scholarly journals Enhancing the Value of Lifestyle Bundles

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Michael Levens

Abstract Research purpose. The study of marketing a lifestyle offering involves allowing brands from different categories to collaborate in giving, essentially, a new offering as a bundle to consumers. This is particularly important for brands operating in segments that have a significant loyalty or in segments that have become or are becoming commodities. A lifestyle offering can span categories and address latent consumer attitudes such as aspiration and convenience. Lifestyle bundles were introduced as a “way of life that individuals express by choosing to allocate their time and personal resources to a single package of two or more goods or services that they believe represent their current or desired way of life” (Levens, 2010). The initial research on lifestyle bundles was contextualized through a bundled multi-category luxury offering, targeting affluent consumers, which was built on the concepts of luxury marketing, bundling and the needs, attitudes and behaviours of affluent consumers. The bundle items include a home, a vehicle and a vacation club. This paper revisits the original work on this topic and explores ways to enhance interest in the underlying bundle proposition. Design / Methodology / Approach. The methodology to explore enhancements to the lifestyle bundles involved re-analyzing the data cube used to develop the inaugural lifestyle bundle research (Levens, 2010). The data cube was mined to identify individual preferences to increase consumer interest in the original concept. The underlying argument is that adjusting the lifestyle bundle items may increase consumer interest in the overall concept. The analysis presented in this paper was completed through statistical description using SPSS software. Findings. The initial concept evaluation identified a non-trivial level of interest in the lifestyle bundle consisting of a home, a vehicle and a vacation club. This paper identifies modifications to the bundles that would increase consumer interest among rejecters and supporters of the lifestyle bundle concept. While novelty was acknowledged as a reason for consumer interest, it was clear that utility derived from convenience and lifestyle expression was the basis for many consumers supporting the concept. Concept rejecters also noted these attributes as influencing their opinions. Elimination of the vacation club offer from the lifestyle bundle would have the greatest impact on increasing rejection. Adding home and vehicle insurance to the lifestyle bundle would have the greatest impact on enhancing the value proposition for concept supporters. Originality / Value / Practical implications. Lifestyle bundles are a novel approach for marketers to differentiate their products and create new opportunities among consumers who might have not previously considered their products or services. Enhancing the lifestyle bundle offer can only increase those opportunities.

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sutiyem Sutiyem ◽  
Thesa Alif Ravelby ◽  
Dessy Trismiyanti

This study aims to determine the effect of product design and price on consumer interest in buying Jepara Teak furniture at the New Furniture Business Shop in Lubuk Alung. This type of research is associative quantitative research, the number of research samples were 100 people. Data was collected in the form of questionnaires and using analyzed SPSS software ver.21.0 for Windows. The conclusions from this study is the product design variable (X1) has a significant positive effect on purchase decision in Jati Jepara furniture at the New Furniture Business Shop in Lubuk Alung, as evidenced by t value > t table (10,400> 1,660) and a significant influence between price variables ( X2) purchase decision with t value> t table (2,015> 1,660). There is a positive and significant influence between product design (X1) price (X2), on purchase decision of Jati Jepara furniture consumers with an F-value 156,644> F- table (3,09) means that it affects together. The coefficient of determination (R²) results obtained a coefficient of 0.764 or 76.4%, while 23.6% is influenced by other variables.Keywords: Product design; prices; purchase decision.


2017 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 1249-1265 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yijun Liu ◽  
Guiyong Zhang ◽  
Huan Lu ◽  
Zhi Zong

