bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Integrating effect of consumer perception factors in predicting private brand purchase in a Korean discount store context
Authors: Jin Byoungho , Gu Suh Yong 
Published: April 2005

PurposeDespite proven strategic significance and wide acceptance of private label products (PB), our understanding of PB in international markets is limited. The purposes of this study are to propose a model that integrates four consumer characteristic variables (price consciousness, value consciousness, perceived price variation, and consumer innovativeness) toward PB attitude and purchase intention, and to test the model in two product categories, grocery and home appliances, in a South Korean discount store context.Design/methodology/approachA total of 168 usable data (87 for food and 81 for home appliances were collected using mall intercept method from female shoppers at one Korean discount store in Seoul, Korea.FindingsThe findings revealed that, depending on the product category, contribution of the factors varies. Among four consumer characteristics, only three in each category exhibited direct and indirect association with PB purchase intention. Perceived quality variability in a food category and price consciousness in a home appliance category did not show any relationship with PB purchase intention nor with PB attitude. In both product categories, only two variables, value consciousness and consumer innovativeness, predicted PB attitude. Overall, consumer innovativeness was the strongest factor predicting Korean shoppers’ PB attitude.Originality/valueImportant theoretical contributions of this study are finding the relative importance of the variables on PB attitude and purchase intention, and differing roles of consumer variables by product characteristics. Further significance of this study lies in understanding the differing impact of consumer perceptual variables in predicting PB attitude and purchase intention simultaneously. Managerial implications of these results were discussed.
Linking global market segmentation decisions with strategic positioning options
Authors: Hassan Salah S. , Craft Stephen H. 
Published: April 2005

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine empirically the relationship between positioning strategies and bases of segmentation in international markets.Design/methodology/approachA principal component analysis was conducted to determine the major macro‐ as well as micro‐bases of segmentation that are linked with strategic positioning decision options. Further, a regression analysis was used to examine the effect of each of the segmentation bases on the different strategic positioning options used by segmentation managers.FindingsThis study suggests the combined use of both macro‐ and micro‐bases of segmentation in order to leverage similar strategic positioning across global markets. However, micro‐bases of segmentation are suggested for firms seeking differential positioning strategies.Research limitations/implicationsThe conceptual and empirical findings of this study pave the way for embarking on promising and relevant future research that is needed to substantiate and enrich the academic understanding and managerial practice of linking global segmentation with strategic positioning decisions. Future research should focus on the use of hybrid segmentation strategies; its logical design; implementation issues; and its evaluation mechanism.Practical implicationsThis study provides specific empirical evidence of the relationship between strategic use of segmentation bases and strategic positioning. An effective use of the proposed framework will have various strategic marketing implications for firms; including cost efficiencies, opportunities to transfer products globally, expansion opportunities of current operation, and development of more effective brand management decisions.Originality/valueThe proposed global strategic segmentation and positioning matrix is a new tool that guides managers to position their brands effectively in world markets.
The cynical use of marketing to the unwitting consumer
Authors: Rotfeld Herbert Jack 
Published: April 2005

PurposeTo show how marketing is accused of having all sorts of powers to control consumers and segmentation itself is often accused of abusing consumers, and yet there are many times when marketing people who should know better unethically abuse consumer targets’ naïve willingness to believe all sorts of nonsense.Design/methodology/approachPoints out the potential unethical nature of marketing practices that could take advantage of consumers’ inability to know or understand the truth of the matter.FindingsA growing number of books and articles describe the limits of human understanding, or how there are many things people believe that are not true. For some people, ignorance is simply a point of view. Yet it is patently unethical when marketing people take materials they know are false and sell to people not able to know better.Practical implicationsMarketing is not inherently unethical, but the worst of practices make all others look bad. At best, many marketing decision makers are too often amoral, and do not even consider the morality of what they do. This describes a distinction of clearly immoral approaches to marketing practice.Originality/valueStating the difference between simply meeting consumer needs and abusing consumers.
Nightclubs and bars: what do customers really want?
Authors: Skinner Heather , Moss Gloria , Parfitt Scott 
Published: April 2005

