scholarly journals Competing through manufacturing: countering a product's liability of foreignness through mass customization

2020 ◽  
Vol 40 (11) ◽  
pp. 1661-1683
Author(s):  
Alessio Trentin ◽  
Thomas Aichner ◽  
Enrico Sandrin ◽  
Cipriano Forza
Keyword(s):  
Product Quality ◽  
Mass Customization ◽  
Empirical Support ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Liability Of Foreignness ◽  
Group Status ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Operational Capability ◽  
Business To Consumer ◽  
Perceived Product Quality

PurposeThe operational capability of mass customization (MC) allows consumers to obtain products tailored to their idiosyncratic needs. This study aims to provide insights into the potential of this capability for countering a product's liability of foreignness – the negative effect of the out-group status of a product's country of origin (COO) on consumers' evaluations of the product.Design/methodology/approachBased on the social identity approach, it is hypothesized that this liability is reduced when a consumer product is mass-customized rather than standardized as per a mass-production strategy. This hypothesis is tested using a mixed between- and within-subject experiment.FindingsWhen evaluating mass-produced sneakers, native German-speaking (Italian-speaking) South Tyrolean consumers rated the quality of Italian (German) sneakers significantly lower than that of German (Italian) sneakers. However, when the sneakers were mass-customized, this difference in perceived product quality was non-significant for both groups of consumers, supporting the research hypothesis.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research could replicate this study in other samples, with other product types, COOs and countries of destination, as well as at different degrees of product customization.Practical implicationsBusiness-to-consumer firms contemplating the development of their MC capability are made aware that the benefits of this operational capability might go beyond the typical advantages highlighted by the existing literature.Originality/valueThis paper joins the discussion on MC value by offering a theoretical explanation and empirical support for another mechanism through which the operational capability of MC can create value, at least in business-to-consumer industries: by countering a product's possible liability of foreignness and thus increasing perceived product quality in export markets.

The 4Cs of mass customization in service industries: a customer lens

2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 499-511 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica L. Pallant ◽  
Sean Sands ◽  
Ingo Oswald Karpen
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Conditions ◽  
Mass Customization ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Service Industries ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Practical Application ◽  
Theoretical Understanding ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Priority Areas ◽  
Research Priority

Purpose Increasingly, customers are demanding products that fit their individual needs. Many firms respond by cultivating product individualization via mass customization, often integrating this capability via interactive platforms that connect them with customers. Despite such customization, research to date has lacked cohesion, often taking the organizational, rather than customer, view. The purpose of this paper is to provide inconclusive theorizing in regard to customization from the consumers’ perspective. Design/methodology/approach The review and synthesis of the literature revealed that co-configuration is an underexplored domain of mass customization. Consequently, an initial conceptualization of co-configuration is developed and compared with current customization strategies. Specifically, the definition and boundary conditions of co-configuration are compared with three domains of mass customization, namely, co-production, co-construction and co-design. This led to the development of research priority areas to establish an agenda for future research on mass customization and its role in customer’ firm relationships. Findings This paper provides the delineation of four distinct consumer customization strategies, conceptualized in a matrix, and proposes separate customer journey visualizations. In advancing the theoretical understanding by means of a unifying typology, this paper identifies three existing Cs of mass customization (co-production, co-construction and co-design) and focuses specifically on a fourth (co-configuration), identified as an understudied mass customization strategy. Originality/value This paper extends the previous conceptualizations of mass customization comprising co-production, co-design and co-construction. The proposed typology establishes a foundation for four research priority areas that can improve both academic rigor and practical application.

China in Africa: a critical literature review

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 40-60 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdoulkadre Ado ◽  
Zhan Su
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Empirical Support ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Academic Literature ◽  
Current State ◽  
Comprehensive Literature Review ◽  
Critical Literature

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to critically assesses the major contributions to the academic literature on China’s increased focus on Africa, from 2001 to 2011. It discusses the key trends concerning China’s presence in Africa and draws conclusions on the significance of the studies by emphasizing and contrasting the prevailing positions. Design/methodology/approach – Based on a qualitative approach using an integrative and comprehensive literature review, the authors performed a content analysis of high-impact, peer-reviewed papers. Findings – The paper questions and repositions some of the existing controversies. The results from existing studies remain questionable, requiring further clarification and more theoretical backing. It, moreover, highlights the notion that behind the explicit neutrality views of China’s presence in Africa, implicit assumptions may exist. These are often the differences in narratives conveyed by Western and Southern stakeholders. Research limitations/implications – Most of the conclusions drawn from this paper need to be re-explored and supported by additional research. This could be done by widening the scope of the analysis. Studies need to provide more empirical support for their assertions through quantitative data and evidence-based qualitative analyses – all within a framework that considers more cultural, social and historical dimensions. The paper also suggests that an institutionally based view appears most relevant in better explaining China in Africa. Originality/value – This paper reviews a decade of research on China in Africa and presents a snapshot of the current state of knowledge. It also raises concerns to be analyzed by future research and proposes new avenues for better understanding China’s presence in Africa.

