Consumer Need Research Articles

Beyond Basics: The Dichotomy of Actual and Perceived Consumer Needs

Consumer behavior, particularly in distinguishing between actual and perceived needs, reveals complex dynamics that shape spending patterns. This study, titled “Beyond Basics: The Dichotomy of Actual and Perceived Consumer Needs,” examines how modern consumerism often blurs the lines between essential and discretionary expenditures. While actual needs—such as food, shelter, and clothing—are vital for survival, they often receive less financial attention compared to perceived needs, which are closely tied to social status, identity, and recognition. Using Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs as a theoretical framework, this research explores the psychological and social factors influencing this discrepancy. The study employs a quantitative approach, collecting data from a diverse sample of consumers across different socio-economic backgrounds. Through hypothesis testing, including t-tests and regression analysis, the research investigates the significant differences in spending on actual versus perceived needs and the impact of social status on these spending priorities. The findings indicate that consumers, on average, allocate significantly more financial resources to perceived needs, with social status serving as a stronger predictor of this behavior than income level. This trend is particularly evident among higher-income individuals, but it is pervasive across all income groups, reflecting the deep-rooted influence of societal norms and marketing strategies on consumer choices. The study concludes by discussing the implications for marketers, policymakers, and consumer education. It suggests that promoting financial literacy, developing sustainable marketing strategies, and encouraging a shift towards prioritizing actual needs could lead to more balanced and sustainable consumer habits. By addressing the psychological and social drivers of consumption, it may be possible to mitigate the adverse effects of excessive spending on perceived needs and foster healthier, more sustainable consumption patterns.

Research to Improve the Design of Label-Free Water Bottles -Focusing on Consumer Needs and Case Analysis-

Research to Improve the Design of Label-Free Water Bottles -Focusing on Consumer Needs and Case Analysis-

The role of upscale restaurants in destination image formation: a semiotic perspective on gastronomy tourism

PurposeHigh-end gastronomic tourism is currently trending and significantly impacts a destination’s image. This research aims to demonstrate the importance of high-level local gastronomy in forming the destination image from a semiotic perspective.Design/methodology/approachTo achieve this objective, the three phases of the upscale dining experience – pre-visit, in situ and post-visit – are examined from a descriptive (informative use), appraisive (valuative use) and prescriptive (incitive use) semiotic perspective. This conceptual model includes six constructs: restaurant image, consumer need for status, consumer expectations, consumer satisfaction, restaurant loyalty and destination loyalty. The study is based on a survey of high-end restaurant customers (N = 421).FindingsThe research findings highlight that the characteristics of upscale dining establishments influence customer expectations, while customer satisfaction plays a crucial role in fostering loyalty towards both the restaurant and the destination. Additionally, the study reveals that individuals' social status or reputation moderates their expectations and satisfaction levels.Originality/valueAlthough studies relate gastronomic image to global destination image, this relationship from a semiotic perspective has not been demonstrated through surveys. This proposed three-phase model based on the Peircean semiotic triad and Morris semiotic trichotomies not only addresses a gap in the existing literature but also offers valuable insights for destination managers and restaurant owners.

CAUSALITY OF DEFINITIONS "COMPETITIVE COMPETITIVENESS" AND "COMPETITIVENESS OF INNOVATIONS": EPISTEMOLOGICAL ANALYSIS FROM THE POSITION OF MANAGEMENT GOALS

The purpose of the article is to prove the causality of the definitions of "enterprise competitiveness" and "innovation competitiveness" from the point of view of management goals and justify the feasibility of using the definition "innovation competitiveness" and its modifications in the terminological dictionary of the theory of innovation. When studying the epistemology of the term "enterprise competitiveness", we took into account a common feature in the set of definitions chosen for analysis - the relative nature of competitiveness as an object of management, and therefore, the relative nature of the methods of evaluating comparative criteria, which can affect the perception by target consumers of the degree of usefulness embedded in the innovation. Taking into account the high variability of the business environment and the structure of consumer needs, the expediency of using a value-oriented approach to managing the competitiveness of innovations is argued. In line with this approach, the author's position is expressed regarding the need to introduce the definition of "competitiveness of innovation", considering it in the context of comparing the alternatives of the final version of the implemented changes, which have undergone the entire set of works to create value and act as a means of satisfying a certain consumer need. Taking this into account, the features distinguishing internal and external innovations are highlighted. The internal "competitiveness of innovations" is proposed to be considered as the best option for innovative changes in the internal environment of the enterprise according to the established parameters, aimed at solving the problem that worsened/deteriorated its competitiveness in the strategic area of ​​management. External - as a better way to meet consumer needs, which tends to increase in demand by target audiences. It is emphasized that in both cases it makes it possible to determine the potential of utility (value) embedded in the innovation and to form a criterion base for comparative evaluation of consumer value compared to competitors.

