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Steven D'Alessandro
  • Sturt, South Australia, Australia
  • I am an academic in consumer behaviour who enjoys working with industry and educating the next generation of managers... moreedit
To prepare students for multicultural environments and understand consumers from different backgrounds, marketing educators must incorporate diversity into their curricula and recognise the importance of decolonisation by considering... more
To prepare students for multicultural environments and understand consumers from different backgrounds, marketing educators must incorporate diversity into their curricula and recognise the importance of decolonisation by considering First Nations' perspectives to promote reconciliation and better outcomes. This paper reports on a novel approach of students working directly with First Nations businesspeople to gain an applied understanding of Indigenous cultural learning. The study examines the influence of this approach on students' learning and cultural understanding, as well as how the teaching approach and authentic assessment design within the unit improve the confidence of students to apply these learnings and engage in culturally informed practices, both presently and in their future careers. Through embracing an applied learning experience and critical self-reflexivity, students gained a greater appreciation and respect for First Nations peoples resulting in a transformational shift in their attitudes, leading to greater empowerment, respect, competence, and confidence in their cultural awareness to work with First Nations. The paper fills a gap in the literature by highlighting a teaching and learning approach that engages and builds students' Indigenous cultural competencies within the marketing discipline through a strength-based approach, thus promoting cultural sensitivity and effective communication with diverse populations.
Despite considerable investment, health outcomes for First Nations people are well below those of the rest of the population in several countries, including Canada, the USA, and Australia. In this paper, we draw on actor-network theory... more
Despite considerable investment, health outcomes for First Nations people are well below those of the rest of the population in several countries, including Canada, the USA, and Australia. In this paper, we draw on actor-network theory and the case of “Birthing on Country,” a successful policy initiative led by First Nations Australians, to explore the decolonization of health services. Using publicly available archival data and the theoretical guidance of actor-network theory, our analysis offers insight into how marketing techniques and technologies can be deployed to achieve improved health outcomes and implement decolonial approaches. The insights provided have theoretical implications for marketing scholarship, social implications for understanding and implementing an agenda of decolonization, and practical implications for healthcare marketing.
A multi-sectoral assessment of risks can support the management and investment decisions necessary for emerging blue economy industries to succeed. Traditional risk assessment methods will be challenged when applied to the complex... more
A multi-sectoral assessment of risks can support the management and investment decisions necessary for
emerging blue economy industries to succeed. Traditional risk assessment methods will be challenged when
applied to the complex socio-ecological systems that characterise offshore environments, and when data available
to support management are lacking. Therefore, there is a need for assessments that account for multiple
sectors. Here we describe the development of an efficient method for an integrated hazard analysis that is a
precursor to full risk assessments. Our approach combines diverse disciplinary expertise, expert elicitation and
multi-criteria analysis to rank hazards, so it encompasses all types of hazards including human-caused, natural
and technological. We demonstrate our approach for two sectors that are predicted to grow rapidly in Australia:
offshore aquaculture and marine renewable energy. Experts ranked Climate Change as the hazard with the highest
overall concern, but hazards including Altered Ecosystem Function, Biosecurity, Cumulative Effects, Structural Failure
and Social Licence were also highly ranked. We show here how outputs from this approach (multi-criteria scores
and ranks) could be used to identify hazards that; i) could be safely retired, ii) should be progressed to more
quantitative risk assessments or iii) require ongoing information collection. The approach can encompass all
types of hazards, which enables it to holistically consider priorities. The expert-based multi-criteria approach
outlined here represents a pragmatic way to solve some of the challenges of applying risk assessments to
emerging industries by using a method that can be applied across multiple blue economy sectors.
Consumer behaviour is often goal-oriented. This is because consumers typically purchase goods or use services that facilitate certain ends. This link between consumption and goals has been captured by Kopetz et al. (2012), who state that... more
Consumer behaviour is often goal-oriented. This is because consumers typically purchase goods or use services that facilitate certain ends. This link between consumption and goals has been captured by Kopetz et al. (2012), who state that "when people decide which products and brands to buy and in which quantity, what to eat for breakfast, what kind of soda to drink, whether to take the bus or drive to work, they do so on account of different goals they are attempting to pursue" (p. 208). Consumer behaviour may therefore be viewed as an attempt to satisfy one or more goals through an individual's interaction with products and services. An important feature of goal-oriented behaviour is the effect it may have on one's future actions. A failed goal attempt, for example, might prompt the selection of different actions or consumer products for achieving the same end. Successfully attaining a goal,
This study addresses the interrelationships between a business-to-business (B2B) salesperson's sales performance and their level of entrepreneurial self-efficacy and entrepreneurial sales actions. Data was collected through a survey of... more
This study addresses the interrelationships between a business-to-business (B2B) salesperson's sales performance and their level of entrepreneurial self-efficacy and entrepreneurial sales actions. Data was collected through a survey of 252 participants (B2B salespeople working in Australia). Structured equation modeling was used to analyze and test the hypotheses. The findings suggest that entrepreneurial self-efficacy strongly influences sales innovativeness and creative selling, highlighting the importance of senior management encouraging and rewarding new selling methods (a salesperson's entrepreneurial actions). Finally, these sales actions positively and significantly impacted individual sales performance. Thus, creative selling and sales innovativeness are powerful influencers of personal sales performance. This research contributes to the sales performance literature by highlighting the relationship between entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ESE), creative selling, and sales innovativeness. These findings provide additional lessons for senior management when pursuing increased growth and sales performance. As ESE has a positive impact on a salesperson's actions and performance, senior management may wish to encourage an internal environment in which ESE behaviors are not only accepted but encouraged.
Leveraging social media influencers allows companies to provide information on their products in a more social and interactive way. Yet, scholarly research on the implications of the effect of influencers on consumer trust, their interest... more
Leveraging social media influencers allows companies to provide
information on their products in a more social and interactive way.
Yet, scholarly research on the implications of the effect of influencers
on consumer trust, their interest and the purchase decision process is
still in its infancy. This study proposes a theoretical model to explain
how perceived brand control over an influencer’s post and the
perceived commercial orientation of such a post affects consumer
trust in influencers. Results show that trust of the influencer is
reduced more by the post’s perceived commercial orientation than
perceived brand control of the influencer’s post. Although perceived
brand control also reduces the willingness to search for more information.
The results also show that trust of the influencer is salient in
predicting post credibility, which in turn predicts interest and willingness
to search for more information.
This commentary explores some of the reputational issues of using academic social networking sites (ASNS) such as ResearchGate, ResearcherID, ORCID, Academia.edu, Google Scholar, and Mendeley for academic self-promotion and considers... more
This commentary explores some of the reputational issues of using academic social networking sites (ASNS) such as ResearchGate, ResearcherID, ORCID, Academia.edu, Google Scholar, and Mendeley for academic self-promotion and considers whether the adage of ‘Publish or Perish’ has been recently overshadowed by the new imperative of ‘Promote or Perish’?
Much is known about marketing strategy effectiveness and its impact on financial returns. Minimal research though has been conducted on what type of conditions encourage employees to perform according to the implementation of a strategy.... more
Much is known about marketing strategy effectiveness and its impact on financial returns. Minimal research though has been conducted on what type of conditions encourage employees to perform according to the implementation of a strategy. This paper seeks to answer this question by examining the implementation of marketing strategies for research and teaching in the university sector. We find that individual motivation, especially persistence and in some cases public service motivation, is linked to performance. This, along with the role of experience and academic level, suggests that a resource-based view of strategy may be more appropriate for managing human assets and building capabilities, rather than an implementation of a grand plan. Furthermore, we find evidence that several strategies may be more effective than one approach in complex service organizations like universities
This research examined the push-motives driving domestic rural tourism amongst senior travellers. An understanding of this is essential to stimulate rural tourism and to redistribute visitors from high volume destinations to other... more
This research examined the push-motives driving domestic rural tourism amongst senior travellers. An understanding of this is essential to stimulate rural tourism and to redistribute visitors from high volume destinations to other locations. Applying the push-pull framework, an online survey of Australians aged over 50 was conducted. Participants were asked where they went and what motivated their trip. Based on the trip pattern followed, two rural trip segments were identified - those who preferred the east-coast (Eastern Staters), and those who did not have a geographic preference but travelled to remote destinations (Aussie Roundabouts). Rural travel was found to be driven by three motives, however, their influence differed based on the trip pattern. Eastern Staters were pushed to relax and escape, and experience novelty and adventure. Aussie Roundabouts travelled for a romantic getaway.
Recent research and practice in environmental management suggest sentiment analysis of social media communication can be a useful tool in stakeholder analysis of environmental policy. This is certainly the case when it comes to the... more
Recent research and practice in environmental management suggest sentiment analysis of social media communication can be a useful tool in stakeholder analysis of environmental policy. This is certainly the case when it comes to the controversial use of biological controls in dealing with invasive species. Current numerical scored approaches of sentiment may not reveal the reasons for support or opposition to environmental policies in this and other areas. In this study, we examine how the use of more in-depth analysis based on what key stakeholders say about this issue in media at a national, city or regional geographic level. The analysis reveals quite different reasons for support and opposition to the biological control of carp in Australia, and that within each stakeholder group it is possible for individuals to hold conflicting views and attitudes on this issue. We find that there are concerns at the national and city level about the impact of the virus and mistrust of government and science and that the carp species may be viewed as a valuable resource. Those responding to regional media expressed hope that the virus may lead to the elimination of the carp problem, however, they were more interested in the possible impact on the local environment. The multi-scaled social media analysis of stakeholder views about the potential biological control of carp in Australia demonstrated how social media comments can be used to explore the nuanced and multidimensional nature of community attitudes and preferences.
Research Interests:
Strong correlations among share prices appear during market transitions. Numerous measures have been proposed to predict crash events, but they all show a trend which peaks at the transition itself. Information flow among share prices... more
Strong correlations among share prices appear during market transitions. Numerous measures have been proposed to predict crash events, but they all show a trend which peaks at the transition itself. Information flow among share prices peaks before a transition, whereas correlation-based indices peak at the transition itself. The classic spin model used in physics describes one type of tipping point where there is a peak in information flow located away from the transition point itself and is thus predictive. Information theoretic metrics of this kind have not been applied to prediction in real-world systems, such as stock markets.
Many retailing and marketing studies have treated China as an ethnically homogenous country and ignored the differences in consumer values and shopping behavior among its various ethnic groups. The current research takes an important... more
Many retailing and marketing studies have treated China as an ethnically homogenous country and ignored the differences in consumer values and shopping behavior among its various ethnic groups. The current research takes an important first step and explores the differences between the Chinese ethnic minorities and the mainstream Han majority with respect to consumer values (materialism, ethnocentrism and cosmopolitanism) and eight consumer shopping styles. In a study of 405 Han and other minority collected from students in Yunnan Province it was found that the ethnic minorities were less materialistic but more ethnocentric than the ethnic majority Han Chinese. The two ethnic groups were similar in cosmopolitan orientation and share four out of six shopping styles. The ethnic minorities as opposed to the Han Chinese are less likely to have hedonic shopping motivations. Path analysis suggested the overall importance of materialism in driving western shopping behavior, but important differences across ethnic groups occurred with ethnocentrism for the minorities influencing a desire for in-group representations of fashion and recreational shopping, whilst for majority Han, interest in cosmopolitism does drive a desire for quality, but less interest in fashion and recreational shopping, possibly because such styles may already be part of the Chinese way of life.

