Consumer Expectations Research Articles

Digital tools and AI: Using technology to monitor carbon emissions and waste at each stage of the supply chain, enabling real-time adjustments for sustainability improvements

The increasing urgency of addressing climate change has necessitated the adoption of innovative technologies to monitor and mitigate carbon emissions and waste throughout the supply chain. This paper explores the role of digital tools and artificial intelligence (AI) in enabling real-time tracking and analysis of environmental impact at each stage of the supply chain. By integrating IoT devices, big data analytics, and machine learning algorithms, organizations can gain comprehensive insights into their operations, identifying key areas where emissions and waste can be reduced. The use of AI-powered predictive analytics allows companies to model various scenarios, optimizing resource allocation and operational efficiency while minimizing environmental footprints. This research also highlights successful case studies where companies have implemented these technologies, resulting in significant sustainability improvements and cost savings. Furthermore, the paper discusses the challenges associated with data integration, system interoperability, and the need for industry-wide standards to ensure effective monitoring and reporting. The importance of stakeholder collaboration is emphasized, as engaging suppliers, customers, and regulatory bodies is essential for achieving comprehensive sustainability goals. Ultimately, this paper advocates for the strategic implementation of digital tools and AI as pivotal enablers of sustainable supply chain management, providing organizations with the capability to adapt to changing environmental regulations and consumer expectations. By leveraging technology to monitor and reduce carbon emissions and waste, businesses can enhance their competitiveness while contributing to a more sustainable future.

Perceptions and challenges of blockchain adoption in tourism industry: a study on trust, privacy and security

Purpose This study aims to investigate the perceptions of service providers in the travel and hospitality industry toward the adoption of blockchain technology (BCT), focusing on its impact on consumer experiences and expectations, especially in terms of trustworthiness and the management of privacy and security concerns. Design/methodology/approach The research used a quantitative methodology, collecting data from 135 industry practitioners across five tourism sectors (lodging, connected industries, entertainment, FandB, transportation) in Europe. This approach aimed to understand the diverse perspectives on the benefits and challenges of implementing BCT in their opera Findings The results indicate mixed perceptions regarding blockchain adoption. While there are positive views on BCT’s potential to enhance customer experience and service quality, there are significant concerns about its impact on trust and security. A consensus exists between customer and provider perspectives on BCT’s trustworthiness, but significant differences were observed in views on privacy and security enhancement. Originality/value This research contributes to the existing literature by providing insights into the service providers’ and customers’ perspectives on BCT within the travel and hospitality industry. It underscores the complexities of adopting new technologies and calls for more in-depth studies to address the identified concerns, thereby offering a novel viewpoint on the adoption of distributed ledger technologies in enhancing customer experience and service delivery.

Results of Economic Tendency Surveys in Nowcasting GDP Growth

The article proves the usefulness of including aggregate information from economic tendency surveys in the system of nowcasting of economic growth. The authors compare the efficiency of vector autoregressive models that include the economic sentiment indicator based on the results of Rosstat business activity and consumer expectations surveys, and the business climate indicator based on the results of the Bank of Russia enterprise monitoring.Statistical testing of time series of composite indicators and GDP volume index confirmed a significant correlation and causality between them, as well as the similarity of their cyclical profiles. Both indices pass cyclical turning points synchronously or ahead of the GDP volume index, their predictive capabilities are enhanced by the early availability of information. The capabilities of GDP growth nowcasting using survey information are assessed in three specifications of the vector autoregressive model with dummy variables. On the in-sample period, the model including two composite indicators and the GDP volume index demonstrates the highest accuracy.The proposed approach allows us to obtain flash estimates of GDP growth prospects that are significantly ahead of the official statistical information

