Fashion subscription retailing: an exploratory study of consumer perceptions

2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 494-508 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qiong Tao ◽  
Yingjiao Xu
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Innovation Adoption ◽  
Consumer Perceptions ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Social Shopping ◽  
Subscription Service ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Adoption Intention

Purpose Fashion subscription service is a newly emerged retailing model that provides an innovative way of shopping to meet consumers’ fashion needs. From the perspective of innovation adoption, the purpose of this paper is to provide an insight of consumers’ perceptions as well as adoption intention of this innovative retailing format. Design/methodology/approach This research is qualitative in nature, utilizing focus group study approach. In this paper, content analysis was applied to analyze the data. Findings While possessing varying degrees of knowledge about fashion subscription retailing, the participants shared the following perceptions of relative advantages, including convenience, personalization, consumer excitement, opportunities to try new styles, and opportunity to better manage their apparel budget. Concerns mainly focused on missing social shopping experiences and the hassle in the cancellation process. The overall adoption intention was high. Research limitations/implications Due to the nature of this research, the sample size was limited and results may not be generalized. This research paid less attention to individual differences, in terms of demographic and psychographic characteristics. Practical implications Future marketing could focus more on educating consumers about the attributes of the services they provide. Retailers can strategically leverage the positively perceived advantages in their marketing communications to enhance consumers’ adoption intention of their services. Originality/value The paper fills a gap in the literature on consumer behavior toward fashion subscription retailing and sheds light for companies in their endeavors to excel in this new retailing venue.

Promoting authenticity through celebrity brands

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda Kennedy ◽  
Stacey M. Baxter ◽  
Alicia Kulczynski
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Consumer Attitudes ◽  
Purchase Intentions ◽  
Consumer Perceptions ◽  
Positive Outcomes ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Monetary Compensation ◽  
High Level ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to examine the importance of celebrity brands in influencing consumer perceptions of celebrity authenticity, which drives positive consumer attitudes and intentions. In addition, the notion of low-celebrity investment is investigated as a factor that diminishes the positive outcomes associated with celebrity brands. Design/methodology/approach Study 1 examines the effect of brand situation (endorsement versus celebrity brand) on consumer attitudes and intentions. Studies 2 and 3 investigate the role of celebrity authenticity in explaining the effects observed in Study 1. Study 4 examines celebrity investment as a bound of the phenomenon. Findings Study 1 demonstrates that consumers report heightened attitudes and intentions towards celebrity brands when compared to endorsements. Studies 2 and 3 provide evidence that authenticity explains the effects observed in Study 1. Results of Study 4 show that when consumers are aware of low-celebrity investment, the celebrity is viewed as inauthentic regardless of brand situation. Research limitations/implications This research is limited as it focuses only on known celebrity endorsers who were matched with products that had a high level of fit. In addition, purchase intentions were measured as opposed to the study of actual purchase behaviour. Practical implications This research has important implications for the development of endorsements and celebrity brands by demonstrating that consumers view celebrities as authentic when they are involved with brands for reasons other than monetary compensation. Originality/value This research shows that consumers have heightened attitudes and intentions towards celebrity brands compared to endorsements. This research identifies celebrity authenticity as the process underlying the observed phenomenon. However, celebrity investment is identified as a boundary condition demonstrating that knowledge of low investment results in a celebrity being viewed as inauthentic.

Improving transport performance in supply networks: effects of (non)overlapping network horizons

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Victor Eriksson ◽  
Kajsa Hulthén ◽  
Ann-Charlott Pedersen
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Business Relationship ◽  
Transport Service ◽  
Change Initiative ◽  
Case Study Approach ◽  
Supply Networks ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The aim of this paper is to investigate how the efforts of improving transport performance within the scope of one business relationship are embedded in a transport service triad, which, in turn, is embedded in the wider supply network. Design/methodology/approach The theoretical framing originates from the IMP approach with a specific focus on the concept network horizon, and literature on triads. The study is explorative and applies a qualitative design and a case study approach to illustrate how three actors engage in a change initiative to improve transport performance. Findings The paper concludes that it is crucial to get counterparts aware of the importance of expanding and defining their network horizons for a certain change initiative. Interaction among actors is important to create awareness and expand its own as well as others’ network horizons for a certain change. Three generic facets are proposed: overlapping network horizons, partly overlapping network horizons and non-overlapping network horizons. Practical implications The framework offers a tool to managers in terms of the concept of network horizon that can help to understand the challenges when dealing with change in supply networks and to understand where to deploy resources to cope with change. Originality/value This study adds to the literature by explicating facets of the concept of network horizon, especially when firms are faced with a change, how they are affected by this change and how they can cope with the related challenges.

