Consumer Characteristics Research Articles

Police Communications Centre Mental Health Liaison Service: Enhancing outcomes for people in mental health crisis.

To describe the Police Communication Centre Mental Health Liaison Service (PCC MHLS), a novel mental health service embedded in a Queensland Police Service (QPS) communication centre which provides real-time information and advice to police as first responders to people in mental health crisis. A retrospective analysis of referrals received from 1st January 2023 to 31st December 2023 was conducted. Descriptive statistics were calculated for consumer and service episode characteristics and reported outcomes. The service received 3549 referrals with a daily mean of 9.97. Mean age at referral was 38.11years (SD 15.86, range 6-102), and most consumers were male (60.4%). 41 percent did not have a current or historic psychiatric diagnosis and 28.1% were open to the public mental health service. The most reported presenting problem was suicide/self-harm (45.2%). An Emergency Examination Authority was enacted in 28.3% of cases, and 20.9% of consumers were referred to mental health services. Results suggest some consumers may be experiencing psychological distress rather than diagnosed mental illness. The PCC MHLS connects consumers with the most appropriate services beyond hospital emergency departments and provides a novel and effective mechanism for real-time support for first responses to people in mental health crisis.

The Perception of Organic Food Characteristics and the Demographic and Social Profile of Consumers: A Study of the Polish Market.

The aim of the research was to determine the relationship between the perception of organic food characteristics and the demographic and social profile of consumers on the Polish market. The research focused on the general characteristics and features of plant and animal products offered on the organic food market compared to conventional food. The study was conducted on a sample of 1020 respondents from different regions of Poland using structural equation modelling, which allowed for the assessment of regression and covariance relationships between variables. The models allowed an in-depth assessment of the relationships between several variables and the identification of latent factors. The results of the study showed that demographic (gender and age) and economic (income and expenditure on organic food) characteristics of Polish consumers significantly influence consumer perceptions and preferences towards organic food. Women were more likely to emphasise the importance of sensory attributes (e.g., freshness and taste), while consumers with higher incomes appreciated the organic benefits of products, especially animal products (e.g., no preservatives or hormones). Surprisingly, education was not found to be a significant differentiator in the perception of organic products. The study also provided important insights for the producers and marketers of organic food, highlighting the need to differentiate marketing strategies according to the demographic and social profile of consumers.

Will I virtually try and buy? – exploring the adoption of virtual fitting rooms through the lens of perceived value, risk, and consumer characteristics

ABSTRACT Despite the potential of Virtual Fitting Rooms in overcoming the difficulties of online shopping, online retailers are grappling to expedite their widespread adoption. By integrating the technology acceptance model and perceived risk theory, this study validates a comprehensive framework to examine the impact of perceived value and perceived risk on their adoption. A cross-sectional survey-based research design was adopted using structural equation modelling and process macro. The results reflect that while perceived value positively impacts consumers’ behavioural intention to use VFRs, perceived risk exhibited an inverse relationship with the consumers’ behavioural intention to use VFRs. Also, the results confirm consumers’ behavioural intention to use the VFRs exerted a significant impact on VFRs adoption. Additionally, it was found that while consumer self-confidence moderates the relationship between perceived value, perceived risk and consumer behavioural intention, consumer innovativeness has no moderation effect on the relationship between perceived value, perceived risk and consumer behavioural intention to use VFRs. This study provides novel insights to online retailers and web designers to design appropriate strategies to integrate VFRs into their systems and enhance consumers’shopping experience.

Recognition of sustainable packaging by consumers of household chemicals

The growing interest of companies in sustainability affects various areas of logistic activities, including packaging. There is a clear tendency among industrial companies to enhance the sustainability of packaging for their products. In doing so, companies contribute not only to the environmental behaviour of society but also to its overall well-being. However, for ultimate success in both business and society, it is important that consumers can recognise and appreciate these packaging efforts. The paper addresses the challenge of identifying sustainable packaging from the perspective of consumers, particularly in relation to the purchase of household chemicals such as detergents and cosmetics. Based on the literature review and focus group discussion, the paper reveals packaging indicators that enable consumers to identify sustainable packaging. A subsequent questionnaire survey involving 400 Czech consumers defines the relative importance of these indicators. Through exploratory factor analysis, the paper identifies six main factors in recognising sustainable packaging, namely graphic design, amount of material, type of material, brand, labelling, and reusability. Furthermore, the paper reveals differences in the perception of sustainable packaging based on the socio-demographic characteristics of consumers. Reusability, type of material, and labelling emerge as the most significant factors in packaging recognition within the Czech consumer market for household chemicals. While the impact of labelling and type of material factors varies depending on the education, age, and environmental inclination of consumers, the reusability factor equally influences all Czech consumers, regardless of gender, age, education, or lifestyle.

