Professional Market Research Articles

The effects of free tuition policy on university academic performance in Chile

AbstractIn 2016 Chile initiated a policy of free tuition for students from families in the lower half of the income distribution to improve access to and completion of higher education. The empirical effectiveness of the policy has not yet been completely demonstrated. This study analysed the difference in levels of academic performance of students enrolled in 12 Chilean universities with and without free tuition. The study used a regression discontinuity design with a running discrete variable locally randomised. The results show that the academic performance of students receiving free tuition was equivalent to that of students paying the full cost. There was no difference in the course pass rate of those with or without free tuition. Over time the effects of the policy could reduce inequality in the professional labour market. In addition, the study suggests that there may be complementary practices that further improve university student achievement and completion rates.

Do universities have the articulation of college programmes in mind when reviewing their academic curricula?

In order to articulate academic programmes from college to university effectively, the curricula of the two institutional structures must be aligned. Studies show that this is not always the case, despite the existence of national and sectoral policies that are intended to promote alignment. In grappling with this reality, this study explored the level of interface of academic programmes between TVET (technical and vocational education and training) colleges and a comprehensive university in South Africa. It also investigated whether, and the extent to which, university policies and actors considered college programmes during their curriculum-review processes. Document analysis and semi-structured interviews were used to gather qualitative data. It was found that, instead of considering college curricula, curriculum review was driven by professional bodies, market demands and relevance. Moreover, institutional actors did not have the required agency to engage with the current misalignment of college–university academic programmes or curricula. The implication is that, while necessary, university policies for promoting academic curricula for articulation and programme interface are not adequate for resolving the problem of the misalignment between college and university curricula. To facilitate the interests of agents in articulation, the articulation officers at institutions of higher learning must ensure that articulation policies are in place in departments and that curriculum designers and related stakeholders are imbued with articulation principles during the review and realignment of curricula.

The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Marketing Strategies

The research project examines the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on marketing strategies across various industries, focusing on how AI-driven technologies enhance customer engagement and optimize marketing campaigns. The objective of this study is to explore the diverse effects of AI on marketing practices and to identify the challenges and ethical considerations that arise from its implementation. The research was conducted through a qualitative methodology that conducted interviews with 18 marketing professionals to gather information about their experiences and perceptions regarding AI in marketing. The findings reveal a significant trend toward the adoption of AI and machine learning technologies. Participants noted their effectiveness in personalizing customer interactions and improving data-driven decision making. Key themes include the success of AI-driven tools such as recommendation systems and predictive analytics in enhancing marketing effectiveness. The researchers highlighted some ethical concerns which included data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the need for transparency. The research study validates the importance of data literacy and AI competence among marketing professionals. It suggests that organizations prioritize skill development to adapt to the evolving marketing landscape. The research contributes to the existing body of knowledge by emphasizing the dual role of AI as a transformative force in marketing while also raising critical ethical issues. The research offers practical recommendations for businesses to effectively utilize Artificial Intelligence while ensuring they remain competitive in the global marketing landscape.

Gond painting, and their women artiest: journey from tradition to modernity

ABSTRACT The central region of India, home to several tribal groups, is rich in cultural heritage, with the Gond tribe being one of the largest and most renowned for its artistic traditions. Gond painting, in particular, has evolved from wall art to canvas, gaining global recognition. This study examines the transformation of Gond painting, focusing on female Gond artists from Patangarh Mal village in Madhya Pradesh. Through 87 in-depth interviews, 3 case studies, and long-term observations, this research explores the evolution of Gond art, the challenges women face in adapting to technology, navigating markets, and interacting with media, and their current socio-economic status. The findings reveal that while the content of Gond painting has shifted to address contemporary issues, women artists struggle with patriarchal norms, low literacy, and limited mobility. These challenges hinder their professional growth and market engagement, resulting in noticeable disparities compared to male artists.

The American Society for Clinical Pathology's 2023 wage survey of medical laboratories in the United States.

