B2C Companies Research Articles

A New Hybrid Approach for Product Management in E-Commerce

Nowadays, due to the developments in technology and the effects of the pandemic, people have largely switched to e-commerce instead of traditional face-to-face commerce. In this sector, the product variety reaches tens of thousands, which has made it difficult to manage and to make quick decisions on inventory, promotion, pricing, and logistics. Therefore, it is thought that obtaining accurate and fast forecasting for the future will provide significant benefits to such companies in every respect. This study was built on the proposal of creating a cluster-based–genetic algorithm hybrid forecasting model including genetic algorithm (GA), cluster analysis, and some forecasting models as a new approach. In this study, unlike the literature, an attempt was made to create a more successful forecasting model for many products at the same time inside of single product forecasting. The proposed CBGA model success was compared separately to both the single prediction method successes and only genetic algorithm-based hybrid model successes by using real values from a popular B2C company. As a result, it has been observed that the forecasting success of the model proposed in this study is more successful than the forecasting made using single models or only the genetic algorithm.

АНАЛІЗ ВПЛИВУ ІННОВАЦІЙНОЇ ДІЯЛЬНОСТІ НА КОНКУРЕНТОСПРОМОЖНІСТЬ ПІДПРИЄМСТВ

The article is dedicated to the impact of innovative activities on the competitiveness of enterprises. The relevance of the topic is driven by the rapid global growth of the role of advanced technologies in shaping and changing consumer habits significantly influencing the success of B2C (business-to-consumer) companies and determining their market positions and prospects. Understanding the relationship between innovative activities and the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of enterprises requires defining optimal innovative solutions, approaches to their implementation, and shaping a culture of managing the innovation process. The absence of clear development strategies can lead to falling behind current trends, weakening competitiveness and loss of market positions. The research is based on the analysis of regulatory, market, and internal factors influencing the innovative activities of enterprises and their ability to engage in effective competitive struggle, which is reflected in their marketing and financial results. The analysis of innovative activities of enterprises reveals approaches to implementing innovative solutions and their impact on the quality of enterprise management and customer satisfaction. In the course of the study was conducted the analysis of the concepts of innovation and competitiveness. Also was examined the role of innovation in the modern business environment, their interconnection with the competitiveness of enterprises and the necessary prerequisites for organizing and implementing innovative activities by enterprises. The research results confirm that innovation is a key factor in achieving and maintaining the competitive advantage of enterprises, while innovation is not limited to new product development – internal transformations are another priority area of the competition for market leadership. Successful innovative activity is impossible without creating conditions for its management by state and international regulators that ensure the necessary educational and scientific level, developed infrastructure and institutions, free access to capital and transparent business environment.

B2B 기업의 디지털 마케팅 도입이 글로벌 디지털 마케팅 역량과 성과에 미치는 영향 연구

Digital technology among corporate environments is rapidly changing. In the recent development of digital technology, global B2B companies are also trying to secure the level of digital marketing capabilities introduced by B2C companies. In this context, this study investigates the relationship between the introduction of digital marketing of global B2B companies on digital marketing capabilities and brand performance. Additionally. In global B2B companies, we want to find out whether there are differences in global brand performance depending on the level of brand positioning strategies. In order to achieve the purpose of this study, a survey was conducted for global B2B marketers. The data obtained through the survey were tested in advance for reliability and validity. And we tested the hypothesis. The main results of hypothesis testing are as follows. First, the higher the level of digital marketing introduction, the more positively affected the level of global digital marketing capabilities. And among digital marketing capabilities, digital media convergence capabilities and export support platform construction capabilities positively affected global brand performance. The moderating effect according to the level of brand positioning strategy was partially verified. In other words, some marketing competency levels had a more positive impact on global brand performance in groups with high levels of brand positioning strategies. This is a research result that suggests the importance of brand positioning strategies and management in global B2B companies.