Influencers’ Follower Numbers, Consumers’ Cultural Value Orientation, and Purchase Intention: Evidence from Japan, the United Kingdom, and Singapore

The literature on social media influencers neglects the role of consumer characteristics in influencing the effectiveness of influencers’ follower numbers. To fill this gap, we focus on the moderating effect of consumers’ cultural value orientation (i.e., power distance, uncertainty avoidance, collectivism/individualism, and masculinity/femininity) in the relationship between influencers’ follower numbers and purchase intention. Data were collected from 805 consumers across three countries: Japan, the United Kingdom, and Singapore. By identifying the moderating role of a consumer’s personal cultural value orientation on purchase intention toward recommended product, our study contributes to influencer marketing research and consumer cultural orientation literature.

Determinants of Consumers’ Willingness to Pay for Organically Produced Fluted Pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis) among University Workers in Eastern Nigeria

As against conventional fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis), certified organic fluted pumpkin is safer, but the production and consumption are low. Awareness of heath benefit would likely spur the demand and stimulate production. Thus, this study examined the willingness to pay (WTP) for organically produced fluted pumpkin among the staff of Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Anambra State, Nigeria. Two-stage sampling procedure was used to collect data for this study. Four faculties with the largest staff population were purposively selected out of 14 faculties in the university, then, workers were selected proportionate to the population size of each faculty, resulting in a total sample size of 100. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on consumers characteristics, awareness, willingness to pay and factors determining consumers WTP. Descriptive statistics and logit regression analysis were used to analyze the data. This study revealed that more than 70% of the respondents were aware of organic vegetables and about 67% of the respondents agreed that organically fluted pumpkin is healthier than conventionally one. On the average, up to 43.22 % of the respondents are willing to pay a premium for organically produced fluted pumpkin above (N200) the average cost of 200grammes of conventional fluted pumpkin. At 5% significance level of education (β=0. 81), and chemical consciousness (β=0.035) had positive influence on the willingness to pay while premium amount to be paid (β=-1. 1x 1005) and sex (β=-1.38), had negative influence. The study concluded that there was a potential market for organically produced fluted pumpkin among the university staff and recommended its prompt production.

A Study about the Relationship between Environmental Awareness and the Level of Awareness of Green Marketing Activities

The aim of the study is to determine whether the environmentalism, economics, consciousness, responsibility, sensitivity and media dimensions, which are effective on environmental awareness and environmentally friendly product awareness, differ with green product purchasing behavior according to the demographic characteristics of green consumers and to determine the relationship and effects between them. The quantitative method was adopted in the study and the data were collected by convenience sampling method. The sample size of the study, which collected data with an online questionnaire, consists of 404 participants. In the study; frequency analysis, descriptive statistics, validity, reliability and normality test, independent sample t test, anova analysis, correlation analysis and regression analysis were conducted. Within the scope of the study, the level of environmental awareness and awareness of environmentally friendly products and marketing activities of the participants differ according to age and educational status. According to the environmental awareness and environmentally friendly product awareness of the participants, their satisfaction with the product they purchased differs. Participants' awareness of green marketing activities shows a significant difference according to their satisfaction with the purchased product. There is a positive relationship between environmental awareness and awareness of environmentally friendly products and awareness of green marketing activities. Environmental awareness and environmentally friendly product awareness affect the level of awareness of green marketing activities. It has been determined that individuals with environmental awareness have green product purchasing behavior and most of them have environmental awareness. In addition, the majority of the participants were found to be sensitive about environmental pollution.

