theory in an international setting, offering a rich basis for understanding differences in consumer satisfaction that accounts for intra‐national diversity.
Factors influencing Chinese youth consumers' acceptance of mobile marketing
Authors: Gao Tao (Tony) , Sultan Fareena , Rohm Andrew J. 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine factors affecting consumers' acceptance of mobile marketing in China.Design/methodology/approachThe authors draw on technology acceptance and uses and gratifications theories to develop a conceptual model of antecedent factors (including risk acceptance related to the mobile platform and personal attachment related to mobile devices) and marketing‐related and value‐based mobile activity related to the acceptance of mobile marketing practice. The conceptual model is tested using data collected among Chinese youth consumers.FindingsThe results confirm the importance of risk acceptance and personal attachment in influencing mobile marketing acceptance, and support the “priming” effect of regular mobile phone usage on orienting consumers toward accepting mobile marketing initiatives.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is limited to a specific sample of youth consumers in China. The findings illustrate the role of antecedent factors – including personal attachment and risk acceptance – related to acceptance of mobile marketing in the Chinese market and they emphasize the role of marketing‐related and value‐based mobile activity in mediating the relationships between antecedent factors and mobile marketing acceptance.Practical implicationsThe findings illustrate the importance of recognizing the drivers of, and obstacles to, mobile marketing acceptance. These factors included the likelihood of providing information, likelihood of accessing content, likelihood of sharing content, level of risk acceptance, and level of personal attachment to one's mobile phone.Originality/valueThe paper adds to the growing literature on Chinese youth consumers by examining their acceptance of mobile marketing. The study reveals several implications for theory and practice relating to the antecedents of mobile marketing acceptance among the youth consumer segment within China, a large and emerging market.
Beliefs about advertising in China: empirical evidence from Hong Kong and Shanghai consumers
Authors: Jozsa Laszlo , Insch Andrea , Krisjanous Jayne , Fam Kim‐Shyan 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to examine metropolitan Chinese Generation Xers' attitude toward advertising and to determine whether the ranking for ad likeability and dislikeability attributes are the same across Hong Kong and Shanghai.Design/methodology/approachA telephone interview of 200 respondents in each city was conducted using a strategy of matched samples. Generation Xers residing in Hong Kong and Shanghai were selected as these two segments are politically more uniform now than before, share similar economic and business structures, and are exposed to the same goods and services. Respondents were first asked to recall three television advertisements they liked/disliked and give as many reasons as possible to explain why they liked/disliked them. They were also asked about their beliefs in advertising.FindingsThe results show that the respondents from both cities find advertising “interesting and entertaining”, but “devious”. In terms of likeable attributes, they like “entertaining”, while “style” is the most disliked attribute. The main difference between the two groups was found in attribute rating. The study concludes by offering several explanations for these variations.Originality/valueIn this study, instead of requesting respondents to interpret what had appeared in the prints or commercials, it examines respondents' verbal descriptions of how they perceived television commercials. This method affords an opportunity to have respondents more freely express their thoughts and feelings about the topic under investigation.
Exploiting the goldmine: a lifestyle analysis of affluent Chinese consumers
Authors: He Yanqun , Zou Deqiang , Jin Liyin 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThe objective of this paper is to investigate the lifestyles of contemporary Chinese affluent consumers and their influences on a number of consumption variables such as brand preference (local versus foreign), attitudes toward innovative products, luxury consumption, impulse purchases, etc.Design/methodology/approachSurvey data were collected from 1,317 consumers across 17 cities in China. Five lifestyle factors were identified and further verified through a confirmatory factor analysis. Multiple regression analyses were performed to explore the relationships between lifestyles and consumption patterns.FindingsThe results showed that affluent Chinese consumers, though apparently similar in terms of wealth possession, exhibited very different patterns in their purchase and consumption behaviors. For instance, consumers with a salient “need‐for‐uniqueness” trait were found to be quite contingent on consuming goods for being distinctive. The price conscious consumers were somehow over‐confident in their purchase decisions, resulting sometimes in impulse buying. A third group of people were found to often disguise their consumption behaviors with an explicit orientation for public interests, e.g. environmental protection. Compared with those who seek respect from others, consumers with strong needs for achievement were found to be more pragmatic and tended to be self‐oriented.Practical implicationsFindings from this study provides a useful framework for marketers to link their products to various lifestyle groups of affluent Chinese consumers, thus enhancing their marketing productivity and profitability in the Chinese market.Originality/valueDespite the large body of lifestyle studies, very little research has focused on the Asia Pacific region. The current study provides an extensive empirical investigation, on which marketers may better approach affluent Chinese consumers with various lifestyles.
