Channel Preference Research Articles

Category-Sensitive Age-Related Shifts Between Prosodic and Semantic Dominance in Emotion Perception Linked to Cognitive Capacities.

Prior research extensively documented challenges in recognizing verbal and nonverbal emotion among older individuals when compared with younger counterparts. However, the nature of these age-related changes remains unclear. The present study investigated how older and younger adults comprehend four basic emotions (i.e., anger, happiness, neutrality, and sadness) conveyed through verbal (semantic) and nonverbal (facial and prosodic) channels. A total of 73 older adults (43 women, Mage = 70.18 years) and 74 younger adults (37 women, Mage = 22.01 years) partook in a fixed-choice test for recognizing emotions presented visually via facial expressions or auditorily through prosody or semantics. The results confirmed age-related decline in recognizing emotions across all channels except for identifying happy facial expressions. Furthermore, the two age groups demonstrated both commonalities and disparities in their inclinations toward specific channels. While both groups displayed a shared dominance of visual facial cues over auditory emotional signals, older adults indicated a preference for semantics, whereas younger adults displayed a preference for prosody in auditory emotion perception. Notably, the dominance effects observed in older adults for visual and semantic cues were less pronounced for sadness and anger compared to other emotions. These challenges in emotion recognition and the shifts in channel preferences among older adults were correlated with their general cognitive capabilities. Together, the findings underscore that age-related obstacles in perceiving emotions and alterations in channel dominance, which vary by emotional category, are significantly intertwined with overall cognitive functioning. https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.27307251.

Pricing and Financing Strategies in a Dual-Channel Low-Carbon Supply Chain for Bilateral Capital-Constrained Retailers

In the context of low-carbon economy, financial constraints are prevalent among both upstream and downstream enterprises, exacerbated by the trend of online retailers extending into offline physical stores. This study first proposes and evaluates three financing combination models: “bank lending + advance payment,” (in short, AF), “bank lending + delayed payment,” (in short, DF), and “bilateral bank lending.” (in short, TF). It then examines the retailer’s dual-channel supply chain pricing and financing decision-making models under unified pricing strategy and independent self-pricing strategy respectively. The evaluation results indicate that among various financing models, the independent self-pricing strategy has the potential to enhance the retailer's profitability, outperforming the unified pricing strategy. In addition, when channel preference is significant, the retailer should prioritize the independent self-pricing strategy. A comparison of the optimal decisions across the three financing combination models indicates that both the cost coefficient of carbon emission reduction and the loan interest rate exert a limiting influence on the decision-making and income of all supply chain parties. Furthermore, the DF model emerges as a financing equilibrium strategy within the supply chain, with a shift to the AF model being considered only when the manufacturer’s loan interest rate is relatively high.

Disaster risk reduction measures and farmers choices: a discrete choice experiment in Uganda

ABSTRACT Climate change induces high and erratic rainfall which triggers landslides and floods. With the increasing population and food needs, households in mountainous, densely populated areas turn fragile ecosystems into farms. This exacerbates landslide and flood risks requiring Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) measures. Tree planting and diversion channels are among the recommended measures for farmers but their adoption remains low. Current studies assessing barriers to adoption ignore farmers’ opinions regarding the kind of trees or diversion channels preferred. We apply a Discrete Choice Experiment to evaluate how information delivered through videos impacts preferences for the DRR measures. Plot-level data were collected from 319 farmers from Kasese, Bundibugyo, Bushenyi and Buhweju in Uganda – districts prone to landslides and floods. The mixed logit model reveals a general preference for risk-reducing attributes of DRR measures. Using the conditional logit model to analyze split samples reveals that information influences preferences for tree planting, while preferences for diversion channels were hardly changed. Plot characteristics did not strongly explain the differences in preferences. Our study indicates that information specific to DRR measures in extension programmes would increase the adoption of such measures.