Selected Factors Determining the Disposal of Stale Bread by Polish Consumers

Bread is one of the most popular products consumed almost daily and, simultaneously, the most frequently wasted product in large quantities. The factors determining this phenomenon in a household must first be known in order to develop and implement effective programmes to combat consumers throwing away bread. Minimizing bread waste contributes to achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 12 of “halting food waste by 2030”. The aim of the study was to examine the influence of selected sociodemographic, economic and behavioural characteristics of consumers on the methods of managing stale bread. The study was conducted on a nationwide, random, and representative group of 1115 adult respondents. Over 15% of respondents admitted throwing stale bread into the waste container. Statistical analysis showed that the highest percentage of younger people, residents of large cities, and working people declared throwing unused bread into the waste container. More than 1/3 of respondents declared that they process stale bread into breadcrumbs. A higher percentage of the oldest people, residents of rural areas, and families with more than four adults declared that they manage bread this way. There was no significant relationship between the frequency of bread purchase and all methods of managing stale bread (except for feeding animals). The place of purchase influenced four methods of handling stale bread.

OPTIMIZING CREDIT CARD SECURITY USING CONSUMER BEHAVIOR DATA: A BIG DATA AND MACHINE LEARNING APPROACH TO FRAUD DETECTION

Credit card fraud is still very much a problem in the United States, which has experienced increased opportunity in online shopping and digital payments. This paper aims at examining how the consumer data such as the demographic data, the purchasing behavior and the security measures they adopt can help improve fraud prevention measures. This study is based on survey data of 200 participants from US credit card users, supported by data on recent frauds. Other variables considered were age, income, number of online transactions, password creation and protection and two-factor authentication. Quantitative data approaches such as descriptive and inferential statistics were used in this study whereby chi-square tests, t-tests and logistic regression were used in an attempt to determine the significant relationships that exist between consumer characteristics and fraud risk. A cross-tabulation of the variables provided a measure of association and showed that increased age, income level and the number of transactions made online were associated with increased vulnerability to fraud. Users with a low age and high income were classified as high-risk users because they make frequent transactions online and have larger amounts of digital data. Participants who provided proactive activities in security practice like changing passwords often and the use of two-factor authentication had a low risk of fraud, the need for consumers to be aware of risks. Results indicate that it is possible to improve the security of credit cards in the US financial sector by implementing individual anti-fraud measures considering the behavioral and demographic characteristics of consumers. Consumer behavioral data enables the institutions to adopt dynamic approaches that involve real-time transaction notification and behavior-driven analytics to enhance the accuracy of fraud identification and reduce on false alarms. This paper also shows that behavior-inspired, evidence-based approaches hold the key to the improvement of credit card security and consumer confidence. Subsequent studies shall analyze how compliance influences the advanced data-based security solutions and such research can use the aged fraud typologies and trends to understand their possible changes over time.

Діджитал-маркетинг: особливості та перспективи застосування в Україні в умовах повномасштабної війни

As a result of globalization processes, information about products, firms is distributed through websites, social networks, chats, platforms, etc. Every year, the number of involved users of the Internet and social networks grows, as people increasingly prefer digital sources of information in contrast to traditional ones. Digitalization processes in the world are intensifying, so digital marketing today is a promising direction of product promotion, clearly oriented to the target audience. It provides fast twoway ‘seller-buyer’ communication, deep analysis of consumers. Due to its speed and volume of information, mobility, wide coverage of the audience, the accuracy of determining the characteristics of the target consumer and the possibility of feedback to him, etc., digital marketing is becoming more and more popular. The purpose of the research is to determine the prerequisites, features and relevance of using digital marketing for product promotion in the digital environment, in particular, in the conditions of war in Ukraine. The main tools, specifics, advantages and disadvantages of this type of marketing are highlighted. The importance and prospects of promoting goods using digital communication tools with customers to preserve the competitiveness of Ukrainian manufacturers are summarized. Ukrainian business actively uses digital marketing tools, but the full-scale war had a significant impact on this field of activity. In wartime conditions, consumer needs change, solvency decreases, and the economic environment is difficult and unstable. The changes in user preferences have been highlighted (calm colors in advertising, calls for victory, reconstruction, patriotism, attention to donating to companies, charitable activities, etc.). Accordingly, Ukrainian enterprises are recommended to get involved in public initiatives, social projects, donate, help the army, so that consumers can feel a common motive, support and desire to win, and later rebuild Ukraine. It is also important to create the image of a reliable informant, publishing reliable facts and news, and avoiding ‘bairaktarshchy’. It was stated that thanks to digital marketing tools in particular, Ukrainian business today remains quite competitive.