To inform the pathology and laboratory field of the most recent national wage data. Historically, the results of this biennial survey have served as a basis for additional research on laboratory professional recruitment, retention, education, marketing, certification, and advocacy. The 2023 Wage Survey was conducted in collaboration between the American Society for Clinical Pathology's (ASCP's) Institute of Science, Technology, and Policy in Washington, DC, and ASCP Board of Certification in Chicago, Illinois. Compared to 2021, results show that more occupations at the staff level had an increased average hourly wage (pathologists' assistant, molecular biology technologist, phlebotomist, cytogenetic technologist, and medical laboratory technician [MLT]), after adjusting for inflation. Wages by time in current occupational title are significantly higher in 2023 than in 2021. Histotechnicians, histotechnologists, and MLTs show consistent increases in pay rates for a longer length of time in the laboratory. Over half (52.4%) of the respondents feel the pandemic continues to influence their salary and/or well-being. Survey results call for continued efforts in promoting visibility of the profession and greater representation through advocacy. While burnout rates are lower compared to 2021, staffing challenges remain a relevant concern. Efforts to support the workforce have multiplied since the pandemic and have been the forefront focus of the laboratory community. However, continued support and advocacy are needed to increase the promotion and value of laboratory careers for laboratory professionals and patients alike.

Implementation of a Practical Environmental Sustainable Design Project in Interior Architectural Education: A Case Study at the University of Jordan

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to discuss the implementing of a practical project as a new learning methodology to help students develop expertise in the functional, aesthetic, and creative aspects of environmental design. Methods: The research is qualitative in design and based on a case-study approach, in which sixty-three environmental practical projects were explored. The examined design projects were conducted by interior design students at the department of visual arts of the University of Jordan as part of an environmental design course during three semesters in 2022. Results: Nine themes emerged from the study, which were interpreted based on the selecting and processing of materials (either recycled or adapted from the local environment). These materials comprised recycled plastic, recycled paper, recycled metal, recycled wood, recycled glass, recycled threads, resin, ceramic, and plants. The study also found that working with and processing local or recycled materials in practical projects within the study curriculum helped students acquire skills and gain confidence in relation to environmental practice, and increased their awareness of the different usages of materials and their advantages from both a functional and aesthetic perspective. Conclusions: The significance of the study lies in its adoption of a practical approach as a new active learning methodology within art and design educational programmes to meet the current educational standards stipulated by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in Jordan. Real-world projects foster students’ development of critical creativity to achieve the ultimate principles of environmental design and prepare them to deal with real challenges within the professional job market.

Breaking the Spiral of Silence: Enhancing Marketing Education with DEI Certification for Greater Classroom and Societal Impact

ABSTRACT This study examines the impact of incorporating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) certification programs into higher education marketing curricula on students’ acceptance, competency in DEI topics, and perceived employment success. Against a societal backdrop marked by divisiveness and silencing of minority voices, known as the Spiral of Silence, this research aims to determine whether DEI certifications in marketing curricula can influence students’ perceptions and attitudes toward DEI discussions in the classroom, as facilitated by their instructors. It assesses the role of instructors’ perceived credibility in DEI discussions and how DEI certification affects students’ willingness to engage in DEI discourse both within the classroom and in broader community contexts, including social media. The findings indicate a significant increase in students’ willingness to participate in DEI classroom discussions, suggesting that certifications can enhance classroom dynamics and acceptance of DEI messages. Further, it empowers them to engage in meaningful DEI discussions on social media post-certification. This research underscores the potential of integrating DEI certifications into marketing curricula to improve student engagement with DEI issues, contributing to a more inclusive and equitable societal discourse while creating responsible marketing professionals and engaged citizens.