Anthropomorphic Sad Expressions Reduce Waste of “Single” Imperfect Food

ABSTRACTPoint‐of‐sale anthropomorphism—attributing human characteristics to nonhuman entities—has been shown to increase evaluations of food that deviates in shape or form from consumer expectations (“imperfect food”). However, while previous research has included the use of primary emotions to manipulate anthropomorphism, it is unclear whether depicting imperfect produce with happy or sad emotional expressions is more effective in boosting choice of such produce. This research addresses this gap and additionally examines a novel type of imperfection: when produce is torn off the bunch it normally comes in. A field study conducted at a large food retailer in Germany revealed that sales of “single” bananas significantly increased when they were anthropomorphized with sad emotions compared to when they were anthropomorphized with happy emotions or not anthropomorphized. Across three preregistered online experiments, this research corroborates the effectiveness of sad emotional expressions in boosting purchase intentions, establishes compassion as the underlying process, generalizes this effect to other produce (i.e., tomatoes), and shows that a price discount eliminates this effect. The findings of this research are particularly relevant for food retailers aiming to increase purchases, and thus reduce waste, of fresh produce that has become a loose “single.”

Technological Innovation for Sustainable Supply Chain Management in the Food Industry

This study explores the critical role of technological innovations—specifically blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT), and artificial intelligence (AI)—in enhancing sustainable supply chain management within Malaysia's food industry. As the industry faces increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices due to environmental concerns, regulatory demands, and consumer expectations, these technologies offer significant potential for improving traceability, reducing waste, and optimizing operational efficiency. The research highlights how blockchain enhances transparency and ethical sourcing, IoT enables real-time monitoring to minimize waste, and AI optimizes demand forecasting and inventory management, reducing overproduction and resource waste. However, the study also identifies substantial barriers to the adoption of these technologies, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). These challenges include high implementation costs, a shortage of skilled labor, and concerns over data security and privacy. To address these issues, the study recommends starting with pilot projects to mitigate risks, investing in continuous workforce training, enhancing data security measures, and leveraging government support and industry collaborations. By overcoming these challenges, Malaysia's food industry can effectively integrate these innovations, leading to more sustainable, efficient, and resilient supply chains. This research underscores the importance of strategic planning and continuous improvement in fully realizing the benefits of technological advancements, thereby positioning Malaysia’s food industry as a leader in sustainable practices within the global market.

Identification of quantitative trait locus and positional candidate loci influencing chicken egg quality under tropical conditions.

Egg quality is a vital factor in the poultry industry. High-quality eggs not only meet consumer expectations for appearance, taste, and nutritional value but also have high marketability, profitability, and consumer satisfaction. Accordingly, we executed our research with the purpose of determining chromosomal regions and genetic markers associated with egg quality in an F2 cross-bred chicken population under tropical conditions; we determined these through a genome-wide association study and quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping. This population was created by cross-breeding the L2 line of Taiwan Country chickens, which is adapted to local conditions in Taiwan, with an experimental line (R-line) of Rhode Island Red layer chickens, which was developed by the French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and the Environment. A 60K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping array for chickens was employed to execute the analysis. Our analysis revealed 40 QTLs associated with egg quality under tropical conditions, namely 20 QTLs with genome-wide statistical significance and 20 QTLs with chromosome-wide statistical significance. Furthermore, we identified 93 SNPs exerting discernible effects on egg quality, with 10 of these effects exhibiting genome-wide significance and 83 exhibiting potential significance. The majority of the detected QTL regions and SNPs agreed with those identified as having an association with egg quality or production traits in previous studies, thus supporting the interrelationships determined between the studied characteristics. The findings of this study enhance the understanding regarding the genetic regulation governing chicken egg quality, thereby serving as a valuable reference for future functional investigations.

