Cui, Xizhen. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2008. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 35-46). / Abstracts in English and Chinese; some questionnaires in English and Chinese. / ABSTRACT (ENGLISH) --- p.i / ABSTRACT (CHINESE) --- p.ii / TABLE OF CONTENTS --- p.iii / LIST OF TABLES --- p.iv / Chapter CHAPTER ONE --- INTRODUCTION --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- Background --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2 --- Research Overview --- p.5 / Chapter CHAPTER TWO --- THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK --- p.6 / Chapter 2.1 --- Attitude Polarization and Dissatisfaction Aggravation --- p.6 / Chapter 2.1.1 --- Attitude Polarization --- p.6 / Chapter 2.1.2 --- Explanations of Attitude Polarization --- p.7 / Chapter 2.1.3 --- Attitude Polarization and Consumer Dissatisfaction --- p.8 / Chapter 2.2 --- Downward Comparison and Dissatisfaction Alleviation --- p.10 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Downward Comparison --- p.10 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Downward Comparison and Dissatisfaction Alleviation --- p.12 / Chapter 2.3 --- The Content of Negative WOM and Research Hypotheses --- p.15 / Chapter 2.3.1 --- The Evaluative Focus of Attitude Polarization Research --- p.13 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- The Experiential Focus of Downward Comparison Research --- p.13 / Chapter 2.3.3 --- Hypotheses --- p.14 / Chapter CHAPTER THREE --- EXPERIMENTS --- p.16 / Chapter 3.1 --- Experiment 1 --- p.16 / Chapter 3.1.1 --- Participants and Design --- p.16 / Chapter 3.1.2 --- Procedure --- p.17 / Chapter 3.1.3 --- Manipulations --- p.18 / Chapter 3.1.4 --- Dependent Variable --- p.19 / Chapter 3.1.5 --- Results --- p.19 / Chapter 3.1.6 --- Post Hoc Analysis --- p.21 / Chapter 3.1.7 --- Discussion --- p.22 / Chapter 3.2 --- Experiment 2 --- p.23 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- Overview --- p.23 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- Participants and Design --- p.24 / Chapter 3.2.3 --- Procedure --- p.25 / Chapter 3.2.4 --- Results --- p.25 / Chapter 3.2.5 --- Discussion --- p.29 / Chapter CHAPTER FOUR --- GENERAL DISCUSSION --- p.30 / Chapter 4.1 --- Theoretical Contribution --- p.30 / Chapter 4.2 --- Managerial Implications --- p.32 / Chapter 4.3 --- Limitations and Future Research --- p.33 / REFERENCES --- p.35 / APPENDIX / Chapter I --- Questionnaire for Experiment 1 --- p.47 / Chapter II --- Questionnaire for Experiment 2 --- p.52 / Chapter III --- Samples of Thoughts for Experiment 2 --- p.59 / LIST OF TABLES / CHAPTER THREE / EXPERIMENT 1 / Table 1: Study 1 AD Means Across Two Groups --- p.20 / Table 2: Study 1 AD Gender Difference in Alleviation Condition --- p.21 / EXPERIMENT 2 / Table 3: Study 2 Hypothesized Predictions Across Four Groups --- p.24 / Table 4: Study 2 AD Means Across Two Groups --- p.26 / Table 5: Study 2 AD Means Across Four Groups --- p.27

Studiens syfte är att undersöka om uppmätt sentiment på Twitter kan vara en förutsägande faktor för priset på Bitcoin. En kvantitativ undersökning genomförs med regressionsmodeller där data inhämtas från Twitter i realtid. Resultatet indikerar ett svagt samband där bäst resultat erhölls med en tidsfördröjning av sentiment på 16 timmar, vilket tyder på att det kan finnas möjligheter att använda Twitter för att förutspå förändringar av priset på Bitcoin. Variationen av resultat för olika tidsperioder gör dock att det är svårt att dra generella slutsatser av studien.

