The gamification trend has gained tremendous prominence during the last couple of years in many areas of the business environment. Thanks to advancements in technology, there has been a shift in how organisations market their products. Marketing practitioners are analysing the benefits and potential downsides of implementing game-like, interactive and engaging elements in their marketing. This thesis explores the gamification in a marketing context and applies it to brand loyalty in order to find a potential relationship between the two factors. Gamification can be seen as a new phenomenon, but the term has been prominent for a few years and has gained greater attraction with the rapid advancement of technologies in day-to-day life. By investigating areas such as value- creation, engagement, attitude, behaviour, willingness to pay more, word of mouth, and repurchase intentions, the following research question was created:  How does gamification impact brand loyalty in the fashion industry?  Through an extensive literature review by connecting theories and data, a conceptual framework to analyse the relationship between gamification and brand loyalty was created. This conceptual framework works as a tool for readers and practitioners to understand the potential effects of gamification on brand loyalty. Data was collected through a quantitative method where a questionnaire distributed. The questionnaire was built through a hypothetical scenario, where the respondents followed a hypothetical purchase journey, which included game-like elements.  The findings of the research indicate that gamification has a positive impact on brand loyalty in the fashion industry. The respondents answered and reported a higher level of engagement, satisfaction, and willingness to pay more and recommend the brand when the game-like elements are introduced. Indicating that practitioners and marketers should invest more time and resources in strategies related to gamification to increase brand loyalty.  This thesis contributes to the growing trend of gamification and brand loyalty and analyses how individuals act and engage in the further development of game-like and engaging elements. With the help and combination of theoretical frames of departure, previous knowledge through literature, and findings provided by this research, the conclusion is that there is a need for implementing and facilitating resources in gamification. Further research on the effects of gamification is recommended to better understand the short- and long-term effects the new trends might have on the fashion industry as well as other industries.

The rapid evolution of technology in the modern society have changed the preferences and customer needs in all markets. Industries have over the years moved further towards a more digitalized environment. This fact makes it necessary to study the changes of consumer needsfor companies to successfully convert their business models to fit into a modern era. Financial services are a great example of an industry that have moved from traditional to digital methods and an industry that society depends. Gamification is a growing marketing and learning tool that has been proven effective when it comes to increasing engagement, behaviour and literacythrough the use of game-like elements such as point systems, rewards and leaderboards. This study’s purpose is to expand on previous research to determine the preferences and customer needs that allows for gamification to be a successful tool to engage customers in Swedish financial services. This purpose of the study resulted in the following research question: “What factors influence consumer attitudes towards and acceptance of gamification solutions within the Swedish financial services?” To answers the research question previous research on Self-determination theory, flow theory and social cognitive theory regarding psychological and personal needs were used to reach 9reliable and measurable factors. A questionnaire was sent out with questions measuring these factors as well as four questions serving as dependent variables as a measure of how gamification increases engagement, brand loyalty, financial literacy and attitudes. A total of 97 responses were collected and analysed through multiple regressions to find the effects the factors had on the four dependent variables. The result of this study shows that psychological and personal factors such as Innovativeness, need for uniqueness, Competence, Relatedness, Goals & Feedback, Challenge and Outcome expectations have a significant positive effective influencing consumers attitudes and acceptance of gamified solutions within Swedish financial services. Factors such as autonomyand Observational learning & Self-efficacy were also found significant on their own towards the measured variables but found that in combination with other factors to not be of statistically significance.