PurposeThis paper aims to give a wider understanding of what customers really want from first and subsequent visits to mainstream city centre nightclubs and bars by examining customer attitudes to various aspects of the services arena and service offerings provided by such venues.Design/methodology/approachPurposive sampling was used to establish two focus groups within the industry's main target market age group. This qualitative data were analysed from a grounded theory approach in order to identify the emerging themes that were then tested by quantitative data gathered by means of a questionnaire in phase 2 of the research. These data were then subjected to a frequency analysis in SPSS in order to identify those elements that were most preferred by the majority of respondents.FindingsFindings point to the relative importance of various elements of the servicescape in influencing customer decisions to enter a venue for the first time, and also to the relative importance of factors which prompt subsequent visits to a venue.Practical implicationsIn such a saturated and highly competitive marketplace these findings can assist mainstream venues within the late night economy to improve their competitive position by understanding and then providing what customers really want.Originality/valueAlthough there is much services marketing literature on the relevance of the servicescape and the importance of service quality, this paper attempts to ascertain which factors are truly key in customer decision‐making, and in which order each element of the service is rated by the industry's key target market.
Differential impact of social influence in the hospitality encounter
Authors: Butcher Ken 
Published: April 2005

PurposeThis study investigates how social influence variables will affect repurchase intentions differently depending on the number of prior visits made to the service. Specifically, the social influence variables of social regard and social comfort are compared with perceived core service quality to determine the greatest influence on repurchase intentions at four stages of customer experience with the service.Design/methodology/approachA single, cross‐sectional survey was conducted to gather data for this study. Customer data were drawn from nine small hospitality businesses operating in Queensland, Australia.FindingsA cross‐sectional survey of 146 café respondents revealed that social regard is the greatest influence on repurchase intentions for the initial visits to the café, but after 11 visits only perceived core service quality is a significant predictor.Research limitations/implicationsThe cross‐sectional design used in this study may not yield accurate associations between predictors and re‐purchase behaviour. In addition, the sample was weighted toward females.Practical implicationsThe results suggest that, for customers in the early café encounter, feeling respected is especially important.Originality/valueThis exploratory study sheds light on some of the predictor variables of re‐purchase intentions.
Selecting a food service system: a review
Authors: Rodgers Svetlana 
Published: April 2005

PurposeThe selection of a food service system (cook‐chill, cook‐freeze and cook‐hot‐hold) is a major strategic initiative, which involves a large capital investment. Each system has specific advantages and disadvantages and each is most suited to a particular set of operational conditions. The paper provides an inventory of data on the efficiency of the systems, identifies deficiencies as well as future needs and tools in the research in this field.Design/methodology/approachAn overview of the studies supporting the decision‐making process – the identification of the need for a system, evaluation of different systems, system selection, implementation and analysis of outcomes.FindingsThe paper demonstrates the lack of up‐to‐date objective data substantiating the benefits of the systems in the commercial and institutional hospitality sectors. It suggests a conceptual framework linking food preparation technologies with the elements of strategic marketing as well as statistical techniques, which can be used in the development of a model describing these relationships. Total productivity can be used as an indicator of the overall performance of a system.Research limitations/implicationsFuture studies should address the need for quantitative assessment of the aggregate effect of operational and financial factors including those related to construction, menu design, productivity and food quality.Originality/valueThe analysis of inputs/outputs and the possible research methodologies would be of interest to researches and educators, industry practitioners and other stakeholders in the efficient food provision in the tourism/hospitality/institutional sectors.
Rent and the lessee
Authors: Pratten J.D. 
Published: April 2005

PurposeThis paper considers the changes in the nature of the public house sector in the UK.Design/methodology/approachProfiles the changing nature of the public house sector using published reports and current literature. Comments on the emerging trends and the impacts that they are having on the UK public house sector.FindingsReveals that many of the old‐style licensees have not been able to adapt to new trading circumstances and are preparing to leave the industry.Practical implicationsIndicates that pub‐owning companies need to recruit a different type of lessee or tenant in the future, characterized by a dynamic sales presence, able to continually generate incremental improvements in pub income.Originality/valueReviews the changing characteristics of the UK public house sector.
A study of hotel information technology applications
Authors: Law Rob , Jogaratnam Giri 
Published: April 2005