THE USE CASE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN MARKETING AND SALES

This report aims to present the general information and relevant use cases of Artificial Intelligence for Sales and Marketing, where it is one of the most important areas for business areas. AI is changing the way humans do business, and it is important that leaders and teams understand its potential and how it works so that we can exploit the benefits and advantages of the technology. The aim of this paper is to provide a general approach on Artificial Intelligence in a non-technical way, so that business leaders from different sectors can enjoy an enjoyable and easy to understand read. This report has been divided into: 1. AI in business 2. AI in B2B companies 3. AI in B2C companies 4. AI tools for sales and marketing.

THE MULTIDIMENSIONAL OUTCOMES OF HAPPINESS AT WORK WHEN THERE IS NO EXPLICIT STRATEGY: THE VIEWS OF B2C EMPLOYEES

Happiness at work has been increasingly attracting the attention of academics and human resources managers. Literature on the topic provides clear evidence of the benefits for companies resulting from the adoption of strategies that promote happiness among employees. Despite its growing popularity, companies that define and implement a happiness strategy within their internal marketing are still scarce, particularly small and medium companies (SMEs). This paper illustrates the impact of happiness at work perceived by employees of SMEs at three levels: in themselves, in customers, and in the business’s success, in the particular case of companies that do not implement such strategies. The research question was: what is the perception of employees on happiness at work outcomes when the company has no explicit strategy to promote it? This article includes a qualitative study comprising twelve semi-structured interviews with employees who directly deal with customers while working in various B2C companies that do not have a defined strategy to stimulate happiness at work. The study shows employees’ acknowledgment of the multidimensional impacts of happiness at work, which makes them more motivated, productive, and more able to influence their relationships with customers positively. Based on these findings, even when lacking clear corporate strategies to improve happiness at work, the company is still expected to benefit in terms of customer loyalty and overall profitability, as well as in terms of employees’ affective commitment.

Social media branding in the food industry: comparing B2B and B2C companies’ use of sustainability messaging on Twitter

PurposeSupply chains are under increased scrutiny as consumers have become aware of the dark side of downstream production practices. Many articles and exposés have led consumers to be more conscious of purchasing products from companies who source materials in a socially responsible and ethical manner. As a result, business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumers (B2C) companies are under increased pressure to source raw materials in a transparent and ethical way. Because of the associated costs, companies then look to benefit from increased brand equity by promoting to consumers how ethical their products are. The purpose of this study is to look at the case of the food industry to analyze sustainability messaging on Twitter in both B2B and B2C companies to determine which of the dimensions of sustainability (people, profit, planet) are being emphasized.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, two published dictionaries were combined to capture the three dimensions of “sustainability,” and these scales were then used to analyze Twitter posts. This study created a unique software package to classify, mine, collect and analyze Twitter data. This study used these tools to analyze 246,386 Twitter posts within a sample of 39 leading B2C and B2B food companies over a 10-year period (2012–2021) to explore brand messaging and engagement rate.FindingsThis research revealed several interesting results. These include how B2B companies have emphasized the employee (people) dimensions of sustainability, while B2C companies have had a more balanced approach that overall has prioritized the economic dimension (profit) of sustainability. The data on audience engagement revealed a mismatch between the types of sustainability messaging B2B companies and B2C companies in the food industry are posting and what engages audiences.Originality/valueThis study fills several gaps, including analyzing how B2B and B2C companies use sustainability language in their social media brand management, as well as looking at which dimensions of sustainability they emphasize and which ones engage audiences the most. This research is also novel in combining multiple existing scales under one project to analyze the triple bottom line in the analysis of qualitative texts.

Proposed Digital Marketing Strategy Using Existing Customer Journey Analysis Case Study: PT SS

PT SS is an Indonesian electricity provider that has been in operation for over 25 years. PT SS has a primary client in the utilities industry. In 2018, the government implemented a regulation that decreased the company’s revenue. In order to boost revenue, market penetration must be increased. With digital marketing, the objective is to expand the market to non-utility industries.Currently, the internet serves as a medium for discovering information anywhere and for connecting individuals with one another. In addition to this, it can also be utilized for media marketing. Digital marketing is a sort of business in which a person or company engages in internet-based marketing. Both B2C and B2B companies can utilize digital marketing media to promote their products.This paper provides an overview of PT SS’ issues, specifically unsuccessful digital marketing. The analysis is conducted utilizing internal analysis, namely Marketing Mix and STP, external analysis, including PESTLE, Five Porter Analysis, and competitor analysis, followed by SWOT analysis. Then, customer journey analysis is utilized to determine the consumer’s journey when dealing with PT SS via the Internet. To create a digital marketing plan, the writers use the RACE framework to develop marketing strategies for new and existing PT SS customers. Utilizing this approach, the right use of social media and digital marketing methods to handle PT SS’s issues is determined.