Retailers in China therefore need consider in some provinces the ethnic composition of the region and cater for differing motivations across sub-cultures. They should not assume that all Chinese are equally materialistic and ethnocentric in their decision making.
urpose This paper aims to examine the antecedents of customer inertia (i.e. knowledge, confusion, perceptions of competitor similarity and switching costs) and their relationship to customer satisfaction, service providers’ switching... more
urpose

This paper aims to examine the antecedents of customer inertia (i.e. knowledge, confusion, perceptions of competitor similarity and switching costs) and their relationship to customer satisfaction, service providers’ switching intentions and actual switching behavior. Customer inertia is said to reduce the incidence of service provider switching; however, little is known about the antecedent drivers of inertia.
Design/methodology/approach

The conceptual model was tested by a longitudinal/discontinuous panel design using an online survey research of 1055 adult (i.e. +18 years old) subscribers to cell phone services. Partial least squares (PLS) path modeling was used to simultaneously estimate both the measurement and structural components of the model to determine the nature of the relationships between the variables.
Findings

Findings of the PLS structural model provide support for the direct relationship between customer inertia and its antecedents (i.e. knowledge, confusion, perceptions of competitor similarity and switching costs). The results show that customer inertia has a moderate negative effect on the intention to change service providers but had no measurable effect on the actual behavior of changing service providers, other than indirectly, by influencing the perception of difficulty in switching some 11 months later. Further results from an analysis of indirect pathways of the antecedents to inertia show that switching costs are the only variable which indirectly reduce intentions to change service providers. The results also show that the effect of satisfaction on switching service providers is partially moderated by inertia. Importantly, these relationships are reasonably robust given past switching behavior and contract status of consumers.
Research limitations/implications

The authors find evidence which explains some of the causes of inertia, and show that it has both direct and moderating effects on service provider switching intentions, though not necessarily the behavior of changing service providers. However, support was found for its indirect role through intent as an influence on switching behavior. Importantly, the authors find that inertia has lingering effects, in that it influences the perception of switching difficulties and, hence, behavior up to 11 months in the future.
Practical implications

Managerial implications are that service firms can profit from customer inertia through a reduction in churn. However, high levels of customer inertia over the longer term may increase the level of customer vulnerability to competitor offers and marketing activities, as satisfaction with the provider does not in itself explain switching intentions or behavior.
Originality/value