PurposeInformation technology (IT) applications in the hotel industry have largely been devoted to the handling of the routine operational problems that crop up while running a hotel. Previously, the hotel industry has been criticised as reluctant to make full use of IT. This paper reports and analyses the findings of a recent survey on IT applications in Hong Kong hotels.Design/methodology/approachThrough personal interviews with 21 managers of hotel electronic data processing/management information systems (EDP/MIS) in 2003, different technical and behavioural aspects of IT were examined.FindingsCompared with a similar study performed in 1997, the empirical findings in 2003 showed that IT was used not merely to replace the existing paper system but also to improve customer services and to enhance operational effectiveness. Unfortunately, the empirical findings also indicated that hotel decision makers did not seem to realise the importance of IT for the purpose of developing business strategies and, therefore, IT was generally not used in hotels for high‐level business decision‐making.Research limitations/implicationsA limitation of this study was the fairly low participation rate of hotel managers.Practical implicationsThe study does offer useful insights for hoteliers to realistically analyse the potential benefits of IT applications to their business.Originality/valueThis paper will contribute to help raise the awareness of IT involvement at all levels of hotel business processes, and facilitate hoteliers to proactively incorporate IT into their efforts to remain competitive in the industry.
The smoking ban in hospitality: a cross‐border perspective from Ireland
Authors: McNabb Jennifer , Hearns Niamh 
Published: April 2005

PurposeThis paper reflects on the recent introduction of a statutory smoking ban in workplaces in the Republic of Ireland (ROI). The aim of the research is to identify the arguments for and against statutory smoking bans and to explore the impact of such legislation on hospitality organisations.Design/methodology/approachIn addition to the literature review, which examines evidence from other jurisdictions that have introduced smoking bans, the primary research is based on semi‐structured interviews with the managers of licensed premises in both the ROI and Northern Ireland.FindingsQualitative data based on the recent introduction of a smoking ban in the ROI indicate that, although the industry's concerns are understandable, hospitality businesses and their customers are adapting to the statutory smoking ban. The findings indicate that, to date, the smoking ban in the ROI has not adversely affected the licensed premises surveyed. However, the findings do indicate changes in consumer behaviour, which is consistent with press reports in the ROI.Originality/valueThis paper presents insights from both the ROI where a statutory smoking ban is in place and Northern Ireland where no such restrictions are in place. It is believed that this cross border perspective affords greater insight into the issues surrounding statutory smoking bans. Within the UK, the debate on the idea of a statutory smoking ban is ongoing; this paper seeks to provide a concise review of the issues within the context of the hospitality industry.
Destination image: to see or not to see? Part II
Authors: White Christopher 
Published: April 2005

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to generate insights into the area of tourism destination image.Design/methodology/approachThis paper was based on earlier work that identified a number of gaps in the literature related to destination image, and a qualitative design that incorporated structured interviews generated the results.FindingsIndicated that when individuals (45) were requested to respond to questions that included the terms image and perceptions of a destination, the responses were mostly identical. There was, however, some differences in the content of a small but significant number of responses (15) to the image question. Moreover, these individuals were more animated than the others, and six of them used colours in their response.Research limitations/implicationsThe representativeness and generalisibility of the findings are limited due to the small and convenient sample that formed the basis of this study.Practical implicationsThese findings provide interesting possibilities for tourism destination researchers and question whether managers and marketers should use the term image when gathering the information.Originality/valueThis paper has contributed to the development of theory related to destination image and has presented insights that have not yet been considered in the tourism literature.
Note on optimal redundant policies for reliability models
Authors: Nakagawa Toshio , Yasui Kazumi 
Published: April 2005

PurposeThe reliabilities of systems are generally improved as units of redundancy increase. This paper aims to summarize the authors' results.Design/methodology/approachA conceptual discussion and approach are taken.FindingsFocuses on the optimal number of units and replacement times of parallel systems, two modified replacement policies and two maintenance policies where a system is replaced at Nth repair and Nth failure. Further, as some examples of redundancy, five redundant models of data transmission, checkpoint, network and copy are given, and optimal policies for each model are analytically discussed.Originality/valuePresents the number of units and replacement times of parallel systems, and other modified replacement and preventive maintenance policies.
Biological sex, stereotypical sex‐roles, and SME owner characteristics
Authors: Watson John , Newby Rick 
Published: April 2005