M. Tech. (Department of Business Administration, Faculty of Management Sciences), Vaal University of Technology. / Research on price, packaging and loyalty has been well documented internationally and in South Africa. Many companies have recognised that the designs of packaging and different price strategies have an effect on brand loyalty. The study examined customer perceptions of packaging and price on loyalty. A case study was used in the study. A literature study on packaging, price and loyalty was undertaken to unpack the drivers behind consumer loyalty and what makes consumers loyal to a brand. The empirical study involved assessing the relationships between visual packaging, physical packaging, price, and brand awareness on brand loyalty through a self administered questionnaire. The sample comprised 212 respondents situated in the North-West of Johannesburg. The data obtained indicated strong relationships among physical packaging, visual packaging, price and brand awareness with reference to brand loyalty. Correlation and regression analysis revealed that brand loyalty is influenced by the packaging appeal, price and brand awareness. Based on the findings, recommendations were made to assist the company in various areas of their marketing strategy in order to enhance brand loyalty: Graphics and labelling on packaging are essential aspects of brand identification in order for consumers to easily recognise a brand. The introduction of lifestyle graphics may give the company a competitive edge as this may appeal to consumers. The regression analysis indicated that consumers tend to be attracted to a brand with the aid of packaging which will allow them to carry and preserve the product. The study also revealed that consumers are not highly price sensitive i.e. consumers are not likely to buy a competitor's products due to lower prices. The results infer that, for a company to have a strong brand, the following aspects of marketing strategies need to be assessed and implemented correctly, namely brand awareness, price and packaging which may lead to brand loyalty.

In the highly competitive business landscape of the twenty-first century, intangible assets such as brand equity are deemed as increasingly vital to the long-term success of organisations. Brand loyalty, which is the primary driver of brand equity, germinates from consumers‟ brand identification, trust in the superiority of the brand, and their perceptions of the social esteem that use of the brand signals. The mobile phone industry is one of the most dynamic and competitive industries of this century, with new smartphones boasting breakthrough features appearing on the market in rapid succession. In South Africa, black Africans make up the majority of the Generation Y cohort (hereinafter referred to as black Generation Y). As the first generation brought up in this era of mobile telephony, the Generation Y cohort (individuals born between 1986 and 2005) represents an important current and future segment for the manufacturers and marketers of mobile devices, including smartphones. Furthermore, because of the number of members possessing a tertiary qualification, their potential earning power, together with the sheer size of this segment, it was important to determine and model the role of brand trust in creating brand equity in the mobile phone industry amongst these individuals. The study hypothesised that social image directly influences black Generation Y students perception towards brand trust, brand trust directly influences brand loyalty, which in turn directly influences brand equity. The results indicate that social image has a significant positive influence on brand trust, which in turn has a significant positive influence on the development of brand loyalty and consequent brand equity. A descriptive research design using a single cross-sectional sample was followed, using a self-administered questionnaire. The self-administered questionnaire was distributed to a convenience sample of 600 students enrolled at three public South African higher education institutions (HEIs) situated in the Gauteng province. Permission from the lecturers at the three HEIs was obtained to administer the questionnaire during class times. Of the questionnaires completed, 460 questionnaires were usable. The captured data were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, bivariate regression and independent T-tests. In order to confirm the hypothesised construct paths, a measurement model was created based on the correlation analysis. The correlation analysis results indicated that social image has a significant relationship with brand trust, which in turn has a significant relationship on the development of brand loyalty and consequent brand equity. Five latent variables were identified in the measurement model. The structural model hypothesised that social image influences brand trust, brand trust influences brand loyalty, which in turn influences brand equity. The hypothesised model fit the data. This study contributes to the body of knowledge pertaining to brand equity by developing a model to illustrate the role of social image and brand trust in creating brand equity in the mobile phone industry amongst black Generation Y students, and determining which factors act as antecedents to successful brand equity. The role of brand trust in creating brand equity is suggested to be a five-factor structure comprised of social image, brand reliability, brand intentions, brand loyalty and brand equity. The study also offers recommendations and guidance for marketers and organisations that seek to improve their brand equity. This study will contribute by profiling the black Generation Y student in South Africa concerning their perception towards brand trust in creating brand equity in the mobile phone industry. The findings of this study will add value to South African marketers, as well as international marketers seeking to target the Generation Y cohort. / PhD (Marketing Management)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2015

