International Consumer Research Articles

Role of Cultural Heritage in Luxury Fashion Branding in South Africa

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the role of cultural heritage in luxury fashion branding in South Africa. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The role of cultural heritage in luxury fashion branding in South Africa has become increasingly significant as brands seek to integrate local identity with global luxury standards. Cultural elements, such as traditional patterns, textiles, and craftsmanship, are being incorporated into luxury fashion, reflecting South Africa’s rich heritage and fostering a sense of authenticity and exclusivity. This approach not only strengthens brand identity but also appeals to both local and international consumers who value unique, culturally embedded products. However, challenges include ensuring respectful representation and avoiding cultural appropriation. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Cultural capital theory, brand heritage theory, symbolic consumption theory may be used to anchor future studies on the role of cultural heritage in luxury fashion branding in South Africa. Fashion brands in South Africa can enhance their market positioning by leveraging unique cultural elements that resonate both locally and globally. Policymakers should create frameworks that ensure cultural elements are not exploited by global fashion brands without proper attribution and compensation to local communities.

PROSES PRODUKSI INJECTION PHYLON

ABSTRACT The shoe industry in Indonesia has great potential to compete in the global market, producing high-quality products that are in demand by international consumers. In 2018, the industry produced 1.41 billion pairs of shoes, accounting for 4.6% of the world's shoe needs, making Indonesia the fourth largest shoe producer in the world. However, challenges remain, including the Termination of Employment Relationships which raises concerns among the public and investors. The government seeks to provide positive information about investment and labor absorption. One of the innovations in this industry is the use of a phylon injection machine, which is able to produce the bottom of the shoe with high precision and efficiency. This production process involves advanced technology and the use of special materials such as phylon, which has advantages in elasticity, durability, and comfort. This research method includes observation, literature study, field practice, and data analysis. The results of the study show that the use of a phylon injection machine can improve the production efficiency and quality of shoe products. The conclusion of this study is that innovation and technology in the Indonesian shoe industry can strengthen global competitiveness and make a positive contribution to the economy.

Australian and United States Consumer Acceptance of Beef Brisket Cooked Using the Low and Slow Barbeque Method.

Meat Standards Australia (MSA) sensory protocols have been effectively utilized in beef for international consumers employing several cooking methods. Our objective was to compare the consumer response of Australian and American consumers to paired beef brisket samples utilizing a newly developed low and slow cooking method. Briskets were collected from Australian carcasses with diverse eating quality. Half of the briskets (n = 24) were retained in Australia and their pair was exported to Texas for consumer sensory testing. Naïve consumers (Australia; n = 240) and familiar consumers (USA; n = 240) evaluated paired barbequed briskets for tenderness, juiciness, flavor liking, and overall liking from 0 to 100 using a visual analogue scale, and a weighted composite meat quality score was later calculated. Australian consumers scored briskets lower for tenderness (-4.84 ± 1.70 points) and juiciness (-4.44 ± 1.55 points) and higher for flavor liking (3.48 ± 1.58 points); however, there was no difference between the countries for overall liking (p = 0.75) and combined meat quality score (p = 0.88). Differences between Australian and US consumers' evaluations indicate that there is an impact of cultural background, potentially driven by Australia's naivety to the low and slow barbeque cooking method.

Cattle supply chain fidelity in the Brazilian Amazon: key considerations for deforestation monitoring

Abstract Supply chain governance (SCG) is an increasingly important approach to man- age environmental protection and human rights in agricultural systems across the tropics. SCG helps relay the preferences of international consumers to producers and fills environmental policy gaps. Brazil’s Zero-Deforestation Cattle Agreements (CA) are one of the longest-standing examples of SCG but shortcomings in implementation have reduced their conservation impacts. Chief among the reasons for their limited effect is that slaughterhouses monitor only the suppliers they buy from directly. This does not account for the complex supply network upstream of the direct sale, whose dynamics are also poorly understood. We provide the first comprehensive characterization of the strength and duration of cattle supply chain relationships based on animal transaction records from across the Brazilian Amazon. Whereas direct supply relationships (from ranchers to slaughterhouses) are relatively few and long-lasting, upstream relationships between ranchers are numerous and short-lived. Expanding monitoring to include these upstream sup- pliers increases the number of monitored transactions by an order of magnitude. However, 1% of the largest direct suppliers sell nearly half of cattle to CA slaughterhouses. More comprehensive upstream monitoring of only these prolific suppliers could greatly increase coverage at a fraction of the cost. While it may be challenging to monitor the entire supply network, significant advancements are within reach.