Professional Training, Personality, and Financial Rewards Shaping Students' Career Interest as Public Accountants

The general background of this study is rooted in the importance of identifying factors that drive accounting students' interest in becoming public accountants. The specific background focuses on professional training, personality traits, financial rewards, and job market considerations as potential influencers of career interest. While prior studies have explored career selection, there remains a knowledge gap in understanding how these factors interrelate in the context of public accounting careers. This study aims to examine the effects of professional training, personality, financial rewards, and job market considerations on accounting students' career interest. Using a quantitative approach, data was collected from 100 fifth-semester accounting students at Muhammadiyah University of Sidoarjo through purposive sampling. The results show that professional training, financial rewards, and job market considerations each have a positive and significant effect on students' interest in a public accounting career. The novelty of this study lies in its integrated analysis of these variables, providing insights for educators and policymakers. The implications suggest the need for academic programs to enhance professional training, clarify financial incentives, and provide information on job market trends to support students’ career decisions. Highlights: Professional training significantly influences students' interest in public accounting careers. Financial rewards play a key role in motivating students to pursue public accounting. Job market considerations positively affect students' career choices in accounting. Keywords: Student Interest, Public Accountant, Professional Training, Personality, Financial Rewards

A Review Towards a Conceptual Model on Transactional Oriented Selling In High Involvement Purchases: Gem And Jewellery Industry in Sri Lanka

The aim of this review paper is to analyze the repercussion of transactional oriented selling in high involvement purchase situation pertaining to Sri Lanka gem and jewelry industry (SLGJ hereafter). A conceptual framework concerning the characteristics of transactional selling and the effect of these characteristics on high involvement purchase in relation to current stance of selling were developed. The characteristics of professional selling needed in a revamped stance of selling were constructed. The current stance of selling is based on right set of circumstance theory of selling (situation-response theory), which incorporates the scrutinization of typology of communication, mode of handling objections and motivational factors relating to sales people’s behavior. The relationship between the current stance of selling and sales people’s behavior entails communication foci: rational influence, emotional influence, coercive influence and relational influence tactics, handling objections: creating strife, offsetting the objection, clarifying the objection, using miscellaneous objections and motivational factors: intrinsic motivation and extrinsic motivation. The theoretical foundation of the revamped stance is the buying formula theory, which inquires the required nature of selling to raise the level of high involvement purchase situation. The revamped stance is in relation with possible approaches and of responsible industry best practices with execution of professional selling with a focus on customer orientation. The integration of characteristics of transactional selling in high involvement purchase situation in line with the situation-response theory with possible approaches and execution of industry best practices in accordance with buying formula theory leads to developing a conceptual model which underpins the current rippling of transactional oriented selling in SLGJ to practice and execute the industry best practices required to revamp and raise the selling standards of SLGJ industry. Authors adopted a systematic review of literature based on a deductive research approach in compiling this paper. A summarized version of discussion was developed towards the end together with the propositions to be considered in future research and the implications for practitioners.

Правовий статус юридичних осіб як учасників правовідносин у сфері цінних паперів

The purpose of the research is to identify the peculiarities of the legal status of legal entities as participants in legal relations in the field of securities in the context of the adaptation of Ukrainian legislation to EU legislation. The article is also aimed at showing individual trends in the recodification of the Civil Code of Ukraine. Research methodology. To the research, the legislation of Ukraine was used as an empirical basis for research, as well as scientific developments in the field of law, economics and finance. The goals of the research were achieved with the help of the used research methods (dialectical, structural-logical, formal-legal), as well as research techniques (analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction, etc.). The dialectical approach made it possible to determine the peculiarities of the legal status of the participants in relations in the field of securities under the legislation of Ukraine. The method of autopoiesis was also used to study the patterns of development of relations in the field of securities. This made it possible to reflect the mutual influence of economic and legal components, as well as to demonstrate the importance of each of them. The structural-functional method ensured the identification of criteria for the classification of legal entities participating in legal relations in the field of securities. The scientific novelty is that this article is one of the first comprehensive studies of the peculiarities of the legal status of legal entities as participants in the securities market. Conclusions. In the legislation of Ukraine in the field of securities, the requirements regarding the organizational and legal forms of professional capital market participants, whose legal status is determined by the Law of Ukraine "On Capital Markets and Organized Commodity Markets", are unified. This indicates a gradual rejection of the use of such organizational and legal forms of legal entities as full and limited partnerships. The need to maintain a register of systemically important professional capital market participants is justified