Dissipation kinetics and decontamination of chlorantraniliprole and thiamethoxam residues in curry leaves

ABSTRACT Herein, using liquid chromatography – tandem mass spectrometry, we validated a modified QuEChERS method to analyse thiamethoxam and chlorantraniliprole residues in curry leaves. These insecticides are part of a pest management module against the major curry leaf insect pests, psyllid and leaf roller. Based on the SANTE guideline, the method exhibited satisfactory recovery and precision. For both insecticides, the R2 value was 0.99. Furthermore, the determined limit of detection and limit of quantification were 0.008 and 0.025 mg/kg, respectively. The field persistence of both insecticides was longer, and below quantification limit was achieved within 30 and 40 days for chlorantraniliprole and 35 and 40 days for thiamethoxam. Residue degradation followed first-order kinetics, with longer half-lives of 5.08 and 5.28 days for chlorantraniliprole and 3.50 and 3.96 days for thiamethoxam at single (x) and double (2×) doses, respectively. For both insecticides, the hazard index (HI), calculated based on the highest residue on the day of insecticide treatment in the field study, was less than 1 at x and 2× doses, indicating an acceptable level of risk. Seasoning or quick frying of curry leaves in oil reduced maximum of thiamethoxam and chlorantraniliprole residues followed by treatment with NaCl (2%)/tamarind water (2%)/lemon water (2%) solutions. Analysis of 85 farm-gate samples revealed detectable residues of thiamethoxam in 25 samples (0.03–0.49 mg kg−1) and chlorantraniliprole in 1 sample (0.18 mg kg−1). The HI for the maximum quantity of insecticide residues detected in monitoring study was <1. Therefore, the research backs the idea of ensuring safe harvested produce, considering the field persistence of chlorantraniliprole and thiamethoxam in curry leaf and simple decontamination methods to satisfy consumer need for clean food commodity, if properly adopted.

Essence and stages of e-insurance development in Ukraine

The digitalization of all economic sectors, Ukraine's path to European integration, and the need for consumers to have fast, remote, and convenient insurance services highlight the relevance of implementing electronic insurance in the insurance market. This paper is dedicated to defining the essence of electronic insurance in the context of the digitalization of the insurance market and exploring the main stages of the development of electronic insurance in Ukraine, which has undergone rapid and technological changes since the first sale of an electronic compulsory civil liability insurance policy in 2018. Legislative and regulatory acts governing the process of electronic insurance have been studied. It has been found that the introduction of the electronic compulsory civil liability insurance policy, and later the electronic Green Card, has had a maximally positive impact on the development of the insurance market as a whole and has become an integral part of its innovative and technological breakthrough. It is emphasized that market participants have received additional technological tools for conducting their activities, which positively affects the development of their business and the insurance market as a whole. The further application of digital technologies, artificial intelligence, implementation of customer-oriented interface solutions, integration of all insurance products, and corresponding legislative groundwork will lead to the gradual increase of the share of electronic insurance in Ukraine, which will positively impact the entire financial market and economy in general. It is proven that the establishment of electronic insurance is an integral part of the development of the digital economy and innovative technologies in all areas of economic activity. E-commerce, electronic document management, 4-5G communication, the relentless shift of consumers to touchscreen phones, the use of technological and convenient mobile applications, the implementation of CRM systems, and various innovative solutions have allowed the provision of insurance services to reach a new level while optimizing costs.