PurposeTo investigate the relationship between biological sex (male or female) and stereotypical sex‐roles (masculinity and femininity) and to determine which might be more appropriate to use when examining small to medium‐size (SME) owner characteristics such as: locus of control (internal, powerful others and chance); need for achievement; risk‐taking propensity; and preference for innovation.Design/methodology/approachData for this study came from 673 usable responses (517 males, 156 females) to a survey of the attitudes and expectations of a random sample of SME owner‐operators in Western Australia.FindingsIt was found that femininity was significantly higher for women compared with men, but that there was no significant difference for masculinity. Results also indicate that, unlike femininity, masculinity is highly correlated with all of the “traditional” psychological traits. As a result, only one significant difference between men and women (based on their biological sex) was found; men had a higher risk‐taking propensity.Originality/valueThe results presented in this study confirm the belief that biological sex may not be an appropriate discriminator when examining differences in the psychological attributes of SME owners. Results suggest that the use of masculine and feminine traits might prove more useful in future research on this issue. Further, given the masculinity bias inherent in most of the psychological attributes typically found in the SME literature, it is suggested that Norman's Big Five (being more gender‐neutral) might be more appropriate in examining differences in SME owner characteristics.
No gender in cyberspace?
Authors: Martin Lynn M. , Tiu Wright Len 
Published: April 2005

PurposeTo explore how information communication technologies (ICT) and the internet offer new opportunities for women to develop as entrepreneurs and innovators. To add to the literature and provide updated research to raise awareness about female‐run ICT small businesses.Design/methodology/approachUses qualitative research methodology for case studies of female entrepreneurs and thematic grid analysis to form a major part of text analysis. The approach is influenced by the need to examine closely the nature of the enterprises or phenomena under investigation and to ask pertinent questions related to their particular mode of operations.FindingsShows the background of small firm development and innovation as well as personal and company characteristics, personal contacts and IT networking in obtaining information and customers. Reflects also the concern of female entrepreneurs from ethnic minorities in gaining financial backing and recognition of themselves as committed and successful entrepreneurs.Research limitations/implicationsThe main limitation is the small size of the sample (ten firms). There are implications for further work on gender analysis. The sample, though small, has contributed insights into the challenges facing women entrepreneurs in business and questioned the constraints on ethnicity for others. Technology is a great equaliser and the research has added further discussion on the economic contribution of female entrepreneurs.Practical implicationsShows guidance on qualitative analysis using personal interviews and thematic grid analysis of textual data, as well as presenting findings.Originality/valueContributes to the literature due to the scarcity of publications concerning female‐operated ICT small businesses. The paper is useful for researchers wishing to pursue entrepreneurship and gender studies.
Gender and career choice
Authors: Broadbridge Adelina , Parsons Elizabeth 
Published: April 2005

PurposeThis paper extends the debate on gender and career choice using the case study of managers in charity shops in the UK, a group that have previously not been researched. The charity retail sector has undergone considerable change over the last few years, particularly in its effort to professionalize. As a result shop managers' positions have changed from being voluntary to paid. With the changes taking place in the sector, the purpose of this research was to explore the views of current charity shop managers with regard to their career choice and career development issues.Design/methodology/approachThe methodological approach taken to the research was qualitative and used a series of in‐depth interviews with 22 shop managers.FindingsThe research found that charity retail management serves an important purpose for many women in the transition from the home to working environment. It provides the balance necessary to effectively combine the multiple role demands between personal and professional lives. Career success for these managers was less to do with occupational status or income, but encompassed the satisfaction, autonomy, challenge and self‐fulfillment the job presented them. As such, the majority had little interest in progressing their careers linearly but were contented with other forms of career development.Research limitations/implicationsBeing an exploratory study, the results are not generalisable to the population. A quantitative research methodology could be utilized to test the findings of this paper and enable researchers to draw firmer conclusions.Originality/valueThe findings of this research may aid recruitment and selection practices for the future recruitment and development of charity shop managers.
Expatriate compensation
Authors: Sims Robert H. , Schraeder Mike 
Published: April 2005

PurposeThis study aims to examine important situational factors impacting expatriate compensation and common practices utilized in compensating expatriates.Design/methodology/approachA synthesis of literature was reviewed, leading to the identification of numerous situational or contextual factors impacting expatriate compensation. A review of extant literature also identified several customary approaches to expatriate compensation.FindingsA variety of factors can directly affect expatriate compensation, with three primary approaches an organization should consider. These factors include host‐country cost of living, housing, dependent education, tax implications and health care – factors most often incorporated as a component of one of the primary approaches to compensation discussions: destination‐based approach, the balance‐sheet approach, and the international headquarters approach.Practical implicationsThis article was intended to enhance understanding of expatriate compensation by collectively examining not only the “how” (primary approaches) but also the “why” (salient contextual or situation factors) firms should consider when determining how to assemble an appropriate package.Originality/valuePresenting the factors and practices together makes an important contribution to the literature on expatriate compensation by addressing not only the “how” (customary approaches) of expatriate compensation, but also the “why” (salient contextual factors).