The emerging role of coopetition within inter-firm relationships

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 414-437 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zach Zacharia ◽  
Michael Plasch ◽  
Usha Mohan ◽  
Markus Gerschberger
Keyword(s):  
Resource Dependence ◽  
Empirical Support ◽  
Resource Dependence Theory ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Multiple Perspectives ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Capital Costs ◽  
Interview Process ◽  
A Value

Purpose Increasing environmental uncertainty, more demanding customers, rapid technological growth and rising capital costs have all forced firms to evolve from collaborating with buyers and suppliers to collaborating with their competitors and that is called coopetition. The purpose of this paper is to better understand the antecedents and outcomes associated with coopetition. Design/methodology/approach Building from the existing literature and three theoretical foundations, resource-based theory, resource dependence theory and game theory, the authors develop a model showing the antecedents and outcomes of coopetition and associated propositions of coopetition. Using a semi-structured interview process of 21 industry executives, the authors offer empirical support for the proposed coopetition model and propositions. Findings Firms are increasingly dependent on the knowledge and expertise in external organizations to innovate, solve problems and improve supply chain performance. This research suggests that there is a value for firms to consider coopetition as a part of their inter-firm strategies. Research limitations/implications The semi-structured interview process used in this research provided a wealth of information and executive experiences in coopetition. The interviews, however, only provide a single perspective of collaborative engagements with competitors. Multiple perspectives of each project would add value to this research. Originality/value Collaboration among buyers and suppliers have been well researched; however, there has not been as much research on coopetition. This research provides a new area for future research for academics and offers suggestions for managers to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of their coopetition projects.

The impact of involvement on engagement with brand posts

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 277-301
Author(s):  
Ana Margarida Barreto ◽  
Diogo Ramalho
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Consumer Involvement ◽  
Future Research ◽  
High Involvement ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Level Of Involvement ◽  
Goods And Services ◽  
Business To Consumer ◽  
Post Hoc ◽  
The Impact

Purpose This paper aims to look at the effects of different levels of involvement (high and low) on social media (Facebook) users' engagement (likes, shares and comments) with different types and formats of brand content. Design/methodology/approach The authors analyzed user reactions to 1,156 Facebook posts from eight business-to-consumer brands (goods and services). Based on a post hoc test, four product/services were identified as belonging to the group of high-involvement and the other four as low involvement. Findings The data suggest that, when involvement is low, users in general engage more with brand posts regardless their format (text, image and post) or type (hedonic and informative), or even the interaction of both. Moreover, low involvement leads users prefer to comment on brand content, whereas higher involvement is associated with to sharing it. Exceptions were observed for images (both hedonic and informative) and for hedonic image and video in both low and high involvement users. Research limitations/implications The goal was not to measure users’ attention to each type of post. Moreover, the authors did not have access to information regarding which devices were used to access the online content and whether that aspect might have an impact on users’ reactions. Neither do they claim that engagement necessarily reflects positive reactions, as any content analysis of users’ reactions was beyond the scope of this project. Practical implications These findings are expected to help brand managers and social media strategists to better select content based on their marketing goals, as well as to provide a potential explanation for the success of campaigns. Originality/value As far as we are aware, no previous study has attempted to observe the mediated effect of consumer involvement on brand posts considering their type and format. We also believe that this is the first observation of how behavior differentiates according to the target audience’s level of involvement. This paper also proposes a convenient framework for categorizing social network sites content. Suggestions for future research are made at the end.

Can advertising creativity affect product perceptions and retailer evaluations?

