International Market Research Articles

Consumer Impulse Buying in Hungary: a CB-SEM Analysis of Hungarian Consumer Behaviour towards Mobile Short Video Applications Based on a Chinese Reference Model

Mobile Short Video Applications are becoming increasingly popular worldwide. The appropriate content can shape, improve or change consumers' purchasing decisions. This paper examines the attitudinal differences in impulse buying related to the use and acceptance of MSAs by adapting a model already validated in China to Hungarian users. The analysis was conducted using Covariance-Based Structural Equation Modelling (CB-SEM). A structured questionnaire survey of 283 respondents in Hungary shows that the Chinese model cannot fully be applied to Hungary. A major difference between the results of the two models is that in the Hungarian model, perceived expertise shows a positive relationship with flow experience. This indicates that video makers - in the case of Hungarian videos - should produce content including introductory information and the operation of the product. The results suggest that in the case of MSA use in Hungary, perceived expertise affects impulse buying indirectly, but flow experience directly. Flow experience is only influenced by perceived expertise (β = 0.31, ρ<0.05), with an explained variance of 10%. Flow experience (β = 0.46, ρ<0.05) with its direct effect on impulse buying behaviour accounts for 21% of the variance. Hungarian and Chinese MSA users have different preferences in terms of content, thus the results provide important information for both international short video creators and companies entering the international market.

ECOWAS PROTOCOL ON FREE MOVEMENT AND NIGERIA BORDER SECURITY

This study focused on ECOWAS protocol on free movement and Nigeria border security. The study was carried out to determine the extent ECOWAS protocol on free movement of individuals and goods across borders has posed challenge to not only Nigeria but all the states in the region. The work used descriptive research design and only secondary data were sourced and used. The data collected were discussed qualitatively. The work discovered that there is significant impact of ECOWAS protocol on free movement on national security and public order concerns in Nigeria; and ECOWAS protocol on free movement affects security and investment in Nigeria. This is true because there has been cross-border insurgency/terrorism especially in the North East of Nigeria as exemplified by the nefarious activities of the Boko Haram terrorist group and other splinter sects such as Ansaru, and ISWAP. For that, the Protocol is lacking full implementation by member states till today because of the perceived problems it poses to their national security. The study recommends that there is need to revisit of ECOWAS protocol on free movement to correct the framework that has led to porous borders in the region. The study concludes that; the ECOWAS protocol on the free movement of persons and goods has contributed immensely to the worsening security situation in Nigeria.

Unpacking Forest Stewardship Council certification in Chile: The scope and limitations of neoliberal market‐driven governance for achieving sustainable development

AbstractThe Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an international NGO promoting sustainable forest management by setting standards and certifying timber as eco‐friendly. After facing significant resistance from the Chilean forestry sector, which is plagued by environmental and territorial conflicts, FSC began certifying Chile's main forestry corporations in 2010. This article examines the implementation of FSC's standards by addressing two questions. First, how does FSC function in practice, including the roles of consultants, chambers, and instruments in the certification process? Second, what are the scope and limitations of FSC in achieving sustainable development and managing forestry industry conflicts? Elaborating on 24 interviews with key forestry stakeholders, ethnographic fieldwork, and documentary analysis, the findings indicate that FSC enhances management practices in the forestry industry by promoting legal compliance, rational production management, and improved relations between firms and local communities. FSC provides a green imaginary that ‘cleans up’ timber production as conflict‐free, facilitating its free circulation in the international market. However, as a private governance system, FSC is based on an artificial consensus that has limitations such as power imbalances between firms and communities, limited sanctioning power, and close ties with large industry actors. This neoliberal form of governance fails to resolve structural problems between industry and indigenous communities, yet it creates strategic opportunities for mediating the relationships between actors. In Chile, FSC enables incomplete citizenship for communities and serves as a ‘soft regulation’ for firms, reducing the likelihood of increased State regulation in the forestry sector.

