Housing Tenure Status and Housing Satisfaction

Increased knowledge concerning the determinants of perceived consumer satisfaction with housing would permit a more sensitive response to demand in private markets and in the design of government programs to improve the supply of housing. In this study the probability of reporting satisfaction with housing was examined for those who live in single-family homes, duplexes, apartments and mobile homes and for renters and owners. Findings include: (1) housing characteristics were more important determinants of housing satisfaction than the demographic characteristics of housing occupants, (2) mobile-home dwellers were the least likely to be satisfied with their homes, and (3) apartment and duplex dwellers had similar preferences for housing characteristics.     

Geographic cluster size and firm performance

We examine whether there are increasing returns to locating in clusters—a fundamental premise of agglomeration theory. This premise is worth exploring because a) it has infrequently been studied; b) recent evidence suggests that diseconomies of agglomeration change over time and may alter the payoffs to firms located in clusters; and c) recent evidence suggests that there may be negative returns to agglomeration. We examine firm payoffs to clustering in the biotechnology industry, and consider five different measures of performance. Our results lend support to the view that there are increasing returns to cluster size, but also suggest that diseconomies of agglomeration play an increasingly important role as clusters evolve. We believe these results help in reconciling previous findings.     

Assessing nutritional adequacy of Americans based on individual food intake patterns

The study assumes that different food patterns are the major attributes that contribute and affect the adequacy of an individual's diet and nutritional status. Analysis of dietary patterns provides a means for generalization of the diversity of diets among individuals. It also provides a basis for assessing the nutritional adequacy of such diets. The study uses individual food intake data obtained from the 1977–1978 USDA Nationwide Household Food Consumption Survey (NFCS) to classify individuals into groups of similar food consumption patterns. Nutritional profiles associated with each identified food pattern were evaluated to determine the nutritional adequacy of such diets. To analyse nutritional adequacy, the study identifies four major dietary patterns based on cluster analysis. The concepts of nutrient density and index of nutritional quality were then used to assess the adequacy of each food pattern and to identify groups of individuals that may be at risk for malnutrition and other health concerns. Furthermore, regression analyses were used to estimate the relationship between individuals' socioeconomic characteristics and selected nutrient density of their diets.     

Consumers’ Preference Mapping and Their Behavior with Regard to Traditional Halwa Using a Structured Survey Questionnaire

In this study, a structured survey questionnaire was used to determine consumers’ preferences and their behavior with regard to halwa. Five types of consumer groups were identified thorough hierarchical cluster analysis based on ranked attributes. Color was ranked within the top three attributes for all the groups. In general, color, sweetness, appearance, and solubility were found to be the most important attributes for selecting the halwa. Five types of groups were identified based on their preference levels (i.e., intensity) of attributes. These could be recognized in terms of preferences for halwa with (1) black with high sweetness, (2) dark-brown with high-medium sweetness, (3) dark with low-medium sweetness, (4) brown with medium sweetness, and (5) dark with high-medium sweetness preferred consumers. The consumer segmentations identified could be used to develop retail marketing strategies and to develop store brands of diversified Arabian sweets and intermediate moisture fruit snacks, such as dates.     

Location effects: Geo-spatial and socio-demographic determinants of sales dynamics in brick-and-mortar retail stores

For brick-and-mortar retail operators, store location is an essential prosperity factor, affecting the volume and structure of sales. Understanding the complexity of location effects on sales dynamics and utilizing such information may be the key element of corporate success in a competitive market environment. In general, store locations can be characterized by representative sets of geo-spatial and socio-demographic features. Nowadays, multiple sources of location-related data are available from public authorities and other open sources. However, using such data may be a complex task: distinct location factors can have divergent effects on sales of different types of products. Hence, our objective is to quantify the effects of different measures of location on sales dynamics over a wide range of product categories. For this purpose, we introduce a methodology combining econometric modeling and cluster analysis. The presented empirical analysis is performed using data on 479 brick-and-mortar shops of a major drugstore chain operating in Czechia (2019 data are used to avoid distortions due to COVID-19). Besides estimating location effects on sales at the product-category level, we identify and evaluate groups (clusters) of product categories with similar sales dynamics. Both the methodology proposed and the empirical results presented can be utilized by different retail chains to assess and plan brick-and-mortar store locations. Also, the research presented can be instructive for academic researchers and other stakeholders in the fast-moving consumer goods sector.     

Learning and development expertise: an Australian analysis

Learning and development (L&D) practitioners draw on a distinctive range of knowledge, skills and techniques in their work. Over the years, there have been attempts to capture this range and identify typical L&D roles. The research presented here was undertaken to identify characteristic areas of expertise (AOEs) of L&D practice in Australia, and to collect data about roles and organizational settings in which these AOEs are deployed. The research was commissioned by the Australian Institute of Training and Development. Literature relating to L&D was consulted, and Australian L&D experts were interviewed to draft a list of L&D AOEs. Responses to a survey by 589 Australian L&D practitioners were used to appraise the model. A principal components analysis of perceptions of the importance of the different types of expertise revealed that practitioners tended to rate one of three ‘clusters’ as important to their work: a strategy and analysis cluster, a learning facilitation cluster and a design and systems cluster. This analysis raises the question of contemporary L&D roles with implications for strategic HRD policy and professional associations. The typology may be utilized to target professional L&D activities, and provides impetus for further research to investigate the internal relationships between cluster components.     

