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Article
Publication date: 11 August 2022

Sujo Thomas, Viral Bhatt and Ritesh Patel

This study examines the influence of consumer skepticism on cause-related marketing (CRM) campaign participation intentions of Generation Z consumers from emerging market…

Abstract

Purpose

This study examines the influence of consumer skepticism on cause-related marketing (CRM) campaign participation intentions of Generation Z consumers from emerging market perspective. This study was undertaken due to the paucity of relevant literature in the public domain to directly investigate whether and how consumers' skepticism affects CRM participation intentions, specifically in the luxury retailing context.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted among 552 Generation Z consumers and path analysis was used to examine the direct and indirect effects of skepticism. The mediation and moderation analysis was used to explore and test the authors' hypotheses via partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS SEM).

Findings

The authors' findings provide empirical evidence that corporate social responsibility, religiosity and cause involvement positively affects consumer participation intentions, and this link is also established indirectly through skepticism toward the CRM campaign. These findings provide novel theoretical contributions by establishing skepticism's complex role in determining the CRM participation intention in the Generation Z consumers' context. This study further demonstrates the moderating effect of gender and luxury store format on consumer skepticism and CRM participation intentions.

Originality/value

The Generation z group will represent a quarter of the Asia–Pacific region's population by 2025. However, little is known about Generation z consumers' CRM participation intentions. This research would help practitioners, including luxury retailers, CRM managers and advertising professionals, to effectively design CRM campaigns. The paper contributes by highlighting the theoretical implications and managerial implications based on the current findings in the emerging market context.

Article
Publication date: 14 April 2022

Sujo Thomas, Ritesh Patel and Viral Bhatt

Businesses embark on corporate social responsibility initiatives such as cause-related marketing (CRM) as a strategy to enhance behavioural intentions. This study was undertaken…

Abstract

Purpose

Businesses embark on corporate social responsibility initiatives such as cause-related marketing (CRM) as a strategy to enhance behavioural intentions. This study was undertaken due to the limited ability of the existing CRM literature to directly examine whether and how consumers’ trust affects the donation intention, specifically in the private-label grocery retailing context. This study employs social identity theory as a unified theory to explain the variables adopted and contributes to the body of knowledge on CRM-linked private-label consumption.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used SPSS 25 and AMOS to analyse the quantitative data. The structural equation modelling was adopted to test moderation and mediation effect and the sample consisted of 456 private-label grocery shoppers.

Findings

The findings of this study established that general trust in CRM alone would not translate into triggering donation intentions for CRM private-label brands and further validates the mediating role of trust in retailers’ CRM campaigns (TRCC) in shaping monetary donation intentions. Moreover, religious values confirmed a significant moderating role while translating TRCC to donation intention.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation of this study was the restricted focus on private labels. This research may be limited to only one private-label packaged product but may focus on other private-label products in future research.

Practical implications

This study has practical significance for advertising managers in designing and implementing campaigns. More specifically, it establishes that consumers who trust the CRM phenomenon and seek private-label products associated with CRM campaigns are likely to provide monetary donations towards non-profit organization (NPOs).

Originality/value

This information will help practitioners, including grocery retailers, NPO managers and advertising professionals, design effective CRM campaigns for private-label products by understanding the fundamental relationship between trust in CRM campaigns and monetary donation intentions.

Details

Society and Business Review, vol. 18 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-5680

Keywords

Case study
Publication date: 5 August 2022

Pervin A. Gandhi and Sujo Thomas

The case proposes a discussion of the time value of money and capital budgeting concepts, including determining the effective overall cost of capital, estimating working capital…

Abstract

Research methodology

The case proposes a discussion of the time value of money and capital budgeting concepts, including determining the effective overall cost of capital, estimating working capital requirements, consideration of all relevant cash flows – including opportunity costs, finding the present value of future cash flows (annuities and lump-sum cash flows) by linking the concepts of weighted average cost of capital and working capital and net present value (NPV) and internal rate of return (IRR).

