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مدیریت بازرگانی (20085907) (2)pp. 481-525
Objective
In today's dynamic environment, gaining an edge over competitors is essential for survival and growth in a competitive market. Survival and growth in such an environment are possible through innovation. Outstanding and innovative products, advanced technology, and innovation in marketing will not have an impact on the company's success if they do not create a significant competitive advantage. Open innovation recommends that companies give as much importance to external ideas as they do to internal ideas to access different markets, identify market opportunities, and create a competitive advantage for the company. This research aims to identify and prioritize the factors of open innovation in gaining a competitive advantage in the home appliance industry.
Methodology
The present study is considered to be applied research and falls into the category of descriptive-analytical research. The research process of this study consists of four main phases. In the first phase, using library methods, the effective factors of open innovation were extracted from the research background. In the second phase, the extracted factors and sub-factors from the research literature were presented to the experts of the home appliance industry, and using the Fuzzy Delphi method, 10 categories of factors and 45 important sub-factors were identified and classified. Then, considering the selected factors and sub-factors, a three-level hierarchical model was obtained, where the first level is the ranking of the factors and sub-factors affecting open innovation in gaining competitive advantage. At the second level, the factors affecting open innovation and at the third level, the sub-factors related to each factor are placed. In the third phase, based on the hierarchical model of the research, a pairwise comparison table was formed and provided to the experts in the form of a pairwise comparison questionnaire. Then, to extract the weights of the factors and sub-factors, the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process method was used, which is one of the common multi-criteria decision-making methods. In the fourth phase, the factors and sub-factors of open innovation in gaining competitive advantage in the home appliance industry were prioritized.
Findings
The research findings indicated that, according to experts in the home appliance industry, innovative marketing, strategic, creativity development, and cultural factors are the most important among the 10 identified factors. Among the sub-factors of innovative marketing, marketing variables and customer orientation are important. Among the strategic sub-factors, strategic resource acquisition and employees' attitudes towards open innovation are significant. Among the creativity development sub-factors, brainstorming and the SCAMPER method are crucial, and among the cultural sub-factors, goal alignment and organizational learning are the most important sub-factors.
Conclusion
The results indicate that innovative marketing is chosen as the most important factor of open innovation in gaining a competitive advantage, according to industry experts. Innovative marketing in the home appliance industry can lead to the development of new and innovative products in this industry. It also leads to increased competitiveness among home appliance brands and manufacturers, ultimately improving the user experience and increasing demand for innovative products, thereby creating a competitive advantage in this industry. Innovative marketing variables, including innovative products, innovative promotions, innovative pricing, and innovative product distribution, have a significant impact on gaining a competitive advantage in home appliance companies.
بررسی های بازرگانی (26767562) (114)pp. 63-82
In recent decades the business environment has been one of the keywords in business, commerce, and economics. Efforts to enhance the indicators of business environment improvement have a significant role in the growth and development of employment, especially in the private sector. The diagnosis of the variables involved in this field can be effective in creating a suitable environment for businesses. Among the important variables in this field are informal employment and its important consequences for the business environment. If the barriers to production are to be removed, it is first necessary to identify the drivers and barriers, so that positive steps can be taken to remove the barriers and strengthen the drivers. Therefore, the focus of this study is to identify the causes of informal employment in Iran. This research has been done with the qualitative method. Data were collected through interviews with experts. The data were then analyzed by various methods including thematic analysis and Delphi. During three Delphi rounds, the data were validated and the final research framework was developed as a themes network. Based on the research findings, more than eighty factors were identified in the formation of informal employment and then classified into macro, legal, and individual factors.
آینده پژوهی دفاعی (2588428X) (18)pp. 113-140
Iran's confrontation with various economic sanctions has had many consequences and issues that make the need for scientific research in this field more and more clear. Paying attention to the vulnerabilities of economic sanctions, taking measures to deal with them and ways to get out of the pressure of sanctions, especially in recent years, have become increasingly important. Security and tourism are two interrelated categories. Whereas the tourism industry, as a parent industry, on the one hand, plays an important role in job creation and economic development, and on the other hand, its prosperity and development play a significant role in countering sanctions, in resilience to its negative effects, and in increasing security and passive defense, in the present study, it is tried to first identify the vulnerabilities of economic sanctions with a futuristic approach and then, considering the capabilities of the tourism industry in Iran, to provide solutions in this field. The statistical population of this study consists of experts in the tourism industry and related industries, including the hotel industry, tourism service companies, and travel agencies, which were sampled by snowball and judgment. Thematic analysis, environmental scanning and Delphi method have been used to collect data while using library studies. The results of this study, while identifying and introducing the effects and negative consequences of sanctions, have provided solutions to deal with them with a focus on the tourism industry.