关于住房保障影响居民消费的实证分析

住房保障关系到社会稳定和国家长远发展,而居民消费则是启动国民经济成长的主要宏观变量。随着国家保障性住房建设的推进,对居民消费变动将产生重大而深远的影响。本文分析了住房保障对居民消费影响的理论路径,并以中国东部地区15个城市的面板数据为例,对住房保障与居民消费之间的关系进行实证分析,结果显示住房保障对居民消费数量和消费结构都存在着显著性影响。因此,为了充分发挥居民消费对经济成长的带动作用,政府应完善住房保障政策,加大经济适用房和廉租房等保障性住房建设的力度。     

A Comparative Analysis of the Use of Corporate Advertising in the United States and Japan

This article outlines one possible approach that companies can use to identify candidate countries for standardized international advertising campaigns. By clustering countries based on their similarity economically, culturally, and in their media availability and usage, marketers can identify those in which similar campaigns may be successful. In this paper, 40 countries were clustered into six groups within each of which standardization could be attempted. Discriminant analysis provided validation for the appropriateness of this six cluster solution. The implications of these results are discussed and directions for future research based on this approach are suggested.     

我国城镇住房保障制度的发展历程及完善

住房不仅是发展资料和享受资料,同时还是重要的生存资料。为弱势群体提供适当住房,解决他们的居住问题,是住房保障制度的基本目标。本文在对我国城镇住房保障制度的发展历程系统分析的基础上,指出我国城镇住房保障制度存在的主要问题,并提出相应对策,以期构建更为科学、高效、公平的住房保障制度,从而解决中低收入居民的住房问题,实现社会的和谐发展。     

The workplace lunch room: an arena for multicultural eating

Many countries in Europe have experienced growing migration since World War II. It is estimated that more than one in five Swedes living today has roots in other countries and cultures. Segregation in terms of ethnic origin in housing areas makes it easier to maintain the language and cultural traditions of the home country when it comes to cooking and eating. In extremely segregated housing areas, there may even be no interface between foreign cultural traditions and Swedish traditions in food consumption. Almost every inhabitant in the age range 20–65 years spends a number of years in workplaces outside the home. Workplaces are generally melting pots for employees of all ages and ethnic groups. In this study, a bus company lunch room served as a field for studying preferences in food, meals structure and eating patterns during lunch breaks. The city centre lunch room was visited by every driver at least once during their working day for coffee/tea, lunch or a rest. The lunch room served as an arena for discussions and exposure to new foods customs relating to meals and eating. It thus constituted a place for cultural exchange about food preferences and for forming opinions about individuals and nationalities, including Swedes. The methods for gathering empirical material for the analysis were participant observations and semi‐structured interviews. Food consumption can be recognized as a marker of class and status in the same way as consumption of leisure activities and clothing. Some new criteria in identifying members of we‐groups in relation to others can be added to the classical criteria. When language fails in communication, visible signs become more important. A workplace lunch room is a clear arena for attitude formation. Attitudes may be conservative or stereotyped but sometimes evoke the curiosity to eat something different. In a multicultural arena such as a workplace lunch room, the knowledge available about food, meals and preferences is sometimes far from the real truth, especially when visible impressions are not followed by verbal communication, which can sometimes lead to incomplete and narrow‐minded conclusions.     

Consumer Cluster Analysis and Demand for Blueberry Jam Attributes

Using a recent in-store stated choice survey, this study examines consumer preference and willingness to pay for blueberry jam with quality attributes not commonly seen on the market. A cluster analysis is first adopted to classify consumers into different groups based on a large number of consumer characteristic variables. A spilt sample analysis is conducted under each cluster and results indicate that consumers behave differently in separate clusters and the derived economic values associated with each attribute also depend on cluster membership.     

Segmentation of Malaysian shoppers by store choice behaviour in their purchase of fresh meat and fresh produce

Differences in retail store choice behaviour are examined for the purchase of fresh meat and fresh fruit and vegetables in Malaysia. In purchasing fresh meat, cluster analysis identified two groups of respondents who purchased the majority of the fresh meat they consumed from either modern retail stores or the traditional market. However, with regard to the purchase of fresh fruit and vegetables, cluster analysis identified three groups of respondents (modern retail shoppers, transient shoppers and traditional market shoppers). Although the clusters were labelled using similar terms, several similarities and differences were identified in the respective clusters for each food item. The findings indicate that store choice preference was based on the food product that the consumer intended to purchase.     

