Segmenting female consumers: high-involvement personal services

2017 ◽  
Vol 45 (5) ◽  
pp. 485-497 ◽  
Author(s):  
Borut Milfelner ◽  
Tanja Vidergar Kikel ◽  
Damijan Mumel ◽  
Aleksandra Pisnik
Keyword(s):  
Cosmetic Surgery ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Female Population ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Female Consumers ◽  
Segmentation Analysis ◽  
Personal Services ◽  
Theoretical Hypothesis ◽  
Two Phases

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to measure attitudes towards cosmetic surgery services among women and to determine the potential segments of women according to their attitudes towards cosmetic surgery services and discover the main differences among them. Design/methodology/approach The research was implemented on a sample of 258 women in Slovenia. A quota sample was chosen for this research following the age characteristics of the Slovenian female population. The data collection method used was personal interviews. Convergent validity for the attitudes towards cosmetic surgery services was assessed with exploratory factor analysis. The segmentation analysis procedure was implemented in two phases. First, hierarchical clustering with Ward’s method was deployed, and in the second step K-means cluster analysis was used. Findings The results show that four clusters were clearly distinctive according to three dimensions, namely, intrapersonal, social and consider component. In further analysis, four segments of women were analysed regarding the fear of ageing, the importance of appearance, body image and self-esteem. Results show that all four segments are unique and distinguish one from another. Practical implications Through segmentation analysis, authors of this study indicate two segments (target groups) that are possibly interesting for providers of cosmetic services. Marketing communication activities should mainly be focussed on the woman’s appearance. Originality/value Based on a theoretical hypothesis and use a quantitative method, the aim of this paper is to provide a deeper analysis and understanding of attitudes and views of different woman profile regarding cosmetic surgeries. It presents a more structured view on differences that exist among segments of female consumers while also adding new insights into the factors that influence attitudes towards cosmetic procedures.

Development and validation of counterproductive work behaviour instrument

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 745-763
Author(s):  
Khahan Na-Nan ◽  
Peerapong Pukkeeree ◽  
Ekkasit Sanamthong ◽  
Natthaya Wongsuwan ◽  
Auemporn Dhienhirun
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Measurement Scale ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Confirmatory Factor ◽  
Counterproductive Work Behaviour ◽  
Development And Validation

Purpose Counterproductive work behaviour (CWB) is a type of behaviour of an individual that works against an organisation or employer, and he/she is usually discretionary (i.e. individuals make conscious choices as to whether they want to commit aberrant work behaviour). To deal with CWB in different contexts, organisations need to both understand and continually measure their employees in terms of behaviour and work. This study aims to develop an instrument to measure CWB for small and medium-sized enterprises in Thailand. Design/methodology/approach The study was conducted in three stages to develop a measurement scale for CWB. First, 27 questions were developed as a questionnaire based on concepts and theories of CWB and then verified using exploratory factor analysis with three CWB dimensions, namely “poor behaviour”, “misuse of organisational resources” and “inappropriate communication”. The questionnaire surveyed a total of 386 individuals working in SMEs. Finally, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and convergent validity were examined following the three CWB dimensions. Findings Three dimensions were developed to measure CWB, including aspects of poor behaviour, misuse of organisational resources and inappropriate communication. Practical implications The CWB questionnaire has practical use for assessing employee behaviour and can assist organisations and practitioners to better understand the CWB of employees. This know-how will help practitioners to assess employee behaviour and can be used to manage or develop this into good behaviour as valued members of the organisation. Originality/value The validity of the CWB questionnaire questions will facilitate the future research on the boundaries with CWB assessments spanning different SMEs contexts. Empirical study results validated that CWB measurement offered new perspectives to explore vital employee behavioural deviation that are necessary for the inspection employee behavioural deviation. This instrumental support will also help researchers to effectively understand CWB and explore its potential in future studies.

Effects of perfume packaging on Basque female consumers purchase decision in Spain

2018 ◽  
Vol 56 (8) ◽  
pp. 1748-1768 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed Z. Salem
Keyword(s):  
Simple Random Sampling ◽  
Measurement Scale ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Purchase Decision ◽  
Marketing Practice ◽  
Female Population ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Packaging Design ◽  
Female Consumers ◽  
Marketing Tool