An empirical study on the decision‐making styles of the Chinese peasant consumers
Authors: Baoku Li , Cuixia Zhai , Weimin Bao 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to determine Chinese peasant consumers' decision‐making styles.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reflects on the psychological orientation and decision‐making styles of peasants' purchase of durable appliances. This has the dual character of purchase behavior by the study on factor analysis from a view of peasants' consumption psychology. The consumer style inventory (CSI) was administered in January 2009 to 5,827 peasants in 656 villages in 14 provinces which were selected randomly in China. Both an exploratory factor analysis and a confirmatory factor analysis are adopted to validate the CSI inventory. This results in a 25‐item and eight‐factor solution.FindingsFindings indicate that three consumer segments are formed: confused by over choice peasant consumer; fashion and impulsive peasant consumer; and perfect peasant consumer. The income effect on a farmer's purchasing has a threshold, while income does not reach the limit, income does not have an obvious effect on the decision‐making styles of peasants' purchasing on durable appliances, the category of consumer styles depends on the “individual” factor of peasants' consumption psychology, and their consumption behavior characteristics depend on the grade of psychological orientation and decision‐making styles of the consumer.Practical implicationsThe marketing mix of an enterprise should recognize the potential differences of psychology of the peasant consumer. Enterprises should adopt positive marketing strategies in pricing to induce and inspire consumer motivation and behavior, so that enterprises can positively interact with rural consumers and achieve optimal allocation of marketing resources.Originality/valueThis paper decribes the decision‐making styles of Chinese peasant consumers based on their purchasing behavior with regard to consumer and consumption psychology. The effect of annual average income and income source of the family on the consumers' decision‐making styles is not obvious, but the number of people in a family has some effect on consumers' decision‐making styles.
“Catching up with ‘civilisation’”: reflections on language spread in Poland
Authors: Śliwa Martyna 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to address the intensive spread of the English language in Central and Eastern Europe as an aspect of postsocialist transition.Design/methodology/approachThe paper analyses the discourses and ideologies related to the spread of English in postsocialist Poland, drawing on insights from critical discourse analysis and language ideology. The empirical material discussed comprises newspaper articles dealing with the topic of language policy in Poland, with a focus on the media campaign, “battle for English”.FindingsThe paper finds that the spread of English is facilitated by powerful discourses propagating the knowledge of English together with the ideology of neo‐liberal economic and social transformation. The exploration of the discourses inherent in the story of the “battle for English” enables the links between the linguistic practices applied by individual actors and the ideologies conveyed by the discourses found in mainstream media to be made explicit.Research limitations/implicationsAn awareness of the mechanisms of discourse and ideology allows us to question both the drive behind and the social impact of the spread of English in Central and Eastern Europe.Originality/valueThe paper offers a novel theoretical and empirical contribution to the understanding on postsocialist transition.
Transforming humanitarian logistics: the journey to supply network management
Authors: Tatham Peter H. , Pettit Stephen J. 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an introduction of the two parts of the Special Edition of the journal devoted to the challenges of humanitarian aid logistics. To achieve this, an overview of the humanitarian logistic field is provided focussing on a number of key areas in which the principles and practices supporting commercial supply network management (SNM) have the potential to offer significant improvement in the efficiency and/or effectiveness of the humanitarian logistics preparation and response.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on a conceptual discussion of issues of SNM in a humanitarian aid context, linked to the more specific discussions of the contribution of the research presented by the authors of the papers accepted for the special editions.FindingsThe paper discusses the concept of SNM and argues that the fundamental principles that have been the subject of considerable academic scrutiny are equally applicable to the humanitarian logistic field – albeit, in some cases, the specific environment may alter the balance of risk/benefit for particular approaches.Originality/valueThe application of commercial SNM theory and practice has received limited consideration within the humanitarian aid logistics literature to date. This paper is designed to redress this shortfall. As a result, it is hoped that it will act as a catalyst for further research and to widen and deepen the resultant debate with a view to improving the outcome for those affected by current and future disasters.