مدیریت اطلاعات سلامت (17357853) (6)pp. 236-242
Introduction: Nowadays, health care organizations face many challenges in terms of service quality. Therefore, it is essential to evaluate the quality of services in these organizations. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of service of specialized clinics in Shiraz City, Iran, using SERVQUAL model and specify the effects of service quality on the responses of service recipients during 2016.Methods: This was a descriptive research and the study population included all customers of 6 specialized medical clinics in Shiraz City. The sample size was determined to be 201, using stratified sampling. The data-gathering tool was a researcher-made questionnaire and the data were analyzed using structural equations modeling.Results: There was a congruity between customer expectations and perceptions of clinic performance in terms of the dimensions of service quality (tangibles, assurance, empathy, reliability, and responsiveness). In addition, the impact of service quality of these clinics on the reactions of service recipients was confirmed. This effect could explain 83 percent of service recipients’ reactions.Conclusion: Data analysis confirmed this model. Clinics managers using this model will be able to evaluate the quality of service, specify its effect on service recipients’ responses, and make plans for improvement of weaknesses.
International Journal of Services and Operations Management (17442370) 50(1)pp. 99-122
This paper aims to investigate the impact of e-insurance on profitability, with the mediating role of agility and competitive advantage in the insurance industry, which has rarely been investigated in the previous literature. The study sample was 320 managers and experts of insurance companies in Iran. Structural equation modelling with the partial least square approach (SEM-PLS) was adopted for analysing the data. The results indicate that e-insurance has a positive and significant effect on profitability through agility and competitive advantage. Moreover, a positive and significant relationship between agility and competitive advantage was confirmed. This study provides insurance practitioners and managers with new insights to implementing e-insurance to gain agility, competitive advantage, and profitability. Copyright © 2025 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.
International Journal of Quality and Service Sciences (1756669X) 16(2)pp. 145-166
Purpose: This paper aims to investigate the effect of gamified e-service quality (GE-SQ) on customer value co-creation, relationship quality and purchase intention in e-retailing. Design/methodology/approach: A questionnaire was used to collect data from a sample of 549 e-retailing customers who participated in a gamified online service process. A structural equation modeling approach was adopted to analyze the model. Findings: The empirical evidence confirmed that GE-SQ encouraged customer value co-creation behavior and relationship quality. Customer value co-creation and relationship quality led to higher purchase intention. Also, value co-creation and relationship quality partially mediated the relationship between GE-SQ and purchase intention. Originality/value: The findings increase our knowledge of GE-SQ and its behavioral consequences. Moreover, the study proposes and validates a theoretical framework based on GE-SQ, value co-creation and customer relationship quality. This study provides insight into using gamification as a practical tool in the e-retailing industry. © 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited.
Interdisciplinary Journal Of Management Studies (29810795) 17(2)pp. 425-440
Acculturation is a multidimensional concept and often means paying attention to different cultures. Since in acculturation, one seeks alternative attributes and values, this can affect the consumption of goods by the consumer. Considering the role of consumption of domestic goods on the economic growth and development of the country, it is important to identify the dimensions and components of consumer acculturation and research in this field. Therefore, this study seeks to identify the dimensions and components of consumer acculturation in the consumption of domestic goods and to develop a scale in this regard. The present study has been done by the mixed method. The statistical population of the research in the qualitative stage included experts in the Iranian clothing industry, which due to theoretical saturation, a sample of 20 people was selected by judgment. In the quantitative stage, the statistical population consisted of clothing consumers in Iran, of which 310 were selected by cluster sampling. After interviewing the experts, the thematic analysis method was used to identify the main components. Then, using quantitative methods such as exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, the identified components were classified in the form of dimensions and were verified. In the end, the scale of consumer acculturation in the consumption of domestic goods, including the main dimensions and components was proposed. The main contribution of this paper is developing and validating a multidimensional scale for consumer acculturation in the clothing sector, which has been overlooked in previous research. © Morteza Maddah, Majid Mohammad Shafiee.
Competitiveness Review (20513143) 34(2)pp. 245-276
Purpose: This study aims to identify the main factors affecting export competitiveness and its barriers, focusing on the minerals industry so that a scale is achieved for measuring export competitiveness in this industry. Design/methodology/approach: The research was conducted with a mixed method approach in the minerals industry. Among the active companies involved in this industry, 34 export companies and export management companies were selected and evaluated. In the qualitative phase, 18 experts and managers of the industry were interviewed to identify the factors affecting the export competitiveness of these companies and the barriers ahead of them. In the quantitative phase, a questionnaire was distributed among 412 managers and experts in this industry to categorize the identified factors and to measure the relationships among them. For data analysis in the qualitative phase, theme analysis was used. For the quantitative phase, factor analysis and structural equation modeling were adopted. Findings: In addition to identifying the main components affecting the competitiveness of companies in exporting minerals as well as the main barriers ahead of them, the findings of the current research categorized these components using factor analysis. These components were categorized into factors, such as manufacturing factors, demand conditions, related and supporting industries, structural factors, competitive strategy and governmental supports. Afterward, their impacts on export competitiveness were measured and supported. Originality/value: Although some studies have been conducted to examine the competitiveness in different industries, no research has been found that has examined and identified the main factors affecting export competitiveness and their impacts in the minerals industry with a mixed quantitative and qualitative approach. The findings of this research may help managers and policymakers, at the industrial and national levels, to reach a scale for assessing the export companies involved in this industry by identifying the most essential factors of export competitiveness of minerals. Furthermore, the findings of this research can act as a model for future researchers to develop a scale for export competitiveness in other industries. © 2022, Emerald Publishing Limited.