A Cross-Regional Study on the Public's Channel Preferences for Accessing Information

In this study, an online questionnaire was administered simultaneously in Beijing and Seoul to investigate the public's channel preferences for air quality index (AQI) information and risk perception of air pollution in order to comparatively analyze the public's information acquisition behaviors in different media environments. As people become more aware of the health risks of air pollution, the AQI has become routine information released when there is a need to warn of health hazards, and many countries are releasing it to the public through a variety of information channels to ensure that the public can perceive the risks and take appropriate measures in a timely manner. This study, through a comparative cross-regional analysis, found that public preferences for accessing AQI information varied across regions with differing media environments. In addition, the correlation between air pollution risk perceptions and information access behaviors varied across regions.

Understanding after-market service channel selection for complex product-services supply chains: A game-theoretical approach

Today, cooperation between an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) of Complex Products and Systems (CoPS) and her multiple Key Component Suppliers (KCSs) is characterized by a strategic partnership where long-term benefits are sought for both parties. Since CoPS after-market service can be provided by the KCS, the OEM, or an MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) party, different after-market service channels can be established. In this paper, we model each of these channels using game theory, compare their main features, and discuss the selection of the optimal after-market service channel. We show that the duration of the after-market service is not influenced by the service channel if the service cost remains constant. If the after-market service costs are equal for all parties, each party would prefer the other to perform the service. In the case of different costs, both the cost of the service and potential market size have the same effect on the OEM’s preference for the after-market service channel as on the CoPS ordered quantities. Furthermore, OEM and KCS after-market service channel preferences depend on market size, and “win-win” situations are discussed for the different channels, along with their impact on the long-term stability of the strategic partnership between KCS and OEM. Finally, a sensitivity analysis is carried out to examine the impact of several key parameters. The results presented in the paper serve to deepen the understanding of complex product-service systems and offer a number of managerial insights to select an appropriate after-market service channel for KCSs.

Determining Marketing Channel Preferences among Smallholder Tilapia and Catfish Farmers in the Rwenzori Region

Determining Marketing Channel Preferences among Smallholder Tilapia and Catfish Farmers in the Rwenzori Region

Pricing and Service Decisions of Products in a Dual-Channel Supply Chain Introducing Ship-to-Store

This study investigates the optimal pricing and service decisions when implementing ship-to-store (STS) in a dual-channel supply chain comprising one BM store and one manufacturer. Homogeneous products within the market are categorized into mainstream and niche products. The effects of consumer service sensitivity, channel preference, and degree of personalization on optimal decisions and profitability are analyzed, followed by numerical simulation and analysis. It is found that (1) the supply chain should charge high prices for mainstream products and low prices for niche products to maximize profits. (2) Implementing STS is conducive to expanding niche products in the market when facing highly service-sensitive consumer groups. (3) Based on highly service-sensitive consumer segments, supply chains are more profitable implementing STS strategies in a centralized decision-making model than in a traditional dual-channel one; however, under decentralized decision-making, it is only profitable to implement an STS strategy if consumers have a low level of personalization and have a particularly pronounced preference for online direct marketing channels.

Channel-switching behaviour and customer deviance

PurposeUnacceptable behaviour in retailing – negative customer deviance (NCD) is rising, damaging retailers financially. Current research investigates forms of NCD by addressing its impact on employees but overlooks its effects on bystander-customers and their retail channel preferences. As channel switching within retailing is increasing unprecedentedly, this research investigates its correspondence with NCD encounters.Design/methodology/approachThis research uses structural equation modelling, based on data collection administered through a web-based survey of 1,008 customers of at least 16 years of age, to analyse the research model.FindingsThe findings reveal unexplored forms of NCD perceived by bystander-customers in retailing and their consequences, linking it to bystander-customers' ill-being, dissatisfaction with the shopping experience, a decrease in store commitment and an increase in their retail channel-switching intentions. Additionally, the research uncovers moderating variables.Practical implicationsThis research tests NCD dimensions and effects on bystander-customers, which indicate the need for retailers to address shopping values, attitudes and commitment through corrective, proactive and long-term strategic actions.Originality/valueAs one of the first studies to investigate the impact of NCD on bystander-customers' intentions to switch from store-based to online shopping, strategies for retailers are developed to help diminish and control NCD-induced threats to bystander-customers.

