3,649 research outputs found
Cross-cultural comparisons of consumer satisfaction ratings : a perspective from Albert Hirschmanâs theory.
Purpose This paper seeks to propose Albert Hirschmanâs theory of âexit, voice and loyaltyâ as a complementary conceptual framework to Hofstedeâs cultural dimensions and use them in conjunction to compare consumer satisfaction with services across cultures. Design/methodology/approach A model of satisfaction with complex services (higher education) is developed and then tested in two different cultures, Colombia and Spain, with a sample of 879 students. Structural equation modeling based on the partial least squares algorithm is used to test the proposed model. Findings Colombian students are more satisfied with the educational system than Spanish ones. This is explained by cultural and contextual differences that pose greater restrictions on accessibility to higher education, provide fewer choice alternatives and present more switching costs for the Colombian student. Originality/value This study applies the conditions of Hirschmanâs theory in an international setting, offering a rich basis for understanding differences in consumer satisfaction that accounts for intra national diversityCustomer satisfaction; National cultures; Higher education; Students; Colombia; Spain;
'Unserved' interpretations of service satisfaction
Satisfaction with services has traditionally been explained with the help of service attributes. While these attributes have been good predictors of satisfaction, the relationship could possibly be better explained with the inclusion of additional variables. We draw on the literature in consumer behavior where situational variables in combination with product and consumer characteristics have been shown to be better predictors of consumers' behavior than consumer or product characteristics by themselves. Studies in consumer behavior have also established a direct link between affective state and consumers' behavior, the argument being that different states prime different goals, thus affecting the importance of attributes relevant under different situations. This is the basis of our study to show that situation-related affective state moderates the effects of service characteristics on satisfaction and the resulting outcomes of such satisfaction. A model incorporating the effects of situation-related affective state in the existing relationship between service characteristics and satisfaction is developed and tested to not only demonstrate the moderating role of situational emotions in the relationships but also its impact on the strength of these relationships.Services marketing, Satisfaction paradigm, Consumer behavior, Situation, Affective state
X(3872) and its Partners in the Heavy Quark Limit of QCD
In this letter, we propose interpolating currents for the X(3872) resonance,
and show that, in the Heavy Quark limit of QCD, the X(3872) state should have
degenerate partners, independent of its internal structure. Magnitudes of
possible I=0 and I=1 components of the X(3872) are also discussed.Comment: 12 page
Current marketing practices and market orientation in the context of an emerging economy: the case of Uruguay
This research explores the link between contemporary marketing practices, market orientation and business performance in Uruguay, an emergent country that has recovered from an economic crisis. These approaches seem to be related, but there is no existing evidence to confirm this impression. Lessons can be learned from understanding how effective is the adoption of marketing practices under a crisis scenario. Using data from interviews with 143 micro and small enterprisesâ managers, we identify three clusters dependant on the combination of marketing practices: a multi-marketing cluster, a medium-level relationship marketing cluster and a transactional cluster. A model relating market orientation components and various performance measures is tested for the three clusters, showing that the multi-marketing and transactional clusters are more effective in translating efforts and resources into business outcomes.Contemporary marketing practices, Market orientation, Performance, Clusters, Structural equation modeling, Uruguay
Marketing practices and performance in a post-crisis scenario
This research explores the link between contemporary marketing practices, market orientation and business performance in Uruguay, an emergent country that has recovered from an economic crisis. These approaches seem to be related, but there is no existing evidence to confirm this impression. Lessons can be learned from understanding how effective is the adoption of marketing practices under a crisis scenario. Using data from interviews with 143 micro and small enterprisesâ managers, we identify three clusters dependant on the combination of marketing practices: a multi-marketing cluster, a medium-level relationship marketing cluster and a transactional cluster. A model relating market orientation components and various performance measures is tested for the three clusters, showing that the multi-marketing and transactional clusters are more effective in translating efforts and resources into business outcomes
A framework for analyzing performance in higher education
Drawing on Tintoâs dropout intentions model (1975), Beanâs socialization model (1985), Astinâs
involvement theory (1999), and the service marketing literature, this research presents a conceptual
framework for analyzing studentsâ satisfaction, perceived learning outcomes, and dropout
intentions. This framework allows for a better understanding of how students assess the university
experience and how these perceptions affect future intentions. This article presents four studies
testing fragments of the framework using data sets come from three countries and various
undergraduate programs (business, economics, geography, and nursing). The models are tested
using structural equation modeling with data collected using a questionnaire adapted to the specific
contexts. The models have the ability to explain the studiesâ dependent variables and offer practical
utility for decision making. Applicability of the conceptual framework is evaluated in various
contexts and with different student populations. One important finding is that student co-creation
can be as important as perceived service quality in explaining studentsâ cognitive learning
outcomes, which in turn explain a high percentage of satisfaction and affective learning outcomes.
The studies also shed light on the roles of variables such as emotional exhaustion and dropout
intentionsThe author acknowledges support received from the Spanish Ministries of Education and Science, and Economy and
Competitiveness (Projects SEJ2007-65897, EA2007-0184 and ECO2011-27942) and the collaboration of the
universities and departments involved in the stud
On a nonlocal degenerate parabolic problem
Conditions for the existence and uniqueness of weak solutions for a class of
nonlinear nonlocal degenerate parabolic equations are established. The
asymptotic behaviour of the solutions as time tends to infinity are also
studied. In particular, the finite time extinction and polynomial decay
properties are proved
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