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine perfume packaging in Spain and its effects on Basque female consumers’ purchase decision. The study population was made up of females, as they represent the highest consumer in the perfume market, accounting for 67 percent of the total perfume sales (Trufragance.com). Furthermore, in the past few years the perfume industry has basically targeted females (McIntyre, 2013).Design/methodology/approachAn empirical study was conducted using a questionnaire to collect primary data in order to test the hypotheses. The questionnaire was distributed to 400 randomly selected respondents, from the general female population.FindingsThe findings show a relationship between the independent variables (i.e. visual packaging design, verbal packaging design, and packaging benefits) and the dependent variable (i.e. consumer purchase decision) based on several reasons discussed thoroughly in this paper. Additionally, age, education level, marital status, monthly income, and employment category of sample subjects influence the effect of perfume packaging on purchase decisions.Research limitations/implicationsThe main limitation of this study is the use of simple random sampling. The research findings bear important implications for more functional, emotional, environmental, and socially responsible marketing practice where packaging is concerned.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study contribute to the understanding of packaging as a strategic marketing tool and how it can significantly influence the female’s purchase decision. Thus, giving managers and marketers a competitive advantage in this increasingly growing market. A new concept and measurement scale is presented that can be used for identifying creative packaging design and its benefits.Originality/valueThis study remains one of few research works focusing on the four dimensions of packaging benefits: functional, social, emotional, and environmental. Furthermore, it attempts to fulfill the identified need for encompassing potential and generally accepted packaging elements, including both the visual and verbal elements. Therefore, the uniqueness of this study arises from its examination of both aspects simultaneously, which has been ignored in previous research.

scholarly journals Digital diplomatics and measurement of electronic public data qualities

2015 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 56-77 ◽  
Author(s):  
Basma Makhlouf Shabou
Keyword(s):  
The State ◽  
Public Institutions ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Electronic Records ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Electronic Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Public Data ◽  
Quality Dimensions ◽  
Two Phases

Purpose – This paper aims to present a recent study on the definition and measurement of quality dimensions of public electronic records and archives (QADEPs: Qualités des archives et documents électroniques publics). It develops an original model and a complete method with tools to define and measure electronic public data qualities within public institutions. It highlights also the relationship between diplomatics principles and the measurement of trustworthiness of electronic data in particular. This paper presents a general overview of the main results of this study, with also illustrative examples to demonstrate the feasibility of measuring the qualities of electronic archives in the context of public institutions. Design/methodology/approach – This research was conducted in two phases. The first one was the conceptual phase in which the quality dimensions were identified and defined with specific sets of indicators and variables. The second phase was the empirical phase which involved the testing of the model on real electronic documents belonging to several public institutions to validate its relevance and applicability. These tests were performed at the Archives of the State of Wallis and the Archives of the State of Geneva, thanks to different measurement tools designed especially for this stage of the research. Findings – The QADEPs model analyzes the qualities of electronic records in public institutions through three dimensions: trustworthiness, exploitability and representativeness. These dimensions were divided into eight sub-dimensions comprising 17 indicators for a total of 46 variables. These dimensions and their variables tried to cover the main aspects of quality standards for electronic data and public documents. The study demonstrates that nearly 60 per cent of the measured variables could be automated. Research limitations/implications – The QADEPs model was defined and tested in a Swiss context on a limited sample of electronic public data to validate, essentially, its feasibility. It would be useful to extend this approach and test it on a broader sample in different contexts abroad. Practical implications – The decisionmaking of records retention in organizations and public institutions in particular is difficult to establish and justify because it is based generally on subjective and non-defendable practices. The QADEPs model offers specific metrics with their related measuring tools to evaluate and identify what is valuable and what is eliminable within the whole set of institutional electronic information. The model should reinforce the information governance of those institutions and help them control the risks related to information management. Originality/value – The current practice of archival appraisal does not yet invest in a meticulous examination of the nature of documents that should be preserved permanently. The lack of studies on the definition and measurement of the qualities of electronic and public electronic records prevents verification as to whether archival materials are significant. This paper fills in some of the gaps.

Measuring mobile learning readiness: scale development and validation

2016 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 265-287 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hsin-Hui Lin ◽  
Shinjeng Lin ◽  
Ching-Hsuan Yeh ◽  
Yi-Shun Wang
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Learning ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Discriminant Validity ◽  
Computer Anxiety ◽  
Learning Systems ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Learning Theories ◽  
Learning Readiness ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practical Applications

Purpose – Based on the literature on technology readiness, online learning readiness, and mobile computer anxiety, the purpose of this paper is to develop and validate a mobile learning readiness (MLR) scale which can be used to assess individuals’ readiness to embrace m-learning systems. Design/methodology/approach – Based on previous literature, this study conceptualizes the construct of MLR and generates an initial 55-item MLR scale. A total of 319 responses are collected from a three-month internet-based survey. Based on the sample data, this study provides an empirical validation of the MLR construct and its underlying dimensionality, and develops a generic MLR scale with desirable psychometric properties, including reliability, content validity, criterion-related validity, convergent validity, discriminant validity, and nomological validity. Findings – This study develops and validates a 19-item MLR scale with three dimensions (i.e. m-learning self-efficacy, optimism, and self-directed learning). A tentative norm of the MLR scale is presented, and the scale’s theoretical and practical applications are also discussed. Originality/value – This study is a pioneering effort to develop and validate a MLR scale. The results of this study are helpful to researchers in building m-learning theories and to educators in assessing and promoting individuals’ acceptance of m-learning systems.