Purpose Due to the strong reliance on element quality, there exist some inherent shortcomings of the traditional finite element method (FEM). The model of FEM behaves overly stiff, and the solutions of automated generated linear elements are generally of poor accuracy about especially gradient results. The proposed cell-based smoothed point interpolation method (CS-PIM) aims to improve the results accuracy of the thermoelastic problems via properly softening the overly-stiff stiffness. Design/methodology/approach This novel approach is based on the newly developed G space and weakened weak (w2) formulation, and of which shape functions are created using the point interpolation method and the cell-based gradient smoothing operation is conducted based on the linear triangular background cells. Findings Owing to the property of softened stiffness, the present method can generally achieve better accuracy and higher convergence results (especially for the temperature gradient and thermal stress solutions) than the FEM does by using the simplest linear triangular background cells, which has been examined by extensive numerical studies. Practical implications The CS-PIM is capable of producing more accurate results of temperature gradients as well as thermal stresses with the automated generated and unstructured background cells, which make it a better candidate for solving practical thermoelastic problems. Originality/value It is the first time that the novel CS-PIM was further developed for solving thermoelastic problems, which shows its tremendous potential for practical implications.


2014 ◽  
Vol 44 (3) ◽  
pp. 223-229 ◽  
Author(s):  
Issa Gholampour Azizi ◽  
Hassan Ghadi ◽  
Samaneh Rouhi

Purpose – OTA is primarily produced by species of Penicillium and Aspergillus. This toxin has been detected worldwide in different grains such as rice. Due to OTA's toxicity and its effects on human's health, the authors performed this study to analyze the OTA's contamination levels in rice samples that gathered in different cities of Mazandaran (a province in northern Iran). The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – In this study, 80 rice samples were collected from several cities of Mazandaran. Data were analyzed using CD-ELISA method for OTA. Conjugated enzyme was added to uncoated-antibody wells and standard solution and sample extract were added to it. Solutions were transferred to the coated-antibody wells. Then, substrate was added to produce blue color. Finally, stopping solution was added to stop the reaction. The color intensity was inversely proportional to the OTA concentration, measured with the ELISA reader and calculated by analysis of variance by using the SPSS software package. Findings – None of the samples that were collected in Mazandaran were contaminated with >5 μg/kg of OTA in October. Also none of the samples from Amol, Fereydonkenar, Babol or Behshahr were contaminated with >5 μg/kg of this toxin in November. But in sari, Nowshahr and Ramsar the authors encountered samples that had >5 μg/kg of OTA contamination which is more than the acceptable limit. Practical implications – Screening and analyzing the rice fields are vital to detect any OTA contamination and can be effective for removing the contaminated rice. So proper strategies and management tactics are required in order to prevent OTA production in rice fields in pre- and post-harvest time and people must share their experiences regarding fighting this contamination. Originality/value – Since rice is used extensively all over the world, consumption of contaminated rice causes diseases for humans. Therefore, determination, management, and prevention of OTA should be considered seriously.


2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 297-304 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ming Jin ◽  
Nicole DeHoratius ◽  
Glen Schmidt

Purpose The popular “beer game” illustrates the bullwhip effect where a small perturbation in downstream demand can create wild swings in upstream product flows. The purpose of this paper is to present a methodical framework to measure the bullwhip effect and evaluate its impact. Design/methodology/approach This paper illustrates a framework using SKU-level data from an industry-leading manufacturer, its distributors, end-users and suppliers. Findings Firms benefit from tracking multiple intra-firm bullwhips and from tracking bullwhips pertinent to specific products, specific suppliers and specific customers. The framework presented in this paper enables managers to pinpoint bullwhip sources and mitigate bullwhip effects. Research limitations/implications This paper presents a framework for methodically measuring and tracking intra-firm and inter-firm bullwhips. Practical implications A disconnect exists between what is known and taught regarding the bullwhip effect and how it is actually tracked and managed in practice. This paper aims to reduce this gap. For the various products analyzed herein, the authors show how using this framework has the potential to reduce delivered product cost by 2 to 15 per cent. Social implications Properly managing the bullwhip leads to lower inventories and potentially lower product prices while simultaneously increasing firm profits. Originality/value This paper presents a novel approach to systematically tracking intra-firm bullwhips along with bullwhips specific to a given supplier or customer.