This study is the first study to contribute to an understanding of the antecedent drivers of customer inertia with respect to service provider switching and to empirically evaluate a variety of antecedent factors that potentially affect switching intentions. Importantly, the long lasting latent effect of inertia in indirectly influencing service switching behavior was found to persist some 11 months later.
In this paper we apply consumer goal theories to an educational context by examining how completion of a MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) may motivate enrolment in a university course. We contend that individuals who finish a MOOC are... more
In this paper we apply consumer goal theories to an educational context by examining how completion of a MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) may motivate enrolment in a university course. We contend that individuals who finish a MOOC are more likely to establish a new goal intention for university than those who do not finish. This new goal intention is likely to be prompted by the individual’s satisfaction with their MOOC experience as well as a sense of discontent in not having fulfilled their broader educational goals. For those who do set a new goal for university study, we contend that the institute hosting the MOOC is likely to form part of the consideration set used by individuals to narrow down their choice of tertiary provider. Moreover, we argue that this same host institute is likely to be chosen from the consideration set where the MOOC experience is a satisfying one and where a strong link can be established between the pedagogical and delivery approaches used in both the MOOC and university settings. This research has implications for how tertiary institutes create and use MOOCs, and offers insights into how providers can more effectively market higher education courses to those progressing through a MOOC pathway.
This paper explores Hispanic immigrants' reactions to linguistic servicescapes in retail banking in Southern California. This fertile area of enquiry combines the sociolinguistic theory of linguistic landscape with research into... more
This paper explores Hispanic immigrants' reactions to linguistic servicescapes in retail banking in Southern California. This fertile area of enquiry combines the sociolinguistic theory of linguistic landscape with research into multilingual service encounters describing what happens in the retail servicescape before the service encounter which sets up expectations for what happens during the service encounter. This new term describes the use of language in and around a service encounter including signage and promotional materials as well as bilingual personnel. In multilingual areas such as Southern California where the use of a minority language is politically charged, effective encoding of symbolic language by the service provider is crucial for the success of a service encounter. The results of this study indicate that management's actual or perceived lack of sensitivity to appropriate linguistic symbols leads to both confusion and an attribution of discrimination towards the targeted ethnic group—even if none were intended. What is written or said in the service encounter is important, but this research illustrates that the context is also significant. The wider symbolic use of language is key in determining the success of service encounters.
There is more than one mobile-phone subscription per member of the Australian population. The number of complaints against the mobile-phone-service providers is also high. Therefore, the mobile service providers are facing a huge... more
There is more than one mobile-phone subscription per member of the Australian population. The number of complaints against the mobile-phone-service providers is also high. Therefore, the mobile service providers are facing a huge challenge in retaining their customers. There are a number of existing models to analyse customer behaviour and switching patterns. A number of switching models may also exist within a large market. These models are often not useful due to the heterogeneous nature of the market. Therefore, in this study we use data mining techniques to let the data talk to help us discover switching patterns without requiring us to use any models and domain knowledge. We use a variety of decision tree and decision forest techniques on a real mobile-phone-usage dataset in order to demonstrate the effectiveness of data mining techniques in knowledge discovery. We report many interesting patterns, and discuss them from a brand-switching and marketing perspective, through which they are found to be very sensible and interesting.
Resource based theory (RBT), also known as the resource-based view, emphasizes resources as essential for building organizational competitive advantage. However, which competencies are essential for enhancing customer value remains... more
Resource based theory (RBT), also known as the resource-based view, emphasizes resources as essential for building organizational competitive advantage. However, which competencies are essential for enhancing customer value remains unclear. Blueprinting and benchmarking are applied in this paper to demonstrate the process of identifying resources that are specific to co-creating customer value. This has important implications for the management of key marketing resources. Based on the case study results, application of the proposed methods suggests a new avenue for extending RBT application to the area of service management and in the development of service offerings.
Despite the widespread adoption of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), no business model has emerged to make them sustainable from an institution standpoint. Using MOOCs as a marketing platform shows promise; but for this to succeed, it... more
Despite the widespread adoption of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), no business model has emerged to make them sustainable from an institution standpoint. Using MOOCs as a marketing platform shows promise; but for this to succeed, it is necessary to understand the motivations of those who undertake them and to demonstrate how these same motivations can be better satisfied through enrolment in a fee-paying university course. We discuss the motivations for students as they progress through a MOOC and the factors that might lead to subsequent university enrolment. Our arguments are informed by MOOC statistics, the AIDA (attention, interest, desire, action) marketing model, and the literature on adult education, technology adoption, goal seeking and consumer value. We argue that most students are led to MOOC enrolment through close alignment of the course topic and subject matter with their personal goals and through the establishment of an attractive value proposition. Progress in the MOOC depends on whether this goal alignment is maintained, and whether the value assumptions of students are met or exceeded. We predict that subsequent university enrolment will most likely occur when the MOOC experience is both satisfying and representative of the university experience, and where the increased time and financial commitment demanded by formal study is offset by the greater likelihood of attaining the focal goal. For this strategy to succeed, it will be necessary for the host institution to actively work with MOOC students to create an awareness of appropriate fee-paying courses and to promote the benefits of university study. This has implications for the way institutions market their courses to MOOC students.
This qualitative study of both switchers and nonswitchers in the telecommunication service provider industry affords new insights into consumers’ switching behaviors and the role of inertia in the context of the telecommunications... more
This qualitative study of both switchers and nonswitchers in the telecommunication service provider industry affords new insights into consumers’ switching behaviors and the role of inertia in the context of the telecommunications industry, and why people may avoid switching even when their circumstances allow them this option. What also emerges from this research is not only the effect of consumer perceptions of particular transactions, but also that the perception of the overall market conditions in terms of fairness and trust of all providers is an important basis for the consideration of switching.
The current use of 3G technologies has created significant demands for capacity, such as cell TV, and this needs to be balanced with the capital constraints of many firms. Providers face price pressures on margins and the need to update... more
The current use of 3G technologies has created significant demands for capacity, such as cell TV, and this needs to be balanced with the capital constraints of many firms. Providers face price pressures on margins and the need to update cell networks to 4G in the post-GFC era where capital is scarce. Understanding consumer behavior in this area by use of simulations may be a time- and cost-efficient method, but how accurate is it? This study demonstrates that the use of a simple, agent-based model can lead to accurate initial prediction of parameters of satisfaction with a cell phone provider, and provides a basis of understanding factors of cell phone subscriber choice in the context of the introduction of new technology.
Taking the case of China, this paper examines the relationship between different luxury value dimensions, and explores how these affect consumers’ purchase intentions. China is now the second largest luxury market in the world. Most... more
Taking the case of China, this paper examines the relationship between different luxury value dimensions, and explores how these affect consumers’ purchase intentions. China is now the second largest luxury market in the world. Most previous studies of luxury consumption have tested only the direct influences of luxury value perceptions on purchasing behaviour. For this paper, sample data were gathered through surveys administered to 409 Chinese nationals living in China. The model is empirically tested using structural equation modelling. The current research incorporates both personal- and social-oriented perceived values, and draws a holistic picture of consumers’ decision-making processes in luxury consumption. The results suggest that perceived social value and perceived emotional value both directly influence luxury purchase intention. Perceived unique value exerts an indirect impact on luxury purchase intention. Perceived quality value has both a direct and indirect effect on luxury purchase intention. We also account for cultural differences rather than simply replicating previous studies in China. We consider local culture in order to understand what consumers actually value from luxury products, and we discuss the implications of indigenisation for future international marketing research.
The purpose of this paper is to adapt the market performance indicator (MPI), used by the European Commission to evaluate market conditions, over time, to show that the MPI explains actual switching behavior better than stated intent and... more
The purpose of this paper is to adapt the market performance indicator (MPI), used by the European Commission to evaluate market conditions, over time, to show that the MPI explains actual switching behavior better than stated intent and satisfaction. While research on service provider switching has focused on the outcomes of service transactions and the benefits of switching, there is little research on how consumers view market conditions as being favorable or not for switching.
The MPI was found to influence perceptions of satisfaction and value, and was found to contribute strongly to actual switching behavior. The results also showed that an improvement in the MPI or market conditions lead to a much greater relationship between it and actual switching behavior, suggesting that there may well be important threshold level, upon which greater switching behavior occurs.
This paper investigates the determinants of credit card use and misuse by student and young professionals. Critical to the research is the impact of materialism and knowledge on selection of the appropriate credit card. In a comparative... more
This paper investigates the determinants of credit card use and misuse by student and young professionals. Critical to the research is the impact of materialism and knowledge on selection of the appropriate credit card. In a comparative study of young professionals and students, it was found that consumer knowledge, as expected, leads to better consumer selection of credit cards. Materialism was also found to increase the motivation for more optimal consumer outcomes. For more experienced consumers, such as young professionals, it was found that despite them being more knowledgeable, they were more likely to select a credit card based on impulse. This paper examines how materialism may in fact encourage some consumers to make better decisions because they are more motivated to develop better knowledge. It also shows how better credit card selection may inhibit impulse purchasing.
Abstract Increased longevity means that many people live into their 70s, 80s and beyond, with increasing numbers living with chronic disease. The role of the Internet in the care of chronic disease has been explored within the health... more
Abstract

Increased longevity means that many people live into their 70s, 80s and beyond, with increasing numbers living with chronic disease. The role of the Internet in the care of chronic disease has been explored within the health literature and, to a lesser extent, within the marketing literature, with recent research suggesting that around 60% of patients source internet-based information about medical conditions and treatment. This mixed-methods study explores the impact of online support groups on the doctor–patient relationship finding that participants in an online support group for inflammatory bowel disease share lay advice, empower each other and act as a credible channel for word-of-mouth referrals. The traditional asymmetric relationship between patient and doctor is challenged by this new form of educated, empowered health consumer who is able to work in partnership with medical service providers in the ongoing management of chronic illness.
Chinese abstract