Consumer Preferences for ‘Localness’ and Organic Food Production

While organic food is based on well-defined production criteria, the criteria for ‘local’ food are less clear. This study investigates the preferences and trade-offs of distinct consumer segments relative to organic production and several dimensions of local food (sales channel, size of company, and geographical location of animals used in the production). The analysis is based on a quantitative survey of 505 Danish consumers and a choice experiment involving beef salami. Data were analyzed in a principal component and a latent class analysis. We identify five consumer segments whose preferences for organic and local product attributes differed substantially. Most respondents considered geographical proximity in the raising of cattle to be the most important attribute and a third of the consumers were willing to pay a premium for organic salami. The segmentation provides more detailed information about stated consumer behavior than what is typically elicited when considering only average consumer behavior.     

Bargaining Coalitions in the WTO Agricultural Negotiations

This paper aims to understand the structural features of bargaining coalitions in the Doha Round of the WTO. We provide an empirical assessment of the preferences of each negotiating actor considering general economics indicators, development levels, structure of agricultural sectors and trade policies. Bargaining coalitions are analysed by grouping countries using a cluster analysis procedure. The clusters are compared with existing coalitions in order to assess their degree of internal homogeneity as well as their common interests. Such a comparison allows the identification of possible ‘defectors’, i.e. countries that, according to their economic conditions and policies, seem to be relatively less committed to the positions of the coalition they join. In addition, the ex‐post analysis of the counterfactual coalitions sheds light on the ‘distance’ between different coalitions as well as between individual countries and the best alternative group available. Empirical results confirm our research hypothesis: clusters of structurally homogeneous countries well represent existing bargaining coalitions. In particular, the G‐20 shows a high degree of internal coherence, which, in our framework, may provide a clue to the ‘sustainability’ of this coalition and to its relevance in the Doha Round negotiations.     

Omnichannel Shopper Segmentation in the Fashion Industry

The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to identify groups of omnishoppers based on their main motivations (usefulness, enjoyment, and social influence); and, second, to characterize the omnishopper clusters. To this end, we surveyed a sample of 628 customers of an omnichannel clothing store and analyzed the data using cluster analysis. The results reveal three different segments: reluctant omnishoppers, omnichannel enthusiasts, and indifferent omnishoppers; and significant differences in gender, age, income level, and omnichannel behavior among these segments. In contrast, we found no differences in the use of channels and devices. These results have theoretical and managerial implications.     

THE INTELLECTUAL STRUCTURE OF SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT: A BIBLIOMETRIC APPROACH

Now that supply chain management has a two‐decade research history, it is possible to examine the literature to identify whether there is any latent intellectual structure using bibliometric tools. The study applies a citation and co‐citation approach to reveal four clusters of research that have emerged. One cluster has strong ties to the logistics field, with primarily conceptual articles. A second cluster finds its roots in operations research, and consists mainly of modeling articles. The application of multidimensional scaling, cluster analysis, and factor analysis on co‐citations demonstrated a clearly identifiable structure. The structure is examined and implications for the future development of supply chain research are discussed.     

生物进化、种群生态学及商业集群

商业集群并不是僵化的"中间性组织",而是生命有机体,商业集群的形成是商业企业之间不断竞争的结果,商业集群的发展与生物进化之间必然存在很多相似性。文章基于商业集群的特点,应用生物进化理论及种群生态学相关理论对商业集群进行分析。研究结果表明,合作与竞争机制在商业集群保持生态均衡过程中起着非常重要的作用,集群内商业企业之间存在既竞争又合作的关系。一方面,商业集群内的商业企业之间通过共享资源,实现集群内商业企业之间的互利共生与优势互补,进而提高整个商业集群系统循环的效率与质量,降低交易费用,相互合作的商业企业之间也可通过相互学习获得技术溢出效应,在共同利益与各自利益基础上,实现运营效率的提高;另一方面,商业集群内企业之间通过竞争,实现稀缺性资源的有效配置,提高整个商业集群系统的效率,防止商业集群内商业企业之间发生因合作而导致的损害消费者利益的"串谋"现象。这种商业集群内各商业企业之间既竞争又合作的关系,使得商业集群就像一个完整的生态系统一样,通过自然选择,最终实现优胜劣汰,效益好的商业企业得到了进一步的发展,而亏损的商业企业则面临破产的命运。     

Consumer innovativeness and consumer decision styles: a confirmatory and segmentation analysis

Consumer decision styles (CDS) are important for marketers because they determine consumer behaviours that are relatively stable over time and hence are useful for market segmentation. The study has confirmed the existence of the original US characteristics as well as put forward two new characteristics specific to the Indian context, namely, ‘dissatisfied shopping consciousness’ and ‘store loyal’. Thereafter, a multi-step cluster analysis was employed to classify the respondents into groups based on their CDS. Five homogeneous and distinct decision-making segments have been identified. In order to validate the cluster solutions, a K-means clustering procedure was performed by taking random initial seeds to set the cluster centres. The paper also seeks to investigate whether consumers’ innovativeness is associated with their CDS. The findings are discussed and recommendations are proffered for managers and future research.