Author(s):  
Besse Arnawisuda Ningsi ◽  
Ani Putriyani

The purpose of this study was to find out how many factors were formed through the reduction process, to determine which factors most dominantly influence consumer interest in using KRL Commuter Line transportation services, to find out how much influence the most dominant factors influence consumer interest in using KRL Commuter transportation services Line. In this study, the Factor Analysis method was used with principal component analysis techniques using SPSS software. 7 stages of factor analysis, namely: (1) formulating a problem, (2) Variable Interference Test, (3) forming a correlation matrix, (4) determining factor analysis methods, (5) extracting factors, (6) rotating factors, and (7) interpret factors. Based on the results of the study, the number of factors formed from the reduction process is 7 factors. Consisting of one factor (F1) with a correlation value of 0.608, factor two (F2) with a correlation value of -0.277, factor three (F3) with a correlation value of -0.246, factor four (F4) with a correlation value of 0.419, factor five (F5) with the correlation value is 0.716, factor six (F6) with a correlation value of -0.392, factor seven (F7) with a correlation value of 0.570. The most dominant factor affecting consumer interest in using KRL Commuter Line transportation services is factor five (F5) with a correlation value of 0.716 or 71.6%.


2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 454-473 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arnon Sturm ◽  
Daniel Gross ◽  
Jian Wang ◽  
Eric Yu

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to report on research that aims to make knowledge, and in particular know-how, more easily accessible to both academic and industrial communities, as well as to the general public. The paper proposes a novel approach to map out know-how information, so all knowledge stakeholders are able to contribute to the knowledge and expertise accumulation, as well as using that knowledge for research and applying expertise to address problems. Design/methodology/approach This research followed a design science approach in which mapping of the know-how information was done by the research team and then tested with graduate students. During this research, the mapping approach was continuously evaluated and refined, and mapping guidelines and a prototype tool were developed. Findings Following an evaluation with graduate students, it was found that the know-how maps produced were easy to follow, allowed continuous evolution, facilitated easy modification through provided modularity capabilities, further supported reasoning about know-how and overall provided adequate expressiveness. Furthermore, we applied the approach with various domains and found that it was a good fit for its purpose across different knowledge domains. Practical implications This paper argues that mapping out know-how within research and industry communities can further improve resource (knowledge) utilization, reduce the phenomena of “re-inventing the wheel” and further create linkage across communities. Originality/value With the qualities mentioned above, know-how maps can both ease and support the increase of access to expert knowledge to various communities, and thus, promote re-use and expansion of knowledge for various purposes. Having an explicit representation of know-how further encourages innovation, as knowledge from various domains can be mapped, searched and reasoned, and gaps can be identified and filled.


Author(s):  
Mark R. Wynn

This chapter examines what kind of assent a person needs to give to a theological narrative if it is to support their pursuit of hybrid goods whose realization is tied to the truth of the narrative. It expounds Aquinas’s account of faith as in the relevant senses cognitive, action-guiding, voluntary, confident and certain, and notes how the idea of hybrid goods allows us to understand the spiritual life in comparable terms. The chapter proposes that faith is best conceived not as first of all a commitment to a world view, from which we are then to read off a set of practical implications, nor as first of all a commitment to a way of life, which then calls for the introduction of a supporting world view, but instead as a commitment to a way of life and world view taken in combination. In this way, the notion of hybrid goods allows us to develop an account of the practical reasonableness of particular forms of the spiritual life, where it is axiological questions at least as much as evidential or epistemic questions that determine the shape of that life.


2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 1675-1691
Author(s):  
Jane Hamilton Johnstone ◽  
Derek Bryce ◽  
Matthew J. Alexander