寿命的延长意味着许多人可活到七八十岁甚至更长时间,同时患慢性疾病的人也越来越多。医疗文献显示,互联网已在慢性疾病的护理中得到应用,而且在市场营销文献中也有一定程度的应用,近期研究表明,约60%的患者通过互联网查询疾病和治疗信息。本文采用混合方法,研究网上互助小组对医患关系的影响,研究发现网络上一发炎性肠道疾病互助小组的成员互相分享个人意见,互相鼓励,将这一小组视为了解医疗诊治信息的可靠渠道。患者与医生之间传统的非对称关系受到这种新渠道的挑战,通过此网络渠道,医疗消费者可获取更全面的信息资讯,与医疗服务提供商合作,持续管理慢性疾病。
Consumers increasingly turn to online health communities for health information and social support. Yet, the type of value consumers derive from online health communities is not well understood. This study examines social support as the... more
Consumers increasingly turn to online health communities for health information and social support. Yet, the type of value consumers derive from online health communities is not well understood. This study examines social support as the mechanism through which consumers co-create and experience different types of value. Cutrona and Russell’s typology of social support and Holbrook’s consumer value typology are applied to posts and threads obtained from two online communities for people with Parkinson’s Disease and ALS. Results demonstrate that online health communities give consumers the opportunity to create and experience forms of consumer value that would not otherwise be available in a traditional health delivery system. The results lend support to a re-conceptualisation of medical practice and health delivery for consumers with chronic conditions.
China is now the second largest luxury market in the world. This study examines the effect of traditional Chinese cultural values and support for political ideologies on materialism and interest in luxury products. Results showed that... more
China is now the second largest luxury market in the world. This study examines the effect of traditional Chinese cultural values and support for political ideologies on materialism and interest in luxury products. Results showed that both traditional Chinese cultural values (face, harmony and guanxi) and political ideology (Maoism vs. Deng's theory) influenced materialistic aspirations and interest in luxury products. This suggests that researchers should also consider the influence of political ideology as much as they consider cultural values, as many developing societies are in transition.
The study of complex systems through agent based modelling present opportunities for marketing researchers to develop time and space explanations of interactions that occur in the marketplace and determine emergent phenomena, such as the... more
The study of complex systems through agent based modelling present opportunities for marketing researchers to develop time and space explanations of interactions that occur in the marketplace and determine emergent phenomena, such as the adoption of new technology or successful business networks. The use of simulations and the ideas of complex systems though may appear baffling to many and the acceptance of simulations, especially agent based models has a long way to go given concerns about the validity and realism of many models. In this special issue we aim to present a number of papers which show a wide range of applications of agent based models to study business environments and consumer behaviour. There are also theoretical and methodological papers dealing with this new research paradigm. The validation of simulation models both by competing programs and with real world data is discussed in this special issue.
摘要

通过基于主体建模而对复杂系统进行的研究使市场研究人员可以从时间和空间方面解释在市场上所出现的各种相互作用, 以及预测比如采用新的技术或成功的商业网络等现象的出现。模拟的应用以及复杂系统的思路在很多场合下会令人捉摸不透, 而且考虑到众多的这些模拟 – 特别是基于主体建模 – 还有有效性和现实性的疑问, 该模拟能够获得认可是任重而道远的。在本专辑中, 我们致力呈现基于主体建模在商业环境和消费者行为方面的广泛应用。同时还为这个新的研究范例提供理论和方法的论文资料。本专辑也会探讨如何透过其他非基于主体建模的模型以及分析实际数据对该基于主体建模的模拟模型进行验证。
We present a conceptual model where agents are prompted to adopt a new technology through a two-step process: information from neighbours prompts an upgrade, and the option purchased may be influenced by the one demonstrated by the... more
We present a conceptual model where agents are prompted to adopt a new technology through a two-step process: information from neighbours prompts an upgrade, and the option purchased may be influenced by the one demonstrated by the neighbour. In a network world with two options available we systematically manipulate (1) the initial number of neighbours with white compared to black, (2) rate of naturally-occurring upgrade, (3) chance of upgrade prompted by a neighbour using white relative to black, and (4) the relative chance of choosing white instead of black having decided to upgrade. Not surprisingly, adoption speed is influenced by starting users, natural upgrade, and relative upgrade chance. Market share, on the other hand, is influenced only by the relative chance of choosing white over black, with no influence at all from the other predictors. We find that this result applies regardless of the type or complexity of network.

