The interrelationships between brand and channel choice

We propose a framework for the joint study of the consumer’s decision of where to buy and what to buy. The framework is rooted in utility theory where the utility is for a particular channel/brand combination. The framework contains firm actions, the consumer search process, the choice process, and consumer learning. We develop research questions within each of these areas. We then discuss methodological issues pertaining to the use of experimentation and econometrics. Our framework suggests that brand and channel choices are closely intertwined, and therefore studying them jointly will reveal a deeper understanding of consumer decision making in the modern marketing environment.     

The interrelationships between relationship marketing constructs and customer engagement dimensions

The study examines the interrelationships between selected relationship marketing constructs, namely customer satisfaction, trust, perceived value and commitment, and their effect on the dimensions underlying customer engagement. The study is quantitative and an explanatory research design was followed. A total of 489 self-administered questionnaires were collected from customers of short-term insurance providers on the basis of convenience. Customer satisfaction impacts positively on affective commitment and trust. Customer value also impacts positively on affective commitment and trust, while trust impacts positively on affective commitment. Affective commitment in turn impacts positively on the four customer engagement dimensions: interaction, attention, absorption and affection. The research findings offer an initial understanding of the interrelationships between key relationship marketing constructs and their ultimate effect on various customer engagement dimensions. These matters have received little attention in marketing research, and knowledge of the proposed relationships may lead to further research on this topic.     

Explaining regional variation in business births and deaths: U.S. 1976–88

Linear models are developed to determine the relative impact of 15 start-up processes on the annual regional birth rate of new business organizations for all industry sectors in the U.S. over 6 two-year periods. These stable linear models explained from 50–70|X% of the variation in regional firm birth and death rates up to 16 years into the future. Start-up processes that have the most impact involve regional economic diversity; population growth; greater personal wealth; presence of mid-career adults; low unemployment; and greater flexibility in employment relationships. There was a complete absence of any impact of regional variation associated with higher densities of customers, suppliers, workers, R&;D resources; costs of production; or access to national transportation facilities.     

Antecedents and interrelationships of three types of pro-environmental behavior

Models used in previous environmental studies focused on only one type of pro-environmental behavior (e.g., purchase of green products) and failed to examine a relationship among the different types of pro-environmental behavior. This study employs the three types of pro-environmental behavior (green purchase behavior, good citizenship behavior, and environmental activist behavior) and examines their drivers and the interrelationship. The study proposes and tests a model in which value orientation, perceived consumer efficiency/effectiveness (PCE) and environmental concern have an influence on the three types of behavior. The model is tested on the data collected via survey in South Korea. The study finds that altruistic value has no direct influence on behavior, but has an indirect impact through PCE and environmental concern. The study finds that PCE and environmental concern are positively related to citizenship behavior and purchase behavior. Activist behavior is explained by a single predictor (PCE).     

The association of light trucks and vans with paediatric pedestrian deaths

The hypothesis that relative to cars, light trucks and vans (including sports utility vehicles) are more likely to result in fatal paediatric pedestrian injury was investigated. It was further hypothesized that this increased risk is a result of head injuries. The study sample consisted of 18 117 police records of motor vehicles involved in crashes in which one or more pedestrians aged 5 to 19 years old was injured or killed. Frequencies and case fatality ratios for each vehicle body type were calculated. A logistic regression analysis was conducted, with light truck or van vs. car as the exposure variable and fatal/non-fatal pedestrian injury as the outcome variable. After controlling for driver age, driver gender, vehicle weight, road surface condition and presence of head injury, 5 to 19 year-olds struck by light trucks or vans were more than twice as likely to die than those struck by cars (odds ratio (OR) 2.3; 95% CI 1.4, 3.9). For the 5 to 9 year-old age group, light trucks and vans were four times as likely to be associated with fatal injury (OR 4.2; 95% CI 1.9, 9.5). There was an association between head injury and light trucks and vans (OR 1.2; 95% CI 1.1, 1.3). It was concluded that vehicle body type characteristics play an important role in paediatric pedestrian injury severity and may offer engineering-based opportunities for injury control.     

Community differences in business births and business growths

The published literature relating to the location of a business tends to support two different kinds of theories: (1) that business locations are selected to minimize costs; or (2) that decision-makers select locations because of personal preferences. This study attempts to find explanations as to why certain communities have grown faster than others, and to provide a model for the location decision of a start-up business.We find a negative correlation of two entrepreneurship measures to environmental factors that are usually considered to be desirable, i.e., health care and the environment, climate and terrain, recreation, and low crime. We find a weak correlation between community attitudes and the entrepreneurship measures. We also find a positive correlation of entrepreneurship with a high number of college graduates; a negative correlation when a high proportion of the population is over age 65.Population mobility and low unemployment are also positively correlated with the measures, but those factors seem at least as likely to be results as to be causes of business births and business growth.We believe that start-ups are vital for any community that wishes to grow, therefore the location decision of start-up businesses seems important. We propose a model of the location decision of a start-up, a model that emphasizes the individuality of the decision maker and the specific success requirements of the business. The driving force behind a start-up can be a decision-maker's desire for personal gain, a problem that begs a solution, or a solution that is looking for a problem. In some cases, the reason for starting a business will dictate its location. In other cases, success requirements of the business will dominate. We believe that researchers can gain a true understanding of the location decision only by considering both the preference of the decision-maker and the requirements of the specific business.     