О недобросовестных коммерческих практиках профессиональных участников финансового рынка

The article analyses the reasons for the formation and application of unfair commercial practices of professional financial market participants, issues of protection against unfair practices. The author’s concept and signs of unfair commercial practices are proposed. The types of unfair commercial practices of professional participants in the financial market are investigated and their division into practices is proposed, — i.e. the practices aimed at 1) clients who are professional participants in the financial market, or who are able to understand complex financial issues, and 2) clients who purchase financial services for personal use, which requires to provide them with a better protection.

Aligning Education with Market Demands: A Case Study of Marketing Graduates from Daffodil International University

This study conducted a comprehensive tracer analysis of 197 graduates from Daffodil International University’s Marketing bachelor program between 2019 and 2022. The main objective was to evaluate the program's alignment with labor market requirements and its effectiveness in equipping students with the necessary skills to navigate the complexities of the global market. A cross-sectional descriptive design was employed, utilizing a survey questionnaire as the primary data collection instrument. The target population consisted of graduates of the marketing program, selected through purposive sampling to ensure the inclusion of individuals with relevant experience. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics to identify trends and percentages. Key findings revealed a significant gender disparity, with more male graduates than female, and high unemployment rates, which highlighted ongoing employment difficulties. While 75.5% of graduates affirmed the curriculum’s relevance to their professional roles, a gap was noted between the theoretical knowledge imparted and its practical application. The study suggests integrating comprehensive career preparation and extensive networking opportunities into the curriculum to mitigate employment barriers. Additionally, enhancing the curriculum to support entrepreneurial ventures is recommended. The findings emphasize the importance of ongoing curriculum revisions and the development of dynamic career support services to improve graduate employability and adapt to the evolving demands of the marketing profession. This research provides valuable insights for policymakers, curriculum developers, and educational researchers to enhance the relevance of higher education to the workforce, facilitating successful transitions into the labor market.

OPTIMIZATION AND FORECASTING OF A SECURITIES PORTFOLIO BASED ON MACHINE LEARNING METHODS

The article is devoted to the demonstration and analysis of the possibilities of connecting the Markowitz model, which is a classical model for forming a portfolio of securities, and forecasting methods based on machine learning data. The relevance of the chosen topic is justified by the fact that the use of machine learning methods makes it possible to simplify the activities of financial sector workers and the work of professional stock market players, as well as reduce the complexity of interpreting mathematical models and methods of their construction for private investors. The purpose of this work is to use machine learning methods to solve the problem of building an optimal securities portfolio and predicting its behavior. Tasks: - build a Markowitz model based on the selected data; - to build an optimal portfolio based on the proposed optimality criterion; - offer a time series forecast; - to assess the adequacy of the constructed model; - combine the Markowitz model, which belongs to the class of widely known classical models, with the construction of a prediction based on machine learning. Methods and models: machine learning methods are used in the work, the Markowitz model is built based on the selected data, then the Markowitz model is combined with the construction of a forecast based on machine learning. Research results: the optimal portfolio for AXP has been built and its forecast has been fulfilled. The formation of the portfolio was based on the Markowitz model. The data obtained were tested for adequacy and showed fairly good results. A portfolio was built, the optimality criterion of which is the ratio of average profitability and volatility of profitability (maximizing average profitability while minimizing its volatility). The Markowitz model, which belongs to the class of widely known classical models, was combined with the construction of a prediction based on machine learning.