Essence and stages of e-insurance development in Ukraine

The digitalization of all economic sectors, Ukraine's path to European integration, and the need for consumers to have fast, remote, and convenient insurance services highlight the relevance of implementing electronic insurance in the insurance market. This paper is dedicated to defining the essence of electronic insurance in the context of the digitalization of the insurance market and exploring the main stages of the development of electronic insurance in Ukraine, which has undergone rapid and technological changes since the first sale of an electronic compulsory civil liability insurance policy in 2018. Legislative and regulatory acts governing the process of electronic insurance have been studied. It has been found that the introduction of the electronic compulsory civil liability insurance policy, and later the electronic Green Card, has had a maximally positive impact on the development of the insurance market as a whole and has become an integral part of its innovative and technological breakthrough. It is emphasized that market participants have received additional technological tools for conducting their activities, which positively affects the development of their business and the insurance market as a whole. The further application of digital technologies, artificial intelligence, implementation of customer-oriented interface solutions, integration of all insurance products, and corresponding legislative groundwork will lead to the gradual increase of the share of electronic insurance in Ukraine, which will positively impact the entire financial market and economy in general. It is proven that the establishment of electronic insurance is an integral part of the development of the digital economy and innovative technologies in all areas of economic activity. E-commerce, electronic document management, 4-5G communication, the relentless shift of consumers to touchscreen phones, the use of technological and convenient mobile applications, the implementation of CRM systems, and various innovative solutions have allowed the provision of insurance services to reach a new level while optimizing costs.

Consumer’s satisfaction towards service delivery of Nepal Electricity Authority: (A case study of Kuleshwor branch)

Consumer satisfaction is fulfillment of consumer need, desires and expectation from their service provider. Now days, organization are trying to fulfill the consumer expectation and they are taking consumer satisfaction as primary goal of their organization. Main objective of present research article is to assess the consumer satisfaction towards maintenance service ,new consumer service ,meter reading service and revenue payment service provided by Nepal Electricity Authority, Kuleshwor branch. This study follows descriptive and analytical research design. Primary data has used in this study. The population for this study is all the consumer of Kuleshwor branch and fifty consumers taken as sample for this study. Questionnaire is the main tools of data collection. For the collection of data five point Likert’s scale has used. Mean, standard deviation and variance have been used as main statistical tool for analysis of data. From this research it is concluded that that overall satisfaction of consumers towards service delivery of NEA Kuleshwor branch is satisfactory but not best.

The Influence of pH on the Emulsification Properties of Heated Whey Protein-Pectin Complexes.

Interactions between proteins and polysaccharides could improve protein functional properties. Most studies focus on the formation of complex coacervates at pHs < pI. Much less attention has been given to the interactions at pHs > pI, especially when the mixtures are heated. The objective of this study was to investigate the emulsification properties of heated whey protein isolate (WPI) and pectin complexes formed at near neutral pHs. Heated soluble complexes (Cpxs) were formed by heating mixed WPI (3 wt% protein) and pectin (0 to 0.60 wt%) at pH 6.0, 6.5, or 7.0 at 85 °C for 30 min. Emulsions (5 wt% oil, 0.5 wt% protein, and pH 5.5) were characterized by measuring droplet size, zeta potential, rheological properties, and creaming stability. The results showed that, regardless of heating pH, Cpxs formed more stable emulsions with significantly smaller droplet sizes, higher negative charges, and less shear-thinning behavior in comparison to emulsions stabilized by heated WPI (p < 0.05). At fixed pectin concentrations, the emulsions stabilized by Cpx formed at pH 7.0 were the most stable. Increasing pectin concentrations led to a decrease in mean droplet sizes and an increase in negative charge. Maximum stability was achieved with the emulsion stabilized by Cpx formed with 0.60 wt% pectin at pH 7.0. The formation of Cpxs under proper conditions will allow for the utilization of WPI in a wider range of applications and fulfill the consumer need for clean label food products.

Pengaruh Produk Dan Promosi Terhadap Keputusan Pembelian Konsumen Handphone Vivo Pada Counter Semaku Ponsel Manna Bengkulu Selatan