In the highly competitive business landscape of the twenty-first century, intangible assets such as brand equity are deemed as increasingly vital to the long-term success of organisations. Brand loyalty, which is the primary driver of brand equity, germinates from consumers‟ brand identification, trust in the superiority of the brand, and their perceptions of the social esteem that use of the brand signals. The mobile phone industry is one of the most dynamic and competitive industries of this century, with new smartphones boasting breakthrough features appearing on the market in rapid succession. In South Africa, black Africans make up the majority of the Generation Y cohort (hereinafter referred to as black Generation Y). As the first generation brought up in this era of mobile telephony, the Generation Y cohort (individuals born between 1986 and 2005) represents an important current and future segment for the manufacturers and marketers of mobile devices, including smartphones. Furthermore, because of the number of members possessing a tertiary qualification, their potential earning power, together with the sheer size of this segment, it was important to determine and model the role of brand trust in creating brand equity in the mobile phone industry amongst these individuals. The study hypothesised that social image directly influences black Generation Y students perception towards brand trust, brand trust directly influences brand loyalty, which in turn directly influences brand equity. The results indicate that social image has a significant positive influence on brand trust, which in turn has a significant positive influence on the development of brand loyalty and consequent brand equity. A descriptive research design using a single cross-sectional sample was followed, using a self-administered questionnaire. The self-administered questionnaire was distributed to a convenience sample of 600 students enrolled at three public South African higher education institutions (HEIs) situated in the Gauteng province. Permission from the lecturers at the three HEIs was obtained to administer the questionnaire during class times. Of the questionnaires completed, 460 questionnaires were usable. The captured data were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, bivariate regression and independent T-tests. In order to confirm the hypothesised construct paths, a measurement model was created based on the correlation analysis. The correlation analysis results indicated that social image has a significant relationship with brand trust, which in turn has a significant relationship on the development of brand loyalty and consequent brand equity. Five latent variables were identified in the measurement model. The structural model hypothesised that social image influences brand trust, brand trust influences brand loyalty, which in turn influences brand equity. The hypothesised model fit the data. This study contributes to the body of knowledge pertaining to brand equity by developing a model to illustrate the role of social image and brand trust in creating brand equity in the mobile phone industry amongst black Generation Y students, and determining which factors act as antecedents to successful brand equity. The role of brand trust in creating brand equity is suggested to be a five-factor structure comprised of social image, brand reliability, brand intentions, brand loyalty and brand equity. The study also offers recommendations and guidance for marketers and organisations that seek to improve their brand equity. This study will contribute by profiling the black Generation Y student in South Africa concerning their perception towards brand trust in creating brand equity in the mobile phone industry. The findings of this study will add value to South African marketers, as well as international marketers seeking to target the Generation Y cohort. / PhD (Marketing Management)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2015

Författare: Emilia Denckert och Linnéa Pankko Handledare: Universitetsadjunkt Åsa Lindström Examinator: Professor Bertil Hultén Fakultet: Ekonomihögskolan vid Linnéuniversitetet Program: Civilekonomprogrammet med inriktning marknadsföring Kurs: Examensarbete i marknadsföring för Civilekonomprogrammet 30 hp Examensarbetets titel: Vad får dig att stanna? Forskningsfråga: Vilka attribut ligger till grund för en varumärkeslojalitet hos konsumenter av livsmedelsprodukter i dagligvaruhandeln? Syfte: Syftet med detta examensarbete är att analysera och fastställa vilka attribut hos en produkt och ett varumärke som bidrar till att konsumenter bygger upp en lojalitet gentemot varumärket ifråga. Studien kommer att förklara vardera attribut, samt kombinationer av dessa, och klargöra huruvida de ligger till grund för konsumenters lojalitet till varumärken på livsmedelsprodukter som säljs i dagligvaruhandeln. Vidare ämnar studien uppfylla ett delsyfte, vilket är att ge implikationer till Smiling Group AB beträffande vilka attribut som