Mediating role of regret feelings in the relationship between consumer expectations, emotions and willingness to buy

PurposeThe paper aims to investigate the impact of customers’ expectations, negative emotions and regret on consumers' intention to buy Chinese clothing products in the Palestinian market.Design/methodology/approachThis paper used a convenience sampling technique. The path relationship of the study model was analyzed by structural equation modeling (SEM) based on partial least squares (PLS-SEM).FindingsResults showed that regret was affected by the negative feelings that consumers could incur after buying the product. Additionally, negative feelings and regret negatively affected consumers' intention to buy Chinese clothing products, while their expectations positively affected their decisions. However, the mediation effect of regret was approved in the relationship between negative feelings and the intention to buy.Originality/valueThis is to certify, that the research paper submitted by us is an outcome of our independent and original work. We have duly acknowledged all the sources from which the ideas and extracts have been taken. The project is free from any plagiarism and has not been submitted elsewhere for publication.

Enhancing customer satisfaction through IIoT-Enabled coopetition: Strategic insights and impacts

This research investigates the significant role of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) to enable Coopetition Network Practices (CNPs) in enhancing the performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) within the context of global digital supply chains. Employing a quantitative approach, our study reveals that CNPs contribute to a noTable 51.0 % improvement in factors determining customer satisfaction. This underscores the strategic importance of blending competition with collaboration to refine production processes and align with consumer expectations. Additionally, the research presents a remarkable 69.1 % boost in operational consistency and reports substantial progress in manufacturing flexibility and the value-to-weight ratio, witnessing increases of 125.8 % and 33.2 %, respectively. These improvements are pivotal in optimizing production resources, which in turn, have led to a 29.3 % decrease in customer complaints and a 15.6 % rise in on-time delivery rates. Conversely, a slight decline in the consistency of the value-to-weight ratio was observed, pointing to potential areas for future research. The findings decisively show that CNPs offer concrete advantages by enhancing customer satisfaction determinants and operational efficiency in SMEs. The paper advocates for future studies to directly measure customer satisfaction and to formulate actionable guidelines for the effective implementation of coopetition strategies. This proposed research direction aims to provide solutions to the manufacturing sector's emerging challenges, thereby promoting competitive advantage and growth in the digital era.

Health Care Systems Sustainability: The role of Health Care Management Education and Continuing Professional Development in Building a Sustainable Healthcare System

It comes as no surprise that healthcare leaders today face unprecedented challenges. Some are immediate. Others are long-term. Many are interrelated. All are complex. None of them are small, as they include financial sustainability, mission, quality and patient safety, rapidly advancing technology, changing consumer expectations, new market entrants, healthcare inequities, and more regulation. And one challenge tops that list: workforce shortages. Although many individuals continue to be drawn to healthcare, the numbers are insufficient to meet increasing demand. But there is one more challenge which even tops this issue. And that is the continuing and growing need for capable and competent leaders and leadership in the world’s most complex industry sector – healthcare. Aiming for excellence in health are words that adorn our organisation’s’ mission statements and list of values. But is there something that can make the difference in outcomes for health at the patient level, at a system level, and at a population level? And if there is, can we identify what makes the difference, amplify it and exploit it to the world? My thesis is the one thing that will make the difference is the level of competence and capability of the leaders and leadership. What does this look like? What should we be doing to grow it and develop it?

Eye-tracking study on the impact of 'EU organic' and 'sustainable irrigation' logos on consumer acceptance of olive oil.

This study investigates to what extent the presence of the EU organic (EU‑O) logo and a sustainable irrigation (SI) logo on extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) labels affects (i) consumers expectations and purchase intention based on label information and (ii) acceptance of olive oil when tasted under informed versus blind conditions. A panel of 94 consumers took part in the study. Attention paid to label components during the task designed to evaluate the logos' effect on expectations was recorded by means of an eye-tracker. Compared with the control (without logos), the presence of EU‑O and SI logos on the EVOO label significantly influenced participants' associations (i.e. price, sustainability, consumption occasions, etc.). A halo effect was detected, so that both logos led consumers to anticipate higher expected liking compared with the control. A synergic effect between both logos was detected. Eye-tracker data revealed that participants whose liking expectations were improved by the EU‑O logo paid more attention to it than those whose expectations did not improve. This relation between attention and expectation improvement was not observed with the SI logo, likely because participants were unfamiliar with it. Beyond expectations, the presence of logos on labels significantly increased the liking scores given by the participants when EVOOs were tasted, which resulted in a higher percentage of participants' willingness to purchase. Consumers perceived added value for the sustainable labeled food, which positively affected their liking and purchase intentions. This may encourage food production companies to adopt more sustainable practices. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Chemical Composition and Crystallization Behavior of Oil and Fat Blends for Spreadable Fat Applications.

