Investigation to determine elements influencing customer's satisfaction in the B2C electronic retailing marketplaces

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatemeh Ehsani ◽  
Monireh Hosseini

PurposeTaking the perfect perspective of customers' satisfaction, this paper aims to investigate the elements affecting customer satisfaction in business-to-consumer (B2C) online retailing stores, which are divided into five non-monetary dimensions: trust, order fulfillment, website construction, excitement and interaction.Design/methodology/approachDue to distinguishing the suitability of the data, the authors used exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Next, the authors utilized confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to check their validity. Then, the authors applied Cronbach's alpha to check the reliability of the elements. After that, the authors combined these five elements with structural equation modeling (SEM) to make a model. The authors also performed Friedman tests to prioritize the elements.FindingsThe results indicate that each element is undeniably significant and has an extraordinary impact on customers' satisfaction evaluation. Therefore, system providers and electronic retailers need to consider them on their websites to achieve marketing goals in the competitive online environments.Originality/valueElectronic commerce has resulted in an essential change in B2C marketing, especially in the electronic retailing industry. Online suppliers need to satisfy their customers to receive competitive advantages and increase their income. The purpose of this study is to research the elements affecting customers' satisfaction in B2C online retailing stores.

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 378-396 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Lithopoulos ◽  
Peter A. Dacin ◽  
Tanya R. Berry ◽  
Guy Faulkner ◽  
Norm O’Reilly ◽  
...  

Purpose The brand equity pyramid is a theory that explains how people develop loyalty and an attachment to a brand. The purpose of this study is to test whether the predictions made by the theory hold when applied to the brand of ParticipACTION, a Canadian non-profit organization that promotes active living. A secondary objective was to test whether this theory predicted intentions to be more physically active. Design/methodology/approach A research agency conducted a cross-sectional, online brand health survey on behalf of ParticipACTION. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis established the factor structure. Structural equation modeling was used to test the hypothesized model. Findings A nationally representative sample of Canadian adults (N = 1,191) completed the survey. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis supported a hypothesized five-factor brand equity framework (i.e. brand identity, brand meaning, brand responses, brand resonance and intentions). A series of structural equation models also provided support for the hypothesized relationships between the variables. Practical implications Though preliminary, the results provide a guide for understanding the branding process in the activity-promotion context. The constructs identified as being influential in this process can be targeted by activity-promotion organizations to improve brand strength. A strong organizational brand could augment activity-promotion interventions. A strong brand may also help the organization better compete against other brands promoting messages that are antithetical to their own. Originality/value This is the first study to test the brand equity pyramid using an activity-promotion brand. Results demonstrate that the brand equity pyramid may be useful in this context.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rahul Priyadarshi ◽  
Srikanta Routroy ◽  
Girish Kant

Purpose The purpose of this study is to analyze the post-harvest supply chain enablers (PHSCEs) for vertical integration to enhance rural employability, farmer profitability and rural produce marketability (i.e. market prospects) in the post-harvest supply chain (PHSC). The impact of vertical integration is also explored for various commercial produces. Design/methodology/approach A structural equation modeling (SEM) of PHSCEs for vertical integration was developed to enhance market prospects, rural employability and farmer profitability. The impact of business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-customer market prospects are explored in various dimensions for stakeholders such as farmers, manufacturers (processors), distributors and retailers. The fuzzy technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (F-TOPSIS) was used to prioritize these PHSCEs to improve market prospects and rural employability. Findings The PHSCEs are clustered into three groups, namely, initiatives at the strategic frontier, initiatives at the tactical frontier and concerns for rural employability via vertical integration using exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and SEM to prove the null hypothesis. With F-TOPSIS results, the availability of warehousing was found to be the most crucial enabler when observing the PHSCEs from the initiatives’ perspective. The technology adaptability and availability, institute for training and research and information infrastructure and information visibility were found to be the key PHSCEs when observed from PHSC stakeholders’ perspectives. Research limitations/implications The implementation of this study will improve the rural produce marketability, rural employability, B2B marketing (i.e. effective distribution) and subsequent value chains with the practice of vertical integration for fresh produce at the rural level. Practical implications The outcomes of this study have a key role in developing the rural regions and improving rural livelihoods via value addition. The awareness of commercial cultivation and value addition in rural areas needs to be improved. This will help farmers to earn better revenues with improved market prospects in comparison to the revenues obtained from the cultivation of staple/conventional crops. Originality/value In an era of cold chains and food processing, this study aims to disseminate awareness about value addition for commercial and fresh produces at the rural level. The implication of this study will improve rural produce marketability, rural employability and farmer profitability at the rural level with the level of vertical integration.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dindayal Agrawal ◽  
Jitender Madaan