Journal of Knowledge Management (13673270) 28(1)pp. 138-160
Purpose: This study aims to investigate the key roles of human and relational capital in the export orientation and competitiveness of knowledge-intensive cooperative companies. It is also aimed to examine the moderating role of marketing knowledge capabilities. Design/methodology/approach: Data from 552 managers at 86 companies, selected from knowledge-intensive export cooperatives, were analyzed with structural equation modeling with the partial least squares approach. Findings: Results indicate that both human and relational capital exert considerable effects on competitiveness. Export orientation was a driving factor for cooperatives’ competitiveness. Human and relational capital fostered the effects of export orientation on competitiveness. Moreover, marketing knowledge capabilities were found to moderate the relationships between human and relational capital and export orientation, as well as between export orientation and competitiveness. Originality/value: By highlighting the role of human capital and relational capital in export orientation and competitiveness, this study offers an analysis of important managerial processes within cooperative companies, which have not been sufficiently addressed in previous research. This research also demonstrated the moderating role of marketing knowledge capabilities in strengthening relationships between human and relational capital and export orientation, as well as between export orientation and competitiveness, which has been neglected in previous studies. These findings provide academics and practitioners with a new framework for examining the relationships between these constructs, which will enable them to establish strategies for achieving a competitive advantage. © 2023, Emerald Publishing Limited.
Cybersecurity awareness refers to basic literacy in the digital age. This study discusses the influencing mechanism of an individual's life satisfaction on cybersecurity awareness, considering the roles of internet dependence and burnout based on the broaden-and-build theory (BBT) of positive emotions. We constructed a theoretical framework and tested hypotheses using regression analysis of a sample of 951 subjects based on a longitudinal survey. The results showed that life satisfaction could impact cybersecurity awareness through the broaden-and-build effects of BBT and a need compensation mechanism. This study provides managers with ideas for promoting cybersecurity awareness by enhancing positive psychology. © 2024 30th Americas Conference on Information Systems, AMCIS 2024. All rights reserved.
ISeCure (20083076) 16(2)pp. 165-190
This article presents new methods and tools used in text analysis to identify fake news in the media. The problem with the research is that, as a rule, to identify fakes, a training dataset is required on which thematic fakes were tested. This is not always feasible and requires additional resources. To solve this problem, a comprehensive research methodology has been developed that covers most detection tools, even without an established database containing reliable and fake news. The study includes a combination of various algorithms combined into a single analytical structure, presented in the work in the form of pseudocode. The authors introduce the concept of an “emotional fake model” similar to individual emotions included in a broader emotional spectrum. The essence of the model is to evaluate fakes based on the structure of definitions of emotions formed in fakes, which differ from the original signals due to different weight coefficients. The innovation involves a two-stages identification of fakes-initially, clusters of messages from the text corpus are identified, and then, based on text analysis tools, their linguistic features and emotional differences are revealed (based on a set of emotions POMS). In the context of creating fake news using neural networks, emotional coloring plays a crucial role, providing a permanent foundation that can serve as a cornerstone for identification. © 2024 ISC. All rights reserved.
International Journal of Business Excellence (17560055) 33(4)pp. 507-522
This research aims to examine the effect of customer experience on brand image and price premium among home appliance customers. Data were collected from 400 participants by cluster sampling method from selected stores of Iran. Respondents were purchasers of home appliance brands. For data collection, we used a questionnaire, which contained verified items on key research variables, i.e., customer experience, brand image and price premium. Factor analysis and structural equation modelling were applied to test the hypotheses. The results indicated that customer experience has a significant effect on price premium and brand image. Meanwhile, brand image plays a mediating role between customer experience and price premium. Our findings offer several contributions to the existing body of knowledge on the relationship between brand and consumer behaviour. This research allows academics to explain better the impact of customer experience on brand image and intention to pay higher prices for the brand. © 2024 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.
International Journal Of Information Science And Management (20088310) 22(4)pp. 267-286
Despite the importance of Marketing Intelligence (MI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), Customer Relationship Management (CRM), and Customer Experience Management (CEM) in the competitive context, more research on the integration of these concepts for sustained competitive advantage is necessary. Thus, Snow Company must effectively utilize these concepts to establish a sustained competitive advantage. Therefore, this study investigates the impact of IoT, CRM, CEM, and MI on attaining sustained competitive advantage. By employing a structural equation model and Smart-PLS software, we analyzed data collected from 186 managers and employees of Snowa Company. Our findings indicate that integrating IoT, CRM, and CEM concepts into marketing intelligence is the most beneficial strategic approach for achieving sustained competitive advantage for Snowa Company. Through this integration, company managers can enhance their marketing and innovation capabilities, strengthen strategic solutions, and achieve sustained competitive advantage. © (2024), (Regional Inform. Center for Sci. and Technol.). All rights reserved.