Assessment of Heavy Metal (Zinc, Copper, Lead and Cadmium) Contamination in Common Edible Shellfish Species of the Hooghly River and Sunderbans, India

The content of four heavy metals (Zinc, Copper, Lead and Cadmium) in muscles of three shell fish species - prawns -Penaeus monodon and Penaeus indicus and crabs-Scylla serrata, the most prime shellfish food resources of human in the domestic and international market were studied at four stations in the estuarine belt near Bay-of-Bengal which receives wastes of various types from industries and various anthropogenic activities. The samples were digested by acid digestion. The metal contents were quantified using an AAS (Atomic absorption spectrophotometer). The distribution of trace metals accumulated in the muscle tissues of the above mentioned species was in the order- Zn &gt; Cu&gt; Pb&gt; Cd. In the present study, levels of Zinc in the shell fishes ranged from 07.44±0.65 to 128.10 ±2.96 ; Cu ranged from 5 ±0.15 to 99.14 ±1.31; Pb varied from 1.67± 0.14 to 23.99 ± 0.79 and Cd ranged from 1.29± 0.35 to 7.09 ± 0.80.The concentration of the four metals exhibited spatial variation as station 1 &gt;station 2 &gt; station 3 &gt; station 4, which could be a reflection of different bioavailability of metal concentrations in the water body at different stations. The results obtained showed that the metal concentrations in most of the cases were above the threshold value recommended by WHO. Metals such as Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, can affect various aquatic organisms as well as human being either directly or indirectly as they can enter into the food chain and may be biomagnified at higher trophic levels which is one of the top concerns for human health. Essential heavy metals such as Zinc and Copper are relatively less harmful at low concentration while non-essential metals such as Cd and Pb are highly toxic even at low concentrations.

The dynamics of the South African lucerne hay industry

ABSTRACT Lucerne hay is undoubtedly one of the most important forage crops used in animal nutrition globally. This article sheds light on the intricacies of the South African lucerne hay sector by offering an industry overview. Lucerne hay quality is categorised into different grades: Supreme, Prime, Grade 1, Grade 2, and Grade 3, each exhibiting its distinct characteristics and attributes based on the nutritional value of dairy cattle. The producer price of lucerne hay is driven by supply and demand in the market. These fluctuations reflect the attractiveness of new producers entering or producers exiting the industry, indicating the sensitivity of market dynamics to external factors like weather and international demand. On average, South Africa exports 160 to 240 thousand tons annually, mainly to neighbouring countries and the Middle East. Over the last several years, the Chinese markets imported a growing volume of South African-produced lucerne hay. Weather conditions are one of the leading drivers of changes in the availability, quantity, and quality of lucerne hay in South Africa, impacting the producer price of lucerne hay in the local market. This article aims to provide insight into the dynamics of the South African lucerne hay industry. Additional research is required to understand the interactions of weather conditions (temperature variations, rainfall and occurrence of rainfall) on lucerne hay production and quality. Understanding international demand for South African lucerne hay will provide insight into the competitiveness of South African lucerne hay in the international market.

Depopulation and its Socio-Economic Consequences. Romania Case Study

Depopulation is a characteristic phenomenon for the Central and Eastern European space that gained in amplitude especially after 1990 in the context of political-ideological changes that affected the states of this region and that also led to changes in demographic behavior. These consisted, on the one hand, in the abolition of pro-natalist policies from the communist period and, on the other hand, in the intensification of emigration flows in connection with the economic and social discrepancies and the free movement of persons. In this context, the paper analyzes the evolution of Romania’s population in a global and European context, the factors that determined its sharp population decline, as well as its economic and social consequences. Also, the demographic characteristics of Romania and future trends regarding the peculiarities and dynamics of the Romanian population are highlighted.

