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1 – 10 of over 1000
Article
Publication date: 30 September 2024

Raksmey Sann, Pipat Pimpohnsakun and Panuwat Booncharoen

Developing an optimal strategy for maintaining quality customer relationships in the logistics industry is critical for achieving long-term benefits. This study aims to examine…

Abstract

Purpose

Developing an optimal strategy for maintaining quality customer relationships in the logistics industry is critical for achieving long-term benefits. This study aims to examine the relationship between logistics service quality (LSQ), customer satisfaction, trust, and behavioral loyalty in the context of Khon-Kaen Bus Terminal 3 in Thailand. The purpose is to understand how service quality influences customer trust and loyalty in the context of bus transport.

Design/methodology/approach

Face-to-face questionnaires were administered to 338 experienced bus transport users at Khon-Kaen Terminal 3. A quantitative approach was utilized, employing partial least squares structural equation modeling to analyze the relationships between logistics operations, after-sales service quality, customer satisfaction, trust and loyalty.

Findings

The results reveal that both logistics operations service quality and after-sales service quality positively impact customer satisfaction and trust. Trust, in turn, significantly influences customer loyalty, and it is enhanced when customers receive satisfactory services. The study demonstrates that customer loyalty is strengthened by building trust and providing a high-quality logistics service, confirming the significant relationship between LSQ and loyalty.

Research limitations/implications

While this study acknowledges the challenge posed by Khon-Kaen Terminal 3’s strong monopoly, it also recognizes that users may have limited alternatives. Consequently, the research highlights the difficulty in accurately measuring customer loyalty.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by examining LSQ in a Thai context, offering new perspectives on customer loyalty in the bus transport sector. It provides practical recommendations for improving customer relationships and gaining a competitive advantage in the logistics industry.

Details

International Journal of Quality and Service Sciences, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1756-669X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 July 2024

Yunduk Jeong

While existing research has predominantly focused on the positive relationships between service quality and outcome variables, there has been limited investigation into the…

Abstract

Purpose

While existing research has predominantly focused on the positive relationships between service quality and outcome variables, there has been limited investigation into the influence of food service quality on these variables or the moderating role of stadium atmosphere in the realm of sports marketing. This study aims to fill these gaps by examining the structural relationships between baseball stadium food quality, timeliness, satisfaction, and behavioral intention with an emphasis on the moderating effect of stadium atmosphere.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected from spectators attending baseball games. This study established the validity of the measurement scale through confirmatory factor analysis, factor loadings, average variance extracted, and construct reliability using Cronbach’s alpha. In addition, this study employed structural equation modeling with maximum likelihood estimation to examine positive relationships and mediating effects and used Jamovi statistical software to conduct moderation analysis.

Findings

The findings demonstrate the significant impacts of food quality on satisfaction and behavioral intention, the positive effects of timeliness on satisfaction and behavioral intention, and the notable influence of satisfaction on behavioral intention. Additionally, this study found that satisfaction partially mediates the aforementioned relationships and that stadium atmosphere moderates these pathways.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by addressing the impact of food service quality on outcome variables within sports marketing, an area that has received limited attention. Specifically, it examines how food quality and timeliness influence consumer satisfaction and behavioral intention. Furthermore, the study highlights the moderating role of stadium atmosphere, demonstrating its potential to enhance the relationship between food quality and consumer outcomes. These findings expand our understanding of consumer behavior in sports settings, offering practical strategies for team officials to enhance fan experiences. By diversifying menu options, optimizing concession operations, and collaborating with local vendors, team officials can significantly improve food service quality and create a more engaging stadium atmosphere.