The Applicability of Artificial Intelligence Marketing for Creating Data-driven Marketing Strategies

The purpose of this paper is to explore the applicability of AI marketing for creating data-driven marketing strategies. Notably, the paper illustrates the existing circumstances of artificial intelligence in marketing practice. Besides, this paper argues for awareness of AI for customer satisfaction, employing AI to improve positioning, applying AI for accurate decision-making, and utilizing AI for sales, cost, and risk reductions. Lastly, this paper compares the applicability of AI marketing within two major regions from four regions identified in the study. A two-step approach was used to address the research question. First, a systematic literature review was conducted to identify the knowledge gap. Second, primary research through a survey study was conducted. Respondents of the primary study were represented by 367 marketing practitioners with 22 different marketing professions, representing 11 countries from 18 different industries, mainly from the Baltic and Caucasus regions. Based on findings and analysis, conclusions, limitations, and concepts for the future study were highlighted. The findings synthesized AI drivers, barriers, and outcomes in marketing. Further, outcomes confirmed a positive relationship with unitizing AI marketing in long-term strategic marketing planning. The paper offers practical guidance to the companies or inspires marketing leaders to use AI in data-driven marketing strategies. It has a significant value due to the complexity of the current marketing environment, whether micro or macro. Marketing Practitioners are searching for added value to prove the applicability of AI marketing in everyday strategies for decision-makers.

Assessing the Impact of Digital Economy Programs on Alleviating Skill Shortages in the EU Labor Market for Digital Professionals

Assessing the Impact of Digital Economy Programs on Alleviating Skill Shortages in the EU Labor Market for Digital Professionals

Modulating variables impacting the intersection of health and environmental concerns in organic food purchasing decisions

PurposeThe increasing focus of consumers on health and environmental sustainability continues to drive the demand for organic food. Despite the recognized importance of health and environmental concerns, the differential impact of these factors on organic food purchasing decisions is evident, indicating the presence of moderating variables. This investigation attempts to delineate these contingencies within the realms of socio-environmental and individual factors, paying particular attention to subjective norms, uncertainty, and egoistic values.Design/methodology/approachUsing the convenience sampling method, the primary data sample was collected by a professional market research consulting firm and included 1876 usable respondents from China. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was utilized to verify the model and test the relationships between the constructs.FindingsThe results indicated that the path from environmental concern to organic food purchase intention was significantly influenced by subjective norms and uncertainty, both of which enhance this relationship. In contrast, egoistic values appeared to dampen this effect. Uncertainty also emerged as a key factor in the link between health concerns and organic food purchase intention, albeit with an opposite impact, weakening the relationship.Practical implicationsThis study provides useful insights for academics and marketers to understand the complex phenomenon of organic consumer behavior. This result indicates that marketers can target reference groups to develop organic food marketing strategies.Originality/valueFew studies have proposed and validated a model with these moderating factors collectively to study the purchase intention of organic food consumers in China.

An Overview of the Digital Competencies of Teachers in the Hungarian Secondary Agricultural Vocational Training System

AbstractIn contemporary times, possessing digital competence encompasses not only access to information and communication technologies (ICT) and their utilization, but also the acquisition of suitable knowledge and skills related to them. When it comes to the digital competencies of educators, studies in this field regularly report on the available professional development opportunities, but less attention is given to the educators’ personal attitudes. In our viewpoint, the success of the digital competence development process greatly hinges on realistic and effective teacher self-reflection. Within this framework, digital competence could become an essential component of teacher self-evaluation and emerge as a genuine demand within the predominantly supply-driven professional development market. Based on this observation, we determined to approach 400 instructors teaching at agricultural vocational schools and encourage them to thoughtfully contemplate their own skills and attitudes through our questionnaire. The objective of this exploratory research was to examine the current state of digital competence and future development possibilities among educators, specifically within the context of agricultural education. Moreover, it aimed to identify the actual needs of teachers. The research findings indicate that teachers engaged in Hungarian agricultural vocational education expressed a more positive view of their digital competence than anticipated. Concurrently, infrastructure gaps and developmental directions came to light. Among the novel findings of our research is the fact that real self-reflection is an essential attribute of the teaching career and plays an important role in the development of competences. In this context, a key finding of the research is that respondents strongly expressed their need for subject-specific and didactically-based, thematic and free workshops/courses to learn about the functioning of new ICT tools and platforms and their classroom applications.