摘要

我们展现的是通过两阶段过程, 促使主体采纳新技术的观念模型; 相邻的信息提示一个商品更新, 购买的商品可能受到近邻显示的商品影响。在网络世界提供两个选项的情况下, 我们系统地处理 (1) 近邻黑白分明的原始数量, (2) 自然发生的更新率, (3) 近邻采用的黑白相关的信息提示的更新可能性, 及 (4) 决定更新后, 选择白而不选择黑的相关可能性。毫不奇怪, 初始用户、自然更新和相关的更新可能性影响着采纳的速度。另一方面, 市场份额仅受选择白超过选择黑的相关可能性的影响, 完全不会受到其它预测因素的影响。我们发现这个结果适用于各种网络类型或网络的复杂性。
The purpose of this paper is to highlight the problems in the measurement of culture in consumer studies and offers suggestions for remedies. Drawing on literature from related fields, the paper discusses some general issues in the... more
The purpose of this paper is to highlight the problems in the measurement of culture in consumer studies and offers suggestions for remedies.  Drawing on literature from related fields, the paper discusses some general issues in the measurement of culture and draws consumer researchers’ attention to the flaws in the common cultural measures in consumer research. Implications for future research are also provided. The paper highlights two main shortcomings of commonly used culture instruments which are seldom taken into account by consumer researchers. Specifically, the commonly used culture dimensions in consumer studies do not have clear conceptual boundaries. Moreover, important differences between the different approaches to culture measuring (self- vs group-referenced and values vs practices) are always overlooked. The paper suggests that consumer research needs more focussed and refined measures and discusses which approach is better in which context.
With increasing complexity in the world, universities continue to face pressure to demonstrate that their graduates have acquired skills beyond discipline-based knowledge. These are generic skills like critical thinking, intellectual... more
With increasing complexity in the world, universities continue to face pressure to demonstrate that their graduates have acquired skills beyond discipline-based knowledge. These are generic skills like critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, problem-solving and so forth. In order to demonstrate this, universities have to show how their teaching contributes to the fostering of these skills. This can be a challenge for many reasons. Our mapping approach overcomes most of the obstacles by developing multiple indicators for each generic skill, making it easy to involve the lecturers-in-charge, summarising all their evaluations into important dimensions and, finally, representing the data in a three-dimensional visual map. This allows all the marketing subjects to be simultaneously evaluated in their ability to foster different generic skills, generating useful insights for effective curriculum development in a Marketing program. We illustrate this methodology using eight generic skills and 18 marketing subjects from a major Australian university.
Millions of people affected by disability or chronic disease access social support and information through online health communities. These communities of common interest flourish on the Internet, with participants creating peer-to-peer... more
Millions of people affected by disability or chronic disease access social support and information through online health communities. These communities of common interest flourish on the Internet, with participants creating peer-to-peer value through social support and information exchange. This study observes a community of people affected by motor neuron disease creating value for themselves and each other within an online health community. The community is studied through the lens of social capital theory, a construct borrowed from the field of sociology that contributes to our understanding of why people gravitate towards these online communities for support and information. The results contribute increased awareness of how peer-to-peer value is created within online health communities and highlight the need for marketers to understand the implications of such communities on consumer behavior as it relates to health care.
With the proliferation in Web 2.0 technologies, many marketing educators are experimenting with new teaching and learning tools (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Second Life). The benefits of such technologies are often touted by... more
With the proliferation in Web 2.0 technologies, many marketing educators are experimenting with new teaching and learning tools (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Second Life). The benefits of such technologies are often touted by scholars, and indeed, there is a good deal of evidence to support such a view. However, increasingly, educators are highlighting some of the limitations of technology in the learning environment. To draw parallels with other new product research in marketing, the adoption of new learning technologies is often not so widespread. The literature exhibits inconsistency about the willingness of students to adopt new technology in a learning environment, but no systematic research into the factors that affect technology acceptance yet exists. This research fills a gap in the literature by applying an augmented Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to understand students' future intentions to adopt Twitter, a Web 2.0 technology shown to offer students a variety of benefits. By using partial least squares, the research shows that the main proximal driver of student adoption of Twitter is a utilitarian attitude. Students need to be convinced about ‘what's in it for me’, rather than persuaded about the technology's hedonic benefits. Other affective variables such as an individual's affinity with computers and risk tolerance were also found to be important drivers of perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness, the TAM's key antecedents.
The findings of an experimental study exploring the taste testing of wine with varying degrees of expertise and in the presence of variations in quality, brand and country of origin (COO) cues are reported. Novices experienced difficulty... more
The findings of an experimental study exploring the taste testing of wine with varying degrees of expertise and in the presence of variations in quality, brand and country of origin (COO) cues are reported. Novices experienced difficulty in evaluating quality and even when detecting quality differences were unable to assign an intelligent meaning to these differences. Experts did use physical quality and price evaluations, but in a more analytical manner with country of origin and brand information being used consistently with actual quality differences. Novices were found to use brand name in a limited fashion and relied mainly on COO information. The results demonstrated the importance of the extrinsic cues for both novices and experts. Surprisingly, there was no clear evidence of domestic preference.
Impaired communication due to a disabling illness can lead to reduced participation in community life. Online health communities can provide a substitute community for the purpose of social support and information sharing. This study... more
Impaired communication due to a disabling illness can lead to reduced participation in community life. Online health communities can provide a substitute community for the purpose of social support and information sharing. This study examines communication between participants in an online community for patients and carers affected by Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, a degenerative neurological disease affecting communication and mobility. The study finds community members engaged in a dynamic interchange of information and social support. The results contribute to an understanding of communication and social support needs of people with high levels of disability.
The purpose of this study is to seek to investigate the impact that perceived risk and trust have on online purchasing behavior, in particular the nature of purchasing associations within the expensive, complex, high risk and credence... more
The purpose of this study is to seek to investigate the impact that perceived risk and trust have on online purchasing behavior, in particular the nature of purchasing associations within the expensive, complex, high risk and credence products such as gemstones.
An online survey of purchases of Thai gemstones was used to collect the data. Partial Least Squares was used to test the conceptual model of the study.
The results of this study suggest that the type of internet marketing strategy used by the seller (the place strategy) and the buyer's privacy and security practices influence a buyer's perceived risk to purchase gemstones online. Furthermore, the study showed that perceived risk reduces trust and perceived risk reduces online purchases.
The implications of these results are that privacy and security concerns of online buyers must be addressed in order to reduce perceived risk and thereby increase trust which is fundamental to the amount purchased online. This is a rare study which examines purchases of expensive, complex, high risk and credence products such as gemstones. It is also a study which examines the behaviour of organisational buyers. Also actual reported online purchases are investigated rather than just intent.
Approximately 57% of students in the United States work while attending college. For most of these students (81%), this is more than 20 hours a week. There has been shown to be a negative relationship between hours worked and academic... more
Approximately 57% of students in the United States work while attending college. For most of these students (81%), this is more than 20 hours a week. There has been shown to be a negative relationship between hours worked and academic achievement in studies in the United States as well as the United Kingdom and Australia. There is, however, no research to the authors’ knowledge as to how the number of working hours affects student learning in groups, and whether students in groups with varying work patterns report better learning outcomes in groups where student working hours are similar. This study reports that overall, greater working hours decrease students’ perceptions of the value and their experience of group work, and this occurs more with second- and third-year students. It also reveals that students studying in groups where there is a large proportion of students working more than 2 days a week displayed significantly more negative appraisals of their experience at the end of a project than their peers in groups where few students were working.
Endorsements play an important role in marketing communications. For international marketing communications, marketers must be cognizant of how the portrayal of body ideals and cultural background of endorsers can affect marketing... more
Endorsements play an important role in marketing communications. For international marketing communications, marketers must be cognizant of how the portrayal of body ideals and cultural background of endorsers can affect marketing communications. Two experimental studies showed that body image comparisons and the effectiveness of endorsers varies according to the type of body shapes portrayed and the body mass index (BMI) of the respondents. In the first experiment, the success or failure of endorsements was found to be influenced by their body shape and to some extent the cultural background with respect to the type of product or service promoted. In a second experiment where more realistic or medium‐thin and medium‐fat body shapes were used, source attractiveness was not influenced by body shape, while interest in the advertised brand increased for a thinner model. This may have occurred because body image comparisons were more obtainable for those in the second study, where more realistic body shapes were viewed in advertisements. Body mass index (BMI) was also found to influence the results, particularly if a poor body shape comparison triggers a poor body image. Counterfactually, this seems to occur with women with lower BMIs who view advertisements for fatter women. It appears that the use of body image and ethnic type of models should be carefully considered by marketers so that they are relevant for their target audience. The use of more obtainable and ethnically relevant models may provide more effective advertising copy and be more socially responsible. In order to create interest in advertised brands, marketers may not need to use ultra‐thin models. Marketers must also balance the promotional effectiveness of the use of body shapes that may too thin or more realistic with the social outcomes and consider carefully the BMI of their target market.
The purpose of this paper is to examine which particular marketing strategies will work best in which particular business environments. It also aims to test a series of propositions that the choice of marketing strategy needs to be... more