A new consistent framework for assignment of safe operating space to B2C and B2B industries for use in absolute environmental sustainability assessments

The planetary boundaries define a safe operating space for humanity to act within without potentially destabilizing the planet. The safe operating space is often used a sustainability reference in Absolute Environmental Sustainability Assessments (AESAs) where a share of the safe operating space (SoSOS) is assigned to the assessed activity. An identified challenge is that current methods are suited for business-to-consumer (B2C) industries and companies, but ill-suited for assessments of business-to-business (B2B) as the sharing is often based on the direct value to humans. Thus, this study presents a systematic framework for assigning a SoSOS to both B2C and B2B industries and companies. The framework uses multi-region input-output models to link industries and to estimate the direct and indirect value to humans for both B2B and B2C industries. The framework was tested in a case study for a B2B company to show its application and to evaluate the sensitivity of the framework towards different modelling choices. The results of the case study and sensitivity analyses were used to provide recommendations for further improvement of the framework. While there is still need for improvement and refinement, the framework shows large potential. Mainly because it directly facilitates AESA of B2B industries and companies, in order to help gauging their environmental performance relative to absolute boundaries and, thus, provide better basis supporting strategic sustainability related activities.

VRP in urban areas to optimize costs while mitigating environmental impact

Nowadays, the need to think about sustainable mobility, both goods and people, is widely recognized. For this reason, many recent papers have moved in this direction. In this context, particular attention is now devoted to urban mobility, mainly from a smart city perspective. The present work focuses on sustainable urban freight distribution and proposes a variant of the VRP, which presents some innovative aspects. The goal is to minimize the routes’ cost components, including traveling and external costs due to environmental issues, depending on the chosen vehicles and the different urban streets to cross. In addition, restrictions on the maximum duration of each route to ensure frequent sanitation of vehicles used for deliveries, as required from the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, are imposed. The distribution network is modeled by a weighted digraph for which some properties are proved. To face the problem, we present a mixed-integer linear programming model, a math-heuristic associated with it, and a memetic algorithm approach. The results of the reported computational experimentation with random instances specifically tailored for the problem show the efficiency of the proposed methods. Further, test cases based on data of the distribution network of two B2C companies operating in the city of Genoa, Italy, proved the effective application of the proposed methods in the direction of sustainable urban distribution plans.

Towards a Maturity Model for IoT Adoption by B2C Companies

The fast-growing market for the adoption of IoT technologies poses serious challenges for companies providing IoT solutions. These challenges require constant technological and managerial improvement from the companies. To select the right direction for improvements, managers need appropriate tools for analysis and decision making. Recognised tools of this type are maturity models. Currently, maturity models developed for IoT adoption are mainly oriented to the business to business (B2B) market, while business to consumer (B2C) companies also need such a reliable tool for business improvement. Thus, this work is intended to fill the gap in existing research through the development of a maturity model for IoT adoption focused on the B2C market. To achieve this goal, we based our model on the scientific literature as well as on practical experience gained by leading companies in the market of IoT solutions. Moreover, the development and validation of the maturity model are carried out in close collaboration with two reputable European experts with extensive practical experience in this field. The result is a maturity model, which is a balanced, practice-oriented tool for assessing the maturity of the IoT solutions implementation and accounting for the specificity of the B2C market.

