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- P-ISSN1738-3110
- E-ISSN2093-7717
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ISSN : 1738-3110
Vol.11 No.4
Abstract
Purpose - The aim of this work is to study the reorientation that the export industrial sectors in Costa Rica have experienced during the last 20 years. Research design, data, methodology - The study employs the Cluster Analysis with the export data (20 years of cut-off period) from Costa Rica to the U.S-market. To make the predictions, the technique of the time series was used, with official data (from 2001 to 2010) from the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. International Trade Commission. Results - The Cluster Analysis, show how the economic sectors of traditional products exports of Costa Rica have progressively become in exporters of non-traditional products, meanwhile,the time series confirms that this trend will continue, at least during the next five years. Conclusions - The industry of traditional products exports of Costa Rica (dressmaking, vegetables, coffee, mate, species, etc.) will progressively become in exporters of non- traditional products with a high-tech component (i.e., mechanical equipment and devices, electronic devices and medical equipment),as a consequence of the Chinese (Costa Rica's main competitor) economy's presence in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OCDE). This fact has enabled the potential improvement of Costa Rica's international competitiveness in the U.S. market.
Abstract
Purpose - The purpose of this research is to find out the relationship between cue utilization and perceived website quality and purchase intention for an online store. To achieve this, we suggest a conceptual model that examines the relationship among product introductions, online communications, online reviews, perceived quality, and online purchase intention. Research design, data, and methodology - This research utilizes SPSS 19.0 and AMOS17.0 to analyze the data. We used factor analysis to shape the structure of the original data and saved the information with multiple dimensions. We then deployed the AMOS software to analyze the model. We performed both factor analysis and structural equation analysis. Results - The findings of this study show that graphic and word descriptions, online chatting, and online reviews have a positive influence on perceived quality. Furthermore, perceived quality has a positive influence on purchase intention. Conclusions - First, detailed product information should be added to influence quality perception. Second, consumers expect a certain level of service while shopping. Simultaneously, online products reviews from consumers deserve attention as they can impact consumer purchase intention.
Abstract
Purpose - This paper attempts to identify the problems and limitations of a market maintenance project conducted according to the 「Special Act for the Development of Traditional Markets and Shopping Street」 and to present a revised direction for the special law and lay the groundwork for market maintenance projects to be promoted smoothly. Research design, data, and methodology - The revised direction for the legislation and the proposal were written based on an investigation of the problems and the legal system, and proposed measures for market maintenance operation and system improvements to derive the improvements needed for market maintenance projects. Results - A market maintenance project has been conducted as a means to reinvigorate traditional markets that are economically depressed, and to revive the local economy. It was largely conducted in the form of reconstruction and redevelopment and represents the interests of landowners and merchants. Thus, it is most likely to contribute to the gradual disappearance of traditional markets. First, as part of a market maintenance project, many companies are building multipurpose buildings or high-rise residential buildings to increase profits. In these high-rise buildings, they can raise rents, which may not be affordable for some existing small businesses. To solve such problems, the large-scale store registration requirement needs to be relaxed or abolished once the market maintenance project is completed. If the large-scale store registration requirement is to be abolished, the term 'large retail store' should be changed in the 「Special Act for the Development of Traditional Markets and Shopping Street」. After registration, the Small and Medium Business Administration should train merchants, offer consultations, and support events, to the extent that the existing traditional market management modernization project permits, and further continue to manage and support its ongoing activities. However, unless large-scale store registration is abolished, adding an exception clause in the special law to relax large-scale store registration criteria, and permitting changes to building use is another option. At the end of a market maintenance project, empty stores should be purchased by the Small and Medium Business Administration, and local government, etc., at the actual construction cost, to utilize them as public rental shopping areas, which in turn may be re-utilized as a temporary market for another market maintenance project. The second problem in market maintenance projects is merchant-protection. Currently, the special law prescribes that a temporary market be created for merchants to conduct business during the rental period of a market maintenance project. Conclusions - In reality, a market maintenance project is conducted usually in big metropolitan cities with 500,000 residents or more. The main building type created under these projects is a multipurpose building. For this reason, it is very difficult to secure a location for a temporary market in the surrounding area of such a project. To solve this problem, this study suggests 'public rental shopping areas' as mentioned above.