Details

International Journal of Sports Marketing and Sponsorship, vol. 25 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1464-6668

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 August 2023

Diego A. de J. Pacheco, Rodrigo Veleda Caetano, Samuel Vinícius Bonato, Bruno Miranda dos Santos and Wagner Pietrobelli Bueno

Small retail stores in the luxury market face significant challenges due to fluctuations in market demand. This task turns challenging as it requires effectively coordinating and…

Abstract

Purpose

Small retail stores in the luxury market face significant challenges due to fluctuations in market demand. This task turns challenging as it requires effectively coordinating and translating customer needs into specific requirements that align with retail goals and available resources. However, limited empirical research exists investigating how managers can address service value and quality attributes in small retail stores. This article aims to bridge this gap by investigating the role of quality function deployment (QFD) in improving market and quality requirements management in small retail stores.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the case study, a customer survey was initially conducted to gather information on critical characteristics valued in the luxury retail segment. QFD was used to assist the company in identifying and prioritizing key quality attributes to meet customer requirements effectively.

Findings

The findings demonstrate that implementing QFD in small luxury retail stores empowers managers to identify previously neglected product and service quality aspects. The article shows that QFD informs organizational adaptations that align with the demands of the retail market, leading to an improved ability to meet customer expectations and enhance customer value through the development of enhanced products and services. The study showcases the efficacy of the tested methodology in effectively capturing and prioritizing both tangible and intangible customer needs in retail.

Practical implications

Findings offer valuable insights to retail managers of small luxury stores, providing actionable market-oriented strategies. By implementing the recommended practices, managers can improve the store’s competitiveness and better cater to the customer base.

Originality/value

This study contributes to bridging persistent knowledge gaps by addressing the unique context of small luxury retail stores and introducing the application of QFD in this setting. The insights gained from this research are relevant to both retailing and quality management literature. Considering the growing prevalence of transformations in the retail industry, the study provides practical implications for retail managers in effectively navigating these changes.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. 31 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 February 2023

Dubem Isaac Ikediashi

Facilities management (FM) as a strategic management tool has been an attractive research topic among scholars and practitioners alike for decades. The primary purpose of this…

Abstract

Purpose

Facilities management (FM) as a strategic management tool has been an attractive research topic among scholars and practitioners alike for decades. The primary purpose of this paper is threefold: to assess the extent of use of FM roles (strategic, tactical and operational); to examine user satisfaction of service quality performance; and to analyse the influence of FM roles on service quality performance using data from Nigeria’s banking sector.

Design/methodology/approach

Relying on exploratory cross-sectional survey, 350 copies of a structured questionnaire were purposively distributed to senior management staff, bank staff, FM supervisors and bank customers in Lagos, Nigeria. One hundred and forty valid responses were returned to give a response rate of 40%. Data collected were analysed using descriptive, Spearman rank correlation and Kruskal–Wallis tests.

Findings

It was discovered that strategic facilities planning, IT planning strategy and real estate decisions are the most important FM roles at the strategic level; resource management, data control and planning change at the tactical level; and implementations, building operations and emergencies at the operation level. Findings equally revealed that visual appealing of materials associated with services (tangibles), insisting on error-free records (reliability), willing to help (responsiveness), having the knowledge to answer questions (assurance) and giving individualised attention (empathy) were the most important service quality performance indicators. Furthermore, the study revealed that strategic FM roles significantly influenced tangibles, reliability and responsiveness of staff and the services. Besides, tactical FM roles significantly influenced all service quality indicators except assurance, while operational FM roles had significant influence on tangibles, responsiveness and empathy.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this study has provided first ever insight into the extent of FM strategic roles in the banking sector and influence of FM roles on service quality performance.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , vol. 22 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1726-0531

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 July 2024

Charles H. Schwepker Jr and Christina K. Dimitriou

This research seeks to better understand the impact of employee-customer identification on critical job outcomes such as customer orientation and commitment to service quality.

Abstract

Purpose

This research seeks to better understand the impact of employee-customer identification on critical job outcomes such as customer orientation and commitment to service quality.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 316 hotel/motel employees was used for the study. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data.