Product quality is a product's ability to meet every consumer need in accordance with the needs and desires of consumers and promotion is an effort to offer products or services with the aim of attracting potential consumers to buy a product. This thesis is entitled “The Influence of Products and Promotions on Consumer Purchasing Decisions for Vivo Handphone at Semaku Cellphone Counter Manna of South Bengkulu. This study aims to determine the effect of products and promotions on consumer purchasing decisions for Vivo Handphone at Semaku Cellphone Counter Manna of South Bengkulu. This study uses quantitative research, the object of research is all consumers who come to buy Vivo Handphone Semaku Cellphone Counter Manna of South Bengkulu. The sampling method uses a non-probability sampling method where the proportional sampling method is a method of determining the sample through considerations and criteria that deserve to be sampled, namely 65 respondents. The data collection technique used a questionnaire instrument. The data processing technique used is data processing with SPSS version 29. The value of the product variable t count 6.529 is greater than t table 0.244, the value of the promotion t count 4.312 is greater than t table of 0.244. The results of F test with a significant value of product and promotion variables of 0.01&lt;alpha 0.05 and the calculated F count 612.554 is greater than F table 3.31. This shows that the independent variables together have an influence on purchasing decisions with a coefficient of determination of 0.295 (29.5%) and the remaining 70.5% is influenced by other factors not included in this study.

Combating lookalike product through adapting advertising appeals to consumer value: Strategic implications to brand imitation management

Abstract“Lookalike” products, including counterfeits and copycats, are increasingly common in today's global marketplace. Four lab experiments were conducted involving 653 participants, and data were analyzed through SPSS 26. Based on social representation (SR) theory and self‐construal theory, this research examines how advertising for original brands impacts purchase intent for counterfeits and copycats differently. The results suggest that ads for the original product using value‐expressive (vs. utilitarian) appeals result in lower intent to purchase copycat versions. However, ads for the original product using utilitarian (vs. value‐expressive) appeals lead to lower purchase intent for counterfeit versions. The results also show that consumer need fulfillment mediates the interactive effect between ad appeal type and product type. The current research provides useful insights for marketers or retailers grappling with ongoing competitive threats posed by lookalike products and underscores the strategic utilization of various advertising tactics to reduce the demand for copycats and counterfeits.

Efforts to Improve Service Quality at Skenario Kopi Cafe Based on Consumer Needs Using Quality Function Deployment

Faced with fierce competition, coffee shops need to stay in tune with evolving customer preferences. This research was conducted the Quality Function Deployment (QFD) method, specifically the House of Quality (HoQ) tool, to analyze feedback from subject consist of 100 customers of Skenario Kopi Cafe. The HoQ is a structured approach that translates customer desires (Voice of Customer or VoC) into actionable technical improvements. The sampling technique is based on purposive sampling technique. Analysis of Validity Test and Reliability Test data using SPSS 24 software. The research identified 15 key customer needs, categorized by their level of importance. They then compared these needs to 5 potential technical responses that Skenario Kopi Cafe could implement. Based on this analysis, the result showed such as prioritizing communication training for staff, followed by facility upgrades, and lastly, implementing regular performance evaluations. By analyzing the relationships between these factors, the researchers were able to prioritize the actions that would have the greatest impact on customer satisfaction.

Factors Affecting Consumers in Making Decisions in Using Robinhood for Food Delivery in Bangkok

The research purpose to study factors affecting consumers in making decisions in using Robinhood for food delivery in Bangkok. By study in factor related and those factors are customer service, quick response, price and characteristics of service provider. Those factors are necessary to study for the need of consumers in making decisions in using Robinhood for food delivery regarding to the selection of service provider. The population samples were the consumer who use Robinhood for food delivery in Bangkok. The selection of sample based on a convenient sampling technique for 400 samples. Questionnaires were used to collect data. Statistic used in data analysis method were percentage, average data, standard deviation. Moreover, testing relationship between independent viable and dependent viable that have multiple independent viable were used by multiple regression technique. Research findings revealed that overall results of factors affecting consumers in making decisions in using Robinhood for food delivery in Bangkok were in high rates. The data of research results, in descending order, revealed that customer service, price, quick response and characteristics of service provider factors affecting consumers in making decisions in using Robinhood for food delivery in Bangkok. Those affected factors had statistically significant at level .05. This research findings were accepted all the research hypothesis that customer service, quick response, price and characteristics of service provider factors affecting consumers in making decisions in using Robinhood for food delivery in Bangkok.

The Impact of the Fresh Pork Display Lamps on the Sensory Response of Consumers to Fresh Pork.