Abstract
Purpose - This research identifies the meaning of the core capability level of Car Master and the reason why its service at the Moment of Truth should be demonstrated through empirical cases. It can be seen that this study differs from existing research because it proposes that the recognized core capability level to achieve customer satisfaction should focus on the mediating effect of Moment of Truth quality. This paper examines the effect of Car Master's recognized core capability level on customer satisfaction by using the variables mentioned above. Moreover, this study uses regression analysis to verify that the mediating effect of Moment of Truth quality on Car Master's capability level achieves customer satisfaction. Research design, data, and methodology - First, we present evidence that could apply to Car Master's recognized core capability level by detailing the relationship between customer satisfaction and a structuring factor for Car Master's core capability level. Our proposed research model observes the relationship between the structuring factor of core capability and customer satisfaction. Second, we had an opportunity to define how the core capability and Moment of Truth quality affect customer satisfaction by performing empirical analysis on the partial mediating effect of Moment of Truth quality at a recognized core capability level and Moment of Truth quality affecting customer satisfaction. Results - First, the results indicate that Car Master's recognized core capability level (product professionalism, marketing skill, and reliability) positively affects customer satisfaction. Second, the results show that an ability to listen and a sense of dedication positively affect customer satisfaction, and are among the Moment of Truth quality factors; but performance capability, which is one of the Moment of Truth quality factors, does not positively affect customer satisfaction. These results clearly differ from prior studies focused on Moment of Truth quality and consumer satisfaction. Third, the results show that Moment of Truth quality has a partial mediating effect in terms of the impact of Car Master's recognized core capability level in achieving consumer satisfaction. Conclusions - This research indicates that the company will be able to expand if they investigate and show an interest in more training and education for Car Master. The study verified that outstanding Car Masters show differentiated performance on customer satisfaction at the Moment of Truth in various instances. Thus, we believe that this is the time for a discussion on systematic and empirically recognized core capability levels and the Moment of Truth quality. The study on Car Master's recognized core capability level offers suitable solutions for Car Masters to respond to customers at the Moment of Truth. Further, this study emphasizes the importance of service as a critical factor having a direct relationship with the company's success and failure and contributing to building trust with the customer. Thus, an investment in continuous education and training for Car Master will help the growth of the business.
Abstract
Purpose - The objective of this paper is to investigate the effect of asset specificity, the level of information sharing, the importance of information sharing, and an integrated collaborative environment on supply chain performance. Research design, data, and methodology - Data collection was implemented as follows: questionnaires were distributed to 250 companies that have business ties with Halla Climate Control Corporation. The empirical study to test our hypothesis was based on statistical analysis (using SPSS 18.0 and AMOS 18.0). The hypothesis of this paper is that the asset specificity variable has positive effects on the following variables: Level of information sharing, the importance of information sharing, and integrated collaborative environment. Moreover the variables, the level of information sharing, and the importance of information sharing are strongly influenced by the variable integrated collaborative environment, and these when combined, have an effect on the dependent variable, supply chain performance. We tested our hypothesized model utilizing path analysis with latent variables. Results - According to the results of our analysis, hypothesis H1, which tests whether there is a relationship between asset specificity and the integrated collaborative environment, is supported at the 0.01 level. Hypotheses H2 and H3 were also confirmed, and asset specificity had positive effects (+) on the level of information sharing variable. The importance of the information sharing variable was statistically significant at the 0.01 level. Hypotheses H4 and H5 posited that the integrated collaborative environment variable would have a positive effect on the level of information sharing; the importance of information sharing variable was strongly supported statistically, with a significant p-value below. Moreover, the level of information sharing (H6), and the importance of information sharing (H7) variables also had a statistically relevant influence on supply chain performance. As a result, existence of a collaborative system between companies would influence supply chain performance by strengthening real-time information access and information sharing. Thus, it is important to construct a collaborative environment where information sharing among companies and cooperation is possible. Conclusions - First, with rapid changes in the business environment, it becomes necessary for enterprises to acquire the right information in order to properly implement SCM. For successful SCM, firms should understand the importance of collaboration with supply chain partners and an internally built collaboration system, which in turn will better promote a partnership commitment with suppliers as well as collaborative integration with buyers. A collaborative system, as we suggest in this paper, facilitates the maintenance of a long-term relationship of trust, and can help reinforce information sharing. Second, it is necessary to increase information sharing over time via a collaborative system so that employees of the suppliers become aware of the system. The more proactive and positive attitudes are towards such a collaborative system by the managerial group, the higher the level of information sharing will be among the users. Successful SCM performance is achieved by information sharing through a collaborative environment rather than by investing only in setting up an information system.