genererar en varumärkeslojalitet. Resultatet av denna studie kommer därmed även att bistå med underlag till företags utvecklande av marknadsföringsstrategier som i sin tur kan påverka varumärkeslojaliteten positivt. Metod: Detta examensarbete har en deduktiv ansats. Vidare har kombinationer av kvantitativa och kvalitativa metoder använts. Insamlingen av studiens primärdata har tagit sig form dels som en enkätundersökning, och dels som djupintervjuer. Resultat och slutsats: Vi har konstaterat att kvalitet och pris är de attribut som till störst del ligger till grund för en varumärkeslojalitet hos konsumenter av livsmedelsprodukter i dagligvaruhandeln. Vidare har vi fastställt tre olika kombinationer av de fem attribut som ingått i studien samt vilken grupp av konsumenter som föredrar vilken kombination. Teoretiskt och praktiskt bidrag: Studiens teoretiska bidrag består dels av att vi identifierat några av de attribut vilka ligger till grund för en varumärkeslojalitet hos konsumenter av livsmedelsprodukter i dagligvaruhandeln. Vi har också tillfört konsumenters engagemang som en aspekt, vilken bör tas i beaktning när denna typ av varumärkeslojalitet studeras. Vi har praktiskt bidragit genom implikationer till Smiling Group AB om hur de bör förhålla sig till studiens fem attribut, och kombinationer av dessa, för att generera varumärkeslojala kunder. Detta bidrar även praktiskt till andra företag i branschen, då de kan använda studiens resultat och slutsats som underlag vid utformning av framtida marknadsföringsstrategier.  Nyckelord: Varumärkeslojalitet, varumärke, lojalitet, attribut, konsumenter, dagligvaruhandeln, livsmedelsbranschen / Authors: Emilia Denckert and Linnéa Pankko Supervisor: Lecturer Åsa Lindström Examiner: Professor Bertil Hultén Faculty: School of Business and Economics at Linnaeus University Programme: Business Administration and Economics Programme Course: Degree Project in Marketing, The Business Administration and Economics Programme Title: What makes you stay? Research question: What attributes are the basis for brand loyalty among consumers of food products in grocery stores? Purpose: The purpose of this thesis is to analyze and determine the attributes of a product and a brand that helps consumers build up a loyalty to that brand. The study will explain each attribute, as well as combinations of these, and clarify whether they are the basis of consumers’ loyalty to brands of food products sold in grocery stores. Furthermore, the study intends to fulfill a subsidiary aim, which is to give implications to Smiling Group AB about what attributes that generates brand loyalty. The result of this study will thus also assist with data for corporate development of marketing strategies, which in turn can affect brand loyalty positively. Method: This thesis has a deductive approach. Furthermore, combinations of quantitative and qualitative methods have been used. The collection of the study's primary data has taken shape both as a survey, and as in-depth interviews. Results and conclusions: We have stated that the quality and price are the attributes that to the greatest part is the basis for brand loyalty among consumers of food products in grocery stores. Furthermore, we have established three combinations of the five attributes that are included in the study and what groups of consumers who prefer which combination. Theoretical and practical contributions: The theoretical contribution partly consists of identification of some of the attributes which form the basis of a brand loyalty among consumers of food products in grocery stores. We have also added consumer engagement as an aspect which should be taken into consideration when this type of brand loyalty is studied. We have practically contributed by implications to Smiling Group AB about how they should relate to the study’s five attributes, and combinations thereof, to generate brand loyalty. This also contributes practically to other companies in the industry, since they can use the study's findings and conclusions as a basis for the design of future marketing strategies.  Key words: Brand loyalty, brand, loyalty, attribute, consumers, grocery store, food industry

The co-branding strategies are gaining attention from research due to the special difficulties of implementing a collaborative strategy. Hence, this paper evaluates the effect of the co-branding strategy between a luxury brand and a high-street retailer on the luxury consumers’ brand equity of the luxury brand post-co-branding. Additionally, this study aims to find differences between the generation Y and X cohorts in terms of brand equity impact from co-branding. This effect was evaluated from three brand equity dimensions: perceived quality, brand image and brand loyalty. To conduct this research the data was collected at the department store Harvey Nichols in London where luxury fashion brands are sold. Later the data was analyzed with a regression, analysis and t-test. The consumers showed differences in terms of their attitude towards the co-branding strategies between a luxury fashion brand and a high-street retailer. In addition, this research found that all the brand equity dimensions suffer a direct influence from the attitude towards co-branding for all the consumers in the study. Direct influence means that the co-branding strategies may cause positive or negative spillover effects. Moreover, the results conclude that there is only a difference in the brand equity dimension of brand loyalty between the generation cohorts Y and X.