Characteristics of Consumers Who are Loyal in Buying Food Product at Cafe Pelangi Ambon City

This study aims to determine the characteristics of consumers who are loyal in buying food products at Cafe Pelangi in Ambon City. The research method used in this research is descriptive analytic. The sampling technique used was purposive sampling technique so that 70 respondents were obtained. The results showed that the majority of loyal consumers at Cafe Pelangi are men aged 30-49 years with high school and bachelor education levels, predominantly self-employed with middle to upper income. In addition, high frequency of visits, satisfaction with food products, and a comfortable atmosphere are the main factors that influence consumer loyalty. The results of this study provide important implications for Cafe Pelangi in designing more targeted marketing strategies, such as developing new menus that suit the preferences of loyal consumers and improving service quality

Rental clothing box subscription: The importance of sustainable fashion labels

Renting fashion using clothing box subscription is a growing trend in the textile industry. The element of surprise varies according to the box type chosen by the customer: the self-assembled or the curated surprise box. Our study focuses on the effects of consumer characteristics, box type and other attributes on the intention to subscribe. We collected data from 364 German respondents and used choice-based conjoint analysis to estimate these effects. A between-subject design helps to compare the self-assembled versus the curated surprise box type. Price has the highest relative importance in the curated surprise box subscription model. In both subscription models, consumers preferred to rent four fashion pieces rather than two. Sustainable fashion labels increase the willingness to pay in the case of the self-assembled box model. Most consumers still prefer new fashion items over second-hand or upcycled ones, leaving considerable room for circular communication strategies.

Can cuteness soften my anxiety? The impact of conversational styles of service robots on consumer service acceptance

Purpose As artificial intelligence technology empowers service robots, they increasingly communicate with consumers in a human-like manner. This study aims to investigate the effect of service robots’ different conversational styles (competent conversational style vs. cute conversational style) on consumer service acceptance and demonstrate the moderating role of consumers’ technology anxiety. Design/methodology/approach Based on anthropomorphism theory and social presence theory, the authors conducted two scenario-based experiments (restaurant scenario and hotel scenario) to investigate this issue. Findings The results indicate that service robots’ conversational styles impact consumers’ willingness to accept the use of service robots through perceived social presence and positive emotion. Moreover, consumers perceived social presence and positive emotion play a serial mechanism. In addition, the effect of competent conversational style on consumers perceived social presence is less effective than that of cute conversational style. Finally, the authors demonstrate the moderating role of consumer technology anxiety in the relationship between conversational styles and perceived social presence. Practical implications To provide consumers with a positive human–robot interaction experience at the service front line, managers need to make better use of the conversational styles of service robots by comprehensively considering the characteristics of consumer technology anxiety. Originality/value This research extends the literature on service robots by integrating consumer characteristics and robots’ conversational styles. These findings highlight the effectiveness of cute conversational style in alleviating consumer technology anxiety.

An Assessment Study on Consumer Knowledge and Purchasing Behavior Regarding Food Safety

Economic and technological developments affect consumers’ purchasing behaviors along with their lifestyles. Understanding consumer characteristics and purchasing behaviors is of great importance for companies in determining target markets and preparing marketing programs. The aim of this study is to determine consumers’ level of knowledge about food safety and their purchasing behavior regarding food products. For this purpose, a face-to-face survey was conducted with 400 consumers selected using the Simple Random Probability Sampling method. About 76% of the consumers participating in the study have heard of the concept of food safety. It was found that consumers primarily consider health safety, the expiry date, and the cleanliness of the place of purchase when buying food products. They prefer the products they consume to be fresh and mostly shop at supermarkets and hypermarkets. It was also determined that 53.8% of consumers pay partial attention to human health conditions in the places where food is produced, and 69% are willing to pay more for packaged foods. The level of food safety knowledge among consumers will provide important feedback for food producers and policymakers, guiding the creation of more effective and safer food systems that address consumer needs.

