En la actualidad, los negocios en los aplicativos móviles son unos de los servicios más usados para la vida cotidiana, ya que las nuevas generaciones han cambiado su estilo de compra, el cual es a través de despóticos móviles como smartphones o Tablets. Esto se debe a que se quiere ahorrar más tiempo para la realización de más actividades en el día. La idea de negocio que se está presentando trata de un aplicativo de reservas de mesas, el cual sirve de intermediario entre restaurantes y comensales. El aplicativo lleva el nombre de ROT365, y tiene funciones innovadoras que empieza con la reserva, luego puede pasar a la elección del pedido y por último puede hacer el pago a través de sus dispositivos móviles. Mientras que a los restaurantes se les está bridando un sistema integrado, en el cual se pueda observar hábitos de sus consumidores. Esta idea de negocia busca brindar facilidades para el procesos de reserva, aumentar la calidad del servicio y ahorrar el tiempo de ambas partes. Para ello, se ha desarrollado evaluaciones comerciales, operacionales y financieras para determinar la viabilidad de implementar el proyecto en el mercado. A continuación, se presenta el proyecto de negocios ROT365, un aplicativo intermediario entre restaurantes y comensales para la reserva de una mesa, elección de platos y pago online. / Currently, business and mobile services are more used services for everyday life, new generations have changed their style of purchase, which is through mobile phones such as smartphones or tablets. This is due to what you want to save more time for carrying out more activities on the day. The idea of a business that is being presented is a table reservation application, which serves as an intermediary between restaurants and diners. The application is called ROT365, and has innovative functions that begin with the reservation, then you can move to the choice of the order and finally you can make the payment through their mobile devices. While the restaurants are using an integrated system, which can observe the habits of its users. This idea of negotiation seeks to provide facilities for booking processes, increase the quality of service and save time for both parties. For this, it has developed commercial, operational and financial evaluations to determine the viability of implementing the project in the market. Next, we present the business project ROT365, an application intermediary between restaurants and diners for the reservation of a table, choice of dishes and online payments. / Trabajo de investigación

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Civil Engineering, 1981. / MICROFICHE COPY AVAILABLE IN ARCHIVES AND ENGINEERING. / Bibliography: leaves 342-356. / by Ilan Salomon. / Ph.D.

<p>This dissertation focuses on exploring U.S. food retailers’ strategic interactions and the impacts on consumers. Specifically, I examine food retailers’ strategies on segmenting consumers, conducting price discrimination, and designing their product portfolio in the context of the U.S. yogurt market. The first essay examines the segmentation strategies employed by food retailers, with a focus on the use of advanced machine learning techniques (i.e., K-means clustering) to group consumers based on various characteristics, including demographics and purchase history. The second essay applies the data-driven market segmentation obtained in the first essay to a second-degree price discrimination model. The third essay relaxes the implicit assumption made in the first two essays that consumers’ choice set is fixed, and studies a non-price strategy, namely, adjusting assortment, that is adopted by food retailers in response to regulations. By analyzing the retailers’ strategies on market segmentation and responses to regulations, this dissertation aims to shed light on the strategic interactions of food retailers and consumers, and the competitive landscape of food market in general.<br> </p> <p>Understanding the strategies employed by food retailers is of utmost importance in agricultural and food economics as it directly influences consumers and their purchasing decisions. The food retail industry in the U.S. is highly competitive, with retailers continuously devising tactics to attract and retain customers. Dimensions of competition such as pricing strategies, product assortment, promotional activities, and customer service can significantly impact consumers’ choices and behaviors. Investigating the strategies employed by food retailers not only provides insights into their business operations but also sheds light on how these strategies affect consumers.<br> </p> <p>The first essay explores the application of machine learning methods in consumer segmentation under different information environments. Machine learning methods become popular in economic and marketing research, partly because of their flexibility in application. Although recent studies apply these advanced methods to various topics including water, housing, health, and food markets, much is less known about using machine learning methods to facilitate firms’ market segmentation decisions. Using Nielsen Consumer Panel data, I show that K-means clustering, one of the unsupervised learning methods, can be applied to conduct market segmentation. From the retailers’ perspective, incorporating more consumer information (i.e., purchase history) leads to the change in segments consumers belong to.<br> </p> <p>The second essay assesses the effectiveness of data-driven market segmentation in enhancing price discrimination models. Price discrimination models are commonly adopted by firms to optimize revenue and profitability by customizing prices to different customer segments. Existing studies often rely on exogenous assumptions for consumer segmentation, which may or may not be applicable in practice. This study advances the existing literature by replacing the consumer segment assumption with data-driven market segmentation obtained through K-means clustering. The results are then applied to the second-degree price discrimination model to analyze how sensitive the firms optimal profits are under different consumer information environments. The findings reveal that adding consumer information to consumer segment leads to a more inelastic demand for the consumer segments and an increase in firm’s profits.<br> </p> <p>The third essay focuses on the non-price strategies retailers adopt to respond to the Unit Pricing Regulation (UPR). UPR requires retailers to display unit prices in addition to product prices and helps consumers make more informed decisions. Despite extensive research on consumers perceptions of unit prices, little is known about retailers price and non-price responses under intensified price competition brought by UPR. Relying on the geographic variation in UPR implementation across U.S. states, we use product-store-level scanner data on the U.S. yogurt market and identify UPR effects on store product offerings and pricing. We find that mass merchandisers reduce product offerings under UPR. Grocery stores that belong to a retail chain entirely under UPR add brands, while other grocery stores make no significant assortment responses. UPR price effects are limited for mass merchandisers as well as grocery stores. Using a structural demand model, we find that the average consumer surplus falls under UPR, highlighting an unintended policy effect.</p>