Journal of Quality Assurance in Hospitality and Tourism (1528008X)
Purpose: This study aims to adopt a value co-creation approach to highlight the role of tourism beneficiaries in minimizing the destructive impacts of pandemics, such as COVID-19 on tourism destinations. It also aims to analyze the meditating role of destination safe image and experience. Design/methodology/approach: After reviewing the most destructive impacts of pandemics on the tourism industry, the process of value co-creation by tourism industry beneficiaries will be explored. Tourism beneficiaries were considered as tourism industry actors (hotels, restaurants, transportation systems, and travel agencies), the host community (governmental institutions and local residents), and tourists. Among the tourists who visited Iran’s tourism destinations, 236 samples were selected to respond a validated questionnaire. Structural equation modeling with partial least square approach was considered to analyze the data. Findings: Depending on the results of this study, attention is given to the consequences of pandemics in the tourism industry, with a value co-creation approach, which will enhance beneficiaries’ utility with a tourism destination, thereby improving destination safe image and experience. Tourists, the host community, and tourism industry actors can get involved in this value co-creation process through interaction, participation, and sharing the resources. Originality/value: Considering previous studies in the realm of value co-creation, there has been few research conducted focusing on this approach in tourism destinations to reduce the negative impacts of pandemics. This research has led to a new approach, in which the relationship between the beneficiaries of the tourism industry was established along with the role of each in the process of value co-creation and in reduction of negative effects of pandemics. This research offers beneficiaries of the tourism industry with useful guidelines on how to resume activities while maintaining health conditions. © 2024 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
International Journal of Procurement Management (17538432) 19(1)pp. 37-58
This study aims to analyse the relationships between industry structure as an uncontrollable external factor and organisational capabilities as a controllable internal factor with competitive strategy, and its impact on the buyers’ attitudes. The qualitative stage of the research involves interviewing managers and active advisors involved in the television industry, while in the quantitative stage, marketing experts and TV sellers in selected stores were interviewed. The required data was collected by questionnaires and was administered from among a statistical sample of 473 individuals. The data was then analysed via partial least squares structural equation modelling approach. The findings show a significant positive relationship between the aforementioned variables. In particular, by harmonising a strategy, which complies with the industry structure and organisational capabilities, a unique strategy can lead the organisation to competitive advantage that reflects specific circumstances in the organisation and can exert the most effective impact on a buyer’s evaluations. Copyright © 2024 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.
International Journal of Retail and Distribution Management (09590552) 51(4)pp. 444-464
Purpose: This paper aims to develop a validated scale that can help in measuring the gamified e-service quality (GE-SQ) in the e-retailing industry. Design/methodology/approach: The paper uses a mixed-method approach to develop and validate a scale for GE-SQ. First, reviewing the literature and interviewing with 14 experts were conducted to explore the initial items and themes. A sample of 215 participants was collected from online customers in Iran. Explanatory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted to this sample to validate the categorized themes. Next, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to confirm the validity of the established dimensions by a sample of 549 online customers. Findings: The results extracted 26 items and categorized them to 6 dimensions. “Ease of use”, “reliability”, “emotional appeal”, “interactivity”, “security” and “visual appeal” have been identified as the dimensions of the GE-SQ scale in the e-retailing industry. The validity of the developed scale containing 6 dimensions and 26 items was confirmed. Originality/value: This research identified GE-SQ as a valid and reliable scale with six dimensions for measuring e-service quality in e-retailing. This finding has made significant academic contributions to the service quality and the retailing literature. © 2022, Emerald Publishing Limited.
International Journal of Procurement Management (17538432) 18(3)pp. 357-386
This paper seeks to conceptually propose a new model of buyer-seller relationship quality (RQ) and then to empirically test the model. Considering several variables in the field of business relationships, this research gives emphasis to mediating and moderating variables. Using a mixed method approach, qualitative research is used to develop our understanding of the buyer-seller RQ and to achieve a new conceptual model. Then the partial least squares (PLS) method is used to quantitatively test the conceptual model. The results indicate that two categories of variables affect the buyer-seller RQ, which we termed inter-organisational and inter-personal variables. Also, RQ and customer perceived value (CPV) serve as mediating variables in the buyer-seller RQ model to influence attitudinal and behavioural loyalty. Additionally, market turbulence and seller openness has been found to play the role of moderating variables. © 2023 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.
Journal of Intellectual Capital (14691930) 23(5)pp. 957-997
Purpose: Looking for ways to gain competitive advantage (CA) is one of the most challenging issues for today's businesses. Although previous research considered several aspects in this regard, the literature has largely overlooked the process of gaining CA via strategic intangibles, regarding business type and context. This paper aims to examine how to gain CA through strategic intangibles such as intellectual capital (IC). Design/methodology/approach: Building on the concept of IC, and using data gathered from both the manufacturing/service and public/private firms, the authors tested a moderated mediation model to determine if the effect of IC on CA was conditioned on business type, competitive intensity and managerial support. Findings: Among the factors in the relationship between IC and CA, the results discovered the role of business intelligence (BIN) and brand image (IM), as two key mediators. Furthermore, it was revealed that managerial support and competitive intensity moderate the relationship between IC, the mediators and CA. Finally, the authors provide academics and practitioners with some implications. Originality/value: Previous research did not fully address the aforementioned antecedents (i.e., IC, BIN and IM) toward CA in a comprehensive model. Developing the path toward CA by focusing on the role of intangibles, the authors proposed a moderated mediation model, which has hitherto received scant attention in the field of competition. © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited.