Analysis of International Consumer Behavior: The Attraction and Purchase Motivation of TikTok Live Commerce

In recent years, with the development of internet technology and the popularity of social media, TikTok has emerged as a new social media platform, attracting a large number of users with its unique short video and live streaming features. TikTok live commerce, as a new type of e-commerce model, directly showcases products to consumers through live streaming and interacts with them in real-time, greatly enhancing the consumer purchase experience. This study aims to explore the attraction and purchase motivation of international consumers towards TikTok live commerce, analyzing its characteristics and consumer behavior to reveal the reasons for its success and future challenges.

Consumers' beef purchasing behavior across countries

In 2022, the value of United States (US) beef and beef product exports was $11.7 billion, and the US was the world's largest beef producer and second-largest beef exporter by volume. Therefore, we conducted surveys to evaluate beef purchasing behavior among consumers in important and emerging US beef export markets, including Japan, the United Kingdom (UK), Germany, and Mexico. Results reveal differences in consumers' beef purchasing behavior across countries. Most Mexican consumers purchase beef two-to-three times a week, while consumers in other countries typically purchase it once a week. Using ordered probit models, we examined the factors associated with beef purchase frequency in each country. Japanese consumers who consider price to be an important factor when purchasing beef are less likely to purchase it frequently. German consumers, for whom brands are important when buying beef, are more likely to buy it frequently. British consumers, who consider hormone-free production to be important when purchasing beef, are less likely to buy it frequently. Mexican consumers, who consider grass-fed production to be an important factor when purchasing beef, are less likely to buy it frequently. Across all countries, individuals who purchase beef at supermarkets and from butchers are more likely to purchase it more often. Results also indicate that various consumer demographics are associated with beef purchase frequency across countries. The findings provide valuable insights for stakeholders regarding international consumer beef purchasing behavior.

Exploring the Development Trends of the International Consumer Market Based on Economic Globalization

It is well-known that international trade is crucial for a country's economic status on the global stage, prompting nations to focus on the development of their trade sectors. Various measures are employed to compete for shares in the international market. For example, some economies, in pursuit of national interests, resort to trade barriers, which impacts the liberalization of trade. Currently, the global economic development trend is unclear, and the international trade environment is becoming increasingly complex with the emergence of new technologies and demands, leading to new trends in international trade. In this context, international trade enterprises must actively engage in this trend, grasp the new development trends, and bravely face challenges. This paper mainly discusses the basic concepts of economic globalization and international trade, analyzes the development trends of international trade under economic globalization, and proposes the current status and strategies for international trade development under the backdrop of economic globalization.

Burn Model System educational outputs: Domestic and global dissemination

Knowledge translation and consumer testing aims to move research findings from scientists, professional journals, and conferences to the hands of end-users and organizations who use the information regularly. The purpose of this report is to outline the process by which the Burn Model System (BMS) has worked with the Model System Knowledge Translation Center (MSKTC) to develop and disseminate patient education materials to consumers. The National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research-funded BMS in collaboration with the MSKTC uses a multi-step process for developing and consumer-testing evidence-based/consensus-derived educational information prioritized by consumers. The final written products are made available in both English and Spanish at/below an 8th grade reading level. Products are disseminated through websites, clinical encounters, social media, and national/international engagement with clinicians and burn-related organizations. Written products are reviewed every five years to ensure they remain current and relevant. Number of online views for each product is a key measure of dissemination. Since 2011, the collaboration between the BMS and the MSKTC has produced or updated 22 educational factsheets, three videos, three infocomics, and one infographic. Collectively, these products have been viewed over two million times by people in 216 countries. Online views of all products have generally increased year-to-year. This process makes relevant health information accessible and understandable for consumers. As a result, Burn Model System informational products have been increasingly viewed by US and international consumers.

SUSTAINABILITY OF THE GASTRONOMIC SERVICE FOR THE POSITIONING OF THE TOURIST DESTINATION IN BAHÍA DE CARÁQUEZ: ECUADOR

Objective: Evaluate the gastronomic services offered by restaurants in the area to define the level of impact it has on the perception of national and international consumers. Theoretical Framework: Preliminary studies demonstrate that the consumer behavior evaluation model for the marketing of tourist destinations from its methodological context is presumed to model consumer behavior from an ex-ante assessment, the design of change actions and an ex-post reevaluation. ; contributes to achieving changes and allows obtaining better economic and commercial results in the tourist destination proposed by Lemoine; Hernández et al., (2021). Method: The methodology was structured in three stages that from its conception facilitated a study in accordance with the quantitative research demands. Through the inductive method, certain behavior of the gastronomic activity was observed, denoting representative statistics to develop efficient management and business decision making. Results and Discussion: In the evaluation, it was determined to classify the gastronomic services into three categories where two restaurants represented 54% of the best evaluated in category A, three represented 28% that placed it in category B and 9 that represent 18% that belong to category “C” and are considered regular. Research Implications: The investigation shows that digital platforms such as Tripadvisor contribute to decision making and define effective strategies to achieve business objectives. Originality/Value: Fisher Matrix adapted to the research object made it easier to observe the deficiencies of the gastronomic activity with the purpose of using as a strategy the modeling of the behavior of the consumer who frequents the destination.