Strengthening and sustaining a community through reciprocal support between local businesses and the community

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 668-680 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lynne Siemens
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Geographical Area ◽  
Reciprocal Relationship ◽  
Sustainable Communities ◽  
Case Study Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Rural Context ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Community economic development (CED) focuses on the creation of sustainable communities. To that end, a reciprocal relationship that sustains the community and business alike can be created. However, little is known about the nature of informal interactions between residents and businesses that achieves that end. This study aims to explore the nature of these interactions and their contribution to CED within a rural context. Design/methodology/approach A case study approach was used with interviews with five rural entrepreneurs. Questions explored the nature of the support that they receive from their home community and their contributions back to it. Findings The results show that communities and businesses do not operate independently of each other, but rather are mutually supportive and contribute directly to the other’s objectives. These relationships are reinforced over time by a business owner’s direct involvement in the community, though this process takes time and effort. Research limitations/implications This study focuses on a limited geographical area in British Columbia with a small group of rural entrepreneurs. The results may not be generalizable to other contexts. Practical implications The results suggest concrete actions that both the rural entrepreneurs and their associated communities can take to be mutually supportive of each other to the benefit of each party alike. Originality/value This paper enlarges the understanding of the types of interactions, especially informal ones, that can support both businesses and the larger community in their efforts to sustain themselves and contribute to CED efforts.

The effects of risk appraisal and coping appraisal on the adoption intention of m-payment

2019 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-33
Author(s):  
Shih-Tse Wang
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Credit Cards ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Risk Appraisal ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Response Efficacy ◽  
And Coping ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Adoption Intention

Purpose Although debit and credit cards are widely accepted, consumers still have significant concerns pertaining to the risk of the cards’ usage. Mobile payment (m-payment) acts as identification and a virtual card for consumers, and is viewed as more secure than card payments. However, the influence of consumers’ appraisal of debit and credit cards usage and using m-payment on the adoption intention of m-payment is unclear. Using the protection motivation theory, the purpose of this paper is to explore the effect of risk appraisal of using debit or credit cards and coping appraisal of using m-payment on the adoption intention of m-payment. Design/methodology/approach A total of 418 volunteers participated in this study, and structural equation modeling was employed to test the employed conceptual model. Findings The results revealed that risk appraisal (i.e. vulnerability, severity and benefit) of using debit or credit cards did not affect m-payment adoption intention. Moreover, self-efficacy and response efficacy positively affected m-payment adoption intention, whereas response cost negatively influenced m-payment adoption intention. Originality/value Both theoretical and practical implications are presented in this paper for m-payment marketers to develop effective communication strategies for promoting m-payment adoption.

Identification, classification and shortlisting of performance indicators for hospital facilities management

Facilities ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph Lai ◽  
P.L. Yuen
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Performance Indicators ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Facilities Management ◽  
Review Of Literature ◽  
Input Process ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Services Delivery ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to report on a study that aims to establish a list of systematically classified key performance indicators (KPIs) that are useful for hospital facilities management (FM). Design/methodology/approach A review of literature was conducted to identify indicators that are applicable to hospital FM. Each indicator was classified using a phase–hierarchy (P-H) model, which is a two-dimensional matrix comprising three phases (input, process and output) of facilities services delivery and three hierarchical FM levels (operational, tactical and strategic). The classified indicators were further shortlisted via a focus group study. Findings From the literature review, 61 indicators were identified as applicable to hospital FM. Most of the indicators, according to the P-H model, are for evaluating the FM input or output phase, at the strategic or tactical level. Further refinement and shortlisting of the indicators by the focus group experts resulted in 18 KPIs, which fall into 4 aspects: “physical”, “safety”, “environmental” and “financial”. Research limitations/implications The study illustrates that the P-H model is useful for classifying the performance indicators systematically along the two fundamental FM dimensions – phase and hierarchy. Further research may use this model to classify performance indicators in other contexts. Practical implications The method of this study can be adapted for use in identifying, classifying and shortlisting FM performance indicators for other types of buildings. The shortlisted KPIs can be used for assessing the FM performance of hospitals. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first of its kind that used the P-H model to classify hospital FM performance indicators.

When admen prefer Tom to Tim

2015 ◽  
Vol 31 (5) ◽  
pp. 10-12
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Consumer Perceptions ◽  
Cutting Edge ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach – This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings – Findings indicate that verbal congruence influences consumer perceptions of fit, regardless of visual congruence. Perceptions of spokesperson-product fit also act as mediators between visual and verbal congruence and attitude toward the advertisement. Practical implications – The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. Originality/value – The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Can a merger of equals truly exist?