Sentiment change and negative herding: Evidence from microblogging and news

Companies deal with good and bad publicity daily. We study the impact of news on consumer sentiment toward a company in the presence of pre-news sentiment. We use Sina Weibo’s (the Chinese version of Twitter) microblogging data and the full list of news items published in Sina Finance between 2013 and 2014 to measure sentiment. In our study, we address the following research questions: Does negative news have a greater impact than positive news on consumer sentiment change? Does news affect sentiment change to a greater degree when pre-news sentiment matches the news valence? Does the type of company (either B2C or B2B) matter? Our empirical findings show that consumers overreact to negative news and negative pre-news sentiment intensifies such overreaction, leading to negative herding. Further, negative pre-news sentiment is even more damaging for B2B companies than for B2C companies.

An Analysis of how Chinese B2C Companies Respond to Current Challenges: A Case Study of JD Company

This article illustrates findings from a case study of JD Company investigating how they cope with the challenges currently. The author employs the business model canvas of Osterwalder from 9 aspects to address the problems of JD company so that can help the other Chinese B2C companies meet the challenges positively and have a better development.

Rough approximation‐based inventory optimization with random prices for B2C companies during the promotion period

Most B2C e-commerce giants such as Amazon, Bestbuy, Alibaba, periodically or occasionally conduct promotional activities that put significant stress on their inventory systems. The sharp demand and price fluctuations caused by these promotional activities distress stocks over an inventory period if customer satisfaction is maintained. This article develops a chance-constrained multiobjective programming model to obtain optimal order quantities in an e-commerce inventory system with stochastic demand and prices. Traditional techniques for coping with the stochastic coefficients using an expected value operator or probability measures are usually inefficient in estimating quantities. With rational assumptions regarding market behavior, stochastic demand and price are characterized with a normal distribution based on historical data. A novel method called rough approximation is designed to flexibly formulate the feasible region, from which a crisp model is obtained that has no uncertain information. A proxy ideal point-based genetic algorithm (PIP-GA) is then developed to solve the model, allowing decision makers to fix the optimal order quantities for different promotional activity scales. Finally, the results are illustrated using a practical example from the Chinese B2C e-commerce giant “JD.COM.” Some special features are discussed to show the availability of the proposed model and the solution methodology.

Performance Analysis of B2B and B2C Companies: A case study of Selected Balkan countries

The purpose of this paper is to analyze and compare two different business models called business to business and business to consumer in Western Balkan countries and Bulgaria. The first, model - business to business (B2B) is defined as the transfer of goods and services between businesses or firms without interference of consumer. The second model, business to consumer (B2C) is customer oriented in which the goods and services are sold immediately to customers in the market. This study focuses on the performance of these two business models in regional countries which are: Albania, Bulgaria, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia. Our analysis intends to provide information regarding the countries’ development on different sectors within B2B and B2C models that are affected by specific indicators such as net salaries, total employment level, investment and exports, and research & innovation. Using statistical methods such as t-test, z-test, F-test or ANOVA and regression, the data were analyzed and the results were compared among the listed developing countries. Finally, this dissection represents the relationship between two independent variables, Net Salaries and Employment where specific dependent variables significantly contribute in North Macedonia and Serbia.

Performance analysis of B2B and B2C companies: A case study of selected Balkan countries

The purpose of this paper is to analyze and compare two different business models called business to business and business to consumer in Western Balkan countries and Bulgaria. The first, model - business to business (B2B) is defined as the transfer of goods and services between businesses or firms without interference of consumer. The second model, business to consumer (B2C) is customer oriented in which the goods and services are sold immediately to customers in the market. This study focuses on the performance of these two business models in regional countries which are: Albania, Bulgaria, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia. Our analysis intends to provide information regarding the countries’ development on different sectors within B2B and B2C models that are affected by specific indicators such as net salaries, total employment level, investment and exports, and research & innovation. Using statistical methods such as t-test, z-test, F-test or ANOVA and regression, the data were analyzed and the results were compared among the listed developing countries. Finally, this dissection represents the relationship between two independent variables, Net Salaries and Employment where specific dependent variables significantly contribute in North Macedonia and Serbia.