Advancements towards the development artificial intelligence for sensory analysis: Integrating pattern recognition and signal processing in ATR-FTIR analysis of spirits

Spirits have been gaining acceptance by international consumers due to its distinct organoleptic profile, which provide each beverage with a characteristic sensation of the product (taste, smell, and color). However, it is important to establish differences by an analytical technique supported by artificial intelligence to demonstrate with mathematical solutions rather of being subjective such as human senses. To reduce the uncertainty associated to the sensory analysis, the present study shows as strategy the recognition of patterns of ATR-FTIR spectra of a variety of distilled beverages: Tequila 100% agave (n = 20), Mezcal (n = 20), Raicilla (n = 20), Aguardiente (n = 20), and Vodka (n = 20). All ATR-FTIR spectra present seven characteristic bands associated with methanol, ethanol, isoamyl alcohol, butanol, ethyl acetate, acetaldehyde, and furfural in beverages. Based on the analysis of the peak signals obtained from the Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectra, the implementation of an Artificial Neural Network was proposed with the objective to classify each alcoholic beverage in its corresponding groups. Results showed that the artificial intelligence algorithm proposed permits to correct classify 100% of the samples being a great alternative strategy being innovative, fast, and of low-cost strengthening food quality analyses by machine learning decision-making.

Signaling theory and its relevance in international marketing: a systematic review and future research agenda

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze to what extent and in what ways signaling theory has been explored within the field of international marketing. This paper systematically reviews the use of signaling theory in the field of international marketing. Communication is a core aspect of the international marketing process. Research in this field has explored effective and unique ways of improving the communication flow to reduce the asymmetry of information between international consumers and the firm. This notion is adopted, enhanced and strengthened by signaling theory. Signaling theory has recently received the attention of international marketing scholars.Design/methodology/approachThe systematic review methodology was applied for the purpose of identifying the relevant studies. We extracted academic articles over the last 23 years from the domain of international marketing that directly contribute to signaling theory based on 57 journal articles extracted through the systematic review process.FindingsBased on systematic research the results reveal that the topic has grown and continues to expand within the broader international marketing field. We offer a theoretical conceptual framework to better understand signaling theory in the context of international marketing.Originality/valueThe authors map and critically evaluate the use of signaling theory in international marketing. Relevance of signaling theory in international marketing is growing and authors present an integrative framework that organizes the existing literature, and provides scholars to further expand on emerging themes of the domain. The paper offers some useful future research directions.

Bio-fermented milk product based on <i>L. acidophilus</i> fortified by <i>Sanguisorba officinalis</i> extract

The development of new functional food products containing probiotics and prebiotics of plant origin has actual scientific and practical values. The presented study purpose is the creation of fermented milk products based on L.acidophilus with the introduction of an extract of the Sanguisorba officinalis or great burnet as a prebiotic. Extracts from the great burnet rhizomes and roots have an antimicrobial activity, specifically against the bacteria Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus with pronounced bactericidal effect on various microbes of the dysenteric and paratyphoid groups, a detrimental effect on Trichomonas, fungi of the genus Candida and Giardia. Physicochemical and microbiological indicators during ripening and storage of the obtained fermented milk products based on L.acidophilus with great burnet extracts are considered. Titratable acidity, water-holding capacity, the number of lactobacilli, viscosity, and organoleptic values of fermented milk products are analyzed. It is established that the product with great burnet dry extract at a concentration of 10^-3 g/cm^3 has maximum scores for organoleptic, physicochemical, and microbiological indicators. The developed bio-fermented milk product enriched by antioxidants from extracts of biologically active compounds of great burnet will meet the national and international consumers’ demands with recommendations for therapeutic and preventive nutrition and a healthy lifestyle.