Abstract
Purpose - It is widely accepted that the process of developing marketing strategy is composed of three steps: market segmentation, target market selection and positioning. However, mass marketing strategy based on cost reduction through economies of scale and standardized products, can be also an effective strategic option. Many marketing scholars including Theodore Levitt emphasize the importance of applying the mass production concept to various industries including service industries. Especially, in times of economic downturn, the capability of providing consumers with low-priced, value products can be an important source of competitive advantage, as well as the ability of providing high-priced premium products. Marketers should decide whether they will implement mass marketing strategy or target marketing strategy. The present study theoretically shows that firms should understand the target customers' price elasticity as well as the firm's cost structure in order to make such a strategic decision. Research design, data, and methodology - Instead of implementing an empirical study, this study provides a theoretical(mathematical) investigation on the effect of consumers' price elasticity on a firm's optimal price level, profit, sales volume, revenue, and cost. The results are mostly deduced from derivative calculations and several graphs are utilized to represent the results on the relationships between the variables under study. Results - The analytical results suggest that it is more profitable for a firm to adopt the segment/target marketing strategy (more specifically the differentiation strategy) when the degree of consumers' heterogeneity is high and the proportion of the fixed cost in the total cost is low. On the other hand, if the degree of consumers' heterogeneity is low and the fixed cost is high, it is better to adopt the mass marketing strategy or the cost leadership strategy. The strategy of concentrating on a single target market will be effective when consumers' needs are highly heterogeneous but the fixed cost is high. Any of the three types of generic strategies proposed my Porter(1980, 1985) can be applied when both the consumers' heterogeneity and the fixed cost are low. This study also proposes the contribution-margin-based method for developing the optimal pricing strategy. Conclusions - One of the primary roles of marketers is to find a proper compromise between the two conflicting goals of maximizing customer satisfaction and minimizing cost. In order to do so, he or she should understand the characteristics of the target customers as well as the cost structure of the firm. In addition to the theoretical analyses, this study discusses several business cases and explains how superior companies find the optimal compromise position between these two goals and dominate the market. One of the radical changes recently taking place in business arena is the reduction of production and distribution costs of both physical goods and information due to the advancement and the wide diffusion of information technology. The cost reduction combined with lowered priced elasticity incurred by customized products and services, will enable many firms to adopt the mass customization strategy.
Abstract
Purpose - As the smart-phone market adds new technologies and introduces new marketing trends, competition among companies is getting fierce. Now, smart-phone companies need to pay attention not only to attaining new customers but also to retaining customers, which means managing relationships to prevent customer defection. Therefore, how to satisfy customer needs and maintain long-term relations are both important to make consistent progress in the rapidly changing smart-phone market. To illustrate this point, the study focuses on analyzing the effects of consumption value on relational factors and buying intentions among smart-phone users. First, consumption value was divided into functional, economic, and emotional values. After that, the effects of these values on satisfaction and brand trust were confirmed. Additionally, effects of satisfaction and brand trust on repurchase intention were analyzed. Research design, data, and methodology - The data was collected in a self-administered survey among 270 undergraduate students, using smart-phones between June 4th-12th, 2012. A total of 257 questionnaires were collected and used for the data analysis. A path analysis based on Lisrel 8.54 was used for the hypothesis test. Consumption value was divided into functional, economic, and emotional values. Subsequently, the effects of these values on satisfaction and trust in the brand were confirmed. Additionally, the effects of satisfaction and trust in the brand on repurchase intention were analyzed. Results - First, functional value, economic value, and emotional value - especially emotional value - were revealed to have positive effects on satisfaction. Second, emotional value was shown to have positive effects on brand trust, while functional and economic values did not. Third, satisfaction had positive effects on brand trust. In considering the relative influence on brand trust, satisfaction was the most crucial factor. It is clear that in the evaluation of the direct experience, using the product or the service plays an important role in building brand trust. Fourth, satisfaction and brand trust positively influenced repurchase intention. This indicates that both factors must be achieved to induce the repurchase Intention among customers. Conclusions - One can see that the enjoyable emotions consumers feel while using smart-phones is the most important factor in increasing levels of satisfaction. Moreover, this indicates that consumers pursue economic desires along with convenient functions in order to reduce opportunity costs. Additionally, consumers are affected by psychological and emotional messages in building trust, rather than practical and rational ones. Thus, in order to appeal to young clients as an attractive brand in the smart-phone market, approaching customers with an emotional value is recommended. In addition, in order for the brand to gain trust, the overall experience the consumer feels while using smart phones should be maximized. After all, one must fulfill the consumers' desire for a new experience and show a willingness to faithfully accomplish the responsibility of the brand to strengthen relationships with customers in the smart-phone market.