Sugar-sweetened beverage consumption in Thailand: Determinants and variation across socioeconomic status

ObjectivesReducing consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) is a primary public health goal in Thailand, but information on the characteristics of SSB consumers remains limited. This study aims to gain knowledge about the characteristics of SSB consumers in Thailand. Study designSecondary analysis of survey data. MethodsThe study used data from the Health Behaviour of Population Survey conducted by Thailand's National Statistics Office between February and May 2021. SSB consumption was sourced from a survey question about the consumption of prepackaged sugar-sweetened non-alcoholic beverages. The influence of demographic, socioeconomic, behavioural, habitual, and health factors on mean daily intake and daily consumption was assessed using a two-part model and logistic regression analysis, respectively. Decomposition analysis was conducted to understand how the impact of these factors affecting SSB consumption varied across socioeconomic groups. ResultsFrequent SSB consumers exhibited various unhealthy behaviours, including smoking, unhealthy food consumption, low physical activity, and making food selections driven by appetitive motivations. Although higher socioeconomic status was associated with greater consumption of SSBs, it stabilised at elevated income levels. Increased SSB consumption in higher socioeconomic groups was linked to mixed eating habits, being overweight, and occasional drinking, while in lower socioeconomic groups, it was associated with unhealthy behaviours like smoking, regular alcohol drinking, appetitive food choices, and low physical activity. ConclusionsSSB consumption in Thailand is multifactorial, varying by socioeconomic status. These insights are crucial for policy formation aimed at reducing SSB consumption in the country. Policymakers should explore interventions that address overall unhealthy behaviours alongside those targeting overconsumption of SSBs.

Development of Plant-Based Burgers with Partial Replacement of Texturized Soy Protein by Agaricus bisporus: Effects on Physicochemical and Sensory Properties.

This study aims to develop plant-based burgers with partial replacement of texturized soy protein (TSP) by Agaricus bisporus mushrooms at proportions of 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%. The substitution was evaluated regarding its impact on the burgers' chemical composition, texture, color, cooking performance, and sensory properties. Chemical analyses showed a significant increase in moisture content starting from the 10% substitution level, contributing to improved juiciness. Protein content remained similar to the control until the 15% substitution level, while the fat content showed no significant variation among treatments. The texture profile indicated reduced hardness in burgers with mushroom enrichment, particularly at 5% and 10%, leading to a more tender product. Color analysis revealed a reduction in lightness (L*) and red intensity (a*) with increased mushroom levels. Sensory analysis showed that burgers with up to a 15% substitution level maintained consumer acceptance comparable to the control, with attributes such as "softness", "pleasant color", and "good appearance" positively correlated with consumer acceptance. The findings indicate that Agaricus bisporus mushrooms can be effectively used as a partial substitute for TSP in plant-based burgers, enhancing sensory properties without compromising quality. This substitution offers a promising approach to diversifying ingredients in plant-based products while maintaining desirable characteristics for consumers.

How European consumers value wine credence attributes: a cross-country comparison of France, Greece and Italy

Several attributes can be used to differentiate wine products to meet consumer interest and thus increase producer visibility, attractiveness and revenues. The perception towards the same attribute may depend on various factors that characterise the subjects, such as individual, behavioural and situational characteristics, like their country of origin. This study aims to identify which credence attributes and related levels motivate consumers the most to buying wine, by comparing the results obtained in three different European countries: France, Greece and Italy. A conjoint experiment based on linear assumption was administered using price, production method, geographical indication and wine origin as product attributes. The conjoint data were analysed in three steps: performing a model with the whole sample; performing three models using national data to compare results between the countries; performing a cluster analysis using the Ward method to associate consumer characteristics with product attributes. Results show that origin is the most valued attribute for choosing wine, followed by the production method. Cross-country evaluation reveals several significant differences among the attributes of the production method, geographical indication and origin. The cluster analysis identified three groups named: High price and national wine seekers; Certification seekers and Price-sensitive seekers. This paper provides several implications for both academicians and enterprises. Indeed, it is the first evaluation comparing the role given by consumers to biodynamic certification in a cross-country evaluation. Several indications are also provided for producers who can help differentiate better wine production by earning a higher income.