Findings

Results show a positive relationship between ethical values person-organization fit and employee-customer identification indicating that when customer-contact service employees’ ethical values align with those of the organization, they identify with customers more closely. Results also suggest that when employees identify with customers they are likely to be more customer-oriented and committed to providing service quality.

Originality/value

We learn how the relationship between employee and organization impacts employee-customer identification. Furthermore, we better comprehend the impact of employee-customer identification on critical outcomes in the hospitality industry such as customer orientation and commitment to service quality.

Details

American Journal of Business, vol. 39 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1935-5181

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 September 2024

Stella Kladou, Ahmet Usakli and Kyuho Lee

The purpose of this study is to examine the role of wine involvement in moderating the effect of winery service quality on loyalty toward small family wineries.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the role of wine involvement in moderating the effect of winery service quality on loyalty toward small family wineries.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a structured questionnaire. The survey was distributed to wine tourists who visited small family wineries located in Crete, Greece and a total of 216 usable questionnaires were collected for the study. To analyze the data, the study used partial least squares structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results reveal that wine involvement moderates the effects of winery service quality on wine tourists’ loyalty. Specifically, staff behavior affects the loyalty toward wine tourists with low involvement more significantly compared to the wine tourists with high wine involvement. On the other hand, the quality of wine tastings affects the loyalty of wine tourists with high wine involvement more significantly in contrast with the wine tourists with low wine involvement.

Practical implications

Findings suggest that winery operators need to take into consideration wine involvement among wine tourists when they develop a winery service strategy. Operators of small family wineries can provide more customized, diverse and quality wine tastings to wine tourists with high wine involvement while prioritizing winery staff’s behavior and hospitality to those wine tourists with low wine involvement.

Originality/value

This study contributes to extant wine tourism literature by adding the effects of wine involvement on wine tourists’ loyalty toward the winery, and particularly focusing on small, family wineries.

Details

International Journal of Wine Business Research, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1751-1062

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 September 2024

Jinhong Gong, Xinhua Guan and Tzung-Cheng Huan

This study aims to explore the key attributes of robot chef restaurants and their influencing factors from the perspective of customers and analyzes how these key attributes…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore the key attributes of robot chef restaurants and their influencing factors from the perspective of customers and analyzes how these key attributes affect customer perceived value.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-methods research design was used in this study. Using 473 online reviews and ratings (Study 1), the research summarized customers’ evaluations on three types of attributes (environment, service and food) and identified the key attributes along with their influencing factors. Subsequently, through field questionnaires (Study 2) involving 269 actual customers, structural equation modeling was used to analyze how the identified key attributes and their influencing factors impact customer perceived value.

Findings

This study reveals that customers in robot chef restaurants prioritize food attributes, particularly valuing food authenticity alongside food quality. In contrast to traditional restaurants, customers’ evaluations of food attributes in robot chef restaurants are significantly influenced by the competence of robot chefs. Notably, customers’ negative attitudes toward robots diminish the positive effects on both food quality and food authenticity.

Practical implications

To enhance customer perceived value, robot chef restaurants should concentrate on food attributes. They can achieve this by fostering a high-quality, authentic food experience through the elevation of robot chefs’ competence and by providing customer education.

Originality/value

This study expands research on the customer experience in robotic restaurants by proposing an integrated model determining factors that affect the perceived customer value.

Details

International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-6119

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 September 2024

Bee-Lia Chua, Seongseop (Sam) Kim, Esther Sii Wei Ling, Yuchen Xu, Hyungseo Bobby Ryu and Heesup Han

Wellness tourism is growing in importance as increasing numbers of travelers place a priority on their health and well-being by traveling. This study examined the relationships…

Abstract

Purpose

Wellness tourism is growing in importance as increasing numbers of travelers place a priority on their health and well-being by traveling. This study examined the relationships between wellness tourism destination attributes, perceived quality, perceived mental health, eudaimonic well-being, overall satisfaction and behavioral loyalty to corroborate a model explaining wellness tourism destination loyalty in Thailand.