To meet the expectations of European consumers, who prioritize agro-environmental factors and local resources, the substitution of fats (palm, coconut, shea) and achieving a balanced fatty acid profile in spreadable fats are gaining more attention. The crystallization at 4 °C of a lipid blend composed of rapeseed oil, anhydrous dairy fats, and emulsifiers was studied using a multi-scale approach (DSC and X-ray diffraction techniques) to understand the emergence of polymorphic structures. Although the addition of PUFA from rapeseed oil reduces the atherogenicity and thrombogenicity indices in the blend, controlling the cooling kinetics influences the shapes (needles and spherulites) and sizes of the crystalline structures (small crystals form at a cooling rate of 1 °C min-1, while larger crystals form at higher rates of 5 and 10 °C min-1). The crystallization behavior revealed differences in polymorphic forms at 4 °C in the blend, with a transition to different forms occurring more rapidly compared to dairy fat (stop-and-return method). The study shows crystalline coexistence (α, β', and β) in a 2L lamellar structure, with the β' form being predominant. This structure is ideal for formulating a spreadable product, offering good spreadability (SFC < 32% at 10 °C), mouthfeel, and nutritional benefits compared to butter.

Multi-objective development of novel egg free cakes using quinoa protein and its quality attributes

This study explores the potential of utilizing quinoa protein as an egg substitute in bakery products for customers with health, culture/religion, or dietary restrictions. Quinoa protein was prepared from quinoa seed by alkaline solubilization followed by isoelectric precipitation and drying. Four different formulations of egg-free cakes were prepared by incorporating quinoa protein in egg equivalents of 50 g (Formulation 1), 75 g (Formulation 2), 100 g (Formulation 3), and 150 g (Formulation 4). The research involved Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and revealed such functional properties as proximate composition, physical properties, color, texture, microstructure, and sensory characteristics for the batters and the cakes. The incorporation of different quinoa protein concentrations significantly (p &lt; 0.05) affected all the functional properties of the batters and the cakes. Such variables as crude protein and ash increased while moisture and fat contents decreased. The baking loss went down as the share of quinoa protein went up. The structural analysis showed an increase in gumminess and chewiness accompanied by a decrease in cohesiveness and elasticity. The analysis also revealed hardness and non-uniform changes. The lightness (L*) and yellowness (b*) of the cake surface and crumb decreased while the redness (a*) increased. The cakes prepared according to Formulation 4 with the greatest share of quinoa protein had a high nutritional value with reasonable concentrations of essential amino acids in general and a high level of lysine in particular. The same sample also received the highest score for overall sensory properties. The sensory assessment proved that quinoa protein could meet consumer expectations of egg-free cakes.

Strategic Management of Luxury Brands: A Case Study of Louis Vuitton’s Market Performance and Consumer Loyalty

This study explores the critical role of brand strategy management in the luxury goods industry, focusing on Louis Vuitton (LV) as a case study. With the continuous development of the global economy and heightened consumer expectations, competition in the luxury market has intensified. Brand strategy management, encompassing positioning, communication, maintenance, and extension, emerges as a vital competitive tool that influences market performance and consumer loyalty. This research aims to uncover the unique aspects of LV's brand strategy, its impact on market performance and consumer loyalty, and the challenges the brand faces. Through an in-depth literature review and case analysis, the study identifies key success factors of LV's brand strategy, providing strategic recommendations for other fashion brands to enhance their market competitiveness. The findings contribute to the existing literature by filling gaps in the understanding of luxury brand management and offering practical insights for industry practitioners. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of innovation and adaptation in maintaining brand prestige and relevance in an ever-evolving market landscape, emphasizing how LV's strategic decisions have solidified its position as a leader in the luxury sector. This comprehensive examination not only sheds light on LV's enduring success but also offers valuable lessons for emerging brands aiming to navigate the complexities of the luxury market.