The purpose of this paper is to examine which particular marketing strategies will work best in which particular business environments. It also aims to test a series of propositions that the choice of marketing strategy needs to be carefully considered so that it is appropriate for a set of environmental conditions, or business conditions.
Results in this study of 217 companies from Australia, Singapore, The Netherlands and China finds general support for the hypotheses that different environmental situations provide the suitable conditions for a customer, competitor or societal orientated strategy. In particular, customer‐oriented strategies are most effective in placid clustered and turbulent environments, while competitor orientated strategies work best in a placid‐clustered environment. Societal marketing based strategies were shown to be most effective in placid random and placid clustered environments. This suggests that firms may use social marketing strategies in a pre‐emptive manner to maintain favourable environmental conditions for the organisation.
This study also introduces an important measure of the societal orientation of the firm. It provides empirical supports the thesis that marketing strategies need to be tailored for the environment and so adds to the understanding of the interplay between the effectiveness of business strategies in different business conditions. There is not a great deal of research which suggests what type of marketing strategy is best suited to what type of environment. This paper makes an important contribution to this area.
While there has been research on the diffusion of a particular type of innovation, few if any studies have examined the acceptance of a set of innovations (behavioral innovativeness) over time. This study, using the Rasch methodology,... more
While there has been research on the diffusion of a particular type of innovation, few if any studies have examined the acceptance of a set of innovations (behavioral innovativeness) over time. This study, using the Rasch methodology, found evidence that computer hardware innovations are adopted in a particular order. The same could not be said for computer software, whose acceptance may be application-based. This study applied a theoretical framework based on the diffusion of innovation literature (Rodgers, 1995). Data was collected via a telephone survey of 302 computer users. Scores obtained from the Rasch analysis were used as the dependent variable (that of behavioral innovativeness) in a regression analysis, against factors such as overall innovativeness, use innovativeness, opinion leadership/acceptance, product class knowledge, and use of sources of information
The effect that marketing has had on the prescription decisions of the medical profession is an area of great social and governmental concern and has been the subject of substantial international debate. In this study, the importance of... more
The effect that marketing has had on the prescription decisions of the medical profession is an area of great social and governmental concern and has been the subject of substantial international debate. In this study, the importance of brand name as a factor influencing the prescription habits of general practitioners and psychiatrists is examined. Data on antidepressant prescriptions supplied by the Australian Governments Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme and results derived from MANOVA and ANOVA analyses suggest that the brand name as much as chemical differences influenced the prescription of choice of antidepressants by both general practitioners and psychiatrists. The use of a well-promoted brand name may be an important evaluation shortcut by both groups regardless of detailed training resulting in medical practices, which may undermine the social imperative of affordable medical care for all. The authors suggest that clinical appropriateness of prescriptions for antidepressants by brand name needs further investigation.
The globalisation of markets combined with the paradoxical rise of nationalism has created an increased concern about the importance of the interaction of global brands with other cues such as the country of origin (COO) of products and... more
The globalisation of markets combined with the paradoxical rise of nationalism has created an increased concern about the importance of the interaction of global brands with other cues such as the country of origin (COO) of products and services. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the decision‐making processes of experts and novices with respect to international brand names, COO and intrinsic quality differences.
Results of a series of experiments with personal computers as a product with strong COO effects supported this argument. Experts or highly knowledgeable consumers were found to use COO in a circumspect manner or as a limited summary construct, only when such information was consistent with a linked brand name or a particular level of physical quality. Novices, for both products used COO as a halo regardless of brand name and physical quality.
This is one of the few studies to experimentally manipulate brand, quality and COO information amongst different groups of consumers with varying product knowledge (experts and novices). The experimental treatments were also carefully chosen so that differences due to the use of a global brand IBM could be evaluated against a lesser known local brand name.
The influence of media on body image is an area of much social controversy. Eating disorders and depression have often been linked to body image dissatisfaction. Research from Australia, The Netherlands and Singapore showed that the... more
The influence of media on body image is an area of much social controversy. Eating disorders and depression have often been linked to body image dissatisfaction. Research from Australia,
The Netherlands and Singapore showed that the cognitive and affective evaluations of media and advertising are far more important than the amount of exposure. Although it appears that
reactions to internet media are most salient. Research suggested three models of the development of body image. In Australia this was demographics, media and personality based model, while in
The Netherlands this was a largely media driven model. The Singapore results suggested a more traditional model of demographics and personality. The results also show a similarity in the level
of body image satisfaction amongst two countries in the study (Australia and Singapore) even though they had differing different average body mass indices. This supports contentions in the literature that concern over physical self-concepts are becoming prevalent in Asia as the result of further globalisation. Suggestions for future research, particularly using an experimental design are also outlined.
A series of hypotheses was developed from the services marketing literature and built into a 52 item questionnaire administered to 281 backpackers staying at the three youth hostels in Australia, who thus responded whilst actually... more
A series of hypotheses was developed from the services marketing literature and built into a 52 item questionnaire administered to 281 backpackers staying at the three youth hostels in Australia, who thus responded whilst actually experiencing the service encounter rather than in recalling it later. The European Customer Satisfaction Index (ECSI) was used to measure the strength and direction of the determinants of customer satisfaction, and the impact that the antecedents of satisfaction had on loyalty to the generic provider.
Backpacker hostels are an example of experienced‐based service encounters with few clear comparative advantages. The marketing of the generic brand must therefore foster a brand image congruent with the experience actually delivered and the potential customers' expectations of it, thereby reducing decision risk.  The unusual context and particular methodology cast fresh light on an important challenge for marketing planners in the service industries.
Although there has been much debate and interest in the practices of societal marketing, there is currently no accepted measure of this construct. A measurement of societal marketing validated by Structural Equation Modelling (SEM)... more
Although there has been much debate and interest in the practices of societal marketing, there is currently no accepted measure of this construct. A measurement of societal marketing validated by Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) suggested this measure was one dimensional and consisted of five items measuring the lobbying of government and the degree of business charity. The factor structure was robust and did not vary across the four counties in the study. The final measure was positively correlated with the Narver and Slater (1990) measure of marketing orientation, industry association and performance. There was thus considerable evidence found for the construct validity of the measurement of societal marketing.
Although widely used, the Narver and Slater (1990) measure of market orientation has not yet been validated by structural equation modeling (SEM). Results of SEM suggest a nine-item, three-dimensional model of the components or subscales... more
Although widely used, the Narver and Slater (1990) measure of market orientation has not yet been validated by structural equation modeling (SEM). Results of SEM suggest a nine-item, three-dimensional model of the components or subscales of market orientation: customer, competitor orientation, and interfunctional coordination. Covariances between the three dimensions in the final model, however, suggest that the measures customer, competitor orientation, and interfunctional coordination can be considered as independent. A preliminary invariance test suggests that the three dimensions are robust across varying country groupings and organizational types. Implications for further research into market orientation are discussed.
Competitor‐based strategy has a more positive impact on firm's performance than the market‐based alternative. Its effectiveness is enhanced by the degree of competitive turbulence in the environment – as, for example, in Singapore in... more
Competitor‐based strategy has a more positive impact on firm's performance than the market‐based alternative. Its effectiveness is enhanced by the degree of competitive turbulence in the environment – as, for example, in Singapore in 1999. Societal marketing strategies, while morally appealing, are negatively associated with performance, and further negatively moderated by competitive hostility. The study found no support for the association between market orientation and performance.
The findings are limited somewhat by the size and nature of the sample and the low response rate, though these compare well with other studies in the field. The research shows the importance of the business environment as a moderator of the performance of business strategies.
Marketing intelligence gatherers and strategists should take note that choice of an appropriate business strategy is moderated by the environment. Market‐based business strategies are not necessarily the most effective.
Evidence for a unidimensional measure of use innovativeness is provided by structural equation modelling. The nine‐item measure has fewer items than the original 44‐item measure developed by Price and Ridgway (1983) Price and Ridgway and... more
Evidence for a unidimensional measure of use innovativeness is provided by structural equation modelling. The nine‐item measure has fewer items than the original 44‐item measure developed by Price and Ridgway (1983) Price and Ridgway and consists of the items of multiple use and creative reuse. The measure was found to be positively correlated with innovativeness and opinion leadership and the acceptance of new information technology. The construct of use innovativeness is thus a practical measurement for use in innovation research.
The growth of the Internet has allowed marketers to collect personal information from consumers with increased efficiency. However, that practice has led to concerns about privacy among World Wide Web users. The results of an experimental... more
The growth of the Internet has allowed marketers to collect personal information from consumers with increased efficiency. However, that practice has led to concerns about privacy among World Wide Web users. The results of an experimental study showed that the participants were concerned about and unwilling to provide financial information, but saw no problem in disclosing personally identifiable information. The benefits of price discounts and personalized service were found to be non‐effective means of gaining consumers' personal information. The respondents were also cynical when both benefits were offered concurrently. The study also suggested that materialistic consumers were more willing to provide personal information.