Channel Choice in Live Streaming Commerce

Live streaming has significantly transformed the landscape of both offline and online retail operations. This article explores the optimal timing and circumstances under which a firm with a specific product should launch a live streaming channel, and if so, whether it should use third-party streaming, self-run streaming, or a combination of both. We demonstrate that no single channel structure is universally superior to the others: the firm's optimal channel strategy depends on the third-party streamer's popularity and bargaining power, the investment and broadcasting effort cost for the live streaming channel, consumer's channel preference and extra cost for watching live streaming, cross-channel spillover, as well as the price sensitivity of a product. In general, live streaming is most beneficial for firms selling products that aren't highly price sensitive, where traditional pricing tool is less important for attracting consumers. Start-ups should collaborate with either highly popular streamers or those with a small but dedicated following, avoiding those with intermediate popularity. In contrast, established firms should partner with streamers who have a moderate level of popularity. An established firm considering leveraging two or more channels concurrently should additionally take into consideration the cross-channel spillover, channel encroachment cost, and channel competition. Our research reveals that, contrary to expectation, price in live streaming channels may not always be lower than those in traditional channels. Furthermore, highly popular streamers do not always demand higher revenue-sharing ratios and slotting fees. This research sheds light on the key decisions for firms considering live streaming commerce: whether to adopt it, when to integrate it into their strategy, and how to effectively implement it.

Optimizing Retail Pharmacy Success: The Role of Multichannel Marketing Strategies

This study focuses on the effect of multichannel marketing communication in retail pharmacies to establish customer satisfaction in a world experiencing the digitalization of health sectors. The objective of the study is to understand customer acquisition and retention practices, the role of online and offline integrated communication, and the extent of customer preference for various marketing communication channels. As part of the study, the quantitative analysis of the publications included in the review was made using articles and reports published from 2014 to 2024. The review was conducted on the aspects of marketing using multiple channels in retail pharmacy and the healthcare-associated fields. The studies identified that comprehensive communication channel enhancement policies positively affect the generation of revenues, reduction in costs, and information delivery schedules in pharmaceuticals. Depending on the channel, consumers’ needs and wants differ, and there is success in personalizing and presenting reasonably logical thoughts to people. Synchronicity of online and offline communication effectively increases the customers’ power, trust, and satisfaction. E-marketing has always been significant in enhancing customers’ touch points, which is why digital transformation is vital. This study further supports the fact that multichannel marketing is mandatory for the success of a retail pharmacy in the prevalent, highly competitive environment. The implementation also presupposes knowledge of consumer differences, the synergy of online and offline contacts, the emphasis on personalization, and fast adaptation to the changing technological environment, but often within the framework of severe legislation.

Models for dual-channel remanufacturing supply chain with reference price effect under static and dynamic games

With the diversity of shopping styles, reference prices have become a consideration in consumers’ purchasing decisions. It is critical to understand how manufacturers and retailers make optimal decisions based on consumer behavior. To this end, we develop a manufacturer-led Stackelberg (M-Stackelberg) game model to investigate the impact of consumer proportion, reference price effect (RPE), and the channel preference coefficient on the decision of the remanufacturing supply chain (RSC) in dual-channel structures. Through comparing different game scenario models, we find that when the reference price coefficient is relatively small, the optimal decisions for the manufacturer and the retailer are the same regardless of whether the RPE is considered. The manufacturer and E-tailer always benefit from RPE, while the traditional retailer (T-retailer) is uncertain. The numerical analysis revealed that the profits of supply chain members are inversely proportional to the proportion of consumers. The smaller the proportion of primary consumers, the more favorable the supply chain. In particular, the higher the channel preference coefficient, the higher the profits of the manufacturer and E-tailer, while the lower the benefit of the T-retailer. Further, in the dynamic game, the total supply chain profit is highest when the T-retailer prices earlier than the E-tailer.