Environmental values and sustainable consumption

AbstractThis special issue of the Journal of Consumer Behaviour engages in a scholarly debate on the association between environmental values and sustainable consumption using 16 studies that examine a range of exciting phenomena relevant to the debate. The special issue provides insights into three key areas of scholarly conversations in the field of study. First, it provides recent accounts of the literature on the role of environmental values in sustainable consumption. Given that the association between the two areas has been widely debated for decades, adding novel insights into the phenomenon in the context of recent environmental issues significantly contributes to the field of study. It should be noted that the novel insights cover several mediating and moderating factors of the association, which add new research directions to the field of study. Second, the special issue examines the recent discourse on environmental values considering the more specific behaviours (collaborative consumption, disposal behaviour, consumer engagement in circular economy) that are related to sustainable consumption. This discourse provides insight into environmentally conscious marketing practitioners. Third, the special issue highlights diverse consumer perspectives on sustainable consumption, especially those from diverse consumer generations, both local and international consumers. They inform global initiatives such as the UN sustainable development goals. Overall, engaging in a collective dialogue to understand recent developments in the field of study, the special issue informs environmental policies and fosters sustainable consumption and marketing practices that tackle climate change‐related environmental and social issues.

Analyzing the Influential Factors on Overseas Consumers' Purchase Intention

Florasis, a leading and great domestic brand in China, has ventured out of the country and produced excellent achievements in a short period of time, despite the fact that all Chinese brands have a strong willingness to move overseas. The purpose of this paper was to investigate the impact of marketing strategy on the purchase intentions of international consumers. This study examines the Florasis case by integrating Marketing Mix Theory and Florasis's overseas sales statistics. Finally, it was discovered that it performs exceptionally well in three areas: product design, numerous distribution channels, and promotion. Based on the Florasis brand's current strengths, this report makes three recommendations for its future development: improve product quality, improve brand service, and send distinct messages to different audiences. The case study of Florasis in this research has important implications for other Chinese firms expanding internationally. Chinese brands will go global more efficiently if they learn from their triumphs and improve on their flaws.

ADAPTATION OF TECHNOLOGICAL PRODUCTS FROM UKRAINE TO FOREIGN MARKETS

Introduction. In the context of rapid technological transformation and economic globalization, the adaptation of technological products to foreign markets becomes critically important for the success of enterprises. Ukraine, possessing significant potential in the field of technology, faces the challenge of effectively penetrating foreign markets with its products. The adaptation of Ukrainian technological products requires studying and understanding the specifics and demands of international consumers, as well as considering intercultural differences and regulatory constraints. Research on this topic will contribute to enhancing the competitiveness of Ukrainian enterprises on the international stage, promoting export growth, and attracting foreign investments, which are of great significance for the country's economic development. Therefore, this topic is relevant and important for the further development of Ukraine's technological sector and support of its position in global markets. Purpose. This article aims to explore the process of adapting Ukrainian technological products for successful entry into foreign markets. Given the intensifying globalization and competitive environment, adaptation is pivotal for ensuring the competitiveness of Ukrainian companies on the international stage. Methods. The research examines technical, cultural, and strategic dimensions of product adaptation, including the analysis of foreign market needs, implementing necessary product modifications, and navigating local regulatory and cultural nuances. Additionally, it investigates best practices and strategies for effective adaptation that Ukrainian enterprises can leverage. The article explores the process of adapting Ukrainian technological products for successful entry into foreign markets. Given the increasing globalization and competitive environment, the adaptation of technological solutions is a key strategy to ensure the competitiveness of Ukrainian companies internationally. The article examines technical, cultural, and strategic aspects of adaptation, such as studying the needs and requirements of foreign markets, implementing appropriate changes in the product, and understanding local regulatory requirements and cultural peculiarities. Additionally, it investigates best practices and strategies that Ukrainian enterprises can employ for the effective adaptation of their technological products to external markets. The findings of this research can be beneficial for Ukrainian companies seeking to expand their presence in international markets and increase their competitiveness. Results. The findings underscore the significance of strategic product adaptation for Ukrainian enterprises, offering avenues for increased competitiveness, expanded market reach, and sustainable economic growth. By understanding and responding to evolving market dynamics, Ukrainian companies can cultivate stronger international partnerships and drive innovation, thereby contributing to broader economic development objectives. Conclusion. The adaptation of technological products for foreign markets represents a crucial strategic endeavor for Ukrainian enterprises, offering the potential for increased competitiveness, expanded market reach, and sustainable economic growth. Through concerted efforts to understand, anticipate, and respond to evolving market dynamics, Ukrainian companies can forge stronger international partnerships, drive innovation, and contribute to the country's broader economic development objectives.