Two studies were conducted to investigate the impact of fresh pork display lamps on consumers' sensory responses to pork products. In the first experiment, 63 participants were asked to evaluate pork products with different degrees of freshness under four fresh pork display lights and two LED lights. In the other experiment, 30 subjects participated in the Farnsworth-Munsell 100 hue test under the same lamps, with the aim of showing whether the fresh pork display lamps impaired color discrimination. The results showed that the light source had a significant effect on the color appearance evaluation of the pork products. The ratings for perceived freshness under the fresh pork display lamps were significantly higher than those of ordinary LED lamps, while the color discrimination performance of the subjects under those lamps was poor. It was demonstrated that improper component proportions of the light spectrum could influence observers' assessment of meat quality and weaken the observers' ability to distinguish the freshness level. Through this study, the authors would like to remind lamp users and manufacturers to not only be concerned about the improvement in the color appearance of pork, but also the need for consumers to be aware of the authentic freshness of the pork products.

Satisfaction of customers in Airbnb: a cross-culture text mining of online reviews

ABSTRACT Diverse cultural values significantly influence consumer preferences and need for accommodations. Understanding these differences is crucial for managing satisfaction in peer-to-peer (P2P) settings. This study examines the differences and similarities in experience attributes reflected in consumer reviews across various languages. Employing Word Co-occurrence Networks, Factor Analysis, and Linear Regression, this study scrutinizes 243,215 Airbnb review texts in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and English. Findings emphasize the significance of specific attributes in reviews across these languages, including convenience, location, Indoor facilities and service quality. However, the attributes affecting satisfaction show significant variations based on cultural and linguistic contexts, emphasizing the necessity for culturally sensitive business strategies.

Research on Consumer Needs of LINE Brand Based on Internet Brand Cultural Code and Touchpoint Design Theory

Brand image design is a personalized image design created based on the recognition of the brand. A complete brand image includes product level, visual level, cultural level, service level, etc. How to help consumers find a sense of brand belonging is an issue that companies should consider. Extending the communication of brand information to various media to achieve comprehensive and in-depth brand communication is the top priority of brand design and communication. With the rapid increase in mobile Internet users, digital marketing of brand image has attracted the attention of more and more enterprises and design companies. The diversification of new media channels has driven the constant growth of mobile brand advertising design. Mobile marketing technology has changed the design model of brand image. The development of mobile Internet has fundamentally changed the traditional way of brand image design. When a brand has a powerful mobile Internet platform, the ways to enhance the recognition of the brand’s visual image and the value of the brand become more diverse. Today, mobile devices have become a necessity for young people. Attracted by mobile new media, young people have rediscovered their self-worth, subverted traditional lifestyles, and become a generation that changes mass consumption behavior. Therefore, we should pay attention to changes in the environment of brand image design, grasp the living habits and consumption needs of consumers, especially young consumers, and analyze the underlying consumer behavior. These are required courses for studying the trends of brand image design and brand strategies under the Internet wave. LINE is an important social software that is popular in Asia, and its unique Internet development model is worthy of study and reference. Especially in Japan and South Korea, where the anime industry is developed, this brand design style based on anime characters is highly sought after by young people. The main focus of this study is LINE’s brand touchpoint design and cultural code. The research methods mainly include conceptual analysis, theoretical research, and comparative research. By analyzing LINE’s touchpoint design, the origin and derivative functions of LINE’s brand design, the roles of LINE’s consumer environment and individual influencing factors in the cultural code, and the analysis of LINE’s consumer needs based on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs to grasp its Internet brand design strategy and marketing model, so as to provide important insight and reference for the development of other Internet brands.

Material selection for milling fixture of friction stir welding using simulia

Friction stir welding is an innovative welding technique that joins two different materials without the need for consumables. The process involves a profiled probe and shoulder tool that is rotated and plunged between the two workpieces at the interface during the friction stir process. The weld zone undergoes dynamic recrystallization, resulting in a strong bond between the materials. This method offers superior bonding compared to traditional arc welding. In the context of conventional or non-traditional milling machines, friction stir welding is performed. It is necessary to use a milling fixture to attach the plates that need to be butt and lap welded, fixture can be used in underwater FSW. To ensure the workpiece is securely held in place, a fixture or holder is necessary. In this article, friction-stir welding, and a fixture with a clamping setup are constructed. The fixture is carefully designed to consider the movement of the instrument and workpiece, and it is manufactured using CatiaV6 3D experience software. The fixture is then subjected to three different types of testing using Simulia software. The materials tested include cast iron, die steel, and tool steel. After simulation analysis, the best material for friction-stir welding operations is selected.