Public health measures and retailer channel strategy during pandemics

During COVID-19, public health measures triggered shifts in consumer behavior, disrupting supply chains and challenging physical stores’ viability. To navigate this uncertainty, retailers must adjust their channel strategies. Considering consumer heterogeneity in both retailer and channel preferences, this study examines how two competing brick-and-mortar retailers integrate online channels amidst varying pandemic conditions. Square-Hotelling models indicate that perceived severity and isolation necessity outweigh coupon offerings and delivery charges in integration decisions. As severity rises, asymmetric adoption emerges first, followed by symmetric adoption, and then asymmetric adoption again. Enhanced health knowledge dissemination prolongs the transition process of channel integration equilibria. Retailers should align strategies with perceived pandemic severity and public health measures, ensuring preparedness for channel integration.

Post-pandemic motivations for consumers’ e-retailer preference in an emerging market: a qualitative approach

Purpose This paper aims to explore consumers’ post-pandemic (COVID-19) motivations for an e-retailer preference in an emerging market like India. Design/methodology/approach This study applied qualitative methodology to explore the research question, and 44 in-depth interviews were conducted with online consumers. The interviews were transcribed and analysed using open, axial and selective coding strategies. Findings This study identified seven post-pandemic motivations for consumers’ e-retailer preference, and the motivations were classified into: utilitarian (remote location and fast delivery, product choice and availability, comparative price and discounts and customer service), hedonic (aesthetics of the e-retailer store) and both utilitarian and hedonic (mobile-friendliness and user interface and interactivity). Research limitations/implications Creating knowledge post-pandemic period is essential. This study communicates empirical evidence to suggest consumers are motivated through both utilitarian and hedonic motivation for an e-retailer preference in an emerging market. Furthermore, the researchers are encouraged to collect data from more developing countries and test the proposed e-retailer preference factors. Practical implications The study offers new knowledge to online retail managers to understand how emerging market consumers prefer an e-retailer and strive to attract and retain customers in the market. Originality/value Past studies have highlighted the importance of consumer online shopping motivations and channel preferences. However, there is limited literature investigating how consumers prefer an e-retailer over other e-retailers for online shopping. This study addresses the gap in the existing retailing literature and offers fresh insights into how consumers prefer an e-retailer post-pandemic from an emerging market context.

Hybrid closed-loop supply chain with different collection competition in reverse channel

In the hybrid closed-loop supply chain (CLSC) with diverse collectors, customers increasingly prioritize the convenience in returning end-of-life (EOL) products. This trend necessitates supply chain entities to enhance their collection service to address the intensifying competition for EOL products collection. To devise appropriate convenience and pricing strategies, we construct a hybrid game-theoretic CLSC model encompassing a manufacturer, a retailer, and a third-party collector, and we propose new collection functions that cater to varying levels of collection competition, spanning monopoly, duopoly, and hybrid competitive scenarios. Furthermore, we delve into the influence of customers' preferences or distrust towards a specific collector on the collection competition, which is caused by factors such as more convenient offline stores or unqualified recycling process. Our study first reveals that collection competition is affected by all collectors' convenience strategies, while the total collection rate is dominated by the most preferred collectors' convenience strategy. Second, both customer's preference and distrust negatively affect pricing and convenience strategies, albeit with differing effects on collection rates across various competition levels. Notably, channel distrust exerts a more substantial influence on manufacturers' and third-party collectors' strategies. Third, we also examine how competitive collection and customer behavior shape the proportion of collected products destined for different recovery options, i.e., remanufacturing and recycling, as well as the overall efficiency of recovering collected products across the entire supply chain. And channel preference plays a more positive role in enhancing the overall collection rate for the supply chain.

Pricing Decisions in Dual-Channel Supply Chains Considering the Offline Channel Preference and Service Level