Thesis (MComm)--Stellenbosch University, 2014. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Growing competition, fuelled by globalisation, has increased the number of alternatives across almost all product categories, leaving consumers overloaded with information and overwhelmed for choice. Brand and price represent two cues that have been found to influence consumer decision-making and which can be used in marketing strategies to create value, and differentiate from competitors in this increasingly competitive climate. Responding to the misconceptions surrounding the decision-making of individuals classified in the low-income market segment, and in light of the significance of Bottom of Pyramid (BOP) supported by Prahalad (2002), this study was undertaken to assess the perceived importance of price and brand in low-income consumers’ decision-making process, and thereby examine the effect of different prices and brands on low-income consumers’ product preference. Primary causal research using a choice-based conjoint (CBC) analysis was conducted on a judgement sample of black female adults. A total of 209 questionnaires were completed through fieldwork of personal interviews in informal settlements in Gauteng. The study used a 5 price presentation (R18.99; R24.99; R28.99; R33.99; R42.99) by 5 brand presentation (Ace, Iwisa, White Star, Mnandi, Ritebrand) between-subjects design in the maize meal product category. The hierarchical Bayes procedure and multinomial logit model were used to analyse the primary data. Results of the descriptive and inferential analysis of the CBC showed that brand was perceived as more important, attributing to 65 per cent of low-income consumers’ decision-making process, opposed to the 35 per cent attributed to price, and that prices and brands had varying effects on low-income consumers’ purchase probabilities. Although lower prices did have higher perceived utilities, the price-sensitivity of low-income consumers was found to be less influential at lower price ranges, suggesting the stronger influence of brand and brand associations on their evaluation of alternatives. Familiar brands (White Star, Ace and Iwisa) were seen to positively influence low-income consumers’ purchase probability by reducing perceived risk, further enhanced by brand credibility as found with Iwisa (which indicated consistent quality) resulting in higher purchase probability. Unfamiliar brands (Mnandi and Ritebrand) were perceived as having low levels of utility, attributed to higher levels of perceived risk and unclear quality inferences. The research conclusions, drawing from secondary research, proposed a model of low-income consumer decision-making that is influenced by various factors, including aversion to loss, and the desire to satisfy aspirations. Varying levels of brand knowledge, brand quality and credibility as well as symbolic value attached to different brands as perceived by low-income consumers, are argued to influence both individuals’ aversion to loss, as well as their aspirational desires, and thus influence the decision-making process. Price and price–quality inferences, brand familiarity, brand–quality inferences, psychological factors and those surrounding the purchase context were found to have influence over the decision-making process of individuals within this market segment. Managerial recommendations emphasise the significance of the BOP as a viable market segment, warn marketers of low-cost pricing strategies, and discuss the importance of employing value-based strategies and leveraging brand to attract, satisfy and retain consumers in this market segment. Managers are challenged to find a balance between perceived quality and reliability and affordable price, in order to operate successfully in the low-income market and offer effective value propositions that provide customer satisfaction while allowing for sustained sales and profits for the firm. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Groeiende mededinging, gedryf deur globalisering, het die aantal alternatiewe in byna alle produkkategorieë laat toeneem, wat verbruikers oorlaai met inligting en oorweldig met keuses. Handelsmerk en prys verteenwoordig twee leiseine wat verbruikersbesluitneming beïnvloed en wat gebruik kan word in bemarkingstrategieë om waarde te skep, en 'n produk van sy mededingers te onderskei in hierdie toenemend mededingende klimaat. In reaksie op die wanopvattings omtrent die besluitneming van individue wat in die lae-inkomste-marksegment geklassifiseer word, en in die lig van die betekenisvolheid van die Bodem van die Piramide (BOP) soos ondersteun deur Pralahad (2002), is hierdie studie onderneem om die waargenome belangrikheid van prys en handelsmerk in lae-inkomste-verbruikers se besluitnemingsproses te assesseer, en sodoende die effek van verskillende pryse en handelsmerke op lae-inkomste-verbruikers se produkvoorkeure te ondersoek. Primêre kousale navorsing deur 'n keusegebaseerde saamgevoegde analise ("choice-based conjoint analysis" of CBC) is uitgevoer op 'n oordeelsteekproef van swart, vroulike volwassenes. 'n Totaal van 209 vraelyste is voltooi deur middel van veldwerk in die vorm van uit persoonlike onderhoude in informele nedersettings in Gauteng. Die studie het 'n tussensubjekte-ontwerp gebruik met 'n 5-prys-aanbieding (R18.99; R24.99; R28.99; R33.99; R42.99) teenoor 'n 5-handelsmerk-aanbieding (Ace, Iwisa, White Star, Mnandi, Ritebrand) in die mieliemeel-produkkategorie. Die hiërargiese Bayes-prosedure en multinomiale logitmodel is gebruik om die primêre data te ontleed. Die resultate van die beskrywende en inferensiële analise van die CBC het gewys dat handelsmerk as meer belangrik waargeneem word, met 65 persent van lae-inkomste-verbruikers se besluitnemingsproses wat daaraan toegeskryf kan word, in vergelyking met 35 persent aan prys. Verder het pryse en handelsmerke wisselende effekte op lae-inkomste-verbruikers se aankoopwaarskynlikhede gehad. Alhoewel laer pryse hoër waargenome bruikbaarhede gehad het, is daar gevind dat die pryssensitiwiteit van lae-inkomste-verbruikers minder invloedryk is in laer prysklasse, wat dui op die sterker invloed van handelsmerke en handelsmerkassosiasies op hulle evaluering van die verskillende alternatiewe. Bekende handelsmerke (White Star, Ace en Iwisa) het lae-inkomste-verbruikers se aankoopwaarskynlikheid positief beïnvloed deur waargenome risiko te verlaag. Hierdie verskynsel is verder versterk deur handelsmerkgeloofwaardigheid, soos gesien by Iwisa (wat konsekwente gehalte aangedui het), wat lei tot hoër aankoopwaarskynlikheid. Onbekende handelsmerke (Mnandi en Ritebrand) is waargeneem as laag in terme van bruikbaarheidsvlakke, wat toegeskryf kan word aan hoër vlakke van waargenome risiko en onduidelike afleidings omtrent gehalte. Die navorsingsgevolgtrekking, wat op grond van sekondêre navorsing gemaak is, stel 'n model van lae-inkomste-verbruikersbesluitneming voor wat deur verskeie faktore beïnvloed word, insluitend 'n afkeer van verlies en die begeerte om aspirasies te bevredig. Wisselende vlakke van handelsmerkkennis, handelsmerkgehalte en -geloofwaardigheid, asook die simboliese waarde wat aan verskillende handelsmerke geheg word soos waargeneem deur lae-inkomste-verbruikers, beïnvloed sowel individue se afkeer van verlies as hulle aspirasionele behoeftes, en beïnvloed dus die besluitnemingsproses. Daar is gevind dat afleidings omtrent prys, prys teenoor gehalte en handelsmerk teenoor gehalte, handelsmerkbekendheid, sielkundige faktore en faktore vanuit die aankoopkonteks 'n invloed het op die besluitnemingsproses van individue binne hierdie marksegment. Bestuursaanbevelings beklemtoon die belangrikheid van die BOP as 'n lewensvatbare marksegment, waarsku bemarkers teen laekoste-prysingstrategieë, en bespreek die belang daarvan om waardegebaseerde strategieë te gebruik en handelsmerke te hefboom om verbruikers in hierdie marksegment te lok, te bevredig en te behou. Bestuurders word uitgedaag om 'n balans te vind tussen waargenome gehalte en betroubaarheid en bekostigbare pryse, ten einde suksesvol in die lae-inkomstemark te funksioneer en doeltreffende waardeproposisies te bied wat verbruikersbevrediging verskaf, maar steeds ruimte laat vir volgehoue verkope en winste vir die firma.