Design/methodology/approach

The conceptual model of this study was examined using a survey research design. The survey questionnaire was distributed to Chinese tourists who had previously traveled to Thailand and engaged in wellness tourism activities during their trip.

Findings

The findings revealed that healthful food choices, core facilities and staff service significantly influenced perceived quality. This perceived quality was a crucial factor in determining perceived mental health, which in turn impacted eudaimonic well-being. Overall satisfaction was directly influenced by perceived quality, perceived mental health and eudaimonic well-being. Additionally, perceived quality had a direct effect on behavioral loyalty.

Practical implications

With the growing global interest in wellness and travel, this study offers valuable insights for tourism marketers in Thailand to enhance their wellness tourism strategies. Tourism organizations should emphasize the quality of food, facilities and staff service to attract wellness-oriented travelers.

Originality/value

This study highlights the interconnectedness of perceived quality, good mental health and eudaimonic well-being. High-quality experiences contribute to improved mental health and in turn enhance eudaimonic well-being.

Details

Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Insights, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2514-9792

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 September 2024

Yahya Skaf, Charbel Eid, Alkis Thrassou, Sam El Nemar and Karim S. Rebeiz

This research addresses the critical challenge of fostering customer loyalty within the highly competitive landscape of the insurance industry. The study investigates the…

Abstract

Purpose

This research addresses the critical challenge of fostering customer loyalty within the highly competitive landscape of the insurance industry. The study investigates the interplay between customer satisfaction, loyalty, and the influence of technology and service quality in the context of insurance services and in periods of crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative research approach was employed, utilizing a structured questionnaire distributed among diverse insurance customers in Lebanon during crisis conditions. The data were analyzed using SPSS-Amos, incorporating descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and structural equation modeling (SEM).

Findings

This research emphasizes the crucial role of customer satisfaction in fostering loyalty in the insurance sector, especially during crises. High satisfaction levels, influenced by user-friendly online platforms, positively correlate with increased customer loyalty. Technology plays a vital role in maintaining and improving satisfaction, making it a key driver during challenging times. Positive interactions between service quality and satisfaction further highlight the multifaceted impact of technology on shaping customer loyalty.

Practical implications

The research findings provide valuable insights with practical implications for insurers aiming to boost customer loyalty. The study recommends strategic investments in critical areas like claims processing, customer service, communication strategies, digitalization initiatives, and employee training. The study provides insights applicable particularly to insurance companies navigating crisis conditions.

Originality/value

This research contributes both to academic understanding and practical applications by shedding light on the distinctive challenges and opportunities faced by insurers in cultivating customer loyalty within the insurance industry during crisis. The elucidations provided serve as a foundation for developing targeted strategies to address these challenges and to leverage opportunities for enhanced customer loyalty.

Details

EuroMed Journal of Business, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1450-2194

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 2 January 2024

Ewald Aschauer and Reiner Quick

This study aims to investigate why and how shared service centres (SSCs) are implemented as well as how they affect audit firm practice and audit quality.

3478

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate why and how shared service centres (SSCs) are implemented as well as how they affect audit firm practice and audit quality.

Design/methodology/approach

In this qualitative study guided by the theoretical framework of institutional theory, the authors conducted 25 semi-structured interviews in seven European countries, including 16 interviews with audit partners from Big 4 firms, 6 with audit team members, 2 with interviewees from second-tier audit firms and 1 with a member of an oversight body.

Findings

The authors show that the central rationale for audit firms to implement SSCs is economic rather than external legitimacy. The authors find that SSC implementation has substantial effects on audit practices, particularly those related to standardisation, coordination and monitoring activities. The authors also highlight the potential impacts on audit quality.

Originality/value

By exploring the motivation for and effects of SSC implementation amongst audit firms, the authors offer insights into the best practices related to subsequent change processes and audit quality.

Details

Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, vol. 37 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0951-3574

Keywords

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