With the rapid development of e-commerce, the online channels encroaching on the offline sales market are becoming more serious, which will definitely harm the offline market. Moreover, there exists a certain percentage of consumers (mostly elderly people) who are not able to purchase online because they lack digital skills. Therefore, understanding the impact of the purchase channel preference and service level on pricing decisions is vital for the dual-channel supply chain management. Focusing on the channel preference and service level, we first develop an optimal pricing model containing centralized and decentralized decision-making for an online and offline retailer by deploying the Stackelberg game. We first develop a Stackleberg game to capture such a dual-channel supply chain with the offline channel preference and service level. Secondly, under centralized decision-making, we derive the optimal retail prices and obtain the optimal total profit. Thirdly, under decentralized decision-making, we obtain the optimal retail prices and optimal total profit as well. Moreover, extensive monotonicity properties when system parameters change are obtained. Relying on the theoretical results, firstly, we show that the improvement of the offline service level would lead to higher pricing of the commodities for both online and offline channels. From our numerical results, when the service level is improved, the offline and online optimal pricing increases by 47.5% and 31.1%, respectively, which may contradict the conventional belief that the improvement of one channel would harm another one. Secondly, we demonstrate that the benefit of improving the offline service level has a diminishing marginal effect. The numerical results show that when the current service level is low, the effectives of improving the service level is roughly five times that when the service level is high. This indicates that the investment in improving the offline service level should not be unlimited. Thirdly, we show that the pricing decision under centralized decision-making should be adopted with the existence of both the offline channel preference and offline service.

Sourcing Channel Decision in the Presence of Platform Encroachment with Quantity Competition

The decision of sourcing channels is a critical strategy for online retail platforms (ORs) when they encroach into the product market of the third-party retailers (3PRs). Whether the products of the OR are provided by the common supplier or the one different from that of the 3PR leads to different supply chain structures. This paper focuses on the sourcing channel decision of an encroaching OR given the sourcing channel of a 3PR. The OR may source either from the common supplier, i.e., the same supplier as that of the 3PR, or from a different supplier, i.e., one different from that of the 3PR. This paper develops two game-theoretical models to examine the sourcing channel decision of an OR in quantity competition with a 3PR on the platform. The results show that the OR’s preference for the sourcing channel is significantly affected by the production cost, product substitutability and commission rate. By comparing the performances of the OR under these two sourcing channels, we find that when the production cost of the different supplier is very low, or when the product substitutability of the different supplier is low, or when the commission rate is either very low or very high, the OR prefers to source from the different supplier. Otherwise, the OR tends to source from the common supplier. We also find that the OR’s encroachment into the sales market of a 3PR by sourcing from the common supplier will always hurt the 3PR, but the platform encroachment by sourcing from the different supplier will not necessarily hurt, especially when the supplier selected by the OR has a significant disadvantage in production cost compared to those of the 3PR. Furthermore, when the OR encroaches by sourcing from the common supplier, it becomes the largest retailer in the market; otherwise, the 3PR is the largest retailer in that market. Our results also indicate that platform encroachment by different sourcing can not only expand the sales market, but also weaken the negative effects of platform encroachment on the profit of the 3PR.

P-481 The decisional needs for women dealing with multiple IVF cycles: A qualitative study

Abstract Study question What are the decisional needs of women experiencing multiple unsuccessful IVF treatments? Summary answer The decisional needs of women experiencing multiple IVF cycles included the provision of tailored information, psychosocial support and available social resources, and collaborative decision-making. What is known already Treatment failures can be devastating for couples trying to conceive. Several studies have demonstrated that the information provisions promote decision-making. Nevertheless, there exists a deficiency in research regarding the manner in which patients perceive their clinical decision-making requirements. The determination of patients’ decisional requirements can uncover obstacles and facilitators to infertility treatment. Asia is experiencing the most rapid expansion in ART cycles, yet existing research on treatment decision-making primarily concentrates on Western populations. This study aimed to investigate the decisional needs related to clinical practices in the context of repeated unsuccessful treatment cycles, with a particular emphasis on Chinese women. Study design, size, duration This study utilized the qualitative methodology to investigate the decisional needs of participants who had undergone multiple failed IVF cycles. Between October 2022 to January 2023, a total of 25 participants were recruited. Participants/materials, setting, methods A purposive sampling method was employed to recruit Chinese females who had undergone a minimum of three embryo transfers and failed to achieve clinical pregnancy. Healthcare professionals from Chinese reproductive clinics referred participants. Data was collected via a 60-minute semi-structured interview. Thematic analysis was employed to identify the underlying themes. Main results and the role of chance Three prominent themes were identified: (1) “provision of customized information”, encompassing specific preferences for content, channels, and format. Participants expressed a need for content that specifically addresses the potential medical ramifications of multi-cycle therapy. They showed a preference for mutual support networks and online platforms, specifically self-media platforms like TikTok; (2) “the quest for psychosocial supports and available social resources”, with a particular focus on decision support and financial resources; and (3) “involvement of stakeholders’ preferences in decision-making”. Participants favored collaborative decision-making over shared decision-making and desired their partner’s involvement while still giving the doctor the lead. These themes were important foundations that provided information and empowerment to patients as they dealt with the complicated process of fertility treatment decision-making after experiencing repeated setbacks. Limitations, reasons for caution First, the recruitment method favored clinical patients and may have overlooked the needs of patients who disengaged from the hospital and decided to end treatment. Second, this study exclusively recruited women. Because women face greater decisional challenges than their partners, their needs deserve attention in a clinical setting. Wider implications of the findings To prepare patients for multiple IVF cycles, healthcare professionals should provide customized care, including specific information about the procedures and consequences of multiple cycles, the utilization of mutual support networks and online platforms, psychosocial resources, and stakeholder involvement. This can enable women to handle challenges following repeated treatment failures. Trial registration number not applicable