Marknaden för delade arbetsplatser har fått se en snabb tillväxt under senare år. Delvis kan detta förklaras med den ansenliga tillväxten av informationsteknologier. Dessa har till viss del förändrat hur vi lever, men fundamentalt förändrat hur och var vi önskar arbeta. För kontorsmarknaden har detta kommit att ge upphov till en efterfrågan på ökad flexibilitet.Syftet var att undersöka vilka aktörer som erbjuder delade arbetsytor inom kontors-hotell, var de valt att lokalisera sina kontorshotell och vilka kunder de har. Sekundärt har arbetet undersökt marknadssegmenteringen av verksamheter på olika kontorshotell, samt korrelationen mellan verksamhetsområde och digital representation. Dessutom har diskussion förts kring vilka typer av företag som skulle gynnas av lokalisering i kontorsho-tell framför traditionellt kontor. Eftersökning visade att det finns flertalet aktörer inom kontorshotell i Stockholm. Bland annat är dessa aktörerna A-E som studerades närma-re. Dessa har lokaliserat majoriteten av sina kontorshotell centralt och har en mängd olika hyresgäster. Undersökningen av marknadssegmentering och digital representation gjordes genom analys av dataset med information kring 500 av dessa hyresgäster.Resultatet visade på en marknadssegmentering där liknande verksamheter bildat kluster inom vissa kontorshotell e.g. inom finans, kommunikation media, etc. Detta kan förklaras av att respektive kontorshotell tilltalar olika kundsegment, men också av att liknande verksamheter bildar kluster genom agglomerationsfördelar. Den digital representationen visar tydligt på att vissa verksamheter är överrepresenterade. Främst gäller detta ak-törer som framhåller en tydlig profil, exempelvis inom digital innovation eller kreativt skapande. Digital representation tenderar också att vara viktigare för verksamheter med en större kundkrets. Mindre verksamheter som arbetar i enskilda kunders intresse har en lägre representation, vilket kan förklaras med att dessa drar nytta av social infrastruktur och agglomerationsfördelar som uppkommer i och med klusterbildning. Av dessa resultat framgår det att företag som är i behov av att nätverka med andra företag inom samma verksamhetsområde kan gynnas av lokalisering i kontorshotell. / The market for shared workplaces has seen a rapid growth in recent years. This can partly be explained due to the considerable growth of information technologies. These have in some ways changed how we live, but fundamentally changed how and where we wish to work. For the oÿce market this has resulted in a demand for increased flexibility.The purpose was to investigate which operators o˙er shared oÿce spaces through oÿce hotels, where they have chosen to locate their oÿce hotels and what tenants they have. Secondly, this project has investigated the market segmentation at various oÿce hotels, as well as the correlation between business area and digital representation. In addition, discussions have been held around what types of companies that would benefit from localization in oÿce hotels in favor of traditional oÿces. Research has shown that there are many operators within the market for oÿce hotels in Stockholm. Five of which were chosen to be studied in more detail. These operators have located the vast majority of their oÿce hotels within Stockholm CBD and have a great variety of tenants. The research of market segmentation and digital representation was done by analyzing a dataset with information from about 500 of these tenants.Results showed a market segmentation in which similar businesses formed clusters in some of the oÿce hotels e.g clusters in finance, public relations, media, etc. This can be explained by the fact that each oÿce hotel addresses di˙erent market segments, but also because similar businesses form clusters thru agglomerative benefits. In the case of digital representation, the result clearly shows that certain businesses are overrepresented. This is primarily the case with those who emphasize a clear profile, such as companies in digital innovation, media or communication. Digital representation also tends to be more important for activities with a larger clientele and thus take a more prominent role in clusters. Smaller activities that work in the interests of individual clients have a lower representation, which can be explained by the benefits of social infrastructure and agglomeration. These results show that companies in need of networking with other companies in the same area of business can benefit from localization in oÿce hotels.