EFFECT OF ONLINE MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS, CONSUMER PREFERENCES, CONSUMER NEEDS ON PURCHASE BEHAVIOR AND THEIR IMPACT ON PURCHASE DECISIONS (Survey on the Tokopedia and Shopee Online Shop consumers in Bandung)

The aim of this research is to study the effect of Online Marketing Communication, Consumer Preferences, and Consumer Need as mediated by Purchase Behavior on Purchase Decision. As many as 100 Tokopedia and Shoppe consumers in Bandung are chosen as the respondents using the purposive method. This research employs quantitative approach by using survey method. The data is analyzed using the mediation analysis technique from the Process Andrew Hayes Software. Research findings are: first, Direct and indirect effect of Online Marketing Communication, Consumer Preferences, and Consumer Need as mediated by Purchase Behavior on Purchase Decision falls into moderate category; second, The determinant factors of Purchase Decision as mediated by Purchase Behavior are affected by 1) Consumer Need; 2) Consumer Preferences and 3) Online Marketing Communication; third, Online Marketing Communication affects significantly on Purchase Decision as mediated by Purchase Behavior. Fourth, Consumer Preferences affect significantly on Purchase Decision as mediated by Purchase Behavior; and fifth, Consumer Need affects significantly on Purchase Decision as mediated by Purchase Behavior.

Personalize Consumer Needs in Digital Marketing to Attract Medical Technology Awareness

As an information technology company for health facilities, in building information and expanding reach to the target market through Instagram social media, this medical technology company carries out social media activities that can be seen through content posts that have been designed with variety and as attractive as possible according to the predetermined brand image. Instagram content is certainly tailored to the company's target market, and according to the marketing carried out by B2B companies. Here medical technology companies for their target market are health facility owners, or health facility managers. By using the concept of four pillars of social media strategy proposed by Lon Safko and David K. Brake in their book entitled The Social Media Bible: Tactics, Tools &amp; Strategies For Business Success, where the four pillars of content contain entertainment, collaboration content, educational content, and information content. This study aims to test the position of customer needs and content suitability whether it has an effect on increasing brand awareness. This was done by surveying 65 respondents who had experience receiving digital advertisements. With the urgency to change the approach to ensure that the content presented is more in line with customer needs and can increase brand awareness.

PROBLEMS OF DETERMINING THE NEED FOR SPARE PARTS AND MATERIALS FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF AIRPORT SPECIAL EQUIPMENT

The modern conditions of airport operation are considered from the point of view of reducing tariffs for services by reducing the costs of special equipment operation. The main attention is paid to the analysis of the influence of the costs of spare parts and materials used in its maintenance on the cost of special equipment use. The processes of special equipment utilization at the airport are considered as stochastic, and the logistics system at the airport is considered as a mass service system. It is taken into account that the stochasticity of the system is conditioned not only by the properties of the processes, but also by the randomness of the factors influencing them. In this regard, to manage the system under consideration, the list of factors that determine the intensity of resource consumption, as well as the regularities of their changes is analyzed. The main attention is paid to the necessity to find a compromise between uninterrupted supply, which requires an increase in the size of orders, and the reduction in the volume of stocks, which increases the cost of working capital of the aviation enterprise. The influence of climatic conditions of operation on the consumption of resources for the maintenance of special equipment at the airport is also analyzed. The analysis has shown that the determination of the need for resources for the maintenance of special equipment at airports is currently planned on the basis of the actual consumption for the previous year and it is not practically taken into account that the consumption varies seasonally. In this regard, it is noted that the relevance of research aimed at developing methods for planning the need of special transport services of modern airports in spare parts and consumables for maintenance, taking into account the variation in the intensity and operating conditions of special equipment. The analyzed approaches to the development of such methods show the need to consider the process of determining the need for spare parts and consumables for maintenance of special equipment as non-stationary, due to seasonal changes in the intensity and operating conditions. On this basis the basic principles of development of theoretical provisions and practical recommendations for determining the size of stocks of spare parts and consumables for maintenance of special equipment are proposed.