International Journal of Logistics Systems and Management (17427975) 41(4)pp. 437-455
This research aims to investigate the effect of e-procurement on supply chain performance (SCP) focusing on the role of inter-organisational communication (IOC) in the oil industry. E-design, e-evaluation, e-sourcing, and e-negotiation were identified as the most important dimensions of e-procurement. Likewise, inter-organisational information systems (IOS) and inter-organisational trust were considered the main dimensions of inter-organisation communication. The statistical population consisted of procurement and purchase managers, buyers, and experts in the oil industry. To test the hypotheses and determine the relationship among the model variables, the structural equation modelling approach was used. The results imply a positive effect of e-procurement on SCP. Moreover, a positive impact of IOS and trust on SCP was confirmed. According to the importance of IOC for industrial sellers, buyers, and also industrial marketers, this research provides practitioners with a strategic perspective when dealing with e-procurement systems to improve SCP. © 2022 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.. All rights reserved.
Journal of Quality Assurance in Hospitality and Tourism (1528008X) 23(5)pp. 1136-1158
This paper aims to investigate the effect of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on relationship quality (RQ) and customer citizenship behavior (CCB) by considering hotel reputation as a moderator in the hotel industry. The study sample was customers in hotels with the highest number of bookings in selected cities that have been most visited in Iran. PLS-SEM approach was adopted for analyzing data. The results indicate that CSR in hotels improves the relationship quality with customers, and relationship quality has a positive effect on CCB. Moreover, the moderating role of hotel reputation in the relationship between relationship quality and CCB was verified. This study provides tourism practitioners and hotel managers with new insights and key points about establishing a better relationship with customers from CSR perspective and its relationship with CCB. © 2021 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
Global Business and Economics Review (10974954) 25(2)pp. 89-114
Developing a system of indicators that reflects the degree to which the securities market fulfils its key functions, is essential to assess the level of its development. In the conditions of asymmetric information it can also provide effective policies for securities market development. This paper is aimed to develop a set of indicators to assess the securities market performance, especially in the asymmetric information context. To this goal, we selected the Russian securities market as a case of asymmetric information context, in comparison with other post-Soviet countries, to investigate its success and failure in fulfilling its key functions. Regarding this, we developed research hypotheses and we conducted a normative research method, based on an ideal model of market functioning that is used as a criterion for testing the hypotheses. The results offer an original scale for assessing the performance of securities market of its functions. The findings also help practitioners with effective policy making in securities market regulation and its development toward its ideal state. The key contribution of this research is in developing a new scale for determining the performance and efficiency of the securities market, based on the conditions of information asymmetry. Copyright © 2021 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.
International Journal of Business Excellence (17560055) 25(1)pp. 97-109
Today, the environment and its protection have become critically important for business excellence. Since automobile companies can have a significant impact on the improvement of energy consumption and environmental protection, the aim of this study is to evaluate green marketing in the automobile industry and its impact on customer trust. For this purpose, a questionnaire has been developed and used for data collection. The variables of green marketing included price, product, promotion, and place and the variables of customer trust included competency, benevolence, and honesty. Findings indicated a positive and significant influence of green marketing on customer trust and green purchase intention. Among the elements of marketing mix, price had the strongest influence on customer trust and green purchase intention; and among the customer trust variables, honesty had the strongest influence on customer green purchase intention. Copyright © 2021 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.
International Journal of Integrated Supply Management (14775360) 14(4)pp. 445-466
This paper is aimed to examine how knowledge management capabilities (KMC) and corporate social responsibility (CSR) affect operational performance (OP) through supplier relationship management (SRM) in the context of the oil and gas industry. Besides, the moderation role of management support (MS) was investigated. Previous studies have been fragmented in that they have neither provided a holistic view of a knowledge-responsibility-performance link, nor considered the catalysing role of SRM in the link. Based on the responses collected from a survey, structural equation modelling, along with a moderated-mediation approach, were used to examine the research model. The results indicate that KMC and CSR positively affect OP directly and indirectly through SRM. Moreover, MS acts as a moderator between KMC, CSR, and SRM. By using a comprehensive framework, this study offers insights into the literature on supply chain, CSR, and KM and explains the significance of SRM in catalysing the knowledge-responsibility-performance link. © 2021 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.
Journal of Modelling in Management (17465672) 16(4)pp. 1208-1229
Purpose: One of the most challenging issues businesses face today is seeking ways toward gaining competitive advantage (CA). Although previous research considered several aspects in this regard, the literature has largely overlooked the process of gaining CA via knowledge-based marketing (KBM) capabilities. This paper aims to conceptualize KBM, to develop a new scale for KBM and to examine how to gain CA through KBM. Design/methodology/approach: Drawing from the related literature and building on the concept of KBM, this paper conducted a mixed-method approach. After reaching a pool of items using qualitative methods, this paper developed new scales and validated them. This paper developed the model by highlighting the antecedent role of KBM toward CA. In the quantitative phase, using data collected from both public/private and manufacturing/service firms, this paper classified the extracted items into five critical factors. Moreover, the relationship between KBM and CA was tested. Findings: The results indicate that KBM construct consists of five critical capabilities, including market research, competitive intelligence, supply chain management, customer relationship management and new product development. Moreover, there is a positive and significant relationship between KBM and CA. Originality/value: The traditional ways to achieve CA no longer work. Instead, success in the existing business context necessitates firms to seek CA through their knowledge capabilities. Previous research did not fully address KBM antecedents toward CA in a comprehensive model. By developing a new scale for KBM, this paper tested its relationship with CA, which has hitherto received scant attention in the field of knowledge and competition. © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited.