2016 ◽  
Vol 32 (6) ◽  
pp. 40-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jayanth-Reddy Alluru ◽  
Mark Thomas
Keyword(s):  
Mergers And Acquisitions ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Case Study Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Perceptions Of Fairness ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Between 1985 and 2001, only 45 of 90,480 total European mergers and acquisitions were identified as a merger of equals (Zaheer et al., 2003). This indicates that there were less than 1 per cent of the M&A deals that could actually be categorized as a merger of equals. This paper aims to analyse two recent mergers and assess to what extent they are “of equals”. Design/methodology/approach The paper takes a multi-case study approach looking specifically at the Lafarge-Holcim and DuPont-Dow Chemical mergers. Findings Zaheer et al. (2003) point out that in the case of a merger of equals emotions run usually high, perceptions of fairness and unfairness are strongly related to identification with their former organizations, and the very idea of “equality” can backfire, as integration can never be equal in all its aspects. It remains to be seen if the Lafarge-Holcim and the DuPont-Dow Chemicals will truly be equal. Practical implications The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Reverse mentoring becomes a two-way street: case study of a mentoring project for IT competence

2014 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 13-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jane Burdett
Keyword(s):  
Leadership Development ◽  
Knowledge Creation ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Relationship Building ◽  
Project Leader ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report on the experiences of a large Australian Government department in the successful trialling of a formal reverse mentoring project for developing information technology (IT) competence in executives. Design/methodology/approach – A case study approach was used to collect data from interviews with the organization’s project leader. Data were also sourced from relevant internal documents and appropriate literature. Findings – The results suggest that formal reverse mentoring projects can have additional reciprocal benefits for both parties such as leadership development, knowledge creation and relationship building. Furthermore, it emerged that clear procedures, effective structures and time spent on participant preparation contributed to the project’s success. Research limitations/implications – Findings from a single case study may not be generalizable to all contexts. Practical implications – This paper provides guidance to trainers and leaders in the planning and delivery of an innovative reverse mentoring project for IT competence and beyond. Originality/value – This paper contributes to an understanding of leadership development through mentoring and offers practical assistance to leaders, managers and trainers.

Remarkable lives: Chantelle Garth in conversation with Jerome Carson

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chantelle Garth ◽  
Jerome Carson
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Adult Life ◽  
Childhood And Adolescence ◽  
Case Study Approach ◽  
Short Account ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
The Face ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a profile of Chantelle Garth. Design/methodology/approach Using a case study approach, Chantelle provides a short account of her background and is then interviewed by Jerome. Findings Chantelle gives an account of her very troubled childhood and adolescence. Her adult life has been no easier. Life is a continuous challenge. Research limitations/implications It is hard to imagine a tougher life than Chantelle’s, yet her ambition has carried her through. A single account, yet one of the most powerful accounts in this series. Practical implications There are few better accounts of resilience in the face of at times what seem like insurmountable obstacles. Social implications The belief that can be instilled by a single professional can have a profound effect in encouraging someone facing adversity. Originality/value There are numerous accounts of individuals facing difficulties in life, then there is Chantelle’s. This is in a category of its own.

Assessment tools’ indicators for sustainability in universities: an analytical overview

2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 84-115 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naif Alghamdi ◽  
Alexandra den Heijer ◽  
Hans de Jonge
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Theoretical Concept ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Research Papers ◽  
Essential Information ◽  
Main Method ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Full Picture ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyse 12 assessment tools of sustainability in universities and develop the structure and the contents of these tools to be more intelligible. The configuration of the tools reviewed highlight indicators that clearly communicate only the essential information. This paper explores how the theoretical concept of a sustainable university is translated into more measurable variables to support practitioners and academics in assessing sustainability in universities. Design/methodology/approach The main method for this paper was a desk study approach, which incorporated reviewing research papers, graduate theses, academic books, network platforms and websites. Findings The tools reviewed share similar traits in terms of criteria, sub-criteria and indicators. Five benchmarks are essential for a holistic framework: management; academia; environment; engagement and innovation. Practical implications This research can not only be used to improve existing assessment tools but also as a means to develop new tools tailored for universities that face a variety of challenges and lack the ability to measure their sustainability policies. Social implications Making higher education more sustainable through all the criteria mentioned influences students, as well as staff, to maintain a culture of sustainability. Originality/value This study contributes to the literature by simplifying and detailing the structure and contents of the tools in a way which indicators are shown, giving a full picture of these tools to enable universities to be more aware of the sustainability issues that affect them.

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