Safety Trends in the Automobile Industry in India

The automobile industry in India has experienced significant advancements in recent years, driven by rapid technological innovations and evolving consumer expectations. Safety has emerged as a critical focus area, with stakeholders ranging from government bodies to manufacturers and consumers increasingly emphasizing the need for stringent safety measures. This paper explores the key safety trends shaping the Indian automotive sector, including the adoption of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), the implementation of new crash test standards, and the increased integration of passive and active safety features in vehicles. Additionally, it highlights the regulatory changes brought forth by the Indian government, such as the Bharat New Vehicle Safety Assessment Program (BNVSAP) and mandatory safety norms like airbags and anti-lock braking systems (ABS). The study also examines the role of technological innovations, including connected vehicle technologies and the potential of autonomous driving in enhancing road safety. By analyzing these trends, the paper aims to provide insights into how safety measures in the Indian automobile industry are evolving to meet global standards and reduce the rising number of road accidents in the country.

Sustainable Marketing Strategies: Aligning Brand Values with Consumer Demand for Environmental Responsibility

Sustainable marketing has become an essential component for businesses aiming to meet growing consumer demand for environmental responsibility. This paper explores how companies can align their brand values with sustainability efforts to foster long-term customer loyalty and market competitiveness. It examines key sustainable marketing strategies, including eco-friendly product design, transparent communication, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. The study emphasizes the importance of authenticity, as consumers are increasingly wary of "greenwashing" tactics and seek brands that genuinely prioritize environmental stewardship. Case studies from various industries demonstrate successful integration of sustainability into brand identity, resulting in enhanced brand reputation, consumer trust, and business growth. The findings highlight the need for a comprehensive approach that includes stakeholder engagement, sustainable supply chains, and marketing campaigns that educate consumers on eco-friendly choices. By aligning brand values with consumer expectations for environmental responsibility, companies can create a competitive advantage while contributing to global sustainability efforts.

Adoption of Online Food Ordering Platforms: A Study on Consumer Behavior and Brand Influence of Swiggy and Zomato

The swift advancement of digital technologies alongside the evolving lifestyles of consumers has profoundly reshaped the food service sector, resulting in the extensive utilization of online food ordering platforms. This review manuscript seeks to investigate the principal determinants affecting the acceptance and expansion of these platforms, emphasizing consumer behavior, technological innovations, and branding methodologies. By synthesizing knowledge from prevailing literature and research concerning notable platforms like Swiggy and Zomato, the manuscript scrutinizes essential motivators such as convenience, pricing strategies, service excellence, user engagement, and promotional initiatives. Furthermore, it delves into the influence of trust, security, and social dynamics in molding consumer perceptions and preferences. Through a thorough examination of these variables, this manuscript endeavors to furnish a more profound comprehension of the mechanisms underlying consumer adoption and retention within the online food delivery sector. The conclusions underscore potential avenues for platforms to refine their strategies to align with the shifting expectations of consumers and uphold a competitive edge in an increasingly crowded marketplace.