Public Policies for the Energy Efficiency of Buildings in Mexico

In Latin America, the energy crisis has worsened due to the dependence on energy services and fossil fuel imports from highly industrialized countries at prices established by the international market; this is particularly relevant to the construction industry, which presents a significant deficit in optimal energy consumption. Hence, some governments have established public policies to maximize the efficiency of these services and, at the same time, minimize the carbon footprint. In this research study, we reviewed the public policies, strategies, and incentives for energy efficiency (EE) implementation in the residential sector established by the Mexican government. A scoping review methodology was chosen and implemented in the following steps: 1. Research inquiry identification. 2. Determination of the relevant literature and studies. 3. The literature selection. 4. Data graphing. 5. Results collection, overview, and submission. In this systematic review, we identified five mandatory standards (NOM-008-ENER-2001, NOM-009-ENER-2014, NOM-018-ENER-2011, NOM-020-ENER-2011, and NOM-024-ENER-2012), six optional standards, four strategies (Green Mortgage, Integral Sustainable Improvement in Existing Housing, ECOCASA, and NAMA), and three kinds of incentives (green bonds, credit and interest rates (Green Mortgage, FIDE, and Ecocasa), and taxes (Income Tax Reduction)). As a result of the implementation of the above, as of December 2020, NAMA financed 5106 developers of 38 projects in 15 states; contributed to a reduction of 126,779 tons of CO2; and aided 19,913 people. From 2013 to December 2023, EcoCasa subsidized 71,440 households for a total of 224 projects in 25 states; contributed to a reduction of 2.6 million tons of CO2; aided 285,760 Mexicans; and issued EcoCasa certificates for 3,473,556 m2. The results of the EE indicators in residential buildings showed an increase in the housing unit number as well as an increase in household appliances, with those based on power consumption prevailing. The residential sector ranks third in power consumption in Mexico, consuming an estimated 790 pj, of which 76% corresponds to thermal energy and 24% to electric power. Among countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, Mexico has achieved an Energy Transition Index of 62%.

A Comparative Analysis of Ethnic Networks and Internationalization of Latin American Agri-SMEs: The Case of Argentina, Brazil, and Chile

This paper investigates the key drivers influencing the internationalization of agricultural small and medium-sized enterprises (agri-SMEs) in Latin America, with a particular emphasis on the role of social and ethnic networks. Focusing on Argentina, Brazil, and Chile—three of the region’s largest agricultural economies—this study examines how familial and cultural connections between descendants of European immigrants and European entrepreneurs facilitate the global expansion of agri-SMEs. Using a cross-sectional quantitative analysis, data from agri-SME managers reveal the importance of these networks in reducing market entry barriers by providing insider knowledge of foreign markets, regulatory conditions, and potential business partnerships. The findings demonstrate that ethnic networks significantly reduce market entry barriers, providing Latin American agri-SMEs access to essential insider knowledge on foreign markets and local regulations, thereby facilitating internationalization. Additionally, agri-SMEs that leverage these networks are better positioned to meet growing global demands for sustainable, traceable food products, gaining a competitive advantage in international markets. The strength and frequency of interactions within ethnic networks are positively correlated with the degree of internationalization, highlighting the importance of social capital in overcoming operational challenges. This paper contributes to the literature by highlighting the underexplored role of ethnic networks in shaping the international marketing strategies of agricultural firms and their capacity to adapt to evolving consumer behaviors. The study offers practical insights for supporting the global integration of agri-SMEs in Latin America, addressing both operational challenges and the increasing need for sustainable food production practices.

Intellectual Property Risks and Countermeasures in Cross-Border E-Commerce

Cross-border e-commerce has experienced rapid development driven by globalization trends, emerging as a significant force propelling international trade and economic growth. However, with the intensification of legal, cultural differences, and technological changes across nations, intellectual property issues in the cross-border e-commerce sector have become increasingly prominent. Intellectual property serves as the core of business innovation and market competition; any infringement thereof can lead to substantial financial losses for enterprises and erode market trust and brand reputation. Cross-border e-commerce enterprises face multifaceted intellectual property risks, including infringement, brand theft, and data leakage, particularly within differing legal systems, complicating these issues further. The protection of intellectual property is not only crucial for safeguarding corporate interests but also a necessary prerequisite for ensuring the healthy development of the global market. In response, cross-border e-commerce enterprises must adopt proactive measures, ranging from institutional construction to enhancing user awareness, to comprehensively address intellectual property risks and ensure their competitiveness and sustainable development in the international market.