Purpose This paper aims to evaluate the possibilities associated with go-along technique and other mobile qualitative methods augmenting other qualitative methods as a novel approach to developing understanding of multifaceted organisations. Design/methodology/approach The study explores the challenges associated with “static” qualitative methods for understanding multifaceted organisations and evaluates how a range of mobile methods can achieve a greater depth of analysis when researching complex hospitality and tourism settings. The paper uses an illustrative empirical case where mobile methods are used as part of a multi-method qualitative study exploring ancestral tourism in a large, heterogeneous tourism organisation. Findings This research highlights how mobile methods can service to: broaden the scope of interviews through introducing enhanced meaning and spontaneity; afford opportunity to explore and verify interview findings in informal settings; and widen participation in the study through ongoing recruitment of participants. Practical implications The authors identify implications for researchers working within hospitality and tourism who can gain additional insight by augmenting qualitative studies with mobile methods. Originality/value This paper identifies challenges in using more static qualitative methods when seeking understanding of complex, multifaceted tourism organisations where work activities are mobile and spatially dispersed. This research highlights the value of mobile methods in combination with other qualitative methods, to gain greater understanding of these organisations.


2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (6) ◽  
pp. 929-951 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurent Remy ◽  
Dragan Ivanović ◽  
Maria Theodoridou ◽  
Athina Kritsotaki ◽  
Paul Martin ◽  
...  

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to boost multidisciplinary research by the building of an integrated catalogue or research assets metadata. Such an integrated catalogue should enable researchers to solve problems or analyse phenomena that require a view across several scientific domains. Design/methodology/approach There are two main approaches for integrating metadata catalogues provided by different e-science research infrastructures (e-RIs): centralised and distributed. The authors decided to implement a central metadata catalogue that describes, provides access to and records actions on the assets of a number of e-RIs participating in the system. The authors chose the CERIF data model for description of assets available via the integrated catalogue. Analysis of popular metadata formats used in e-RIs has been conducted, and mappings between popular formats and the CERIF data model have been defined using an XML-based tool for description and automatic execution of mappings. Findings An integrated catalogue of research assets metadata has been created. Metadata from e-RIs supporting Dublin Core, ISO 19139, DCAT-AP, EPOS-DCAT-AP, OIL-E and CKAN formats can be integrated into the catalogue. Metadata are stored in CERIF RDF in the integrated catalogue. A web portal for searching this catalogue has been implemented. Research limitations/implications Only five formats are supported at this moment. However, description of mappings between other source formats and the target CERIF format can be defined in the future using the 3M tool, an XML-based tool for describing X3ML mappings that can then be automatically executed on XML metadata records. The approach and best practices described in this paper can thus be applied in future mappings between other metadata formats. Practical implications The integrated catalogue is a part of the eVRE prototype, which is a result of the VRE4EIC H2020 project. Social implications The integrated catalogue should boost the performance of multi-disciplinary research; thus it has the potential to enhance the practice of data science and so contribute to an increasingly knowledge-based society. Originality/value A novel approach for creation of the integrated catalogue has been defined and implemented. The approach includes definition of mappings between various formats. Defined mappings are effective and shareable.


2019 ◽  
Vol 92 (2) ◽  
pp. 229-236
Author(s):  
Svetoslav Zabunov ◽  
Roumen Nedkov

Purpose This paper aims to reveal the authors’ conceptual and experimental work on an innovative avionics paradigm for small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Design/methodology/approach This novel approach stipulates that, rather than being centralized at the autopilot, control of avionics devices is instead distributed among controllers – spread over the airframe span, in response to avionics devices’ natural location requirements. The latter controllers are herein referred to as edge controllers by the first author. Findings The edge controller manifests increased efficiency in a number of functions, some of which are unburdened from the autopilot. The edge controller establishes a new paradigm of structure and design of small UAVs avionics such that any functionality related to the periphery of the airframe is implemented in the controller. Research limitations/implications The research encompasses a workbench prototype testing on a breadboard, as the presented idea is a novel concept. Further, another test has been conducted with four controllers mounted on a quadcopter; results from the vertical attitude sustenance are disclosed herein. Practical implications The motivation behind developing this paradigm was the need to position certain avionics devices at different locations on the airframe. Due to their inherent functional requirements, most of these devices have hitherto been placed at the periphery of the aircraft construction. Originality/value The current paper describes the novel avionics paradigm, compares it to the standard approach and further reveals two experimental setups with testing results.


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