Consumer perception vs sensory assessment of the quality of clothes of selected brands available on the Polish market

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Renata Salerno-Kochan ◽  
Paweł Turek
Keyword(s):  
Quality Assessment ◽  
Sensory Quality ◽  
Brand Names ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Quality Level ◽  
Sensory Assessment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Consumer Assessment

PurposeThe aim of the study reported in this article was to establish whether the quality of clothes of a given brand is perceived and assessed by consumers at the same level. An additional purpose was to identify the features that characterize the quality of popular, among Polish young female consumers, clothing brands and to classify them according to their quality level (perceived and assessed).Design/methodology/approachThe article presents two approaches to consumer assessment of the quality of clothes: the survey method, in which the product quality was determined by 320 Polish female young respondents (19–25) based on their own previous experiences and impressions related to a particular clothing brand, and a direct assessment of shirts of selected brands using a sensory quality assessment method, a five-point hedonic scale with the verbal anchor (115 evaluators).FindingsThe research has revealed a significant difference between the perception of selected quality features of brands and the consumer assessment of the products. The perception maps developed based on the PROFIT analysis (PROperty FITting) as well as on cluster analysis provided interesting information about the situation of selected brands and their features in comparison with others and allowed to identify strong and weak features characterizing a given category.Research limitations/implicationsThis study has several limitations. First and foremost, the research results cannot be generalized to all consumers because they encompass the results from one national context and one population of respondents (young females). It should also be noted that the conducted research comprises only the most popular clothing brands available on the Polish market, in particular, the fast fashion segment brands. Furthermore, it would be advisable to carry out a sensory assessment of the quality of other clothing items offered under the brand names investigated.Practical implicationsThis research could be a valuable source of information for clothing company managers, thanks to which they could better manage their brand and its position on the market. When undertaking marketing activities consisting of building positive perceptions about the product, it is important to make sure that the product offers an attractive sensory experience. When real quality deviates from consumer perceptions about the quality, managers should take corrective actions to restore and even improve the brand image in the eyes of the consumer, as well as to ensure the brand and the products offered under it a stable position on the market.Originality/valueBy comparing two approaches to consumer quality assessment, discrepancies between declared and real (sensory) quality of clothes have been identified and the distinctive features that differentiate selected brands regarding their quality level have been indicated.

Using SERVIQUAL to investigate the quality of provided wireless communication services in UAE

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 109-132
Author(s):  
Wisam Abu Jadayil ◽  
Mwafak Shakoor ◽  
Adnan Bashir ◽  
Hamza Selmi ◽  
Mohamed Rafik N.N. Qureshi
Keyword(s):  
Service Quality ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Quality Level ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Five Dimensions ◽  
Critical Dimensions ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Wireless Telecommunication

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the service quality of wireless telecommunication services in the UAE. Design/methodology/approach This study uses the five dimensions of SERVQUAL instrumentation (reliability, assurance, tangibility, empathy and responsiveness) that are believed to represent service quality to approach a result of service quality level through comparing customers’ expectations to their perceptions. A SERVQUAL survey was constructed and distributed among a total number of 100 Etisalat users from four different age groups. Findings The results showed a significant difference between users’ expectations and the current level of quality of services in tangibility dimension of quality. The other variables were ranked in this order, assurance, reliability, responsiveness and empathy in service quality. Research limitations/implications The research findings encompass individuals from society only and may not be practical to generalize the findings to business organizations or industries as they have special offers and packages designed for their nature of the study. Practical implications This research is intensely valuable for Etisalat telecommunication company as it reflects and rates their service provided to the individuals of the society (citizens and residents) from five different critical dimensions. Consequently, it offers the firm the chance to improve the negative gaps in their services. Thus, higher customer satisfaction and loyalty. Originality/value This study demonstrated that a multi-cultural society could influence customers’ expectations and perceptions of service quality. The study results showed opposing expectations and perceptions to the same dimension from people of the same age group. The highest gaps were found to be in the tangibility and assurance dimensions whilst the lowest gap was found in the empathy dimension.

Enabling construction project managers through a management game

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Arash Fahmi Hassan ◽  
Farzad Haghighi-Rad ◽  
Amir-Reza Abtahi
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Construction Project ◽  
Quality Analysis ◽  
Simulation Game ◽  
Quality Level ◽  
Construction Project Management ◽  
Management Game ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Management Knowledge