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the barriers to the implementation of big data (BD) in the healthcare supply chain (HSC).Design/methodology/approachFirst, the barriers concerning BD adoption in the HSC were found by conducting a detailed literature survey and with the expert's opinion. Then the exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was employed to categorize the barriers. The obtained results are verified using the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis gives the path diagram representing the interrelationship between latent variables and observed variables.FindingsThe segregation of 13 barriers into three categories, namely “data governance perspective,” “technological and expertise perspective,” and “organizational and social perspective,” is performed using EFA. Three hypotheses are tested, and all are accepted. It can be concluded that the “data governance perspective” is positively related to “technological and expertise perspective” and “organizational and social perspective” factors. Also, the “technological and expertise perspective” is positively related to “organizational and social perspective.”Research limitations/implicationsIn literature, very few studies have been performed on finding the barriers to BD adoption in the HSC. The systematic methodology and statistical verification applied in this study empowers the healthcare organizations and policymakers in further decision-making.Originality/valueThis paper is first of its kind to adopt an approach to classify barriers to BD implementation in the HSC into three distinct perspectives.


2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 609-632
Author(s):  
Debarun Chakraborty ◽  
Wendrila Biswas

Purpose Research and development pursuits have always been an integral part of a teacher’s professional development. Today, the higher educational institutes (HEIs) are chiefly prioritizing and providing a sustained support toward research-based and research-oriented learning. But as revealed by the broad outlines of the entire scenario, a fall in research productivity and developmental attempts is witnessed among the faculties of higher educational establishments. To put it succinctly, the motivating aspects that reinforce such activities are not adequately taken care of and have thwarted their progression. The purpose of this paper is to delve deep and explore the factors that inspire teachers toward an enriched research and learning, which equally gets reflected in their teaching practices. Design/methodology/approach This is a descriptive research with a cross-sectional survey on faculties from different HEIs of West Bengal. A questionnaire has been designed with a five-point Likert scale to draw the primary data. Convenience sampling technique has been utilized. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis have been performed with structural equation modeling on the hypothesized research model through AMOS. Findings The major findings of the research have revealed that improved research and development activities of faculties had an immense impact on their teaching quality. The level and accessibility of infrastructure posits a strong influence in augmenting a teacher’s research and developmental endeavors. Working climate influences teachers’ research activities as well their teaching adroitness. Research limitations/implications Results may vary when an extensive study is conducted on teachers of HEIs of two or more states or of the country as a whole. Suppression of the real underlying facts by few respondents may affect the result to a small extent. Practical implications When faculties orient themselves toward research intensive learning and teaching, the students actively get involved in a platform of greater interaction. It elevates their persistence level, intellectual curiosity, critical thinking and cognitive skills. Research-based teaching is also instrumental in honing their analytical skills, promoting creativity. Originality/value The study identified a vital role of the higher education institutes in motivating the faculties toward research-based teaching. There is a dearth of empirical research in identifying the factors that enrich the learning patterns and research activities of the teachers. Thus, it can prove to be a constructive study if implemented.


2019 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 718-736 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdullah Sultan

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to study the effect of staged customer experiences on customer switching costs in the banking industry. Design/methodology/approach Brand touchpoints in the banking industry are identified by exploratory research using focus group sessions with bank customers and staff and refined by exploratory factor analysis using an independent sample of bank customers to form the staged customer experience construct. The proposed research model is then validated by confirmatory factor analysis with an independent sample using structural equation modeling. Findings Customer experience in the banking industry consists of four related but distinct stages (i.e. pre-touch, in-touch, post-touch and service failure). The first three stages have direct and indirect effects on switching costs that are partially mediated by relationship quality. Research limitations/implications Customer experience is an industry-specific construct with complicated effects on switching costs. Thus, the staged customer experience construct should be examined in different industries and applications to understand its implications. Practical implications Bank customers demand experiences that achieve desirable results in everyday situations and switch to other service providers easily if this demand is not met. Banks should focus on brand touchpoints that are both important to customers and increase switching costs to keep customers from defecting. Originality/value This research expands upon findings in the customer experience literature by exploring factors that link staged customer experiences with switching costs in the banking industry. In addition, a paradox is identified in the staged customer experience model that requires managers’ attention in order to design an effective customer experience strategy.


2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 1905-1920
Author(s):  
Sushant Ranjan ◽  
Rama Shankar Yadav

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop and empirically validate items on social isolation. The comprehensive literature review of existing studies on the measures of social isolation, loneliness and the related construct was conducted. The paper seeks to conceptualize, validate and present items to measure social isolation. Design/methodology/approach The paper is based on theoretical and empirical investigation of the measures of social isolation, loneliness and related constructs such as social others, social loneliness and feeling of sociability. The items were generated through theoretical exploration of previous literature and later modified. The author examined the items through exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and further checked for external criterion validity. Data collected from 128 individuals, in India, were examined to design and validate the scale. Findings The finding of the paper is a ten-item social isolation scale. Using structural equation modeling, we have found extraversion and well-being significantly associated with final items in the present study, confirming the external quality of the scale. Practical implications Organizations may benefit by close examination of the presence of social isolation in employees along with providing support and assistance to employees so as to reduce negative consequences of social isolation and can address the well-being of the employee. Originality/value There is a dearth of developed and validated measures of social isolation in the literature. The study reveals the conceptualization and empirical validation of measures of social isolation in the Indian context so that researchers can move forward to develop theories on social isolation.