International Journal of Tourism Cities (20565615) 7(3)pp. 799-817
Purpose: This paper aims to investigate the impact of memorable destination experience and destination attractiveness on tourist-destination identification and destination love. It also investigates the moderating role of gender. Design/methodology/approach: Using the cluster sampling method, the study selected cities of a developing country with the most popular destinations. A questionnaire survey was used to collect data from a sample of foreign and domestic tourists. To test the research model, a covariance-based structural equation modelling approach was adopted. Findings: According to the results, destination attractiveness and memorable experience had a positive effect on tourist-destination identification. Similarly, tourist-destination identification positively influenced destination love. In addition, destination love impacts the intention to revisit and word-of-mouth. Finally, the results indicate that gender moderates some of these relationships. Originality/value: Understanding what items can create strong bonds between destination and tourist is of great importance. By providing a validated conceptual model that traces the relationship between memorable experience, destination attractiveness and tourist-destination identification through cognitive, affective and evaluative dimensions, this study attempts to answer prior calls for examination from the viewpoint of tourism scholars. © 2021, International Tourism Studies Association.
Journal of Modelling in Management (17465672) 16(2)pp. 558-578
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to identify the factors affecting brand competitive positioning (BCP) and its components in the home appliance industry and also to develop a scale for it, considering both the seller’s and the buyer’s side. Design/methodology/approach: The factors were investigated both qualitatively and quantitatively. Data was collected from findings of previous research as well as interviews with experts in the industry. After conducting thematic analysis, the extracted factors were confirmed by experts. A total of 400 samples was used to test the BCP scale. Respondents were the customers of some selected home appliance brands. Findings: The results of exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses indicated that seven main factors influenced BCP, including product quality, service quality, perceived price, sales and distribution, marketing communication, market orientation and reputation and background. Also, the five components of BCP are distinctiveness, desirability, credibility, value for money and top of the mind awareness. Originality/value: Modelling a new scale on BCP is of considerable importance. Using mixed method, the current study presents a new scale named Brand Competitive Positioning Scale. © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited.
Competitiveness Review (20513143) pp. 315-338
Purpose: This paper aims to assess the contribution of competitiveness factors in how small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) would access competitive advantage (CA) by focussing on industry structure and devise a conceptual model thereof. Design/methodology/approach: The enterprises from three industries consisting of knowledge-based, single-use medical device producers and construction stone cutting each with different structures were assessed. The method is qualitative and quantitative where grounded theory and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) are applied. The initial survey involves 36 deep semi-structured interviews with some of the top managers of each of the three selected industries and a questionnaire distributed among 158 individuals with 46 structured questions. Findings: The findings indicate that the micro-competitiveness factors are more contributive in achieving CA than macro factors as follows: in knowledge-based enterprises, customer relationship management (CRM), goods/services features and knowledge management are the most important variables. As to single-use medical device production industry, the sales force, sales promotion, and CRM are the most effective factors. Regarding construction stone-cutting industry, quality of the stone, sales promotion, and advertisement play the same role. The results of the EFA indicate that the three impressive factors, including capabilities of the enterprises, strategies of the enterprises and macro factors, are the extracted factors. Practical implications: The findings here would assist SMEs’ managers in identifying the most essential factors in accessing CA. Originality/value: The innovation of this study is that although there exist many studies on SMEs and their CAs, this study seeks the models of CA among SMEs in industries with different structures. © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited.
International Journal of Business Excellence (17560055) 21(4)pp. 513-529
The purpose of the present study is to investigate the effect of spirituality and emotional labour of insurance agents and sellers on their customer orientation and performance excellence. In this research, spirituality and performance are uni-dimensional, while emotional labour and customer orientation have been introduced as multi-dimensional variables. The dimensions of emotional labour were deep acting and surface acting and the dimensions of customer orientation were customer sensing and customer responsiveness. The representatives of insurance companies in Iran were considered as the statistical population of this study. A questionnaire was used to collect the data. The validity of the questionnaire was examined by experts in this field and its reliability was confirmed using Cronbach's alpha method. Structural equation modelling with PLS approach was used to test the hypotheses. According to the results, spirituality and emotional labour were antecedents of customer sensing and customer responsiveness. Moreover, the performance has been influenced by customer sensing and responsiveness. This study helps policy makers and insurers seek excellence strategies through spirituality and emotional labour. Copyright © 2020 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.
International Journal of Business Information Systems (17460972) 33(3)pp. 320-336
With the global economic integration, the development of international activities reduce trade barriers in the exchange between countries, and the intensification of competition. Knowledge of customer preferences and encouraging them to buy has become vital for the survival and development of enterprises (specify consumer goods or fast rotation). FMCGS, the aim of this study is to explain the impact of price promotions on the process of immediate buying in goods of Isfahan that based on an infinite population, the sample is 384 people. The statistical society was customers of Hyper Star store. In order to collect data, a questionnaire is used with good reliability and validity and analysis of structural equations. The results at 95% confidence supported all the hypotheses. That is to say, price promotions had a positive effect on impulsive buying behaviour, pricing promotions had a positive effect on service innovation, and finally service innovation had a positive effect on impulsive buying behaviour. The other result of this study is a confirmation of the impact of price promotions mediator between service innovation and impulsive buying behaviour of customer’s Hyper Star city. Copyright © 2020 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.