Purpose This paper aims to design and develop a management game in the field of construction project management so that by playing the game, the required level of knowledge, skills, capabilities and overall project management competencies in individuals will be promoted. Also, player’s competencies can be measured. Design/methodology/approach This study, in terms of application, is applied research. The construction project management simulation game (CPMSG) was played by 18 university students. To evaluate the level of the players’ project management knowledge and quality of the game, questionnaires were used. Findings The game improves the players’ project management knowledge by 158%, and the educational program that was formulated in the game has also achieved the first three levels of bloom’s taxonomy of educational objectives. In the field of game quality, analysis of players’ results of responses and scores show that the game has a good quality level. Originality/value The CPMS game provides a useful tool for project management training, especially in the field of construction projects. It helps in addition to improving the quality of teaching theoretical topics, making students acquainted with the risks and uncertainties of such projects, and provides a simulated experience. In the field of common behavior analysis and player’s selection, the results indicated that the majority of groups used high-quality materials during the games to perform activities related to the appearance of the building (such as finishing and building facade activities) and used medium quality materials in implementing infrastructural activities such as brickwork and floor construction that are not visible in the appearance of work.

Flexibility decision pathways in the management of uncertainty in property development: experience from an emerging market

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy Oluwafemi Ayodele ◽  
Abel Olaleye
Keyword(s):  
Emerging Market ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Property Development ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Development Experience ◽  
High Level ◽  
Stratified Analysis ◽  
Management Of Uncertainty ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the flexible decision pathways adopted by development advisors in the management of uncertainty in property development. Specifically, the study examines the quantitative techniques adopted by development advisors, the level of adoption of real options analysis (ROA) vis-à-vis the level of adoption of heuristics. Finally, the types of options exercised in property development were analysed. This was with a view to providing information that could mitigate the challenges of risk and uncertainty and increasing investment failure associated with property development in Nigeria, an emerging market. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted a survey method and was conducted on development advisors in property development companies/estate surveying and valuation firms in Nigeria. A total of 195 development advisors participated in the survey. The respondents were required to rate, on a five-point Likert scale, the level of adoption of the quantitative models, heuristics and the types of flexibility exercised during development. The data were analysed using mean rating, one-sample t-test and analysis of variance. Findings The results revealed that there was a preference for the use of traditional techniques, while probabilistic appraisal models and other contemporary methods such as ROA are seldom adopted by development advisors. While there was a significantly high level of adoption of heuristics, the stratified analysis examining the profile of the respondents and the level of adoption of ROA and heuristics suggests that years of experience influenced the level of adoption of both the ROA and heuristics by the development advisors. The analysis of the types of flexibility showed that staging/phasing and changing the initial use/design were the most prevalent flexibility pathways adopted during the development. However, the study found that there was no significant difference concerning the choice of flexibility being adopted by development advisors who used ROA and those who did not. Practical implications The study provides an understanding of the decision pathways adopted by development advisors in an emerging market like Nigeria. Originality/value The paper contributes to studies on decision-making pathways in the management of uncertainty under dynamic conditions by development advisors in emerging markets.

Students’ satisfaction with hostel accommodations in higher education institutions

2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. 652-666 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayodeji Emmanuel Oke ◽  
Clinton Ohis Aigbavboa ◽  
Marcia M. Raphiri
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Ethnic Groups ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Item Score ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Higher Institutions ◽  
Students Satisfaction

Purpose There are several types of accommodation available to students of higher education institutions, and it is the responsibility of the institutions to focus on factors that can attract and retain students to their residences. This study aims to investigate satisfaction of higher institutions students with on-campus accommodation with an emphasis on the ethnicity of the students. Design/methodology/approach Using convenience sampling method, questionnaires were administered to students of selected residences in the study area. Mean item score was used to rank identified factors, whereas mean gap and Kruskal–Wallis K-test were adopted to examine the difference in opinion of students from various ethnic groups. Findings Overall, major features that make students dissatisfied with university-owned accommodations are enforcement of rule that compels all students to move out with their belongings during each recess, the effectiveness of the lift system, the size of wardrobe and closet, laundry service in the residence, numbers of electrical sockets and window quality. Considering dwelling unit features, neighbourhood, environmental, building quality and services provided by residence management, this study reveals that there is a significant difference in the satisfaction of students of diverse ethnic groups with their accommodation. Research limitations/implications The study was limited to on-campus residences owned by higher education institutions in South Africa. However, the findings of the study can be adopted for off-campus residences, and such owned by private individuals, agencies and other bodies provided are approved by the institutions. Originality/value The findings of this study will help management of higher education institutions to improve quality of services in their residences for the satisfaction of their students. Developers, contractors and other stakeholders involved in construction of these residences will also find the findings useful in designing and construction of the facilities.