Live streaming channel recommendation based on viewers' interaction behavior: A hypergraph approach

Live streaming has become increasingly popular in recent years. Viewers of live streaming channels can interact with live streamers through various behaviors, such as sending virtual gifts and Danmaku. It is very critical to accurately model such viewers' behaviors, which reflect their interest, for recommending live streaming channels. However, existing studies on live streaming channel recommendation usually model viewers' interaction behaviors through traditional graphs where an edge only connects two nodes, which cannot capture interaction relationships between multi-viewers and multi-channels. In this study, we propose a novel approach to live streaming recommendation based on Viewers' Interaction Behavior Modeled by Hypergraphs (VIBM-Hyper). Specifically, VIBM-Hyper first constructs two hypergraphs to model viewers' interaction behaviors, including a channel-oriented behavior hypergraph and a viewer-oriented behavior hypergraph. Then, it employs a hypergraph convolution technique to learn the representations of viewers and live streaming channels, respectively, which are finally used to predict a viewer's preference for a certain live streaming channel. We analyzed viewers' multiple types of behaviors in live streaming channels and conducted empirical evaluation to investigate the effectiveness of VIBM-Hyper with two real-world datasets. The evaluation results demonstrate its superior performance in live streaming channel recommendation in comparison to the state-of-the-art methods.

Pricing and Financing Strategies of Dual-Channel Green Supply Chain with Risk Aversion and Consumer Preferences

Nowadays, considering the growing tendency of companies toward e-commerce as well as green production, dual-channel green supply chain management has become particularly important. This paper investigates pricing decisions within a dual-channel green supply chain framework while considering the capital constraints faced by risk-averse manufacturers. Simultaneously, the impact of the degree of risk aversion, consumer green preferences, and channel preferences on the optimal decision-making process of green supply chain members is analyzed. We address the issue of financial constraints faced by manufacturers through bank loans and trade credit financing and compare the two cases. Our findings illustrate that trade credit financing outperforms bank loan financing in the dual-channel green supply chain. Moreover, pricing decisions under different models are influenced by consumer preferences and risk aversion. Specifically, the greenness of the product, wholesale price, and sale price exhibit negative correlations with manufacturers’ risk aversion but positive correlations with consumer preferences.

Exploring Factors Influencing Market Engagement and Marketing Channel Selection among Smallholder Macadamia Farmers in Embu West Sub County, Kenya

This study delves into market participation and marketing channel preferences among smallholder Macadamia farmers in Embu West Sub County, Kenya. Employing a stratified multistage sampling procedure and multinomial logit regression analysis, the research reveals that despite offering lower prices, brokers remain the favored marketing channel. Several factors, including age, farming experience, consideration of macadamia quality, information flow, farm size, distance to market, payment period, and education level, significantly influence farmers' channel choice. The findings underscore the importance of policy interventions emphasizing non-price incentives, such as enhanced extension services and dissemination of macadamia marketing information, to encourage participation in more lucrative markets.