Influence of drying method on the shelf life of artisanal pasta

Efforts to optimize pasta drying often face challenges due to the complexity of operational variables. This study aimed to optimize conventional fixed-bed convective drying of artisanal pasta using a desirability function approach and assess the influence of drying methods on shelf life. Three methods were compared: optimized conventional fixed-bed convective drying (O-CFBCD), hot air microwave drying (HAMD), and convective tray drying (CTD). This study underscores the importance of exploring and regulating pasta quality parameters to meet both industry standards and consumer preferences for marketable products with sensory appeal. While all three drying methods show promise for producing quality pasta, there is a need for improved initial moisture control, particularly in the CTD condition, to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and mitigate microbiological risks associated with high water content. Over time, most sensory parameters exhibited enhancement, aligning with consumer expectations for high-quality products. This suggests that continuous monitoring and optimization of drying processes are essential for maintaining and improving pasta quality throughout its shelf life.

Expectancy Violations and Discontinuance Behavior in Live-Streaming Commerce: Exploring Human Interactions with Virtual Streamers.

Virtual streamers, as a typical application of AI-enabled digital humans, are increasingly being utilized in live-streaming commerce due to technological advancements and industry innovations. Although virtual streamers present several benefits, there is potential for adverse effects when they do not align with consumer expectations. Drawing upon expectancy violations theory, this study developed a theoretical model to explore whether and how consumers' expectation violations during human-virtual streamer interactions affect consumers' discontinuance behavior. Through an online questionnaire survey of 307 Chinese consumers with prior experience interacting with virtual streamers, this study used a partial least squares structural equation model to analyze the research model. The empirical results indicated that professionalism expectation violation, empathy expectation violation, and responsiveness expectation violation positively influenced consumers' distrust and dissatisfaction, which subsequently led to discontinuance behavior. This study contributes to the literature on live-streaming commerce, human-AI interaction, and expectancy violation theory. Furthermore, the findings offer valuable insights for practitioners in the field of live-streaming commerce by enabling them to formulate preventive or remedial strategies to mitigate potential negative outcomes when implementing virtual streamers.

Determinants of Bank Selection: A Study on Consumer Perceptions and Expectations in Albania

This study investigates the factors influencing consumer perception in selecting banking services, focusing on service quality, customer satisfaction, and brand reputation within the Albanian banking sector. Using a structured questionnaire, 213 valid responses were gathered from customers in major cities, including Durres and Tirana. The analysis involved factor analysis, reliability testing, and regression analysis to explore the relationships between the identified factors and consumer decision-making. The findings reveal that service quality, encompassing tangibles, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy, plays a critical role in shaping consumer perceptions, with assurance, reliability, and responsiveness having the most significant impact. Additionally, customer satisfaction and the bank's brand influenced the selection process significantly. The results underscore the importance of banks enhancing service quality and maintaining a strong brand reputation to attract and retain customers in a competitive market. These insights provide valuable implications for bank marketers and strategists aiming to develop effective customer-centric approaches.

Enhancing Collaboration and Interdisciplinary Strategies for Navigating Innovative Technologies and Regulatory Approvals in the Cosmetic Industry

Abstract: The cosmetic industry, driven by innovation, constantly seeks safer, more effective, and sustainable products. However, regulatory hurdles often impede the introduction of innovative cosmetics. This paper explores the convergence of advanced technologies and regulatory conformity, emphasizing the need for collaborative, interdisciplinary approaches. Through an extensive review of literature and case studies, we reveal the multifaceted challenges within the industry. These encompass shifting consumer expectations, ingredient safety concerns, and intricate global regulations. Cross-functional collaborations, uniting researchers, regulators, industry experts, and consumers, are pivotal, driving innovation while ensuring product safety and compliance. Our research stresses the importance of a proactive, all-encompassing approach to product development. This approach should integrate cutting-edge technologies, rigorous safety assessments, and smart regulatory strategies from project inception. Additionally, it emphasizes engaging stakeholders, sharing knowledge, and practicing transparency to earn trust from consumers and regulators. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the balance between innovation and regulation in the cosmetic industry, advocating for a paradigm shift characterized by collaboration and interdisciplinary efforts. By aligning innovation with regulatory compliance, the industry can effectively navigate the complex landscape of modern cosmetics, fostering the creation of safer, more sustainable, and consumer-centric products.