Cross-sectional study of the quality of neonatal care services in Armenia

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (8) ◽  
pp. 1145-1161
Author(s):  
Suren H. Galstyan ◽  
Hrant Z. Kalenteryan ◽  
Arshak S. Djerdjerian ◽  
Hovhannes S. Ghazaryan ◽  
Naira T. Gharakhanyan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mortality Rate ◽  
Quality Assessment ◽  
Neonatal Care ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Neonatal Deaths ◽  
Live Births ◽  
Care Services

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to report the assessment results of the quality of neonatal care services in Armenia and to describe the identified obstacles to improving the quality of care for newborn infants. Design/methodology/approach The study carried out a cross-sectional descriptive design. The data were collected in health facilities with different levels of neonatal care that were selected employing a multi-stage, stratified purposeful sampling design. The quality of neonatal services was assessed using the generic WHO tool. Data collection was performed using face-to-face semi-structured interviews, hospital statistics, medical records and direct observations. Findings In 31 study hospitals, 31,976 deliveries were performed resulting in 31,701 live births and 734 stillbirths. About 85 percent of all neonatal deaths was attributable to early neonatal deaths with over 48 percent occurring during the first 24 h of life. The proportion of neonatal deaths was highest in infants with low birth weight constituting 92.8 percent of all neonatal deaths. The total neonatal mortality rate was 3.50 per 1,000 live births, whereas stillbirth rate and perinatal mortality rate were 22.60 and 25.26 per 1,000 total births in 2015. Specific indicators with relatively lower mean scores included neonatal resuscitation, early breastfeeding, monitoring of newborn conditions, neonatal sepsis, feeding standards, total parenteral nutrition, and infection treatment. Originality/value Given the limited scope of research on quality assessment, this paper provides valuable information on the status of quality of neonatal care services in Armenian health facilities. This work also extends the existing studies focused on quality assessment through applying the model of Avedis Donabedian with the structure–process–outcomes approach as a theoretical basis.

Identifying the gaps between customer expectations and perceptions on service quality dimensions of Islamic banks in Malaysia

2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 424-441 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rafikul Islam ◽  
Selim Ahmed ◽  
Dzuljastri Abdul Razak
Keyword(s):  
Service Quality ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Educational Background ◽  
Islamic Banking ◽  
Islamic Banks ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Customer Expectations ◽  
Banking Service ◽  
Significant Difference

Purpose – This paper aims to identify the gaps and differences between customer expectations and perceptions on service quality of Islamic banks in Malaysia based on six dimensions of service quality, namely, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, empathy, tangibles and Islamic Shari’ah compliance. Design/methodology/approach – This study surveyed 179 customers who have first-hand experience with Islamic banking services in Malaysia. The research data were analysed using reliability analysis, independent samples t-test and one-way analysis of variance. Findings – The results indicated that customers’ perceptions failed to meet their expectations on the service quality of Islamic banks in Malaysia. The results also indicated that those customers (respondents) aged below 30 years have higher expectations on empathy from the Islamic banking service compared to other age groups. However, there is no significant difference between customer expectations and perceptions of Islamic banking service quality based on educational background and occupation. Research limitations/implications – This research focused solely on Islamic banks in Malaysia and thus the results might not be applicable for other conventional banks. Originality/value – The findings are expected to provide guidelines for enhancing the satisfaction level of clients of the Islamic banking system in Malaysia and other countries.

The influence of the structure of employees on sensory quality of restaurants' food

2014 ◽  
Vol 116 (3) ◽  
pp. 527-543 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dragan Tešanovic ◽  
Milovan Krasavcic ◽  
Bojana Miro Kalenjuk ◽  
Milijanko Portic ◽  
Snježana Gagic
Keyword(s):  
Sensory Quality ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Level Of Education ◽  
Third Phase ◽  
Practical Evaluation ◽  
Quality Of Food ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to determine the sensory quality of food in restaurants by professional food evaluators and to research the impact of education, age and number of employees on the quality of food. Design/methodology/approach – In the first phase five trained food tasters evaluated the sensory quality of food. In the second phase, the analysis of the structure of employees was done by establishing their level of education, age and number of employees. In the third phase the regression and correlation analysis was done with the aim to establish the impact of the level of education, age and number of employees on the sensory quality of food. Findings – The sensory evaluation has shown that the evaluated food is of moderate quality. Correlation matrix has shown that the education level of employees has a high impact on the sensory quality of food. There is a correlation between the number of employees, their age and their education. Practical implications – Obtained results are the indicators of the quality of food in restaurants in the region and they can serve for the improvement of quality. They have shown that education and staff training can contribute to a better quality of food. Established methodology can also contribute to the practical evaluation of quality. Originality/value – This paper is reflected on the specific application of methodology of the sensory analysis of food in restaurants. The paper pointed to the impact of employees on the sensory quality of food by statistical methods. Statistical results which point to the great impact of the level of education of employees on the sensory quality of food in restaurants are particularly valuable.