2014 ◽  
Vol 23 (6) ◽  
pp. 452-461 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erik Modig ◽  
Sara Rosengren
Keyword(s):  
Product Quality ◽  
Mineral Water ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Purchase Intentions ◽  
Brand Attitude ◽  
Chewing Gum ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Perceived Product Quality ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – This paper aims to investigate the impact of advertising creativity on consumer perceptions of product quality, value, retailer brand attitude and purchase intention. Design/methodology/approach – Two experimental studies were conducted. Study 1 shows the impact of creativity (high/low) for two product categories (mineral water and chewing gum) and one known retailer. The findings are replicated and extended in Study 2 for four categories (mineral water, chewing gum, batteries and detergent) and two known retailers. Findings – The results show that advertising creativity positively signals perceived product quality, which increases perceived value. These effects fully mediate a positive impact on retailer brand attitude and purchase intentions. The positive effect of advertising creativity on perceived product quality is mediated by perceived advertisement effort. Practical implications – This study introduces advertising creativity as a way for retailers to increase perceived product quality and value. The results show that advertising creativity increases perceived effort on behalf of the sender, which positively influences purchase intentions. Originality/value – The current study shows that advertising creativity can work as a signal of product quality, which has positive effects for retailers.

scholarly journals Strategic B2B customer experience management: the importance of outcomes-based measures

2017 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 172-184 ◽  
Author(s):  
Judy Zolkiewski ◽  
Victoria Story ◽  
Jamie Burton ◽  
Paul Chan ◽  
Andre Gomes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Customer Experience ◽  
Current Approach ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Management Framework ◽  
Future Research Agenda ◽  
Customer Experience Management ◽  
Strategic Approach ◽  
Business To Consumer ◽  
Theoretical Paper

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to critique the adequacy of efforts to capture the complexities of customer experience in a business-to-business (B2B) context using input–output measures. The paper introduces a strategic customer experience management framework to capture the complexity of B2B service interactions and discusses the value of outcomes-based measurement. Design/methodology/approach This is a theoretical paper that reviews extant literature related to B2B customer experience and asks fresh questions regarding B2B customer experience at a more strategic network level. Findings The paper offers a reconceptualisation of B2B customer experience, proposes a strategic customer experience management framework and outlines a future research agenda. Research limitations/implications This paper is conceptual and seeks to raise questions surrounding the under-examined area of B2B customer experience. As a consequence, it has inevitable limitations resulting from the lack of empirical evidence to support the reconceptualisation. Practical implications Existing measures of customer experience are problematic when applied in a B2B (services) context. Rather than adopting input- and output-based measures, widely used in a business-to-consumer (B2C) context, a B2B context requires a more strategic approach to capturing and managing customer experience. Focussing on strategically important issues should generate opportunities for value co-creation and are more likely to involve outcomes-based measures. Social implications Improving the understanding of customer experience in a B2B context should allow organisations to design better services and consequently enhance the experiences of their employees, their customers and other connected actors. Originality/value This paper critiques the current approach to measuring customer experience in a B2B context, drawing on contemporary ideas of value-in-use, outcomes-based measures and “Big Data” to offer potential solutions to the measurement problems identified.

To partner or not? A study of co-branding partnership and consumers' perceptions of symbolism and functionality toward co-branded sport products

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ho Yeol Yu ◽  
G. Matthew Robinson ◽  
DongHun Lee
Keyword(s):  
Consumer Behavior ◽  
Product Quality ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Self Image ◽  
Sport Industry ◽  
Image Congruence ◽  
Perceived Product Quality ◽  
Image Fit ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThis study was conducted to examine the effect of co-branding, a brand partnership tactic involving two or more brands, on consumer behavior within the sport industry. As such, the primary aim was to examine differences regarding consumers' perceptions of self-image congruence and perceived product quality when considering solo-branding and co-branding conditions. Further, under the co-branding condition, relationships among consumers' self-image congruence, perceived product quality, image fit, product evaluation and purchase intention were investigated.Design/methodology/approachA scenario-based quasi-experiment consisting of hypothetical co-branding initiatives between existing brands was conducted.FindingsResults from a repeated multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) indicated that consumers' symbolic and functional perceptions of co-branding as well as evaluations were statistically higher than in the solo-branding condition. Additionally, structural equation modeling indicated positive relationships between consumers' symbolic and functional perceptions, image fit, evaluation and behavior intention.Originality/valueThis study is one of the first papers to investigate the impact of co-branding on consumers within the sport industry and provides evidence of the positive impact of co-branding strategies on consumer behavior within the sport industry.