The interrelationships among service quality,customer satisfaction,and customer loyalty: Examination of the fast-food industry

The purpose of this study was to use customers’ perspectives to develop a conceptual model for improving service quality and enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty. The 197 samples were selected from customers of leading fast food franchise enterprises in Taiwan. The research results indicate that service quality positively influences customer satisfaction and customer loyalty. Service quality positively influences customer loyalty through customer satisfaction. The research findings indicate that managers need to ensure they have efficient service quality to enhance customer satisfaction and customer loyalty levels.     

The pattern of deaths in road traffic crashes in Sindh, Pakistan

The objectives of this study were to examine the pattern and magnitude of deaths in road traffic crashes (RTCs) in Sindh province of Pakistan. This cross-sectional study used data obtained from government documents and content analysis of daily newspapers' reports on incidents of deaths in RTCs. Results showed that the total annual number of RTCs, fatal RTCs and deaths in RTCs were 2272 (+/-293), 1104 (+/-89) and 1321 (+/-136) respectively. On average, there were four deaths per day in RTCs. The victims were 85% male and the majority were between 15 and 49 years of age. Pedestrians, passengers, motorcyclists and drivers were most commonly the victims. Deaths in RTCs were double in rural areas compared to urban areas. The most common causes of fatal RTCs were by being hit by a vehicle, breakdown and collision of motor vehicles and speeding. The frequent involvement of the men of working age in RTCs may have serious social and economic implications; therefore, the prevention of RTCs, as far as possible, is imperative.     

Examining the antecedents of trust and rapport in services: Discovering new interrelationships

A study was designed to examine the relationship between rapport and trust in a service context, and to gain a better understanding of the factors that contribute to these relational constructs.Consistent with the literature, both expertise and dependability were directly related to trust of the service provider. However, familiarity, which had previously been found to be directly related to trust, was found to be indirectly related through rapport, which was related to trust. All four hypotheses examining the antecedents of rapport were supported. The research suggests that building rapport may be an important intermediate step in building customer trust.     

A review of violent and traumatic deaths in Kathmandu, Nepal

The objective was to study the external causes of death reported in the autopsy centre in Kathmandu, Nepal. A retrospective review of case report documentation of all violent and traumatic death autopsies was conducted in Kathmandu from mid-July 2000 to mid-July 2004. A total of 4383 autopsies were conducted by the Department of Forensic Medicine in Kathmandu. There were 1072 (25%) cases of suicide, 380 (9%) homicide, 1399 (32%) accidental, 598 (14%) deaths as a result of natural diseases and 923 (21%) undetermined causes of death. The number of males was almost twice that of females (sex ratio 2.2:1). Persons aged 15 to 44 years comprised about two-thirds of the total reported fatalities (65.4%). Suicides were mostly reported due to hanging, homicides mostly due to firearms and explosives, accidents mostly due to road traffic injuries. More than 60% of road traffic injuries resulted among pedestrians. Suicides, homicides and accidental deaths remain a poorly identified public health issue in Nepal. Medico-legal autopsy reports can serve as an important tool in understanding fatalities from violence and injuries for countries similar to Nepal. Strengthening a regular mechanism for compilation and utilization of the information, however, remains a major challenge.     

Productivity losses from road traffic deaths in Turkey

The importance of road traffic injuries in Turkey is not generally appreciated, in part due to lack of knowledge of its economic burden and in part due to major underestimation in official statistics. The total years of potential life lost and potentially productive years of life lost from mortality were calculated in order to estimate the cost of productivity losses from road traffic deaths in Turkey. More years of potentially productive life are lost due to road traffic deaths than to respiratory tract illnesses or diabetes mellitus, two other serious health problems in Turkey. Road traffic deaths cost Turkey an estimated USD 2.6 billion every year in productivity losses alone, more than the World Bank estimate of the indirect costs from the 1999 Marmara earthquake (USD 1.2-2 billion), Turkey's worst earthquake since 1939 (World Bank Turkey Country Office, 1999). This study highlights the importance of accurate information in ameliorating the burden of road traffic safety in Turkey. Turkey has great opportunities to implement cost-effective interventions to reduce the economic burden of fatal and non-fatal road traffic injuries.     