Research on the Relationship Between Cross-Cultural Marketing and Brand Recognition and Loyalty

This paper explores the critical role of cross-cultural countermeasures in international marketing, focusing on the factors that influence the growth of enterprises in diverse cultural contexts and the operational challenges they face. As globalization deepens and the economic and cultural ties between nations become increasingly close, the need for culturally sensitive marketing strategies has never been more crucial. The study investigates how multinational companies, particularly through the case of McDonald’s, successfully navigate the complexities of cross-cultural marketing to enhance brand recognition and customer loyalty. Utilizing a mixed-methods research approach, including both quantitative data analysis and qualitative case studies, the paper examines the impact of localized marketing strategies on brand awareness and consumer behavior in different markets. The findings highlight the importance of adapting marketing strategies to the cultural context of each target market, emphasizing product localization, cultural adaptation in advertising, and leveraging local insights. The research concludes that culturally sensitive marketing strategies significantly contribute to global brand success and customer loyalty, offering practical recommendations for firms aiming to strengthen their global market presence.

Research on the Development Trend of New Energy Electric Vehicles in China based on Mathematical Model

As the global economic development moves closer to the direction of green sustainability, the international automobile market pays more and more attention to the development of new energy vehicles. New energy electric vehicle (NEV), as a kind of new energy vehicles, has developed rapidly in recent years due to its characteristics of low pollution, low energy consumption, peak power consumption and adjustment capacity, and has been welcomed by global consumers and governments. The Chinese government conforms to the development of The Times and actively promotes the development of its industry. This paper aims to study the development trend of China's new energy electric vehicles in China, through the establishment of multiple linear regression equation model analysis of different factors of new energy electric vehicles, and using the stochastic comparison model compared the influence of new energy electric vehicles on the traditional energy vehicle industry, and establish the influence factor model, analyze the international policy influence on the development of new energy electric vehicles, in the whole research process to test and the advantages and disadvantages analysis.

Tesla’s Electric Future: A Comprehensive Marketing Strategy Analysis and Implementation Plan

This paper deeply explores the essence of Tesla’s marketing strategy in the field of electric vehicles, and accurately extracts three core competitiveness: brand influence, technological innovation and vertical integration of industrial chain. At the same time, it also faces the severe challenges faced by Tesla in expanding production capacity and coping with fierce competition in the market. In view of the explosive growth trend of the global electric vehicle market and the huge potential of the international market, this paper carefully planned a series of comprehensive strategic measures aimed at promoting Tesla’s continued growth. These measures not only cover the diversification of product lines, refined pricing strategies, increased investment in marketing resources and global market expansion, but also emphasize the flexible response mechanism for extreme market demand changes and deep cultivation of emerging markets to ensure Tesla’s leading position in the global electric vehicle industry and continue to lead the trend of industry innovation and development. In such a rapidly changing industry, Tesla must continuously enhance its strategic adaptability and innovation capabilities to meet the challenges of the future.

A Study on the Translation of Instructions for Heat-Clearing and Detoxifying Traditional Chinese Medicines under the Functional Equivalence Theory

Heat-clearing and detoxifying traditional Chinese medicines are an important part and distinctive advantage of China’s medical and health undertakings. Traditional Chinese medicine is an outstanding traditional culture of the Chinese nation and a unique and significant health resource in our country. The rapidly growing international market has created excellent opportunities for the export of heat-clearing and detoxifying traditional Chinese medicines. Currently, the English translation of instructions for proprietary Chinese medicines lacks unified translation standards and the guidance of translation theories. The existing English translations of instructions for proprietary Chinese medicines in our country have problems such as confusion and non-standardization. Therefore, the research on the instructions of heat-clearing and detoxifying medicines under the functional equivalence theory is highly significant. This paper takes several common heat-clearing and detoxifying medicines available on the market as examples, analyzes the problems and their causes in the translation of the instructions from the perspective of the functional equivalence theory, and finds more reasonable and standardized translation methods. It helps foreign consumers understand the characteristics and functions of traditional Chinese medicine, thereby stimulating their consumption desires. This paper studies the translation process using the functional equivalence theory, investigates the structure and language features of the instructions for traditional Chinese medicine, and discusses the corresponding translation strategies for the instructions of heat-clearing and detoxifying traditional Chinese medicines at the lexical and syntactic levels respectively to achieve functional equivalence.