Embora o construto intenção de recompra venha sendo estudado por diversos pesquisadores, existem alguns desafios sobre o conhecimento das relações entre os seus construtos determinantes ou antecedentes. Assim, para o desenvolvimento desta pesquisa, foi analisada a influência do valor percebido, do comprometimento afetivo, do comprometimento normativo e da propaganda boca a boca positiva sobre a intenção de recompra de smartphones de uma determinada marca (marca líder do mercado mundial). Para tanto, foi realizado o levantamento teórico que aborda a intenção de recompra, bem como a compreensão e análise dos construtos contemplados na pesquisa. Posteriormente, foi realizada uma pesquisa quantitativa, por meio da implementação de uma survey. A análise dos resultados foi feita através de estatísticas multivariadas, utilizando-se a técnica da Modelagem de Equações Estruturais para se observar e analisar os elementos que compõem o objeto em estudo, além da realização do teste das hipóteses levantadas. A amostra foi composta por 283 consumidores de telefones celulares smartphones. Os resultados evidenciaram que o valor percebido pelos consumidores influencia positivamente o comprometimento afetivo e o comprometimento normativo; que o valor percebido pelos consumidores não influencia positivamente a propaganda boca a boca positiva; que o comprometimento afetivo do consumidor influencia positivamente a propaganda boca a boca positiva; que o comprometimento afetivo do consumidor influencia positivamente a intenção de recompra; que o comprometimento normativo influencia positivamente a intenção de recompra; e que a propaganda boca a boca positiva influencia positivamente a intenção de recompra de um produto desta mesma marca. Portanto, este estudo fornece uma maior compreensão das relações dos construtos determinantes ou antecedentes da intenção de recompra, incluindo em um mesmo modelo teórico diferentes construtos que antes não haviam se relacionados. / Submitted by Ana Guimarães Pereira (agpereir@ucs.br) on 2015-10-29T10:49:26Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertacao Vinicius Zanchet de Lima.pdf: 918111 bytes, checksum: 6725f13f97477624a61513e930670b96 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2015-10-29T10:49:26Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertacao Vinicius Zanchet de Lima.pdf: 918111 bytes, checksum: 6725f13f97477624a61513e930670b96 (MD5) / Although the construct repurchase intention are being studied by many researchers, there are some challenges on the knowledge of the relationships between the determinants constructs or antecedents. For the development of this research, was analyze the influence of perceived value, the affective commitment, normative commitment and positive word of mouth marketing about the intention of repurchasing smartphones of a particular brand (world market leader brand). For this, we carried out the theoretical research that approaches the repurchase intention, as well as the understanding and analysis of the constructs included in the research. After that, was implemented a quantitative search using a survey as method. The analysis of the results was made through multivariate statistics, using the technique of Structural Equation Modeling to observe and analyze the components of the object under study, in addition to testing the mentioned hypotheses. The sample consisted of 283 consumers of mobile phones smartphones. The results showed that the perceived value positively influences the affective commitment and normative commitment; that the perceived value by consumers not positively influences positive word of mouth; that the affective commitment positively influences the word of mouth positive; that the affective commitment positively influences the repurchase intention; that the normative commitment positively influences the repurchase intention; and that the word of mouth positive positively influences the repurchase intention a product of the same brand. Therefore, this study provides a greater understanding of the relationships of the determinants constructs or antecedents of intention to repurchase, including in the same theoretical model different constructs that previously had not related.

Electronic commerce is the selected field to investigate for this thesis, particularly pure player apparel brands. This has been of interest as consumers struggle when shopping online for apparel since they cannot test the product before purchasing with pure players, therefore, there is information asymmetry. Moreover, when consumers lack trust, they may be more hesitant to purchase online due to the perceived risk, therefore, companies should attempt to relieve their doubts. It has been recognized in previous research that electronic word of mouth (e-WOM) could provide guidance and develop confidence during the purchasing process. The aim of this study was to develop an understanding on how consumers perceive online reviews to assure that they will be satisfied with the order. Moreover, there were several factors identified in previous research that could influence the use of online reviews, therefore, those factors were recognized and analyzed in the context of pure players for this study. In addition, the study revealed two factors that influenced the use of online reviews. A qualitative method was utilized, to gain a deeper understanding on consumers’ opinions on the topic. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to provide the opportunity for individuals to further develop their responses. The results suggested that pure player apparel brands should include online reviews. They could improve the mechanism by considering the factors that were identified in this study.