Tourism and Hospitality Research (14673584) 20(4)pp. 481-492
Tourist engagement has recently emerged in both academic and practitioner discussions. However, empirical inquiry on tourist engagement as a predictor of tourist citizenship behavior is scarce. The purpose of this research is to investigate the relationship between tourist engagement, relationship quality, and tourist citizenship behavior in hotels. Participation and social interaction have been considered the tourist engagement dimensions. Relationship quality as a multidimensional variable included satisfaction, trust, commitment, and intimacy, while tourist citizenship behavior is defined as a unidimensional variable. A structural equations approach was applied to the 690 data sets obtained from travelers of selected hotels. The results indicate that tourist engagement dimensions have a positive impact on the relationship quality dimensions. On the other hand, the effect of relationship quality dimensions on tourist citizenship behavior has been positive. This research can help researchers and hotel managers find ways to strengthen relationship quality between hotels and customers. Regarding hotels’ limited resources for promotional activities, the results could help managers formulate plans to persuade tourists to express citizenship behavior toward hotels, which help hotels establish competitive advantages. © The Author(s) 2020.
International Journal of Business Innovation and Research (17510252) 20(2)pp. 233-252
Evaluation of perceptions of customers towards a brand, as an organisations' intangible asset regarding experiential marketing has become much more important for companies. This paper investigates the impact of experiential marketing on brand equity. Situational dimensions, word of mouth, interaction, price and experience are considered. A positivist approach via questionnaire was designed, validated and randomly distributed to customers of Samsung home appliances in Isfahan. In analysing the data, structural equation modelling with PLS was used. The results showed that all dimensions of experiential marketing have a meaningful and positive impact on brand equity from the viewpoint of customers of the Samsung brand. It also indicates that among the various dimensions, experience has the greatest impact and other dimensions were effective in the following order: word of mouth, price, interaction and situation. The research outcome can serve as a guide for marketing managers, especially national managers of Samsung products to promote their brand through experiential marketing tools. © 2019 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.
Journal of Theoretical and Applied Electronic Commerce Research (07181876) 13(1)pp. 26-38
Nowadays, the internet has become a suitable platform for the trade of products and services. Online shopping transactions are carried out without face-to-face contact; thus, various factors can affect customers’ purchase intentions. In addition to aesthetics and ease of use, trust is a critical factor which allows customers to choose an online store. Online merchants need to find ways to keep trusting customers satisfied and loyal. This paper investigates how customer loyalty can be created and/or enhanced in online shopping. The statistical population of the study includes the customers of several online stores in Iran. Data collection is carried out using a questionnaire. The results indicate that information security and website performance influence e-service quality both positively and directly. Also, responsiveness, compensation, and contact positively influence e-recovery. E-recovery has positive impact on e-loyalty, which in turn significantly affects online repurchase. © 2018 Universidad de Talca - Chile.
International Journal of Business Innovation and Research (17510252) 17(2)pp. 249-265
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is among the most important factors affecting financial and social performance in companies and plays a key role in consumer reactions. This paper aims to model the impact of CSR on financial and social performance of firms as well as consumer reactions. The required data are gathered using random sampling and a questionnaire developed by the authors, enjoying 97% reliability. The statistical population includes the managers and top customers of a select group of food companies in the City of Khuzestan (Iran). Five hundred forty individuals are selected as the sample. Both descriptive and inferential statistical analyses, e.g., structural equations are carried out using SPSS and AMOS software packages. The results indicate that all hypotheses are supported with 95% confidence. Therefore, CSR affects financial performance both directly and by mediation through social responsibility and consumer reactions. Copyright © 2018 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.
International Journal of Retail and Distribution Management (09590552) 45(10)pp. 1114-1134
Purpose: This study was carried out to identify mall image dimensions, analyse and discuss how shopping well-being is influenced by mall image and impacts on mall loyalty with the moderating role of gender differences. Besides, the relationship between hedonic value (HV) and utilitarian value (UV) on shopping well-being are investigated. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach: Through a questionnaire, data were obtained from shoppers at the biggest and the most remarkable malls in Tehran that has a high level of brand awareness. A two-stage method of structural equation modelling was used for testing the hypotheses. Findings: The results show that shopping well-being is affected by mall image and HV but not by UV. In addition, as indicated in previous researches, this study supports the idea that shopping well-being influences mall loyalty. In other words, it is argued that shopping well-being is more about pleasure and fun than doing task-oriented activities. Originality/value: Most of the mall image dimensions overlapped each other, therefore the purpose of this research is to choose and introduce the best and the most comprehensive combination of those dimensions. Also, in spite of the recent emergence of the shopping well-being concept, it has proved to be delicate in the Iranian context through value, consumer well-being, consumption experiences and sociological life space theories in the quantitative method. In addition, this study shows that shopping well-being is a subjective well-being. This is in contrast to what the common Islamic philosophers opine. Additionally, not only did it propose how to make shoppers more loyal through shopping well-being, but it also discussed the role of gender difference on the subject of shopper loyalty phenomenon. More importantly, this study enables other researchers to investigate cultural differences in this region and make it possible to compare Middle Eastern Countries, especially Iran, to other countries. © 2017, © Emerald Publishing Limited.