Development and validation of an instrument to measure turnover intention of Generation Y in Thailand

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Khahan Na-Nan ◽  
Suteeluck N. Kanthong ◽  
Auemporn Dhienhirun
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Generation Y ◽  
Turnover Intention ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Measurement Scale ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Resource Officers ◽  
Many Instruments ◽  
Human Resource Officers

Purpose The turnover intention (TI) is a very challenging concept for an organisation, but there are seemingly not many instruments around to measure TI. The purpose of this paper was to develop and validate an instrument to measure the TI concept of Generation Y in Thailand. Design/methodology/approach Ten questions were developed as an instrument to measure TI based on previous concepts and theories and verified using exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and convergent validity. Findings Three dimensions were proposed to measure TI including aspects of intention to quit, turnover thinking and opportunities for new job with excellent reliability at 0.811, 0.837 and 0.830, respectively. Originality/value A measurement scale to assess TI of Generation Y salespeople has never been studied in Thailand. The measurement scale was proved to be valid and will enable human resource officers, divisions and companies to accurately analyse the level of employee TI. This instrument can help educators and researchers to better understand and comprehend factors of employee TI.

Psychometric evaluation of the Serbian adaptation of the individual entrepreneurial orientation scale

2019 ◽  
Vol 61 (1) ◽  
pp. 65-78 ◽  
Author(s):  
Boris Popov ◽  
Suzana Varga ◽  
Dragana Jelić ◽  
Bojana Dinić
Keyword(s):  
Entrepreneurial Orientation ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Psychometric Evaluation ◽  
Risky Choice ◽  
Proactive Personality ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Organizational Level ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Individual Entrepreneurial Orientation ◽  
The Individual

Purpose Entrepreneurial orientation (EO) at the organizational level refers to the process which includes methods, practices and decision-making styles which enhance the company’s approaches to business. At the individual level, EO is assessed using the individual entrepreneurial orientation (IEO: Bolton and Lane, 2012) scale, comprising three dimensions: risk-taking, innovativeness and proactiveness. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate and further validate the Serbian adaptation of the IEO scale among students. Design/methodology/approach Two independent studies were conducted on total of 685 students from Serbia. In Study 1, participants completed the IEO scale, proactive personality scales, reinforcement sensitivity questionnaire and academic performance questionnaire. In Study 2, participants completed the IEO scale, proactive personality scales, HEXACO-60 and risky-choice decision tasks. Findings Results supported the three-factor structure and satisfactory reliability of the IEO scale and its subscales. Omitting one item from the innovativeness scale led to better model fit, thus resulting in a nine-item solution. Convergent validity correlations were confirmed, showing that each IEO subscale obtained the expected correlations with similar constructs. Research limitations/implications A potential problem with divergent validity is discussed from the aspect of the adequacy of the constructs chosen for its testing. Overall findings indicate that the Serbian adaptation of the IEO scale is a brief instrument with adequate psychometric properties, which makes it suitable for both research and practical purposes. The limitations of the study and the instrument are also highlighted and discussed. Originality/value The study contributes to better understanding of the nature of EO and helps its accurate assessment.

An empirical examination of firm financial performance along dimensions of supply chain resilience

2017 ◽  
Vol 40 (3) ◽  
pp. 254-269 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xun Li ◽  
Qun Wu ◽  
Clyde W. Holsapple ◽  
Thomas Goldsby
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Financial Performance ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Empirical Examination ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Supply Chain Resilience ◽  
Critical Dimensions ◽  
Firm Financial Performance ◽  
Supply Chain Agility ◽  
The Impact

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the impact of three critical dimensions of supply chain resilience, supply chain preparedness, supply chain alertness and supply chain agility, all aimed at increasing a firm’s financial outcomes. In a turbulent environment, firms require resilience in their supply chains to prepare for potential changes, detect changes and respond to actual changes, thus providing superior value. Design/methodology/approach Using survey data from 77 firms, this study develops scales for preparedness, alertness and agility. It then tests their hypothesized relationships with a firm’s financial performance. Findings The results reveal that the three dimensions of supply chain resilience (i.e. preparedness, alertness and agility) significantly impact a firm’s financial performance. It is also found that supply chain preparedness, as a proactive resilience capability, has a greater influence on a firm’s financial performance than the reactive capabilities including alertness and agility, suggesting that firms should pay more attention to proactive approaches for building supply chain resilience. Originality/value First, this study develops a comparatively comprehensive definition for supply chain resilience and explores its dimensionality. Second, this study provides empirically validated instruments for the dimensions of supply chain resilience. Third, this study is one of the first to provide empirical evidence for direct impact of supply chain resilience dimensions on a firm’s financial performance.