Embora o construto intenção de recompra venha sendo estudado por diversos pesquisadores, existem alguns desafios sobre o conhecimento das relações entre os seus construtos determinantes ou antecedentes. Assim, para o desenvolvimento desta pesquisa, foi analisada a influência do valor percebido, do comprometimento afetivo, do comprometimento normativo e da propaganda boca a boca positiva sobre a intenção de recompra de smartphones de uma determinada marca (marca líder do mercado mundial). Para tanto, foi realizado o levantamento teórico que aborda a intenção de recompra, bem como a compreensão e análise dos construtos contemplados na pesquisa. Posteriormente, foi realizada uma pesquisa quantitativa, por meio da implementação de uma survey. A análise dos resultados foi feita através de estatísticas multivariadas, utilizando-se a técnica da Modelagem de Equações Estruturais para se observar e analisar os elementos que compõem o objeto em estudo, além da realização do teste das hipóteses levantadas. A amostra foi composta por 283 consumidores de telefones celulares smartphones. Os resultados evidenciaram que o valor percebido pelos consumidores influencia positivamente o comprometimento afetivo e o comprometimento normativo; que o valor percebido pelos consumidores não influencia positivamente a propaganda boca a boca positiva; que o comprometimento afetivo do consumidor influencia positivamente a propaganda boca a boca positiva; que o comprometimento afetivo do consumidor influencia positivamente a intenção de recompra; que o comprometimento normativo influencia positivamente a intenção de recompra; e que a propaganda boca a boca positiva influencia positivamente a intenção de recompra de um produto desta mesma marca. Portanto, este estudo fornece uma maior compreensão das relações dos construtos determinantes ou antecedentes da intenção de recompra, incluindo em um mesmo modelo teórico diferentes construtos que antes não haviam se relacionados. / Although the construct repurchase intention are being studied by many researchers, there are some challenges on the knowledge of the relationships between the determinants constructs or antecedents. For the development of this research, was analyze the influence of perceived value, the affective commitment, normative commitment and positive word of mouth marketing about the intention of repurchasing smartphones of a particular brand (world market leader brand). For this, we carried out the theoretical research that approaches the repurchase intention, as well as the understanding and analysis of the constructs included in the research. After that, was implemented a quantitative search using a survey as method. The analysis of the results was made through multivariate statistics, using the technique of Structural Equation Modeling to observe and analyze the components of the object under study, in addition to testing the mentioned hypotheses. The sample consisted of 283 consumers of mobile phones smartphones. The results showed that the perceived value positively influences the affective commitment and normative commitment; that the perceived value by consumers not positively influences positive word of mouth; that the affective commitment positively influences the word of mouth positive; that the affective commitment positively influences the repurchase intention; that the normative commitment positively influences the repurchase intention; and that the word of mouth positive positively influences the repurchase intention a product of the same brand. Therefore, this study provides a greater understanding of the relationships of the determinants constructs or antecedents of intention to repurchase, including in the same theoretical model different constructs that previously had not related.