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Marketing Research, 5e equips students with the knowledge and skills required to successfully undertake marketing research. Combining a solid theoretical foundation with a practical, step-by-step approach, the marketing research process... more
Marketing Research, 5e equips students with the knowledge and skills required to successfully undertake marketing research. Combining a solid theoretical foundation with a practical, step-by-step approach, the marketing research process is explored through a learning model that is constantly reinforced throughout the text.

Using local and international examples, data sets and case studies to explain traditional marketing research methods, Marketing Research also examines new theories and techniques. To reflect emerging industry practices, each stage of research reporting is detailed, as well as a range of presentation methodologies.  For analysing data, the text covers both SPSS and Excel outputs.  This text is indispensable for students studying marketing research in any business or marketing course.
"In Human Dimensions of Cyber Security, Terry Bossomaier, Steven D'Alessandro, and Roger Bradbury have produced a book that ... shows how it is indeed possible to achieve what we all need; a multidisciplinary, rigorously researched and... more
"In Human Dimensions of Cyber Security, Terry Bossomaier, Steven D'Alessandro, and Roger Bradbury have produced a book that ... shows how it is indeed possible to achieve what we all need; a multidisciplinary, rigorously researched and argued, and above all accessible account of cybersecurity - what it is, why it matters, and how to do it."
Purpose – This paper investigates the determinants of credit card use and misuse by student and young professionals. Critical to the research is the impact of materialism and knowledge on selection of the appropriate credit card.... more
Purpose – This paper investigates the determinants of credit card use and misuse by student and young professionals. Critical to the research is the impact of materialism and knowledge on selection of the appropriate credit card. Design/methodology/approach – This study uses survey research and partial least squares to investigate credit card behaviors of students versus young professionals. Findings – In a comparative study of young professionals and students, it was found that consumer knowledge, as expected, leads to better consumer selection of credit cards. Materialism was also found to increase the motivation for more optimal consumer outcomes. For more experienced consumers, such as young professionals, it was found that despite them being more knowledgeable, they were more likely to select a credit card based on impulse. Originality/value – This paper examines how materialism may in fact encourage some consumers to make better decisions because they are more motivated to develop better knowledge. It also shows how better credit card selection may inhibit impulse purchasing.
Despite its increasing importance, digital financial literacy (DFL) is yet to be adequately understood. This article reports on one aspect of DFL, namely, digital asset planning literacy (DAPL) which is an individual’s awareness of what... more
Despite its increasing importance, digital financial literacy (DFL) is yet to be adequately understood. This article reports on one aspect of DFL, namely, digital asset planning literacy (DAPL) which is an individual’s awareness of what happens to their digital assets on their death or incapacity. Our results from Australia and Singapore suggest that single, less-educated women are less likely to possess DAPL, and that the number of digital assets is negatively associated with DAPL, while having a Will is positively related to DAPL. With this study, we put forward that financial education should include consumer rights regarding digital financial assets. JEL Classification: D14; G53; G50; J12; J16
Communication with farmers about climate change has proven to be difficult, with relatively low acceptance of anthropogenic climate change or the idea that climate change will negatively affect agriculture. Many farmers have been... more
Communication with farmers about climate change has proven to be difficult, with relatively low acceptance of anthropogenic climate change or the idea that climate change will negatively affect agriculture. Many farmers have been impervious to climate change communications because of the nature of farming, their worldviews, and the controversies about climate change in the media. Segmentation studies from the agriculture and natural resource management literatures provide evidence of homogeneous farmer groups internationally with respect to climate change attitudes and behaviors in a farming context. Understanding these segments—including their values, beliefs, and behaviors—is important for developing tailored and targeted communications approaches. Based on understanding of commonly observed farmer segments, it is possible to tailor communication strategies to better engage with segments of concern, including which message to use, appropriate sources, as well as alternative communication techniques based on participatory approaches and use of the arts. For certain segments, discussion about human-induced climate change should be avoided given that it is contentious and not critical for how farmers should respond to climate change. Theoretical frameworks from psychology and marketing—such as the theory of planned behavior, the attitude-to-behavior process model, the motivation and opportunity and determinants (MODE) model, motivation to avoid harm, and the elaboration likelihood model—can also be used to inform the design of communication strategies for engaging with farmers. However, a careful analysis of farmer segments, their worldviews, their beliefs, and their position in the consumer decision-making process suggests that the recommendations from these theoretical models should not be implemented uniformly across farmer segments. Rather, the various theoretical models provide a number of strategies that need to be selectively applied based on knowledge of the target segment. While use of theory and understanding of segments will help to improve communications with farmers, it is apparent that changing the beliefs of farmers in some segments about the need to respond to climate change will require more than simply increasing the quantity or quality of communications. Engaging farmers in these segments requires a much richer information set and a much greater effort to show farmers how they should be responding to climate variability and change using practical demonstrations and participatory approaches.
This paper models some simple consumer behaviour of the acceptance of a new mobile phone technology (4G) versus a mode widespread existing technology (3G). It is commonly believed that the adoption and use of new mobile networks is based... more
This paper models some simple consumer behaviour of the acceptance of a new mobile phone technology (4G) versus a mode widespread existing technology (3G). It is commonly believed that the adoption and use of new mobile networks is based on price and service. New networks though may face limitations of providing access to all consumers and managers may need to carefully consider to what extent a network can be upgraded and expanded given a limited capital budget. There is however, the risk of churn, of customers leaving a network for other providers if their requirements cannot be catered for. Results from an Agent Based Modelling Simulation using Netlogo found that consumer tolerance (or patience) the number of Four G Access points capacity of each access point and only the price of 3G seemed to influence the happiness of consumers and the mean use of technology (4G and 3G). Loss of customers is determined mainly by tolerance. The implications for managers are; that planning for capacity is important but you don’t have to provide access to all consumers; the price of the old technology is more important than the price of the new technology and relationship marketing is important to increase tolerance and prevent churn.1 page(s
Tipping points occur in many natural and socio-economic systems, and may have serious implications when they occur. Changes in retail market structure and the development of new markets, we argue, can also be studied from the perspective... more
Tipping points occur in many natural and socio-economic systems, and may have serious implications when they occur. Changes in retail market structure and the development of new markets, we argue, can also be studied from the perspective of complex systems using insights from biology and physics. In this review, we discuss the theory of tipping points, or more accurately, phase transitions and how they may be identified and predicted both mathematically and by pattern recognition
Increased longevity means that many people live into their 70s, 80s and beyond, with increasing numbers living with chronic disease. The role of the Internet in the care of chronic disease has been explored within the health literature... more
Increased longevity means that many people live into their 70s, 80s and beyond, with increasing numbers living with chronic disease. The role of the Internet in the care of chronic disease has been explored within the health literature and, to a lesser extent, within the marketing literature, with recent research suggesting that around 60% of patients source internet-based information about medical conditions and treatment. This mixed-methods study explores the impact of online support groups on the doctor–patient relationship finding that participants in an online support group for inflammatory bowel disease share lay advice, empower each other and act as a credible channel for word-of-mouth referrals. The traditional asymmetric relationship between patient and doctor is challenged by this new form of educated, empowered health consumer who is able to work in partnership with medical service providers in the ongoing management of chronic illness.
Endorsements play an important role in marketing communications. For international marketing communications, marketers must be cognizant of how the portrayal of body ideals and cultural background of endorsers can affect marketing... more
Endorsements play an important role in marketing communications. For international marketing communications, marketers must be cognizant of how the portrayal of body ideals and cultural background of endorsers can affect marketing communications. Two experimental studies showed that body image comparisons and the effectiveness of endorsers varies according to the type of body shapes portrayed and the body mass index (BMI) of the respondents. In the first experiment, the success or failure of endorsements was found to be influenced by their body shape and to some extent the cultural background with respect to the type of product or service promoted. In a second experiment where more realistic or medium‐thin and medium‐fat body shapes were used, source attractiveness was not influenced by body shape, while interest in the advertised brand increased for a thinner model. This may have occurred because body image comparisons were more obtainable for those in the second study, where more realistic body shapes were viewed in advertisements. Body mass index (BMI) was also found to influence the results, particularly if a poor body shape comparison triggers a poor body image. Counterfactually, this seems to occur with women with lower BMIs who view advertisements for fatter women. It appears that the use of body image and ethnic type of models should be carefully considered by marketers so that they are relevant for their target audience. The use of more obtainable and ethnically relevant models may provide more effective advertising copy and be more socially responsible. In order to create interest in advertised brands, marketers may not need to use ultra‐thin models. Marketers must also balance the promotional effectiveness of the use of body shapes that may too thin or more realistic with the social outcomes and consider carefully the BMI of their target market. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The traditional bricks and mortar retailing sector is under pressure through competition from low-cost online retailers. Many researchers predict that shopping centres may even disappear as a viable outlet or business model, given the... more