2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 136-150 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shalom Levy ◽  
Hayiel Hino

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the relationship between customers’ emotional attachment toward bank service providers and bank loyalty. In particular, the study examines the impact of the emotional attachment factor while treating established effecting variables by employing a new conceptual framework that integrates these variables. Design/methodology/approach – The study employs data collected from a survey involving 436 participants. The study employs Exploratory Factor Analysis and Confirmatory Factor Analysis methods following a path analysis method and structural equation modeling for testing research hypotheses. Findings – The empirical results support the claim that the conceptual framework applied in this study better explains the relationship between customers’ emotional attachment toward bank service providers and bank loyalty. Specifically, the findings show a significant, direct and positive relationship between the customer’s emotional attachment and bank loyalty; an indirect positive relationship also exists through the connection of customer satisfaction. The study distinguishes between two integrated pathways consumers possibly follow when making decisions about services: the conscious decision-making process path and the emotional process path. Practical implications – The paper provides managerial and planning implications to bank service providers who seek to achieve excellent performance and a positive brand personality, thus maintaining long-lasting relationships with their customers. Originality/value – The study is among the few empirical works to specifically examine the impact of customers’ emotional attachment on bank loyalty and contributes to the available literature in that it suggests a systematic conceptual framework that evaluates the impact of key factors on bank loyalty.


2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 379-398 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ngoc Minh Nguyen ◽  
Huyen Thi Nguyen

Purpose The aim of this paper is to incorporate the theoretically and practically appropriate affecting factors of customers’ price acceptance to develop an integrated model explaining customers’ price acceptance on the mobile phone market in Vietnam. Design/methodology/approach This current research applied the cross-sectional design. Data was collected via questionnaires and 605 responses were left after refining. The exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling methods were applied to analyze the collected data. Findings Prestige sensitivity and product involvement positively affect product knowledge and price mavenism. In turn, these two latter factors together with prestige sensitivity positively affect price acceptance. Besides, product knowledge and price mavenism mediated the effects of product involvement and prestige sensitivity on price acceptance in the context of complex products, rapid product innovation, social setting of using mobile phones, highly competitive market, the low purchasing power of customers and the typical cultural values of Vietnam. Practical implications The high product involvement and high prestige sensitivity customers could make up attractive market segments, especially important in the case of launching new products; concentrating marketing efforts on building product knowledge and price knowledge for these market segments may enhance price acceptance, speed up market penetration as well as improve price communication. Originality/value This is one of the first studies explaining price acceptance on the mobile phone market in Vietnam and clarifying the mediating effects of knowledge (product knowledge and price mavenism) on the causal relationships between product involvement/prestige sensitivity and price acceptance.


2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 549-566
Author(s):  
Priyanka Pathak ◽  
M.P. Singh ◽  
Gaurav Kumar Badhotiya

PurposeManufacturing organization has adopted the concept of sustainability to improve the performance of product and process as well as to focus on environmental issues. Despite technological advancements and awareness, there exist several performance obstacles for the implementation of sustainable manufacturing in an organization. The objective of the current study is to identify the performance obstacles, propose a structural model and validate the proposed model.Design/methodology/approachTwelve performance obstacles are identified through critical literature review and discussion with field experts. Primary and secondary factor analysis, that is, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), are used for the creation of the structural model, and further, structural equation modeling is used as a validating tool. EFA deals with the categorization of all performance obstacles in four major criteria, and CFA works for proposing a model for a relationship among all obstacles.FindingsA validated structural model is provided through hypothesis acceptance for structural equation modeling. The outcome of this study can be helpful for decision-makers to incorporate sustainable practices in the manufacturing organization.Originality/valueThis study has extracted and identified performance obstacles for the implementation of sustainable manufacturing based on critical literature review and discussion with field experts. The study proposes as well as validates the structural equation model.


2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 27-29

Purpose The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of perceived servant leadership on the intrinsic and extrinsic job satisfaction of followers. Design/methodology/approach Data was gathered from the responses of 205 employees working in service- sector organizations in Kuwait as part of a larger questionnaire survey on employee satisfaction and leadership. Servant leadership was then measured using Liden’s (2008) 28 item servant leader instrument and analyzed using factor analysis and structural equation modeling. Findings The results suggest that the seven factor model proposed by Linden (2008) is shown to be valid in this study with good reliability. In addition a second-order factor analysis showed strong positive correlations were found between servant leadership and both intrinsic (0.69) and extrinsic (0.08) job satisfaction. Practical implications Promoting altruistic approaches to leadership which increases extrinsic and intrinsic job satisfaction will have a positive effect on the organizational goals. Leaders should be made aware of this so they can put interventions in place to improve overall performance. Originality/value This paper is of value as research examining the relationship between servant leadership and job satisfaction has been limited so it adds to the body of knowledge with particular relevance to the nature of this relationship in the service sector in the Middle East.


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