Keeping customers shopping in stores: interrelationships among store attributes,shopping enjoyment,and place attachment

Our research purpose was to identify and test variables that contribute to customer's willingness to continue to shop in brick and mortar stores, hereafter referred to as store loyalty. Specifically, we examined interrelationships among store attributes, shopping enjoyment, place attachment, and store loyalty with apparel shoppers. Significant store attributes that predicted shopping enjoyment included atmosphere, price, leisure, design, and service. Shopping enjoyment was a significant predictor of both place attachment and store loyalty. In turn, place attachment was found to be a significant predictor of store loyalty. The implications for store retailing are discussed as well as limitations and areas for future research.     

对价值和价格关系的解读

在资产评估中经常接触价值和价格两个概念,笔者结合工作实际和所学理论进行阐述两者关系和市场特征.     

The relationship between CMEA and EC

In early 1970 responsibility for the conclusion of trade agreements was transferred from the individual member states to the EC. Since then the EC has been recognized throughout the world as a contractual partner in its own right within this area. Only the Soviet Union and the CMEA are being difficult accepting these changes in responsibility since 1970. This means that in trade between the EC countries and the state trade countries there exists at present a situation without treaties. Where do the problems lie? What models offer themselves for overcoming this situation?     

论德性与良心的关系

德性是人优秀品质中的一种,即道德品质,而良心是人的基本道德感,也是人的自我道德控制机制。德性和良心是个人道德的两个基本方面,两者之间存在着异同,也存在着相互影响、相互作用的复杂机制和重要的互动关系。一个人要成为有道德的人,既要有德性,也要有良心,二者缺一不可。     

The connection between ethics and ideology

Prof. Lodge explores the use of ideology as a concept to understand ethical issues. He observes an ideological transition occurring in the United States, one that has been under way for some 80 years from what he refers to as Individualism to Communitarianism. Many ethical questions depend for an answer on which ideology is dominant or which is appropriate. George Cabot Lodge, professor of business administration at Harvard Business School, is well known as both a scholar and a statesman. He served in the Eisenhower Administration as Director of Information for the United States Department of Labor (1954–58) and Assistant Secretary of Labor for International Affairs (1958–61). Lodge is a member of the board of trustees of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, the World Peace Foundation, and the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial. He is the author of Spearheads of Democracy (1962), Engine of Change: United States Interests and Revolution in Latin America (1970) and The New American Ideology (1975).This paper was written in March 1977 for the Conference on Business Ethics at Bentley College, Boston, Mass. In spite of indications to the contrary, the author believes that it is as valid in 1982 as it was in 1977.     

Preventing motor vehicle crash injuries and deaths: science vs. folklore lessons from history

Abstract

Not long after the beginnings of motorization in the early 1900s, deaths and injuries from motor vehicle crashes became a problem in a number of high-income-countries (HIC)s, especially the United States. With the biggest problem the US led early efforts to address this issue, and for six decades these efforts were based on folklore (ie a body of widely held but false or unsubstantiated beliefs). They were not evaluated, but clearly were unsuccessful as crash deaths and injuries continued to rise. It was not until the 1970s that a broader range of countermeasures began to be adopted and was scientifically evaluated, and as a result, crash deaths and injuries declined. This history has important lessons today for many low-and-middle-income countries that have growing numbers of motor vehicle crash deaths and injuries, many of which are pedestrians and motorcyclists. This is because there continue to be advocates for many of the failed approaches (especially educational) that dominated the early efforts in HICs.     

资本结构与盈利能力关系的调查统计分析

<正>一、资本结构直接影响企业的行为及价值企业盈利能力是企业财务分析的一项重要内容,决策者可以利用上市公司公开的财务数据进一步开展分析。而企业资本结构是否合理直接影响到公司的经营业绩和长     

国内市场一体化与企业内外销

厘清企业出口与内销的关系,对于推动形成以国内大循环为主体、国内国际双循环相互促进的新发展格局,实现中国经济稳步增长具有重要意义.全球新冠肺炎疫情和中美贸易摩擦等给中国企业出口带来巨大的不确定性,企业迫切需要通过寻求广阔的国内市场化解国外需求冲击,而统一的国内市场则有利于内需潜力的释放.为此,本文将国内市场分割因素融入Melitz(2003)模型,以考察其如何影响企业出口与内销的关系,并利用中国工业企业数据库系统检验了两者间的关系.研究发现,国内市场分割迫使低效率企业以出口替代内销,而国内市场一体化则有利于出口企业增加国内销售比例,从而缓解出口对内销的替代.改善企业融资环境是其重要的影响渠道之一.因此,促进国内区域市场一体化、进一步挖掘国内市场潜力是助力中国出口企业实现内销转型,推动形成国内国际双循环相互促进的新发展格局的必要条件.