The primary purpose of this study was to determine the status of brand loyalty to art festivals with reference to Klein Karoo national Arts Festival (KKNK). This was achieved by firstly analysing and discussing the role of branding in tourism marketing. Secondly, a literature study was conducted to analyse the concept brand loyalty. Thirdly, the results of the empirical research were discussed and finally the conclusions were drawn from the research and recommendations were made with regard to visitors’ loyalty to the KKNK. Literature indicated that when marketing a tourism product or service it involves a complex bundle of value, which is intangible, inseparable, variable and perishable. Therefore the tourist’s experience with the product is important to keep in mind. Every tourist counts in the tourism industry therefore knowledge related to the needs and wants of the tourists. This can be determined by market research that is designed to collect, analyse, interpret and report information. The marketer can use this information to create a marketing mix, however, in the tourism and hospitality industry the four P’s (price, promotion, product, place) are extended with more P’s, namely people, physical environment, processes, packaging, participation, productservice mix, presentation mix and communication mix. The tourism product or festival should be positioned in the minds of the tourists and this cannot be achieved without branding the product. The brand name is used to identify and differentiate the product from its competitors. It also creates meaning for the tourist and establishes a competitive position in the minds of the tourist. Brand loyalty should be an important marketing goal of the tourism product because it reduces a brand’s vulnerability to competitors’ action and create a committed relationship with the tourists that insure lifelong visiting behaviour among tourists or positive word-of-mouth recommendations. Brand loyalty is build on six levels which can also be utilised to determine the visitors loyalty towards the brand and to assist the marketer on focussing on areas which should be improved to achieve a higher level of loyalty. The aim of the marketer should be to achieve the highest level of brand loyalty namely Resonance. For the purpose of this study the visitors’ profile and the current status of brand loyalty, were measured by means of a questionnaire and the objective of the questionnaire was to determine how loyal the visitors were to the KKNK. The questionnaires were distributed among the visitors at the KKNK in Oudtshoorn, in April 2009. Availability sampling was used to collect the data based on the fact that the respondents were conveniently available on the festival grounds and at show venues and willing to complete the questionnaires. A total of 422 questionnaires were completed during the festival. The factor analysis determined that Brand Feelings were the loyalty level that was rated the highest by the respondents to the KKNK. Therefore it was determined that the visitors’ loyalty to KKNK is currently at the fifth loyalty level and will have the most influence on the visitors when deciding to visit or recommend the KKNK. This is expected for a festival that is 15 years old however, the organisers of the KKNK can continue to improve the visitors loyalty until they reach the sixth and highest, loyalty level. This study contributes to the limited available literature on brand loyalty to arts festivals. / Thesis (M.Com. (Tourism))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012

Thesis (Ph.D. (Marketing))--University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management, School of Economic & Business Sciences, 2017 / Keywords: brand equity, Samsung mobile phones, Generation Y, brand awareness, brand image, perceived quality, brand loyalty, brand satisfaction, brand love and consumption values. Samsung is the leading brand in the mobile phone industry, and is dominant over fierce competitors, such as Apple, Nokia, Huawei and Blackberry. This is evident from the 2016 global market share figures, where Samsung occupies the top position with 21.6%. The Samsung brand is also dominant in South Africa, having captured 46% of the market share. Consumers are also willing to pay a price premium for Samsung mobile phones. For example, as at June 2017, the Samsung S8 smartphone retailed for up to R14,799, with consumers still willing to pay this price. While from an organisation’s perspective the success of Samsung in