Abstract
Purpose - This paper analyzes the influence of the RMB internationalization on the KRW/dollar exchange rate using an autoregressive distributed lag model. Comparing the parameter estimators from the sample period before and after the global financial crisis, we found that the RMB/dollar exchange rate has increasingly become more influential on the KRW/dollar exchange rate. Moreover, for the past several years, the Chinese government has actively utilized the financial service FTA negotiation as a measure for the RMB internationalization. This paper simultaneously considers RMB internationalization and financial service negotiations in the Korean-Chinese FTA. The purpose of this paper is to explicitly suggest a direction for the financial service negotiations in the Korean-Chinese FTA considering the effects of RMB internationalization. Research design, data, and methodology - The research plan of this paper has two parts. First, for an empirical study, this paper uses the daily exchange rate of the U.S. dollar against the currencies of the ASEAN5, Taiwan,and Korea. By using an autoregressive distributed lag model, this paper studies the influence of the change in the RMB/dollar exchange rate on changes in the local currency/dollar exchange rate in seven economies neighboring China. Our sample periods are 06/2005 - 07/2008 and 06/2010 -02/2013. During these periods, China was under the multi-currency basket system. We exempted the period of 08/2008 - 05/2010 from the analysis because there was nearly no RMB/dollar exchange rate fluctuation during those months. Second, after analyzing the recent financial service liberalizations and deregulations in China, we recommend a direction for the financial service negotiations in the Korean-Chinese FTA. In the past several years,the main Chinese financial policy agenda has surrounded the RMB internationalization. Therefore, it is crucial to understand this in the search for strategies for the financial service negotiations in the Korean-Chinese FTA. This paper employs an existing literature survey and examines the FTA protocols in its research methodology. Results and Conclusions - After the global financial crisis, the Chinese government wanted to break away from the dollar influence and pursued independent RMB internationalization in order to continue the growth and stability of its economy. Hence, every neighboring economy of China has been strategically impacted by RMB internationalization. Nevertheless, there is little empirical study on the influence of RMB internationalization on the KRW/dollar exchange rate. This paper is one of the few studies to analyze this problem comprehensively. By using a relatively simple estimation model, we can confirm that the coefficient of the RMB/dollar exchange rate has become more significant, except in the case of Indonesia. Although Korea is not under the multi-currency basket system but under the weakly controlled floating exchange rate system, its coefficient appears as large as that of the ASEAN5. This is the basis of the currency cooperation that has grown from the expansion of trade between the two countries. These empirical results suggest that the Korean government should specifically consider the RMB internationalization in the Korean-Chinese FTA negotiations.
Abstract
Purpose - The purpose of this study is to systematically review the background of the Korean distribution promotion policy and distribution adjustment policies along with related regulations and policies. Research design, data, and methodology - Domestic distribution policy and relevant laws were examined through a review of existing research literature. The results of the development process of the domestic distribution policy, promotion policies, and adjustment policies are summarized below. Results - The results are summarized as follows. First, the purpose of the development of the domestic distribution promotion policy was to strengthen the competitiveness of the small and medium business industry through structural advancement of the small and medium industry. By expanding the managerial base for the small and medium industry, a new balance could be created in the national economy. There was a requirement for an early assistance policy for small and medium businesses as a base of these businesses in the distribution industry developed from their original model of catering to a traditional market of retail shops. Since 1996, there was a need for this early assistance policy due to the expansion and rapid growth of large scale stores causing a change in the consumption pattern for distribution markets and the decline of large enterprises. Second, the government supports small and medium business distribution through distribution promotion policies by supporting an organization promoting small business and supporting innovation in the distribution system. Third, in 1961 a business mediation system was established to protect small and medium industries. The Small and Medium Business Administration advises conglomerates to postpone acquisitions, restrain expansion of the business, or to reduce business scale if small businesses undergo an adverse effect such as decreasing demand because large companies are expanding into their areas. Fourth, the Distribution Adjustment Policy managed large-scale store regulation as follows: ① limitation on construction by urban planning ordinance, ② limitation on location based on traffic impact assessments, ③ regulation based on business guidelines by chiefs of autonomous bodies, ④ regulation on mandatory holidays and limitation of business hours. This large-scale store regulation is a policy introduced by authority to increase competitiveness of small and medium business distribution by the government. Conclusions - As discussed in this study, the distribution promotion policy and distribution adjustment policy are government distribution policies focused on the protection of the small and medium distribution businesses. This study is timely, since it was planned when the strengthening of the revisions of the Distribution Industry Development Act, aimed to protect small and medium retailers and merchants, was under discussion. The significance of this study is that it offers insights for the development of new policies in the future and an opportunity to consider the background of the distribution policy by the government.