Case overview/synopsis

Jehan Wadia, a newly appointed finance manager of Tembo Global Industries Ltd., is facing a dilemma in recommending an investment decision to Mr Variava, Chief Finance Officer. Implementation of the project requires an investment of INR 82m. Ms Stella, funding division head, proposed financing through equity and term loans in the proportion of 3:2, respectively. Mr Shrinivasan, handling the short-term financial needs of the firm, suggested a finance mix having a higher weight-age of debt. Mr Variava desires to maximize the wealth by taping the opportunity. The case is written for an experience in the capital budgeting dichotomy faced by managers in real-life situations.

Complexity academic level

This case can be used in various contexts – as a preparatory case in a foundation course of Financial Management at the graduate level to instill the fundamentals for evaluating long-term investment decisions or in courses of Strategic Financial Management or Corporate Finance at the undergraduate or graduate level as a capstone case to reinforce the application of multiple concepts in strategic financial decision making.

Details

The CASE Journal, vol. 18 no. 6
Type: Case Study
ISSN: 1544-9106

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 September 2023

A.K.S. Suryavanshi, Viral Bhatt, Sujo Thomas, Ritesh Patel and Harsha Jariwala

Recent studies have observed rise in consumer’s ethical concerns about the online retailers while making a purchase decision. The impetus for businesses to use corporate social…

Abstract

Purpose

Recent studies have observed rise in consumer’s ethical concerns about the online retailers while making a purchase decision. The impetus for businesses to use corporate social responsibility (CSR) is evident, but the effects of CSR motives on corresponding processes underlying cause-related marketing (CRM) patronage intention have not been thoroughly examined. This study, anchored on attribution theory, established a research model that better explains the influence of CSR motives on patronage intentions toward CRM-oriented online retailers. Additionally, this study aims to examine the moderating role of spirituality (SPT) on CSR motives and CRM patronage intention (CPI).

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data has been collected from 722 respondents and analyzed by using deep neural-network architecture by using the innovative PLS-SEM-ANN method to predict/rank the factors impacting CPI.

Findings

The results revealed the normalized importance of the predictors of CPI and found that value-driven motive was the strongest predictor, followed by strategic motive, SPT, age and stakeholder-driven motive. In contrast, egoistic motive, education and income were found insignificant.

Originality/value

The pandemic has transformed the way consumers shop and fortified the online economy, thereby resulting in a paradigm shift toward usage of e-commerce platforms. The results offer valuable insights to online retailers and practitioners for predicting patronage intentions by CSR motives and, thus, effectively engage CRM consumers by designing promotions in a way that would deeply resonate with them. This study assessed and predicted the factors influencing the CPI s, thereby guiding the online retailers to design CSR strategies and manage crucial CRM decisions.

Details

Social Responsibility Journal, vol. 20 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1747-1117

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 January 2024

Sujo Thomas, Suryavanshi A.K.S, Viral Bhatt, Vinod Malkar, Sudhir Pandey and Ritesh Patel

Businesses embark on cause-related marketing (CRM) initiatives as a marketing strategy to fortify consumers' behavioural intentions. Prior research indicates that human values…

Abstract

Purpose

Businesses embark on cause-related marketing (CRM) initiatives as a marketing strategy to fortify consumers' behavioural intentions. Prior research indicates that human values could be tapped to understand the consumers' responses to perceived organizational motives behind undertaking social cause initiatives. This research employs Schwartz's theory of human values to examine consumers' patronage intentions towards CRM-linked fashion products. Moreover, fashion leaders play a crucial role in the diffusion of the latest fashion and fashion trends. This research investigates by integrating human values and fashion leadership, offering insights into CRM-linked fashion consumption motives.