Visitation and quality of life among older adults in jail

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie Grace Prost ◽  
Meghan A. Novisky
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Relationships ◽  
Developmental Theory ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Younger Adults ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose The purpose of this paper aims to examine differences in measures of and relationships between visitation and quality of life (QOL) among older and younger jailed adults. The authors also explored the contribution of visitation to QOL among adults in this setting. The authors anticipated fewer visits and lower QOL among older adults. Framed by psychosocial developmental theory, the authors also anticipated a larger effect in the relationship between visitation and QOL among older rather than younger adults and that visitation would contribute most readily to psychological QOL. Design/methodology/approach Cross-sectional data from a large US jail were used (n = 264). The authors described the sample regarding visitation and QOL measures among older (≥45) and younger adults (≤44) and examined differences in measures of and relationships between visitation and QOL using independent sample t-tests and bivariate analyses. The authors explored the contribution of visitation to psychological, social relationships, physical and environmental QOL among jailed adults using hierarchical multiple linear regression. Findings Older adults had fewer family visits and lower physical QOL than younger adults, disparities were moderate in effect (d range = 0.33–0.35). A significant difference also emerged between groups regarding the visitation and environmental QOL relationship (z = 1.66, p <0.05). Visitation contributed to variation in physical and social relationships QOL among jailed adults (Beta range = 0.19–0.24). Originality/value Limited research exists among jailed older adults and scholars have yet to examine the relationship between visitation and QOL among persons in these settings.

From physical to digital: what drives generation Z for mobile commerce adoption?

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Deepti Verma ◽  
Vaibhav Tripathi ◽  
Ajai Pratap Singh
Keyword(s):  
Gender Differences ◽  
Behavioral Intention ◽  
Behavioral Control ◽  
Mobile Commerce ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Perceived Behavioral Control ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Intention To Adopt ◽  
Generation Z ◽  
Significant Difference

Purpose This study aims to identify factors affecting generation Z as the early adopters of mobile commerce (m-commerce). The research seeks to explore their behavioral intention to adopt m-commerce in India with consideration of gender differences while providing empirical validation for the theory of planned behavior (TPB). Design/methodology/approach In this study, a modified TPB model has been used to explain generation Z’s intention to adopt m-commerce. The proposed model was tested using a survey method with a sample of 245 students from a private university in Northern India. Subgroup analysis was performed to find gender differences in the process of adopting m-commerce. Findings All three independent constructs have a positive influence on the behavioral intention of generation Z to adopt m-commerce. Further, the male subgroup has a lower beta value for attitude and higher beta value for subjective norm in comparison to the female subgroup. For perceived behavioral control, no significant difference in beta value across gender could be established. Practical implications A better understanding of generation Z behavioral intentions will be of great use to telecom companies, marketers and electronic commerce companies to formulate strategies to expedite the use of m-commerce. As gender plays an important role in attitude and subjective norms, companies are advised to target their communication tactics in accordance to gender. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is one of the first to test TPB and generation Z association in the context of m-commerce adoption in India. Data regarding the difference between the two genders has also shed light on the uniqueness of the context.

Association of traditional complementary and alternate medicine usage with quality of life of diabetic patients in a Malaysian tertiary hospital

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chinedum Ogbonnaya Eleazu ◽  
Aniza Abd Aziz ◽  
Tay Chuu Suen ◽  
Lam Chun-Hau ◽  
Chin Elynn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Diabetic Foot ◽  
Heart Diseases ◽  
Tertiary Hospital ◽  
Foot Ulcers ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
Diabetic Foot Ulcers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Significant Difference

Purpose This study aims to design to assess the traditional, complementary and alternate medicine (TCAM) usage and its association with the quality of life (QOL) of Type 2 diabetic patients in a tertiary hospital (Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia) in Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach A total of 300 respondents included in this study were divided into the following two major categories: TCAM (34.33% of respondents) and non-TCAM users (65.67% of the respondents), respectively. The mean ages of the respondents were 59.3 ± 10.2 for the TCAM users and 57.7 ± 12.0 for the non-TCAM users. Findings A greater percentage of non-TCAM users reported poor control of diabetes (14.7%) and blood glucose (55.8%) compared with the TCAM users (9.7% and 48.5%, respectively). Further, the diabetic patients on TCAM reported lower rates of coma, stroke and kidney problems but higher rates of diabetic foot ulcers, heart diseases and retinopathy than the non-TCAM users. Additionally, the diabetic patients with TCAM usage had a significantly better physical (p = 0.02) and overall (p = 0.03) qualities of life compared to the non-TCAM users. However, psychological, social and environmental health did not show any significant difference. Originality/value The prevalence of TCAM usage among diabetic patients was lower than in other comparable studies. Diabetic patients on TCAM reported lower rates of coma, stroke and kidney problems but higher rates of diabetic foot ulcers, heart diseases and retinopathy than the non-TCAM users. Further, diabetes patients on TCAM reported better QOL compared to non-TCAM users especially in terms of physical health.

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