(Le)agility in humanitarian aid (NGO) supply chains
Authors: Scholten Kirstin , Sharkey Scott Pamela , Fynes Brian 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the concept of agility in the context of supply chains of humanitarian aid (HA) organizations, particularly non‐government organizations (NGOs). This responds to the increasing pressure on NGOs to use their resources more strategically if they are to gain donor trust and long‐term commitment.Design/methodology/approachA literature‐based approach that extends the commercial supply chain concept of agility to NGOs is combined with the first exploratory semi‐structured interviews of these concepts with five NGO supply chain directors.FindingsThe commercial concept of agility when responding to disaster relief holds strong potential for increasing efficiency and effectiveness, but this application is restrained by the absence of supporting information technology (IT) and the relegation of supply chain management (SCM) to the “back office” by NGOs. This has potential implications for NGOs and other HA agencies.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper represents an exploratory study, and an extended pool of interviewees would reinforce the qualitative findings. Planned future research will address this issue.Practical implicationsPractical guidance on how NGOs can proactively manage their organization's ability to respond with agility in a highly pressured environment is provided.Originality/valueThis paper is the first to offer practical guidance to managers of NGOs on strategies available to improve their organization's flexibility and agility, based on theoretical concepts and initial exploratory data. In addition, evidence of how commercial tools apply in a different arena may prompt commercial managers to be more innovative in utilizing and customizing supply chain principles to their particular context of operation.
Water distribution in disaster relief
Authors: Nolz Pamela C. , Doerner Karl F. , Hartl Richard F. 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present an operations research (OR) model for planning water distribution tours in disaster relief. Especially in situations after a disaster occurrence, characterized by instability and the immediate need of help, high‐quality decisions have to be made fast. For this reason, it is very useful if planning decisions can be alleviated by a decision support system (DSS) using an efficient multi‐objective metaheuristic as its algorithmic core.Design/methodology/approachThe paper develops a metaheuristic search technique based on evolutionary concepts for a real‐world extension of a multi‐objective covering tour problem.FindingsThe proposed method supports decision makers in finding appropriate compromise solutions with respect to conflicting objectives (e.g. coverage and travel time). With this work, the authors want to reduce the gap between theory and practical applications. They apply OR methods to a real‐world application in the field of disaster relief operations planning.Research limitations/implicationsThe success of the proposed approach depends on the availability of reasonable and useful data. However, data generation in this context represents an upcoming discipline, especially under the circumstances of increasing threat by natural hazards.Practical implicationsWhen the approach is integrated in a DSS, different scenarios can be investigated immediately and presented with a geographic information tool. The most appropriate solution for the decision makers can be realized.Originality/valueHeterogeneous transport modes and different road types were not considered so far in these types of problems.
Using Monte Carlo simulation to refine emergency logistics response models: a case study
Authors: Banomyong Ruth , Sopadang Apichat 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a framework for the development of emergency logistics response models. The proposition of a conceptual framework is in itself not sufficient and simulation models are further needed in order to help emergency logistics decision makers in refining their preparedness planning process.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents a framework proposition with illustrative case study.FindingsThe use of simulation modelling can help enhance the reliability and validity of developed emergency response model.Research limitations/implicationsThe emergency response model outcomes are still based on simulated outputs and would still need to be validated in a real‐life environment. Proposing a new or revised emergency logistics response model is not sufficient. Developed logistics response models need to be further validated and simulation modelling can help enhance validity.Practical implicationsEmergency logistics decision makers can make better informed decisions based on simulation model output and can further refine their decision‐making capability.Originality/valueThe paper posits the contribution of simulation modelling as part of the framework for developing and refining emergency logistics response.