Factors Driving Consumption Preferences for Fresh Mango and Mango-Based Products in Italy and Brazil

In many European countries the consumption of tropical fruit is constantly growing, and people are increasingly turning to diets rich in fruit and vegetables. In this context, mango is considered a super-food for its nutritional medium-high energy value. Produced mainly in developing countries, tropical fruits animate an interesting international market. Production in Mediterranean countries is also growing and is increasingly requested in European markets. The aim of this work is to investigate the factors that drive the inclination to purchase fresh mango and mango food and drinks in Italy and Brazil in order to observe consumer preferences in the two countries. The personal experiences, motivations and choices of consumers regarding fresh mango and mango-based products were taken into consideration. Through an online survey, a semi-structured questionnaire was administered in Italy and Brazil which led to a total sample of 453 participants. The data were statistically analyzed, and a PLS-SEM model was used to empirically examine the factors influencing the consumption of fresh mango and mango food and drinks. The research hypotheses are all supported. For a comparison between the two countries, a multigroup analysis (PLS-MGA) was performed. In Italy, consumers are attentive to the quality and safety of the fruit; they choose the point of sale where they buy fresh mango or mango foods because they trust the seller to guarantee the fruit’s origin and transformation. In Brazil, new consumer trends are emerging especially in gastronomy; since they are local foods, they are considered safe, sustainable and healthy by consumers. The study addresses a little-explored topic and aims to enrich the debate on consumer orientations, preferences and reasons for buying mango and mango products.

A Study of Game Localization Translation under the Perspective of Skopos Theory--Taking the Game Red Dead Redemption 2 as an Example

As economic globalization continues to advance, the international market for video games is rapidly growing. For game companies aiming to expand their business globally, the localization of game translations is a crucial aspect. A well-executed localization can greatly boost a game’s international sales and appeal, attracting players from diverse regions. Thus, game localization is a vital strategy for companies seeking success on the global stage. Skopos theory, a key framework in translation studies, offers valuable insights for different types of translation work. This paper applies the principles of Skopos theory to examine the Chinese localization of various texts in the large-scale single-player game Red Dead Redemption 2. The analysis reveals that, under the guidance of Skopos theory, the localization enhances both the gaming experience and the sense of immersion for Chinese players. During the localization process, the translation, adaptation, or even rewriting of the original text is performed with the goal of aligning the final product with the cultural and linguistic preferences of local players.

EXPRESS: Unpacking the Role of Ethical Leadership in the Era of Sustainable Development Goals and Values-based Marketing

Tackling sustainable development goals (SDGs) has become a key strategic marketing activity for multinational enterprises (MNEs) to build their reputation and ensure their brand value. However, SDGs can cause goal conflicts for MNEs, resulting in firms not being equally responsive to all stakeholders. Therefore, this study aimed to explore how ethical leadership, underpinned by a corporate purpose, enables MNEs to pursue SDGs in foreign markets. The researchers argued that ethical leadership based on a corporate purpose can provide strategic direction for MNEs, thus enabling them to focus on selected SDGs that can be integrated into their values-based marketing agendas. Further, the findings revealed that a corporate purpose can offer consistency and perseverance in the exertion of ethical leadership at the local market level; however, ethical leadership may require organizational members to disassociate from structural inconsistencies and goal conflicts in pursuit of aspired SDGs. Thus, the study makes a significant contribution to the literature on international marketing by adopting an ethical perspective to explain how MNEs can strategically position themselves in relation to SDGs in international markets. The findings suggest that ethical leadership can build a foundation for credible marketing communication while serving as a driver of values-based marketing programs.

Analysis of Risk Management and Prevention Strategies in the International Operations of Enterprises

With the deepening of globalization, more and more enterprises are looking towards the international market in search of broader development space. However, international operations not only bring unprecedented opportunities but also accompany various risks. This article delves into the risks enterprises may encounter in international operations, including market, political, economic, exchange rate, legal, and cultural risks, and systematically analyzes the causes, manifestations, and impacts of these risks. Through specific case analyses, this article proposes a series of practical risk management and prevention strategies aimed at helping enterprises build a more robust international operation defense line, ensuring their steady progress in the complex and volatile international market.