Marketing serves to satisfy customer needs and wants while building strong customer relationships in an effort to gain value from customers in return. On understanding that customer satisfaction is needed for a business to survive and grow, the important role marketing plays within a business is emphasised as it contributes to overall business performance. Building relationships also emphasises the importance of communication within marketing. Traditional person-to-person word-of-mouth communication has always played a role in marketing a product or service. The evolution of technology over recent years has enabled electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM), which is frequently carried out and has proven to be another effective marketing tool. Due to the fundamental role that marketing plays within a business and the frequent use of electronic word-of-mouth as a marketing tool it is important that business owners and marketers are aware of the factors influencing the effectiveness of it. This study explores eWOM from a marketing perspective, through investigating the factors that contribute towards the effectiveness of eWOM as a marketing tool. Therefore the primary objective of the study was to investigate the factors influencing effective eWOM marketing. A quantitative research approach was followed to empirically test the hypotheses and determine whether relationships exist between the four independent variables (factors influencing eWOM) and the dependent variable (effective eWOM marketing). A self-administered, five-point Likert-scale style structured questionnaire was used to obtain the data. The sample for this study comprised of 360 consumer respondents within the Nelson Mandela Metropole. An exploratory factor analysis extracted four valid constructs namely feedback, trustworthiness, social status and networking as the factors influencing effective eWOM marketing. Cronbach’s alphas confirmed the reliability of all extracted constructs. Most correlation results indicated moderate associations between the variables. However, effective eWOM marketing proved to have a strong correlation with social status. The results of the multiple regressions for the factors influencing effective eWOM marketing identified three statistically significant relationships between feedback, social status, networking and effective eWOM marketing. MANOVAS confirmed eleven statistically significant relationships of which only three were of practical significance. Practical significant relationships exist between ethnic affiliation, current position, years working experience and social status. In addition to identifying the three specific factors influencing effective eWOM marketing, namely online feedback, the need to obtain social status and the desire to engage in online networking, this study has made several contributions, specifically to eWOM marketing. This study has recommended specific online marketing strategies to increase effective eWOM for online feedback, for individuals to obtain social status and to engage in online networking. The hypothesised model developed from the study, illustrating the three factors that influence effective eWOM marketing for South African consumers, can now be used by other researchers in other countries as a framework for further testing or for businesses/marketing organisations to obtain information on the attributes to pay attention to increase the effectiveness of their eWOM marketing. The role that demographics such as ethnic affiliation, position in the business and years working experience play in satisfying the need of individuals to obtain social status in an online setting via eWOM marketing, were also confirmed. Furthermore, this study has provided practical advice to businesses/marketing organisations on how to utilise this knowledge to their advantage when wishing to stimulate eWOM conversations about their products and services. The findings of the research will also assist businesses/marketing organisations to initiate eWOM engagement and communicate more effectively with consumers online to obtain information on how to improve on and change existing products/services or the need for new product/service offerings to retain customers, ensure continuous consumer satisfaction and increase business turnover.

Given a lack of tactics for addressing brand hate, most managers tend to ignore brand haters, and instead dedicate their resources towards consumers who like or love their brand. Similarly, relative to the volume of research on positive brand emotions, the academic literature exploring negative brand emotions is limited. Moreover, research indicates that compared to positive brand information, negative brand information is more diagnostic, and ultimately more damaging. In contrast to such findings and practices, this dissertation proposes a strategy whereby using advertising to openly acknowledge that a brand is hated (i.e. hate-acknowledging advertising) can be advantageous for corporate polarizing brands. The findings suggest that, compared to a traditional ad (i.e., an ad which only focuses on positive brand attributes or information), a hate-acknowledging produces higher levels of brand trust through the mediating influence of ad credibility. This research also demonstrates that hate-acknowledging advertising (vs. traditional advertising) has a stronger and more favorable influence on consumer intentions to engage in positive word of mouth, and that consumer brand emotions moderate this effect. Specifically, the favorable influence of hate-acknowledging on positive word of mouth intensifies with higher levels of consumer love towards a polarizing brand.

Denna undersökningen söker svar på vilket förhållningssätt svenska turister har till Word of Mouth budskap som de kommer i kontakt med under köpprocessen av semesterresor. Arbetet fokuserar på det förtroendet som turisterna har för ett omdöme eller recension beroende på vem som förmedlar omdömet eller recensionen. Om opinionsbildare spelar någon väsentlig roll för svenska turister och även i vilka kommunikationskanaler som svenska turister finner eller utsätts för Word of Mouth budskap. Syfte med detta arbetet är att resultatet kan vara en hjälp för marknadsförare som riktar in sig på att attrahera svenska turist till semesterdestinationer runt om i världen. Slutsatsen som denna studie har kommit fram till är att Word Of Mouth åsikter spelar en väsentlig roll i köpprocessen för svenska turister.

This diploma thesis examines one of the new trends of contemporary marketing, the so-called guerilla marketing. The theoretical part is devoted to the origin of guerilla marketing, its principles, advantages and disadvantages. Furthermore, I present different types of guerilla marketing and methods of their use. In the practical part, I discuss specific guerrilla campaigns and try to prove the nature of guerilla marketing where ideas can defeat the budget. The last part is devoted to questionnaire survey to determine the awareness of the Czech public about guerilla marketing and analyzed campaigns.

The thesis summarizes existing mathematical models for discontinuous innovation diffusion and differences vs. continuous innovation. It describes and analyzes what the difference between WOM marketing and viral is. It evaluates existing mathematical models for information spreading through viral marketing and analyze why successful viral marketing remains rare case. Analyze which marketing messages do spread virally and depict major reasons why.