The traditional bricks and mortar retailing sector is under pressure through competition from low-cost online retailers. Many researchers predict that shopping centres may even disappear as a viable outlet or business model, given the success of companies such as Amazon and EBay. This paper attempts to model the conditions in which shopping centres can compete with online retailers. Our model considers factors such as immediacy, post-sales service, online risk and mall entertainment, which it is postulated will assist shopping centres to compete with online retailers, against the value they provide. Results show that the higher the value of purchase the more likely consumers is to purchase from a store. Mall managers can increase purchases by focusing on customer service and gratification from purchases, and show the reduced risk of purchasing in a store than online. Cybersecurity breaches (greater online risk) may also encourage more bricks and mortar purchases.
A multi-sectoral assessment of risks can support the management and investment decisions necessary for emerging blue economy industries to succeed. Traditional risk assessment methods will be challenged when applied to the complex... more
A multi-sectoral assessment of risks can support the management and investment decisions necessary for emerging blue economy industries to succeed. Traditional risk assessment methods will be challenged when applied to the complex socio-ecological systems that characterise offshore environments, and when data available to support management are lacking. Therefore, there is a need for assessments that account for multiple sectors. Here we describe the development of an efficient method for an integrated hazard analysis that is a precursor to full risk assessments. Our approach combines diverse disciplinary expertise, expert elicitation and multi-criteria analysis to rank hazards, so it encompasses all types of hazards including human-caused, natural and technological. We demonstrate our approach for two sectors that are predicted to grow rapidly in Australia: offshore aquaculture and marine renewable energy. Experts ranked Climate Change as the hazard with the highest overall concern, but hazards including Altered Ecosystem Function, Biosecurity, Cumulative Effects, Structural Failure and Social Licence were also highly ranked. We show here how outputs from this approach (multi-criteria scores and ranks) could be used to identify hazards that; i) could be safely retired, ii) should be progressed to more quantitative risk assessments or iii) require ongoing information collection. The approach can encompass all types of hazards, which enables it to holistically consider priorities. The expert-based multi-criteria approach outlined here represents a pragmatic way to solve some of the challenges of applying risk assessments to emerging industries by using a method that can be applied across multiple blue economy sectors.
This paper presents a conceptual and empirical analysis of the Market Performance Indicator (MPI) index for the mobile phone market in Australia and its influence on customer satisfaction, customer value and switching intentions. Results... more
This paper presents a conceptual and empirical analysis of the Market Performance Indicator (MPI) index for the mobile phone market in Australia and its influence on customer satisfaction, customer value and switching intentions. Results based on a quantitative research of 1600 mobile phone consumers compare the Australian performance of the MPI with that of the twenty seven members of the European Union (EU). The Australian MPI results identified some significant structural weaknesses in the performance of the mobile phone market as compared to the EU. The results show that Australian consumers find it harder than their EU counterparts to compare mobile carrier offers; have little trust in the industry to respect their rights as a consumer; experience more problems and complain more often; find it harder to switch suppliers; mobile carriers don’t live up to consumer expectations and finally consumers don’t think that the mobile carriers behave ethically.6 page(s
The influence of media on body image is an area of much social controversy. Eating disorders and depression have often been linked to body image dissatisfaction. Research from Australia, The Netherlands and Singapore showed that the... more
The influence of media on body image is an area of much social controversy. Eating disorders and depression have often been linked to body image dissatisfaction. Research from Australia, The Netherlands and Singapore showed that the cognitive and affective evaluations of media and advertising are far more important than the amount of exposure. Although it appears that reactions to internet media are most salient. Research suggested three models of the development of body image. In Australia this was demographics, media and personality based model, while in The Netherlands this was a largely media driven model. The Singapore results suggested a more traditional model of demographics and personality. The results also show a similarity in the level of body image satisfaction amongst two countries in the study (Australia and Singapore) even though they had differing different average body mass indices. This supports contentions in the literature that concern over physical self-concepts ...
Overview Marketing Research 4th Asia-Pacific edition continues to equip students with the knowledge and skills required to successfully undertake marketing research. Combining a solid theoretical foundation with a practical, step-by-step... more
Overview Marketing Research 4th Asia-Pacific edition continues to equip students with the knowledge and skills required to successfully undertake marketing research. Combining a solid theoretical foundation with a practical, step-by-step approach, the marketing research process is explored through a learning model that is constantly reinforced throughout the text. Using a raft of contemporary local and international examples, data sets and case studies to explain traditional marketing research methods, Marketing Research also examines new theories and techniques. To reflect emerging industry practices, each stage of research reporting is detailed, as well as a range of presentation methodologies. This edition of Marketing Research continues to integrate Qualtrics, a robust and easy-to-use online survey tool that provides students with a platform for designing, distributing and evaluating survey results, to strengthen its ‘learning by doing’ approach. For analysing data, the text cov...
Carp now make up more than 90% of the freshwater fish biomass in much of south-east Australia. Whilst a range of different carp control options have been considered biological controls through the use of the Cyprinid herpesvirus 3 has... more
Carp now make up more than 90% of the freshwater fish biomass in much of south-east Australia. Whilst a range of different carp control options have been considered biological controls through the use of the Cyprinid herpesvirus 3 has been a particular focus in recent times. The aim of this study is to explore the sentiment of recreational fishers in New South Wales and Victoria in relation to carp, the proposed carp herpes virus and the main recreation activity (fishing) related to the community under focus. Data was collected from Twitter and Facebook, using netnographic techniques and coded using Appraisal. The three main themes which were evident were the carp virus, carp and fishing for carp. The majority of recreational fishers saw a need to eradicate carp, however, also saw them as a fun and viable fishing target and demonstrated a high level of scepticism for the virus.
Links between Public Sector Motivation (PSM) and employee performance (EP) have yet to be made in the higher education sector. This paper presents results from a qualitative study of 20 semi-structured interviews of business academics... more
Links between Public Sector Motivation (PSM) and employee performance (EP) have yet to be made in the higher education sector. This paper presents results from a qualitative study of 20 semi-structured interviews of business academics from Australian universities. The results indicate a relationship between PSM and EP, however, they are not as strongly supported as expected based on the literature. The performance measures examined may also affect the attraction and retention of students and government funding, both of which are essential for the survival of a university, particularly in an environment which is becoming increasingly competitive. In the context of universities, PSM appears to influence employees in terms of their attraction to the profession, but not necessarily their allegiance to one university over another. This information could be a way for universities to set themselves apart from their competitors when it comes to the attraction and retention of academic staff.
Data used in: Martínez-López, Francisco, Anaya-Sánchez, Rafael, Esteban-Millat, Irene, Torrez-Meruvia, Harold, D'Alessandro, Steven, Miles, Morgan (2020) Influencer marketing: Brand control, commercial orientation and post... more
Data used in: Martínez-López, Francisco, Anaya-Sánchez, Rafael, Esteban-Millat, Irene, Torrez-Meruvia, Harold, D'Alessandro, Steven, Miles, Morgan (2020) Influencer marketing: Brand control, commercial orientation and post credibility. Journal of Marketing Management (in press)
Understanding the net flows of populations in and out of regional areas has been seen as an important issue for both scholars and policy makers (Eliasson, Westlund, & Johansson, 2015; Lee, 1966; Longino, 1992; Macisco & Pryor, 1963; Moon,... more
Understanding the net flows of populations in and out of regional areas has been seen as an important issue for both scholars and policy makers (Eliasson, Westlund, & Johansson, 2015; Lee, 1966; Longino, 1992; Macisco & Pryor, 1963; Moon, 1995; Ravenstein, 1885). In particular, it is noted that the perception of factors encouraging or discouraging migration are as important as known objective factors (Lee, 1966; Lewis, 1982). Interestingly, research on the migration push-pull model, has been successfully applied to the area of switching service providers in marketing (Bansal, Taylor, & St. James, 2005). In this paper we propose that there are a number of research propositions from the service marketing application of migration theory, which are relevant to regional development. These include the motivations to relocate (or push factors) such as satisfaction with current living arrangements, value for money of current location and bill shock. Pull factors such as benefits of relocati...
Understanding the net flows of populations in and out of regional areas has been seen as an important issue for both scholars and policy makers (Eliasson, Westlund, & Johansson, 2015; Lee, 1966; Longino, 1992; Macisco & Pryor, 1963; Moon,... more
Understanding the net flows of populations in and out of regional areas has been seen as an important issue for both scholars and policy makers (Eliasson, Westlund, & Johansson, 2015; Lee, 1966; Longino, 1992; Macisco & Pryor, 1963; Moon, 1995; Ravenstein, 1885). In particular, it is noted that the perception of factors encouraging or discouraging migration are as important as known objective factors (Lee, 1966; Lewis, 1982). Interestingly, research on the migration push-pull model, has been successfully applied to the area of switching service providers in marketing (Bansal, Taylor, & St. James, 2005). In this paper we propose that there are a number of research propositions from the service marketing application of migration theory, which are relevant to regional development. These include the motivations to relocate (or push factors) such as satisfaction with current living arrangements, value for money of current location and bill shock. Pull factors such as benefits of relocati...

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