Strategic Communication and Socio-Ecological Imperatives for Re-Marketing the Nigerian Brand

The thrust of this paper is to examine select factors within the social and ecological realms that are attributed to the image crises of Nigeria and to proffer sustainable strategic communication solutions to re-marketing the nation as a brand. The de-marketing process of the brand Nigeria is a function of some obvious factors like corruption, bribery, ethnicity, communal and ethno-religious clashes. Consequently, almost everything ‘Nigerian’, whether human beings or products, is questioned or received with greater comparative scepticism, especially within the international community. Nigeria is no doubt in dire need of a corporate reformation and a review of the nation’s socio-ecological posture and experience will offer a headway for the re-marketing of the brand. This paper adopts the analytical methods for the review of strategic communication and the Socio-Ecological Model, using selected scenarios in Nigeria as units of analysis. Findings reveal that Nigeria’s albatross as an unattractive brand is the moral decadence of her citizens occasioned by a lack of adequate information of citizens, absence of motivation and ability to act, and the inherent norms that the people live with. This has thwarted the nation’s (re)branding management efforts. This paper recommends that the Federal government of Nigeria should re-orient her citizens from the now youngest generation and re-order her communication architecture to communicate a renewed Nigerian brand that will help the nation’s image to be attractive for a convincing patronage within the international market.

&lt;b&gt;Performance of Candidate Varieties of Basmati Rice in Uniform Yield Trials&lt;/b&gt;

The primary focus of rice breeding research is now on developing high-yielding rice varieties with early maturing and physio-chemical features, such as improved cooking quality, aroma, and extra-long grain. This shift in focus is driven by the growing global demand for high-quality rice. Using traditional breeding methods to trait pyramid these extremely important traits while maintaining yield and quality is a challenging task. Good grain quality(aromatic), fertilizer responsiveness, and high-yielding varieties can help the farmers in Pakistan to increase their revenue despite global population growth and changing international market patterns. At the Rice Research Institute, Kala Shah Kaku (RRI KSK), new, improved, high-yielding, extra-long grain lines with the qualities of early maturity, small stature, and good cooking with aroma are being developed through traditional breeding methods. The present study aimed to assess the genetic variability of these lines in terms of paddy yield and to discover superior high-yielding cultivars suitable for widespread cultivation. There were notable variations in paddy yield among the different entries in the pooled analysis. The highest average paddy yield (5010 Kg/ha) was seen in entry 10640-10-1-1-1, followed by entry 10684-3-1-2 (4990 Kg/ha) and PK 10434-6-2-1 (4550 Kg/ha) and suggested for general cultivation based on their mean paddy yield. A strong positive correlation was seen between the grain thickness grading of over 2.2 mm and the number of panicles per plant. The overall quality of the Uniform Yield Trials of Fine rice samples can be reported as excellent for PK 10306-15-5, PK PB-8 and PK 10678-2-1-1 over check Basmati-515. There will be a simultaneous increase in grain yield with improvements in these qualities.

GPS-supported smartphone app-based integrated travel diary and time-use data collection: challenges and lessons learned

AbstractTravel behaviour and time-use data are two vital data sources for travel demand modelling. Travel behaviour is traditionally collected through household travel surveys, enhanced by using GPS-supported smartphone apps for passive location data collection. However, recruiting individuals willing to install these apps with sustained motivation to continue participation has been a critical challenge. This paper shares insights from a travel and time-use data collection procedure in Chicago and Sydney using the Fourstep app. Social media platforms were utilised as a solution to recruit participants in Chicago, where an international market research company failed to accomplish the task. This paper also discusses the challenges we faced and suggests ways to overcome them, offering valuable guidance to researchers in recruiting participants for smartphone application-based data collection. It also offers an analysis of travel, time-use, and travel-based multitasking behaviours based on the data collected from the Chicago and Sydney samples.