Using Adaptive Structuraction Theory to Study the Implementation of CIM Systems: A case study of TFT-LCD Companies

CIM (Computer Integrated Manufacturing) is like a strategic weapon that helps industries increase their capacity for competing. Case study by interviewing enterprise is the main technique applied in this research. Base on AST (Adaptive Structuraction Theory) introduced by multiple case analyses, in the process of implementing CIM the interaction between CIM and organization of two TFT-LCD industries whose business operation characteristics are different will be discussed. The research result can be treated as a reference for enterprises to perform their CIM system more effectively and promote their core competency. In the paper, some discoveries are found as follows: the enterprises that have higher degree of automation always pay more attention to the operation standard of manufacturing and system, and consider the correspondence between them for need of process automation. On the other hand, the enterprises that have lower degree of automation always pay more attention to the rationalization of production lines, the convenience of adjusting operation process after the system is implemented, division of labor among the related organizations and their responsibility as well. The reason why causes the difference is the former thinks both the system functions and information linking techniques are two most important key points in the CIM project, so the employee rate of the staff related with IT must be increased in the project organization

Economic and empirical analysis of consumer purchase intentions in electronic and traditional retail channels, Internet retailer pricing strategies, and price dispersion on the Internet

This dissertation, consisting of four independent but complementary research papers, examines buying behavior of consumers in retail channels, efficiency characteristics of the Internet market, and pricing strategies of Internet retailers. This investigation involves both theoretical and empirical work. ^ Theoretically, we develop a multi-attribute economic model to analyze consumer behavior for traditional and electronic channels based on consumers\u27 risk profiles—low risk tolerance vs. high risk tolerance. Current literature focuses on only one dimension of measurement as opposed to multi-attribute models. We then conduct comparative analyses of consumer purchase decisions to derive strategies for different channels. Theoretical propositions are developed concerning consumer channel switching behavior, incentives to consumers, and pricing strategies for different channels. We use simulations to gain insights for cases where analytical model becomes intractable. ^ Empirically, we analyze efficiency characteristics of the Internet for two product sets: (1) 14 product categories encompassing 3 product classes (commodity, quasi-commodity, and differentiated products) and (2) 3 top-selling products on the Internet (books, CDs, and flight tickets). Focusing on consumer information search and evaluation behavior, we propose the pricing model and log-linear price dispersion model to identify factors that influence Internet retailers\u27 pricing strategies and price dispersion on the Internet. One of our findings shows that the CD market is the most price-competitive among the 3 top-selling product markets, whereas the quasi-commodity market experiences relatively stronger price competition than the other two product classes. A second finding shows that retailers\u27 heterogeneity in inducing consumer search and evaluation efforts is highly related to price dispersion in e-markets. ^ Additionally, we develop surveys to empirically investigate the relationship between operating characteristics of consumer purchasing decision process and consumer purchase intentions. Online and offline models in this relationship are compared and tested. Findings provide evidence that, the overall channel switching percentage from offline to online is approximately 47%. The analysis show that overall, differences in channel risk perceptions, price search intentions, evaluation effort, and waiting time between online and offline channels appear to have significant impact on respondents\u27 switching from offline to online shopping environment. Other interesting findings and managerial implications are discussed.

Antecedents and Consequences of Trust and Loyalty in Physical Banks Affecting Mobile Payments

The way of payment has changed in recent years: people have turned away from physical payment methods to virtual payment methods. The traditional banking industry is facing challenges brought by new technologies. The main purpose of this study is to investigate customer trust and loyalty transferring from physical banks to mobile payments because mobile payment platforms are a self-service technology. The goal is to create an eco-platform to facilitate transition from a cash-based economy to a cashless economy. This study is the first attempt to integrate platform management, electronic marketing (online trust and online loyalty), and relationship marketing (offline trust and offline loyalty) into one model. We theoretically and empirically take certain factors into consideration to further explore the transfer impact of physical to mobile payments, which is not discussed in literature. The SEM (structural equation modelling) analysis from the 353 respondents in this study found that trust from both the physical and mobile contexts has positively influenced loyalty. Additionally, customers’ trust and loyalty transfer from the physical to the mobile environment has had a significantly positive effect between the physical and mobile environment. Corporate reputation and structure assurance have also significantly positively affected physical trust and mobile trust, respectively. The findings also reveal that the structure assurance plays an essential role in mobile payment. Users may have certain concerns about the procedure of transactions and their personal information. Theoretical and practical implications are provided

The Mediating Effect of Herd Behavior and Brand Attitude towards the Impact of Spokesman Credibility, Source Fit, and Online Word-of-Mouth on Purchase Intention

Product endorsement has become a common marketing method. Many companies hire a famous person to act as the spokesman for the product and brand. They want to use the celebrity’s fame and attractiveness to promote their products and brands. However, is every celebrity suitable to be the spokesman for a product? In addition, in the era of advanced technology, whether the comments on the Internet and the credibility of the spokesman affect consumers’ purchase intention through herd behavior. And whether the credibility of the spokesman and the degree of source fit (the degree of fit between the spokesman and the product and brand) affect consumers’ purchase intention through brand attitude and heard behavior. To our best knowledge, no studies in the research literature have explored the relationships between spokesman credibility, source fit, herd behavior, brand attitude, online word-of-mouth, and purchase intention, where herd behavior and brand attitude are mediating variables. The research questionnaire was designed and distributed using an online questionnaire format, and the distribution period was from 6 April 2022, to 12 April 2022. In this study, a total of 203 valid questionnaires were obtained. According to the results, both online word-of-mouth and spokesman credibility had a significantly positive impact on consumers’ herd behavior, which will significantly increase consumers’ purchase intention. The credibility of the spokesman also had a significantly positive impact on consumers’ brand attitudes and, therefore, will significantly increase consumers’ purchase intention. Theoretical and managerial implications are provided

Comparative Genome Analysis of Vibrio vulnificus, a Marine Pathogen

The halophile Vibrio vulnificus is an etiologic agent of human mortality from seafood-borne infections. We applied whole-genome sequencing and comparative analysis to investigate the evolution of this pathogen. The genome of biotype 1 strain, V. vulnificus YJ016, was sequenced and includes two chromosomes of estimated 3377 kbp and 1857 kbp in size, and a plasmid of 48,508 bp. A super-integron (SI) was identified, and the SI region spans 139 kbp and contains 188 gene cassettes. In contrast to non-SI sequences, the captured gene cassettes are unique for any given Vibrio species and are highly variable among V. vulnificus strains. Multiple rearrangements were found when comparing the 5.3-Mbp V. vulnificus YJ016 genome and the 4.0-Mbp V. cholerae El Tor N16961 genome. The organization of gene clusters of capsular polysaccharide, iron metabolism, and RTX toxin showed distinct genetic features of V. vulnificus and V. cholerae. The content of the V. vulnificus genome contained gene duplications and evidence of horizontal transfer, allowing for genetic diversity and function in the marine environment. The genomic information obtained in this study can be applied to monitoring vibrio infections and identifying virulence genes in V. vulnificus