the mobile phone industry is accredited to the global establishment of production bases, overhaul of quality standards, paradigm shift in management philosophies and substantial investment in marketing and product design, there is a need to understand what drives Samsung’s brand equity from consumers’ perspective. The understanding of Samsung’s brand equity is even more important among Generation Y, due to the fact that they constitute 25% of South Africa’s population, have a high purchasing power for luxury and technological products, and 95% of them own a mobile phone in South Africa. They use their phones to communicate with family and friends, listen to music and watch YouTube videos. For the measurement of brand equity, so that marketers are informed of the performance of their marketing and brand strategies, researchers recommend the examination of its sources. Models devised by Aaker (1996) and Keller (1998) provide various sources of brand equity, but how and which of these sources best influence brand equity has not been determined. Esch, Langner, Schmitt and Geus (2006) recommend that in order to measure brand equity holistically, sources of brand equity, including brand awareness, brand image, perceived quality, brand associations and brand loyalty should be measured in conjunction with other important brand relationship factors such as brand trust, brand satisfaction and brand attachment or love. This is particularly so, because consumers who have a strong relationship with a brand are likely to demonstrate positive attitude towards it. Despite this view, most researchers who have adopted the Aaker (1996) and Keller (1998) models to measure CBBE have not considered the explanatory roles of the brand relationship variables. iv Another important factor ignored in the measurement of sources CBBE are the various values (such as functional, monetary, emotional, customisation, and relational), as proposed by Chuah, Marimuthu and Ramayah (2014), consumers enjoy from the consumption of a brand. Recognising the importance of uncovering the value inferences that consumers hold of a brand, Keller (2003) suggests three types of values or benefits (functional, experiential, and symbolic benefits) consumers may enjoy from a brand. The monetary value, according to other authors, can also be important. How these values lead to brand equity, if at all, were, however, not further explored. This study therefore integrated the Aaker and Keller’s brand equity models, Esch et al. and Chuah et al. brand relationship and consumer value models, respectively, to propose an integrated conceptual model with eighteen hypotheses to measure the sources of Samsung’s mobile phones brand equity among Generation Y. Quantitative methodologies were used to collect data from 651 undergraduate and postgraduate students studying at the University of Johannesburg and University of the Witwatersrand to empirically test the proposed model. The hypothesised relationships in the model were empirically tested using structural equation modeling. The results revealed that out of the eighteen hypotheses tested, twelve were accepted. Specifically, brand awareness, brand image, perceived quality, monetary value and functional value had a positive effect on brand satisfaction. Brand satisfaction positively drives brand love. Consumers who expressed love for the Samsung mobile phone brand were found to be loyal. Brand loyalty, which was found to have a positive impact on brand equity, was influenced positively by monetary value. In addition to brand loyalty, brand equity was influenced positively by perceived quality, monetary value and symbolic value. Overall, 56% of Samsung mobile phone brand equity was explained by brand awareness, brand image, perceived quality, monetary value, functional value, symbolic value, brand satisfaction, brand love and brand loyalty. While it will be important for future studies to identify other factors, which may increase the explanatory power of Samsung’s brand equity among Generation Y in South Africa, this study’s theoretical contribution suggests an integrated conceptual model to holistically measure customer-based brand equity not only in the telecommunication sector, but for other products and sectors. Practically, Samsung and other marketers responsible for managing competing v brands such as iPhone, Nokia, Huawei can use these findings to develop relevant marketing strategies that resonate with this large and lucrative Generation Y market segment. / GR2018