Sustainability Assessment of Geotourism Consumption Based on Energy–Water–Waste–Economic Nexus: Evidence from Zhangye Danxia National Geopark

The development of geotourism and the establishment of geoparks can generate new job opportunities, new economic activities, and additional sources of income, with great significance in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Tourists often consume more energy and water and generate more waste in order to seek a more comfortable state during their travels. This research took Zhangye Danxia National Geopark in the north slope of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau in China as an example and combined field research with questionnaires to construct a non-radial model (SBM) based on energy-water-waste-economic nexus. From the perspective of consumption, this research focuses on the consumer characteristics of geotourism sustainability based on the energy–water–waste–economic nexus (GTS-EWWE) and the driving factors behind them under different degrees of consumption. The elderly, children, and high-income tourists can contribute more to the sustainability of geotourism. Stay duration in the geopark and energy consumption are the native driving factors behind the sustainability of geotourism. However, with the improvement of the tourism consumption level, the marginal effect of the negative influence of both factors is diminishing gradually. While tourism expenditure is a positive driving factor, the tourist’s travel mode and the consumer’s awareness of ecological–environmental actions will contribute more to the sustainability of geotourism. New energy technologies to promote the green development of geoparks is significant. This research aims to provide a reference for the sustainability assessment of geoheritage sights and to provide evidence for the appropriate management policy with respect to their sustainable development.

PENGEMBANGAN USAHA PADA UMKM YU MIN BATIK & BUTIK DESA SIDOREJO KECAMATAN COMAL KABUPATEN PEMALANG

<table width="576" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody><tr><td width="402"><p>The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises that are the object are the UMKM Yu Min Batik & Boutique owned by Mrs. Siti Aminah which is located in Sidorejo Village, Comal District, Pemalang Regency. This MSME operates in the field of clothing and modified batik cloth in Pemalang. The aim of implementing this activity is to develop business, good financial management and production performance. The business assistance provided includes marketing aspects. The efforts made by the accompanying team aim to promote Yu Min Batik & Boutique products through MSME activities such as bazaars and catalog content on online social media. This is due to increasingly sophisticated technological developments and seeing many entrepreneurs, especially MSMEs, promoting their businesses through online social media. The aim is to introduce and attract the interest of potential customers by understanding the individual characteristics of consumers so that the products sold will match their wishes.</p><p>The assistance method used is carrying out several programs such as making banners, making simple bookkeeping, Google maps, participating in MSME bazaar activities, making direction boards, making organizational structures, business profiles, and creating social media (Instagram). After analyzing and applying the program to Yu Min Batik products, it produced a positive impact on MSME owners. Such as introducing products through promotions on social media and placing banners, organizational structures, understanding simple bookkeeping, business profiles, and installing direction boards to fulfill product requirements to support promotions so that people have more confidence in the products they want to buy.<strong></strong></p></td></tr></tbody></table>

Unveiling game meat: an analysis of marketing mix and consumer preferences for a forest ecosystem product

This study explores the dynamics of the game meat market, with a particular focus on venison and wild boar meat, to assess the impact of a nuanced marketing mix and strategy grounded in a comprehensive customer analysis. By conducting three pivotal research studies—namely, the Omnibus Survey (2022) and Consumer Market Analysis Polls (2021 and 2023)—and analysing their data, this research comprehensively analyses buyers’ preferences, motivations, and purchasing patterns. This paper is guided by three research questions aimed at examining the relationship between the game meat consumption and engagement in forest ecosystem services, including forest visitation, the sociodemographic characteristics of consumers and the criteria for market segmentation. The analysis focuses on identifying factors influencing the game meat consumption and examines how these factors may influence consumer behavior over time. It also explores the implications for the development of marketing strategies, based on Michael E. Porter’s approach, which is discussed in detail. Additionally, the research evaluates the role of game meat within the context of forest ecosystem services, its contribution to forest reforestation initiatives, and its relevance in the formulation of forest policy. This examination highlights the dual nature of game meat as both a market commodity and a critical element in ecosystem management and policy frameworks, seeking to harmonize the economic and ecological objectives.