A methodology to analyze undergraduate engineering student’scampus start-up activities and its scope of B2C companies

Business is passion for the educated youth in the current global market scenario. Youth have a vision on Business-to-Consumer venture for their profit growth. This is achieved by the acceptance and utilization of technology trends and are handled by engineering students. Curriculum projects of engineering students should be converted into useful products for the society through the business model. Innovative projects are happening in the campus, but scope of these projects scaled up into prototypes and its development in to marketable products is minimal. Most of these markets are in the electronics and information sciences arena. Mechanical Engineering stream has a huge potential that is waiting to be explored. The aim of this paper is to enhance discussion on the entrepreneurial inquisitiveness of mechanical engineering students to campus start-up and its possibilities for a Business-to-Consumer model. For that, final year undergraduate mechanical engineering students across Kerala, India has been selected.SEM was applied to a sample of 392 students from the APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University, across Kerala, India. The findings highlight the participation of mechanical engineering students on campus start-ups and its support from various organizations. The scope of start-up products from business to consumer is positively accepted.

Digital transformation of TSG from a B2B to a B2C company

Learning outcomes The main objective of this marketing strategy case is to understand why and how a firm should evaluate and rework its own business to stay competitive and aligned with external market forces. Case overview/synopsis Technical Solutions Group (TSG), was the India-based technical support division of Quatrro Global Services and focused on providing support to customers of large Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and software developers around the globe. Because of the increased competition and structural changes at the customer end, the business was facing flattened revenue growth and a drop in margins. TSG had to make strategic decisions on how to continue the business, either within the current paradigm of being a business to business business or transforming into a business to consumer business leveraging digital technology. Complexity academic level This case can be used in an undergraduate (upper level) or graduate-level course on marketing strategy, digital strategy or strategic management. Supplementary materials Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 11: Strategy.

Managing Information Quality in B2C Companies: An Empirical Investigation on Halal e-Commerce Websites

Ambiguous information, incomplete explanation and unclear description of products portrayed in a website normally caused carts abandonment. As evidenced in many prior studies, consumers’ purchase intentions were highly influenced by their confidence in the informationprovided by the website. This study identifies criteria of qualified information and describes how it was managed by halal e-commerce businesses. Qualitative data were collected through in-depth interview with key information custodians from four e-commerce platforms. The study found good understanding and efficient management of information quality criteria could help halal e-commerce businesses to progress one step ahead of their competitors.

Research on B2C E-commerce and Logistics Optimization in Coastal Areas

Wang, Y.C. and Zhai, X.D., 2020. Research on B2C E-commerce and logistics optimization in coastal areas. In: Bai, X. and Zhou, H. (eds.), Advances in Water Resources, Environmental Protection, and Sustainable Development. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 115, pp. 461-464. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.This paper studies the optimization of logistics in coastal areas business processes for B2C E-commerce companies. First, it analyzes the main problems faced by B2C E-commerce companies in China. On the basis, it fully expounds the necessity of optimization, and finally focuses on three B2C enterprise logistics Corresponding optimization strategies and key points are presented for key business processes. This paper proposes that B2C enterprises should continue to optimize logistics business processes to reduce the distance of logistics links and achieve seamless connection between links, further improving the efficiency and efficiency of B2C enterprises. The level of customer service reduces unnecessary operating costs, thereby enhancing the core competitiveness of B2C companies and lying the foundation for the implementation of corporate strategies.

Performance Analysis of B2B and B2C companies in Northern Macedonia and Serbia

The purpose of this paper is to analyze and compare two different business models called business to business and business to consumer. The first model -business to business or B2B is defined as the transfer of goods and services between businesses or firms without the interference of consumers. The second model, business to consumer or B2C is customer-oriented in which the goods and services are sold immediately to customers in the market. This research focuses on the performance of these two business models in North Macedonia and Serbia. Our analysis tries to provide information regarding the countries’ development in different sectors within B2B and B2C models that are affected by specific indicators such as net salaries, total employment level, investment and exports, and research&innovation. Furthermore, besides the analysis of these indicators separately for each country, the paper will show the results and compare the performance differences among listed developing countries.