“OSINT-technologies” as an Educational Component of the Speciality “Information, Library and Archival Management”: Pedagogical Objectives

The aim of the article is to highlight the pedagogical objectives study of the educational component “OSINT-technologies” by the Master’s degree students of speciality “Information, Library and Archives Manahement” in the formation of its competence basis and perspectives of personal and professional self-determination of education seekers. Research methods. The following methods were used: survey was applied to identify the achievement of pedagogical goals in forming professional self-determination, self-actualisation and individual development by the students of the educational component “OSINT-technologies”, as well as comparing the competencies of students of the Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. Scientific novelty. The specificity of the pedagogical objectives study of the educational component “OSINT-technology” was revealed; being relevant and in demand on the professional activity market, in modern conditions it can become a factor in activating psychological mechanisms of professional self-determination of the Master’s degree applicants. Main conclusions. “OSINT-technologies” (intelligence based on open sources) is a tool of information and analytical support of decision-making in many areas of social practice. Information and analytical competencies grounding among the students in speciality “Information, Library and Archives Management” in OSINT activities as a field of information analytics can become a factor in meeting the labor market demand for professionals in this field. The results of the survey of the 2nd-year Master’s degree students in the “Information, Library and Archives Managament” speciality proved the necessary value of knowledge, skills and competences acquired due to the educational component “OSINT-technologies”, revealed the impact on further professional self-determination of the applicants and their desire to use the needed knowledge in their current professional activity. In the context of dynamic development of the labour market and actualisation of new activity areas, the concept of pedagogical goal-setting in the training of modern specialists involves the implementation of not only normative parameters of education (planned competencies, studying outcomes, abilities and skills), but also outlines vectors of the students’ self-determination and self-actualisation in the formation of their ways for further career future development.

The impact of Perceived Value Determinants on Brand Loyalty: The moderating role Customer Trust

This study aims to determine the impact of Product quality, customer engagement, Perceived Experience, and Perceived risk on Perceived value, with Customer trust as a moderating variable. In today’s increasingly competitive business environment, identifying the sources of perceived value is an essential step for any brand that aims to improve customer satisfaction and reinforce customer loyalty. For this study, an attempt to analyze data quantitatively is made, and a survey methodology is used to collect data from a sample of 282 respondents who are consumers in various fields of industry. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the relevant data. In the data analysis process, Structural Equation Modeling was utilized to assess the direct impacts of the studied variables. The interaction terms were used to determine the effect of Customer Trust on the aforementioned impacts. The data show that product quality, customer engagement, and perceived experience have a strong positive impact on perceived value, which is also significant, while perceived risk results in a significant negative impact on perceived value. At the same time, Customer trust has a positive impact on value while strengthening the positive impacts of product quality, engagement, and experience. Additionally, Customer trust suppresses the negative impact of perceived risk. The results of the study imply that establishing trust is one of the most effective ways of improving the perceived value of a product or service. This conclusion also provides marketing professionals, who are responsible for providing quality, interpersonal emotions, and experience while managing the levels of perceived risk with practical guidelines for value enhancement. The theoretical implications are rooted in certain requirements concerning the further elaboration of the concept of value. The general management implications are connected with the possible development of customer relations as a strategic path leading to enhanced brand loyalty.

Using Social Media as a Marketing Communication Strategy: Perspectives from Health-Related Non-Profit Organizations

ABSTRACT The continued growth of nonprofit organizations (NPOs) has caused major competition to create awareness of their funding needs and services. Consequently, NPOs have begun to increase the use of social media as a marketing communication strategy. Therefore, the main aim of the study is to examine the drivers and barriers associated with using social media marketing communication tools among health-related NPOs in South Africa. The study employed a qualitative method and conducted semi-structured interviews with 13 marketing professionals from selected NPOs. The results propose that the allure of cost-effectiveness and fundraising potential, as well as fostering donor relationships and deeper community connections, serve as drivers for social media usage in marketing communication activities. Conversely, limited knowledge, budget constraints, time restrictions, and prevailing circumstances are noteworthy barriers. The study makes an important contribution to the drivers and barriers associated with using social media among health-related NPOs in a developing-nation context.