Women’s food purchasing and eating habits have been studied in detail, but are still not entirely understood. Prior research has sought to segment the female food shopper market, but typically use only demographic characteristics. In this study, fifty females were recruited in San Luis Obispo, CA from March 2012 to May 2012 to keep an electronic food-time diary for one week. By collecting information through surveys distributed using a smartphone application, SurveySwipe, the study investigated the amount of time expended for each meal, as well as the manner in which the meal was prepared or purchased, and the context surrounding the eating situation, for a period of seven days. A segmentation of these female food consumers was then formed in order to demonstrate that by using attitudinal and behavioral data, a unique segmentation scheme may be achieved, different than would have resulted using only demographic information. For the data analysis, four principal components analyses were conducted followed by subsequent cluster analyses, followed by ANOVA and Chi-Square tests. Study participants were segmented in four distinct sets of clusters, or consumer groups. Of the four sets of clusters formed, one was created using solely demographic variables, whereas the other three used “food time” variables comprised of behavioral and attitudinal information. It may be inferred from the results that the behavior of the participants within each cluster was similar regarding a particular variable being tested, while it differed from the behavior of participants in other clusters (regarding the same variable being tested). Specifically, an abundance of key, significant differences were found with the “food time” variables. The study supports the use of variables related to “food time” allocation and the context of the eating situation as they relate to the purchase, preparation, and consumption of food, instead of only demographic attributes. The results will be useful for food marketers and product developers seeking to understand how food fits into the lives of female consumers with diverse roles and behaviors, in addition to being valuable for segmenting a select market or targeting a particular customer type.

The drastic growth in the tourism industry is continuously raising questions for destinations regarding competitiveness in today's global market share. For small island destinations, destination management in the terms of marketing is a crucial factor that defines the competitiveness and success of smaller islands in order to remain competitive and economically benefit in the fast growing tourism industry. The purpose of this study was to uncover specific marketing strategies that needed to be incorporated within small island tourism destinations. To fill in the knowledge gap within the marketing of small island tourism, a case study was conducted by examining the challenges and opportunities in two small islands, Öland and Gotland, located in Sweden. The findings of the case study revealed the significance of cultural tourism and its role in the marketing of the destinations. The cultural attributes include the importance of heritage and nature; by providing unique travel attributes that step out of the typical 3S (sea, sun, sand). The findings were looked upon from local residents, businesses, and local tourism organizations which both concluded that cultural attributes are important factors to consider to solve the seasonality challenges with a clear market segmentation in order to continually remain competitive.

The growth of the mutual fund industry and the accompanying competition among intermediaries should lead to progressively lower costs to shareholders, based on economic theory. This dissertation is comprised of three studies which examine shareholder costs among mutual funds to test this theory. In each study the expense ratios of mutual funds are examined, while one study also includes an examination of commission structures. In Essay 1, the effect of participation in a supermarket No Transaction Fee program on a fund’s expense ratio is examined. In addition, the change in characteristics of these participants during a difficult market period is studied. Essay 1 finds that NTF participation leads to higher initial expense ratios but that continued participation depends on the program’s ability to pay for itself. In Essay 2, market segmentation within the fund industry is examined for this same time period. Essay 2 finds increased market segmentation over a five year period and finds evidence of competitive pricing only among certain segments. Retail investors who invest in no-load funds appear to benefit from competitive pricing more than those who pay commissions. There is evidence of cost shifting during this time period, as funds lower expense ratios but increase commissions. In Essay 3, expense ratios of common funds within state-sponsored defined contribution plans are examined. Essay 3 finds evidence of market segmentation among the various states. Plan size may have some effect on the setting of expense ratios, but the effect does not appear to be economically significant. Number of participants has no significant effect on the expense ratio. State population displays some significance, such that funds actually charge more for larger states. Wealth of the state, on the other hand, may result in lower expense ratios. Overall, competitive pricing within the mutual fund industry is limited to certain market segments and may be dependent on the channel of distribution.

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The phenomenon of overtourism, characterized by its multifaceted impacts on destinations, has emerged as a major concern in the tourism industry. This dissertation aims to explore the dynamics of overtourism, emphasizing the dual impacts of main-source tourism markets on destinations in terms of their economic, social, and environmental consequences. Unlike existing literature, which focuses primarily on the negative aspects of overtourism, the present study illustrates the nuanced interaction between tourism markets by highlighting both their potential benefits and disadvantages. This study offers an in-depth analysis of cost and benefit factors based on a priori and a posteriori segmentation methodologies, combined with time-series analysis and limited information maximum likelihood (LIML) methods. Based on three case studies—Hong Kong, Malta, and Barbados—from 1980 to 2021, this study demonstrates the heterogeneous nature of the impacts across destinations and the complexities of market aggregation and interaction. The study identifies gaps in the conventional narrative of overtourism and introduces an interdisciplinary approach to the investigation. Based on the symbiotic framework, coupled with the Portfolio Theory, market aggregations and interactions can be classified into mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism. Additionally, the ‘limits of acceptable change' (LAC) and the ‘level of analysis problem' (LAP) frameworks have been utilized to further examine dominant and non-dominant markets' aggregation effects and interaction dynamics, resulting in a more comprehensive understanding of overtourism's complexity. Key findings suggest tailoring strategies to address overtourism, emphasizing the balance between minimizing costs and optimizing benefits. Based on the findings of this study, policymakers and stakeholders must develop strategies that respond to the challenges associated with overtourism by integrating empirical measures with theoretical frameworks.