Design/methodology/approach

The overarching goal was to investigate the complex interplay between human values and female fashion leadership to predict CRM patronage intention (CPI). Hence, a large-scale research study on 2,050 samples was undertaken by adopting threefold partial least squares–multigroup analysis–artificial neural network (PLS-MGA-ANN) to establish and empirically test a comprehensive model.

Findings

This study is unique as it establishes and validates the relative or normalized importance placed on human values by fashion leaders, thereby predicting CPIs. The results revealed that women with high-fashion leadership and specific value types (benevolence, universalism, self-direction) are more likely to patronize CRM-linked fashion retailers. In addition, the findings validated that women with low-fashion leadership and specific value types (tradition, security, conformity) are more likely to patronize CRM-linked fashion stores.

Originality/value

The findings provide a valuable rationale to non-profit marketers, fashion marketing experts and practitioners to design customer value-based profiling and manage crucial CRM decisions.

Details

Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management: An International Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1361-2026

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 March 2019

Sonal Kureshi and Sujo Thomas

The purpose of this paper is to understand the beliefs of local grocery retailers about online grocery retailing. Using the theory of planned behavior (TPB), the study explores…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the beliefs of local grocery retailers about online grocery retailing. Using the theory of planned behavior (TPB), the study explores the outcome, normative and control beliefs held by the local grocers about online grocery retailing which would eventually translate into behavior. Factors influencing local grocers intention to participate or refusing to participate in the online grocery retailing was investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 20 in-depth interviews with local grocery retailers were conducted ranging from small to large sized retail stores from a city in the western part of India. The sample included two groups of local grocers – first, grocers who partnered with online retailers as suppliers. This group included those retailers who had partnered but discontinued later and second, grocers who had not partnered with online retailers. In-depth interviews with the local grocery retailers were conducted using TPB as a basis to uncover local grocers’ beliefs toward online grocery retailing and predict their behavior.

Findings

The outcome beliefs were classified into five broad heads – business expansion; gaining visibility and reputation; customer expectations; inventory management; and margins, costs and technical issues. The normative belief was that the actions and response to online grocery retailing would be governed by their referent group – the consumers. The main control belief was that partnering with online grocery retailing would result in loss of control regarding their business operations.

Research limitations/implications

The results indicated that in a country like India especially in small to medium size towns, online grocery retailers would have to think of creative ways to involve the local grocery retailers to grow their business. The local grocers due to their size were able to adapt to the requirements of their referent consumers without any additional cost. They were unlikely to give up control regarding how they run their business. The main limitation of this study was the exploratory nature of this study which makes it difficult to prioritize the importance given to each belief. The study sample was restricted to one city in India, and future studies could include other cities.

Practical implications

The findings have practical implications for online grocery retailers who wish to expand into emerging markets like India. It provides understanding about the local grocery retailers who were the major competitors of online grocery retailers. It provides direction to integrate and partner with the local grocers and utilize them for mutual benefits.

Originality/value

Given the absence of academic literature in the public domain, this study provides a platform for future studies in this area. This paper is a systematic attempt to uncover the underlying beliefs of local grocery retailers who were the key players in the grocery retailing business.

Details

International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management, vol. 47 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-0552

Keywords

Case study
Publication date: 1 December 2020

Pervin Gandhi and Sujo Thomas

The case was created through personal interviews of the proprietor, Arzan Gandhi. The authors also researched data for investment advisory business along with current events…

Abstract

Research methodology

The case was created through personal interviews of the proprietor, Arzan Gandhi. The authors also researched data for investment advisory business along with current events relating to Indian stock market and its performance.

Case overview/synopsis

The case explores the fascinating entrepreneurial journey of Arzan Gandhi, 62 years old, from a cotton mill worker to an owner of a reputed investment advisory firm, “M/s A. N. Gandhi” in Ahmedabad, India. Reflecting upon the experiences that empowered Gandhi’s success in investment advisory business, students acquire an insight of real wealth creation challenges in business. Gandhi had to set the right priorities to take his business to the next level with intensified competition in the financial advisory field.