An empirically verified project risk maturity model

2014 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 263-284 ◽  
Author(s):  
Budi Hartono ◽  
Deo F.N. Wijaya ◽  
Hilya M. Arini
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Discriminant Validity ◽  
Face Validity ◽  
Maturity Model ◽  
Maturity Level ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Project Risk ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Risk Maturity

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop and to empirically verify a model of project risk management maturity (PRMM). Design/methodology/approach – Theoretical work to develop the initial model of risk maturity. Empirical study by a cross-sectional survey to the Indonesian construction industry. Findings – A new model of PRMM is developed and empirically tested. The model is valid (face validity, content validity, discriminant validity, convergent validity, and criterion validity) and reliable. Research limitations/implications – A more comprehensive, follow-up study is required to gain more insights on the actual maturity level of Indonesian construction industry. Practical implications – The model is applicable to assess the organizational maturity level which in turn could be used for improving organization performance. Originality/value – The work demonstrates a novel approach in developing models by emphasizing on the empirical verification.

A biomimetic 3D airflow sensor made of an array of two piezoelectric metal-core fibers

Sensor Review ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 312-321 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yixiang Bian ◽  
Can He ◽  
Kaixuan Sun ◽  
Longchao Dai ◽  
Hui Shen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Spherical Surface ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Piezoceramic Cylinder ◽  
Metal Core ◽  
Content Type ◽  
3D Space ◽  
Highly Sensitive ◽  
Airflow Sensor

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to design and fabricate a three-dimensional (3D) bionic airflow sensing array made of two multi-electrode piezoelectric metal-core fibers (MPMFs), inspired by the structure of a cricket’s highly sensitive airflow receptor (consisting of two cerci). Design/methodology/approach A metal core was positioned at the center of an MPMF and surrounded by a hollow piezoceramic cylinder. Four thin metal films were spray-coated symmetrically on the surface of the fiber that could be used as two pairs of sensor electrodes. Findings In 3D space, four output signals of the two MPMFs arrays can form three “8”-shaped spheres. Similarly, the sensing signals for the same airflow are located on a spherical surface. Originality/value Two MPMF arrays are sufficient to detect the speed and direction of airflow in all three dimensions.

How label and nutritional claims affect consumers’ acceptance, buying intention and quality perception toward a beverage made from cashew nut

2019 ◽  
Vol 49 (6) ◽  
pp. 1243-1251 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marina Cabral Rebouças ◽  
Maria do Carmo Passos Rodrigues ◽  
Silvia Maria de Freitas
Keyword(s):  
New Product ◽  
Quality Attributes ◽  
Attitude Scale ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cashew Nut ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Perception Of Quality ◽  
Two Phases ◽  
Mango Juice ◽  
Hedonic Scale

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the influence of the front of a package label and the nutritional claims linked to it over consumers’ expectations as to acceptance, purchase attitude and perception of quality characteristics of a new functional beverage made from cashew nut milk and added with mango juice and prebiotic substances. Design/methodology/approach Three versions of the front label were developed, which differed just by the type of nutritional claim presented (“0 per cent lactose and 0 per cent cholesterol; 0 per cent lactose, 0 per cent cholesterol and source of fibers, 0 per cent lactose, 0 per cent cholesterol and antioxidants”) and were evaluated in two phases, expectation and informed. For the evaluation, consumers used a multi-attribute scale, the nine-point hedonic scale and a nine-point semi-structured buying attitude scale. Findings The labels created a positive expectation on the consumers regarding the quality attributes, overall impression (mean = 6.0 “Like slightly”) and buying attitude (mean = 6.0 “Would probably buy”). After tasting the beverage associated with labels (informed phase), consumers kept a positive evaluation. The t-test performed between the pair of means of both phases showed that there has not been a significant difference regarding the quality attributes (p > 0.05), special, attractive, nutritive, healthy and buying attitude (Label 1, p = 0.26; Label 2, p = 0.18; Label 3, p = 0.26) in all labels. Originality/value The authors evaluated how the influence of label and nutritional claims in regards to a new product, a beverage made from cashew nut, affects its acceptance, buying attitude and characteristics of quality. Until this moment, there are no studies that evaluate how external attributes affect the acceptance of this beverage totally unique in the Brazilian market.

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