A model to define and assess the agility of supply chains: building on humanitarian experience
Authors: Charles Aurelie , Lauras Matthieu , Van Wassenhove Luk 
Published: November 2010

PurposeBy constantly working in environments with high degree of uncertainty, humanitarian organizations end up becoming specialists in the implementation of agile systems. Their counterparts in profit‐making organizations have a lot to learn from them in this domain. Volatility of demand, imbalance between supply and demand and disruptions are all factors that affect commercial supply chains and call for a high level of agility. The aims of this paper are twofold: first, to clearly define the concept of supply chain agility, and second, to build a model for assessing the level of agility of a supply chain.Design/methodology/approachThree approaches are used in this research: literature review, case study and symbolic modeling.FindingsThe paper developed first, a framework for defining supply chain agility and second, a model for assessing and improving the capabilities of humanitarian and commercial supply chains in terms of agility, based on an analysis of humanitarian approaches.Research limitations/implicationsThe model has been developed thanks to inputs from humanitarian practitioners and feedbacks from academics. The practical application to various humanitarian relief operations and commercial supply chains is yet to be done.Originality/valueThis paper contributes significantly to clarifying the notion of supply chain agility. It also provides a consistent, robust and reproducible method of assessing supply chain agility, which seems appropriate for both humanitarian and business sectors. Finally, it is complementary to existant research on humanitarian logistics. It shows that though humanitarian professionals have a lot to learn from the private sector, the reverse is also true.
Tsunami height poles and disaster awareness
Authors: Sugimoto Megumi , Iemura Hirokazu , Shaw Rajib 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThis paper seeks to demonstrate a unique project with tsunami height poles and disaster education to maintain disaster awareness for several decades in the area where the Indian Ocean tsunami caused significant damage in 2004.Design/methodology/approachA case study approach is utilized combined with field observation, participatory observation and a general literature review of relevant studies and secondary sources.FindingsThe major finding is that the unique device of 85 tsunami height poles was brought from the outside to Banda Aceh city so that people may remember the impact of the tsunami over a longer period of time when awareness is likely to reduce. As local people gradually understood the significance of the poles, the number of local cooperators increased and the project's impact improved significantly.Research limitations/implicationsThe long‐term impact of the disaster resilience is yet to be verified in Banda Aceh city. The field research results of the project's process and impact immediately connected with grassroots practice with people to maintain disaster awareness and resilence for the city. The practice to which the Hyogo Framework for Action gives priority connects with building understanding of tsunami risk and disaster awareness with local knowledge, assimilated by preserving disaster records and visualizing disaster.Practical implicationsThe paper describes a field‐based project in Banda Aceh city and the suburb, Indonesia, which was implemented in cooperation with local communities, local non‐government organizations, local school boards and specialists from Kyoto University, Japan. Thus, the study findings are directly related to its practical implications.Originality/valueThe paper highlights how the device of 85 tsunami height poles which were built in order to visualize disaster and maintain disaster awareness under the concept, blended an expert's unique idea with old Japanese knowledge in Banda Aceh city by the local community in Indonesia in June 2007. The paper shows that local ideas maintain living knowledge and lessons with sustainable development in the local place after the project had finished and recommendations can apply to the other tsunami affected areas.
Data collection after massive natural disasters (focusing on Bam earthquake, Iran)
Authors: Zolala Farzaneh 
Published: November 2010

PurposeThe aim of this study is to explore mortality data collection after a destructive earthquake in Bam, Iran.Design/methodology/approachThis is a case study of mortality data collection using a qualitative approach. The study data were collected through interviews with people involved with data collection and processing in Iran, and an evaluation of routinely collected data.FindingsThe results indicated that there were many limitations affecting data collection after the earthquake. These limitations are rooted in basic problems within the existing data collection system and a lack of co‐ordination between the groups collecting data, including national and international aid groups that provided help after the earthquake.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is based on a very large and destructive earthquake; the results may be different for other natural disasters such as floods.Practical implicationsThe main target group of this study is the decision makers involved with the disaster relief issues at national and international levels. This issue of data collection is imperative for future disaster aid.Originality/valueThe study highlights the problems affecting routine collection of mortality data after a disaster, arising from the scant attention paid to proper documentation.