Complexity academic level

The case is best suited for graduate and post-graduate level courses on personal finance, financial planning elective or entrepreneurship. It is useful for teaching lessons on how financial planning and strategic decisions taken, through entrepreneurial traits and opportunity recognition helps in wealth creation and taking a venture to new heights.

Details

The CASE Journal, vol. 16 no. 6
Type: Case Study
ISSN:

Keywords

Case study
Publication date: 28 July 2017

Sujo Thomas, Abhishek, Sanket Vatavwala and Piyush Kumar Sinha

BigBasket.com, an online supermarket established in December 2011 in Bangalore, India, had become one of the major players in the Indian online grocery market by the end of March…

Abstract

BigBasket.com, an online supermarket established in December 2011 in Bangalore, India, had become one of the major players in the Indian online grocery market by the end of March 2016.1 Run by Innovative Retail Concepts Private Limited, BigBasket.com was operating in more than 23 cities across the country in 2016. The online grocery market in India was in a stage of growth and transformation, fuelled by India's large urban population who sought a lifestyle of convenience and ease. It had also attracted many entrepreneurs who competed fiercely with each other in a market characterised by thin margins. Intense competition ensured that only a few companies were able to survive and sustain themselves. One of these companies was Big Basket, which succeeded in spite of the competition, attracting Series Da funding worth USD 150b million from the United Arab Emirates-based Abraaj Group in March 2016.2

Details

Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, vol. no.
Type: Case Study
ISSN: 2633-3260
Published by: Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad

Keywords

Case study
Publication date: 7 December 2017

Sujo Thomas, Nidhi Titus, Sushmita Suggala and Piyush Kumar Sinha

Parsana Health Centre Private Limited, a part of the INR 4,500 crore1 fitness industry, was a fitness centre established at Ahmedabad (Gujarat) in India in December 2002, as an…

Abstract

Parsana Health Centre Private Limited, a part of the INR 4,500 crore1 fitness industry, was a fitness centre established at Ahmedabad (Gujarat) in India in December 2002, as an integral part of the organized players of the fitness industry. It had been relentlessly working towards creating and nurturing a healthy lifestyle for the people of Ahmedabad over the previous two eventful decades. Under the able guidance of skilled trainers and dieticians, the fitness enthusiast could enjoy state of the art gym facilities, in the upcoming mega city of Ahmedabad. Parsana Health Centre Private Limited enjoyed the first mover advantage in Ahmedabad and tapped the fitness club2 market through its 13 franchises opened in select vantage locations of the city. It was started by the Parsana brothers: Vijay and Dinesh. They strived hard to inculcate the fitness regime in people and attempted to interweave the benefits of fitness with their occupations. However, the road undertaken threw challenges at them – sometimes from people who failed to underline the importance of fitness in their daily schedule, and sometimes from other fitness brands which emerged as strong competitors. The emergence of many individual and branded fitness chains started making inroads into the busy streets of Ahmedabad and they too worked hard to pull out fitness enthusiasts to these social fitness centres by providing personal health counseling, rejuvenation, yoga, etc. Sustaining competitive advantage became a tough task.

Details

Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, vol. no.
Type: Case Study
ISSN: 2633-3260
Published by: Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 16 November 2020

Sujo Thomas, Sonal Kureshi, Susmita Suggala and Valerie Mendonca

The pace of transformation in the business landscape has made it mandatory for the human resource function within the organisation to evolve, adapt and adjust to the demands of…

Abstract

The pace of transformation in the business landscape has made it mandatory for the human resource function within the organisation to evolve, adapt and adjust to the demands of the marketplace. This chapter focuses on HRM 4.0 and the change in employer branding strategies due to rapid increase in digitalisation, for example, through analytics and big data. A conceptual framework is provided that links HRM 4.0 with employer branding strategies.

Details

Human & Technological Resource Management (HTRM): New Insights into Revolution 4.0
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83867-224-9

Keywords

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