Nowadays, in the goods and services market, retaining existing customers is more profitable than attracting new customers. Since latter costs more than the former, having loyal customers is now a major goal for many organizations. Also, with the development of e-businesses, creating this loyalty as e-loyalty is highly important. The aim of this paper is to investigate the influence of each of the Porter's strategy dimensions, including cost leadership, differentiation and focus, on loyalty in the context of e-business. In this regard, a questionnaire was prepared; subsequent to approving the validity of the questionnaire, it was randomly distributed among a random sample of 100 people who were potential and actual users of particular sites in the City of Isfahan. The findings indicate that, although focus strategy is more effective on creating e-loyalty, no significant difference was observed between the two other strategies in having more influence on e-loyalty. © 2016 IEEE.
Creating positive image of the destination through internet and social media and improve the image can affect tourists satisfaction and their intention to revisit the destination. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship among destination image, overall image, tourism Satisfaction, intention to revisit recommend in the foursquare that is a social media for sharing information. The purpose of this research is applied and descriptive. The sample of this study includes of domestic and foreign users of Foursquare. For collecting data we use web questionnaire and Finally 165 questionnaires were collected. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to test the research model. According to the results, all dimensions of Destination image have significant and positive effect on overall image and overall image has significant and positive effect on satisfaction and intention to revisit destination and Word Of Mouth in Foursquare. The effect of tourism satisfaction on intention to revisit and Word Of Mouth in Foursquare is positive and significant. The findings of this research will lead to better understanding of factors that improve e-Tourism. © 2016 IEEE.
In modern societies, all activities of businesses is for participating more effectively among of market competitors and in addition to their physical presence, their virtual presence is also felt. This new sort of presence has caused that at present time we can see all businesses design websites and in this way notify their customers in the virtual space about the information of their business. As a result, it is possible that in the beginning costumers become familiar with Companies websites and then figure out the real part of the businesses that this issue takes special attention for websites design and website's position improvement in search engines. In this study, with a particular focus on the Web sites that are related to tourism centers and travel agencies, the effect of their websites design styles and implement of SEO techniques on the e-Tourism development has investigated. Statistical data have been collected through distributing questionnaire among 70 users of mentioned website and after approving its validation, the results indicate that there is a significant relationship between the effective factors of affecting a proper website design and implement of SEO with the development of tourism. © 2016 IEEE.
This paper deals with the impacts of technological progress on tourism and its effects on the world, generally. To doing so, we first examine the various types of tourism from general point of view as well as different topics regarding tourism in clouding of Eco tourism, E tourism, Tourism E-Commerce, Electronic Institutions, 3D Electronic Institutions. Besides, the communication quality information and intention for online sales has been investigated in field of the tourism service of and a proposed model has been introduced and offered. In this research Iran was chosen as a case study for above mentioned topics. © 2016 IEEE.
Technology development along with extensive developments in electronic commerce has not only changed the traditional commerce but also revolutionized communities' lives. Electronic banking is also no exception since it has been influenced by these developments. These developments; however, have been confronted with challenges and barriers in areas such as cultural, economic and social, strategic and structural field, in every society. In this study, strategic and structural barriers as the main factors influencing the development of electronic banking in Iran will be identified and analyzed. The study was a cross-sectional survey and the sample of the study was 70 employees of Sepah Bank branches in Isfahan. The distributed questionnaire had the reliability of 0.94. The result of the questionnaire's analysis indicated that customers' satisfaction, employees' satisfaction, government benefit and society benefit are the indicators of strategic barriers. Moreover, formality, centralization and complexity are the investigated indicators in structural barriers. All of the above mentioned factors have a meaningful relationship with development of electronic banking. © 2015 IEEE.
International Journal of Services and Operations Management (17442370) 19(3)pp. 360-376
Brand is regarded as one of the most important assets of a company and plays a key role in its success. Among various dimensions mentioned for brand, in this survey the brand image has been concentrated. Having identified the most important indicators of forming brand image, the aim of this survey is to state its role in influencing passengers' purchase intention in Iran's aviation industry. For this purpose, structural equation modelling (SEM) method has been used. The research sample includes Iran airlines' passengers. A questionnaire has been used to collect information. Findings indicate that the brand image and its indicators have an important and detrimental role in passengers' purchase intention, and estimate a considerable portion of purchase intention variance. Copyright © 2014 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.
Developments in new technologies like internet provide new solutions for enriching a sustainable tourism in marketing and offering tourism services. Sustainable urban tourism with emphasis on positive relation between environment, human and community cause in increasing long term effect on resident quality of life. Some of these effects are: Increasing incomes, recreation of service facilities, improving urban decoration with cultural symbols, increasing job opportunities and so on. So in this paper we try to study and evaluate some major capacities of ICT in tourism service and its impact on resident quality of life. © 2013 IEEE.