Exploring the efficacy of mediation in cases of workplace bullying

2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (5) ◽  
pp. 665-685
Author(s):  
Frieder Lempp ◽  
Kate Blackwood ◽  
Megan Gordon
Keyword(s):  
Dispute Resolution ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Workplace Bullying ◽  
Empirical Support ◽  
Emotional Stability ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Mediation Process ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Resolution Processes ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the extent to which mediation constitutes an appropriate and effective intervention in cases of alleged workplace bullying. Design/methodology/approach Data was collected from 25 practising mediators in New Zealand by way of semi-structured interviews. The transcribed data was analysed by way of thematic analysis using the software NVivo11. The features of bullying cases identified as potential concerns for mediation in the literature acted as a coding framework, alongside the analytical framework for assessing dispute resolution processes developed by John Budd and Alexander Colvin. Findings A thematic analysis of the data revealed four key features of bullying experiences that mediators believed influenced the efficacy of the mediation process: emotional stability of the parties; power imbalance between the parties; insight and differing interpretations; and the impact of organisational context. Further, the analysis revealed two strategies to overcome barriers to the efficacy of mediation: considering mediation as part of a broader range of dispute resolution processes; and encouraging early low-level mediation intervention. Research limitations/implications This study only elicited the views of workplace mediators, many of whom were self-employed. Thus, the participants in the sample were likely to speak positively about the use of mediation. In part, this was helpful because the mediators spoke largely about how they made the process work allowing identification of techniques to improve the efficacy of mediation. However, future research is needed to explore the views of other parties, including parties to a bullying mediation, managers and/or human resources (HR) personnel. Practical implications Five recommendations for workplace mediators dealing with bullying cases are suggested: mediators should screen the emotional stability of the parties during the initial stages of the mediation; mediators should discuss with the parties the possibility and potential benefits of bringing along a support person; mediators should view their role more widely to influence the wider organisational contexts in which bullying occurs; informal mediation should take place before the escalation of a bullying experience; and mediators should consider completing an investigation prior to the start of the mediation. Originality/value Prior empirical studies on the efficacy of workplace mediation have not specifically investigated the use of mediation for bullying cases. This study addresses this gap in that it provides empirical support for the proposition that mediation in cases of bullying may only be appropriate under certain circumstances and that a flexible approach to mediation is required.

How sales promotion display affects customer shopping intentions in retails

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (12) ◽  
pp. 1337-1355 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammadbagher Gorji ◽  
Sahar Siami
Keyword(s):  
Product Quality ◽  
Sales Promotion ◽  
Price Fairness ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Repurchase Intentions ◽  
Perceived Product Quality ◽  
Cross Sectional Design ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of sales promotion display on customer intentions to purchase and repurchase, focusing on the moderating roles of perceived product quality and price fairness.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs a descriptive, quantitative, non-experimental research method using a cross-sectional design with a self-administered questionnaire. In total, 415 department store customers responded to the survey through an online research panel provider in Australia.FindingsThe results indicated that sales promotion display significantly affects the purchase and repurchase intentions. The findings also highlight the moderating role of perceived product quality and price fairness on customer shopping intentions. Lastly, it is confirmed that the joint moderating effects of perceived product quality and price fairness in the relationship between sales promotion display, purchase and repurchase intentions are significant.Practical implicationsBased on the study findings, managers could drive customer purchase and repurchase intentions using suitable visual objects in sales promotion and their appropriate in-store placement.Originality/valueThe present study introduced sales promotion display as a new dimension of store physical environment. This is the first study to investigate the relationship between sales promotion display and customer shopping intentions and incorporates customers' cognitive perceptions of price and quality in the conditioned effect of sales promotion display on shopping intentions. Moreover, this study brings up new insight into retailing literature by applying the classical conditioning theory in examining the links between sales promotion display and customer shopping intentions.

The impact of social shopping feature richness on buying intention: a product perspective

2022 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hao Chen ◽  
Haitao Chen ◽  
Xiaoxu Tian
Keyword(s):  
Product Quality ◽  
Purchase Intention ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Social Shopping ◽  
Perceived Price ◽  
Negative Perceptions ◽  
Perceived Product Quality ◽  
Product Sales ◽  
Functionally Diverse ◽  
The Impact

PurposeSocial shopping platforms have flourished by using multiple social shopping features, yet little is known about how the combination of these features affects purchase intention, particularly in terms of the product itself. The purpose of the paper is to draw on the concept of social shopping feature richness, adopting a formative approach on the survey used, and endeavors to reveal the concept's impact on consumers' buying intention from a product perspective.Design/methodology/approachBuilding on mental accounting and signaling theories, a theoretical model is proposed and empirically evaluated with 356 samples collected using a questionnaire survey.FindingsThe results suggest that social shopping feature richness promotes consumers' consumption by providing information signals to satisfy acquisition utility and transaction utility. Specifically, social shopping feature richness enhances perceived product quality, while decreasing negative perceptions regarding price. Moreover, perceived product quality and perceived price significantly influence buying intention through the mechanism of perceived value.Originality/valueThe authors' study highlights the role of the combination of functionally diverse social shopping features on product sales for social shopping platforms.

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