Thoughtful Packaging: How Inner Motivations Can Influence the Purchase Intention for Green Packaged Cosmetics

Dissertation presented as the partial requirement for obtaining a Master's degree in Information Management, specialization in Marketing IntelligenceThe cosmetics market is developing at a rapid pace, increasing consumers' concerns for sustainability. This sustainability trend raises firms' awareness to refresh their product range with new eco-friendly product lines and invest in sustainable packaging. To this end, this research conducted with 253 cosmetics consumers aims to investigate how the intrinsic behavioral motivators impact customers' buying intentions regarding green packaging. The current study extends the existing literature of social theories already developed and thoroughly examined by paving the way in investigating the association between an individual's characteristics (e.g., self-esteem, self-identity, moral satisfaction, planet ownership, product ownership, purchase intention for eco-packaged cosmetics, and their willingness to pay. In other words, the current study seeks to understand the internal factors of the customer that encourage the purchase of green cosmetics by providing a first conceptual framework that combines these factors. The findings can aid in maximizing the efficacy of packaging in green cosmetics to fulfill customer practical and emotional expectations and encourage environmentally-friendly consumer choices

Structured Review of the Evidence for Effects of Code Duplication on Software Quality

This report presents the detailed steps and results of a structured review of code clone literature. The aim of the review is to investigate the evidence for the claim that code duplication has a negative effect on code changeability. This report contains only the details of the review for which there is not enough place to include them in the companion paper published at a conference (Hordijk, Ponisio et al. 2009 - Harmfulness of Code Duplication - A Structured Review of the Evidence)

Investigating dynamic dependence using copulae

A general methodology for time series modelling is developed which works down from distributional properties to implied structural models including the standard regression relationship. This general to specific approach is important since it can avoid spurious assumptions such as linearity in the form of the dynamic relationship between variables. It is based on splitting the multivariate distribution of a time series into two parts: (i) the marginal unconditional distribution, (ii) the serial dependence encompassed in a general function , the copula. General properties of the class of copula functions that fulfill the necessary requirements for Markov chain construction are exposed. Special cases for the gaussian copula with AR(p) dependence structure and for archimedean copulae are presented. We also develop copula based dynamic dependency measures — auto-concordance in place of autocorrelation. Finally, we provide empirical applications using financial returns and transactions based forex data. Our model encompasses the AR(p) model and allows non-linearity. Moreover, we introduce non-linear time dependence functions that generalize the autocorrelation function

Investigating the technology catching-up trajectory of Chinese Hi-Tech SMEs: an integrated framework from industry-, resource-, and institution-based view

Accepted for WLICSMB 2010Purpose This paper intends to review the literatures on the technology catching-up trajectory of latecomers in order to understand the innovation strategies of Chinese Hi-Tech SMEs (Gu & Tse, 2010; Xie & White, 2006; Chen & Qu, 2003; Lee & Lim, 2001; Kim, 1997). It also tries to construct an integrated framework to investigate their innovation strategies and the impact on organizational performance from the Industry-, Resource-, and Institution-based view (Peng, Wang, & Jiang, 2008). Design/methodology/approach The authors have reviewed papers published in the leading journals in the R&D field and proposed an integrated conceptual framework of innovation strategies of Chinese Hi-Tech firms based on Peng, Wang and Jiang (2008)’s institution-based view framework to examine the innovation strategy from Industry-, firm-specific Resource-based, and Institution-based View Originality/Value This paper pays attention to the institution factors in shaping Chinese SMEs to develop innovative capabilities. Chinese firms have comparative advantages, such as better comprehending Chinese local market, better understanding of local business environment comparing to MNEs. Our paper argues that by developing effective innovation strategies and improving innovative capabilities, Chinese SMEs will be able to survive from the severe competitions from state-owned enterprises and foreign firms in China

The Distant Horizon: investigating the relationship between social sciences academic research and game development

Research in the social sciences devotes a great amount of attention to investigating the impact of video games on the individual and on society. However, results generated by this research often fail to inform game development. The present study investigated the outreach of research conducted by the academic community by interviewing 30 game developers and 14 researchers, highlighting critical aspects in the relationship between game research and game industry. Specifically, we found that the difference in priorities, speed cycles, and dissemination practices between these two contexts hinder communication. Subsequently, we carried out a focus group for a set of developers and researchers (N=6) with the aim of eliciting recommendation for improving communication between academics and developers. Among the recommendations to emerge were calls to diversify dissemination channels, promote joint conferences and develop research-production partnerships. It was felt such measures could strengthen the influence of research results outside the academic community

Investigating the relationship of brand experience and loyalty: A study of luxury brand in Thailand

The concept of 'brand experience' has evolved as an imperative arena of study in the marketing discipline. Although the importance and the concept of experience have been adapted in marketing such as customer experience, consumption experience and so on, the explanations of brand experiences have remained vague and absent a thorough theoretical foundation. This research aims to understand the concept of 'brand experience' and its impact of consumer behaviour (loyalty) direct or indirect through brand personality, satisfaction or [and] brand trust in the luxury brand context (Thailand). This research is carried out in one stage 'quantitative'. Furthermore the research data will be collected based on distributing survey questionnaire. Among of 400 Thai citizen samples will be surveyed to measure a modify framework from (Brakus et al, 2009). The result will provide meaningful information in both academic research and marketing practice. Furthermore, it will be presented the prediction of consumer behaviour via brand experience. Moreover, it guides marketers to various marketing strategy option such as experiential marketing or traditional marketing

Investigating modularity in the analysis of process algebra models of biochemical systems

Compositionality is a key feature of process algebras which is often cited as one of their advantages as a modelling technique. It is certainly true that in biochemical systems, as in many other systems, model construction is made easier in a formalism which allows the problem to be tackled compositionally. In this paper we consider the extent to which the compositional structure which is inherent in process algebra models of biochemical systems can be exploited during model solution. In essence this means using the compositional structure to guide decomposed solution and analysis. Unfortunately the dynamic behaviour of biochemical systems exhibits strong interdependencies between the components of the model making decomposed solution a difficult task. Nevertheless we believe that if such decomposition based on process algebras could be established it would demonstrate substantial benefits for systems biology modelling. In this paper we present our preliminary investigations based on a case study of the pheromone pathway in yeast, modelling in the stochastic process algebra Bio-PEPA

Using the history of mathematics for mentoring gifted students: Notes for teachers

The paper presents a theoretical framework, methodology and practical implications for the work with gifted students using history of mathematics. A teaching-learning model, where history of mathematics is integrated in problem-solving activities, is described. Didactical material based on the concepts of triangle geometry is given in the scope of this model. A beautiful and intriguing piece of geometry – the Lemoine point is the focus of consideration. Its properties are investigated through appropriately designed activities for students. Different examples show the importance of history of mathematics for the development of students’ mathematical thinking

Extending the enterprise: An evaluation of ERP and EAI technologies within a Case Study organisation

It is widely understood that both Information Technology (IT) and Information Systems (IS), provide great benefits in improving the visibility of supply and value chains within and across organisational boundaries. Those enterprises which can realise the benefits of extending their core business processes outwards to clients and trading partners, will be able to create unique supply chain-dependent products and solutions. Thus, such business infrastructures have enabled organisations to expand and improve the effectiveness of their enterprise. One method to achieve this, has been to integrate Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems with web-based and other IS systems, using Enterprise Application Integration (EAI) technologies. This paper seeks to investigate those factors which contributed to a case organisation’s extended enterprise experiences, by using extant ERP and EAI implementation IS evaluation criteria; and by placing the research results within the context of applicable IS research techniques in the area