Agriculture around the World

Agriculture is an integral part of the world’s economy. It is one of the most powerful weapons to fight poverty and boost shared prosperity. It is the primary source of employment, income, and food, meeting the basic needs of people all over the world. Increases in agricultural production are key to ending hunger, as well as economic and social development. Today, large amounts of food are traded internationally, making diets across the world much more diverse. Some nations go beyond the domestic markets to explore more of exports and cater to an international consumer base. This paper explores the practice of agriculture in some nations.

You Wear Face Mask, I Keep Social Distance: Comparing COVID-19 Preventive Behaviors between China and the United States

Prior research suggests that collectivism predicts international consumers’ compliance with COVID-19 preventive behaviors. However, across two cross-sectional studies, we demonstrated that Chinese consumers were more likely to wear face masks and stay at home; while U.S. consumers were more likely to wash hands and keep a social distance. Indeed, when U.S. consumers perceived the pandemic to be more severe and were more health-conscious, they were more likely to comply with COVID-19 preventive behaviors than the Chinese. Adopting a multifactorial model, we offer a holistic view of consumer responses to COVID-19. We also provide insights for marketers and policymakers.

Attitudes toward LCCP strategies: A comprehensive framework

Within recent years, the choice of whether to employ local culture consumer positioning (LCCP) strategies has gained considerable interest in both international marketing research and practice, particularly due to the recent rise in nationalism around the world. This current research focuses on the individual-level drivers of consumer attitudes toward LCCP strategies by creating a more comprehensive framework of the antecedents of attitudes toward LCCP strategies. Utilizing an institution-based view, social identity, self-verification, and personality trait theories, we develop a framework that encompasses elemental personality traits (agreeableness and need for material resources), perceptions of national identity, international travel, world-mindedness, and national identification as direct and indirect antecedents of attitudes toward LCCP strategies. Within three studies, we test the hypothesized relationships in the proposed framework across two different markets (the US and India) and discover several interesting findings that contribute to understanding in both international consumer marketing theory and practice.

Techno-Economic Analysis of the Integration of Large-Scale Hydrogen Production and a Hybrid CSP+PV Plant in Northern Chile

Green hydrogen has been considered as one of the energy carriers of the future, and Chile can become a production leader due to its great renewable energy potential. Cheap electricity is one of the key drivers for making green hydrogen a cost-effective energy carrier for many sectors. However, without energy storage, only a small operational electrolysis capacity can be achieved, and therefore, the share of the CAPEX in the levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH2) increases [1]. This work set out to conduct a techno-economic analysis for the integration of large-scale green hydrogen production and a hybrid CSP+PV plant of 100 MWe in northern Chile, one of the world's solar hotspots. For a better understanding on the benefits of such integration, the performance of the hybrid solar plant was compared to the performance offered by each independent solar technology and with a grid-connection via a PPA mechanism. In addition, this study takes into account the costs of storage and transport to potential local and international consumers.

Pengaruh Perang Rusia dan Ukraina Terhadap Perekonomian Negara Kawasan Asia Tenggara

The war between Ukraine and Russia has had a big influence on the world, especially from a political perspective. Russia's invasion of Ukraine on Thursday, February 24 2022 stems from internal conflict between the two countries. Due to this incident, Russia received criticism from the international community, including Indonesia. The United States condemned the invasion and imposed economic sanctions on Russia. These sanctions take the form of stopping the operations of Russian-owned financial institutions in the United States, freezing all investment assets and property of individuals close to the Russian President, as well as restrictions on Russian debt transactions. After being hit by economic sanctions, Russia was also subject to a crude oil embargo by the European Union and the United States. The war that occurred influenced the increase in oil prices due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, causing new challenges in the global economy. This research uses library research. Library research is research whose main object is literature (library) which utilizes sources from literature to obtain research data, so that library research limits its activities to literary materials related to the research object. The research results show that the war between Russia and Ukraine has had various negative impacts that threaten all sectors, especially the economy in terms of global trade. As is known, these two countries are the largest suppliers of various main commodities such as wheat, fertilizer, natural gas and oil. Where these commodities are really needed by international consumers. Russia and Ukraine have a significant market share of the supply of oil, gas and other commodities, so the invasion has increased the prices of these commodities. The direct impact of rising commodity prices affects economic growth in the countries involved. This means that the economy in Southeast Asia will be affected by the war that is taking place. Continued conflict could have drastic effects in Southeast Asia. The impact of the Russian and Ukrainian wars has an impact on the Southeast Asian economy and will be more detrimental than the impact of the COVID 19 pandemic. This is because it is related to the global economy in essential areas.