Problemformulering: Idag råder en negativ trend gällande antalet åskådare för en majoritet av organisationerna inomprofessionell ishockey i Sverige. Då publiken utgör en viktig del i ett matchevenemang, både ekonomiskt och upplevelsemässigt, är detta en problematisk utveckling. Tidigare forskning visar att den del av publiken som besöker ett matchevenemang 1-3 gånger per säsong är en fördelaktig grupp att påverka för att öka dess konsumtion. Däremot har den tidigare forskningen primärt studerat besökare inom professionell idrott i generella termer alternativt fokuserat på hängivna fans samt haft en kvantitativ forskningsstrategi. Syfte och frågeställningar: Studiens syfte är att djupare förstå de sporadiska besökarna och undersöka hur varumärket kan användas för att påverka dem till att gå oftare.• Vilka faktorer som påverkar konsumtionen lyfts fram av sporadiska besökare?• Hur kan kunskapen om de identifierade faktorerna användas för att få den sporadiska besökaren att gå oftare utifrån ett varumärkesperspektiv? Metod: Med en kvalitativ forskningsstrategi och en deduktiv ansats med induktiva inslag har denna studie genomfört tolv semistrukurerade intervjuer. Respondenterna i denna studie är besökare av fallorganisationens ishockeymatcher och går på 1-3 matchevenemang per säsong. Resultat: Denna studie har uppmärksammat ett antal faktorer som genom varumärket kan påverka den sporadiska besökarens konsumtion. Studien har identifierat stämning som ett konsumtionsmotiv hos en grupp av sporadiska besökare samt att studien funnit olika varianter av det socialamotivet och preferenser av matchresultatets karaktär. Vidare har studien funnit att en grupp sporadiska besökare har en hög kunskapsnivå gällande ishockey och till sist har studien ävenfunnit djupare beskrivningar av verklighetsflykt och underhållning vilka även de är faktorer som påverkar sporadiska besökares konsumtion. Forskningsbidrag: Denna studie ger detaljerade beskrivningar av sporadiska besökares konsumtionsbeteende och varumärkesassociationer inom professionell idrott. Vidare bidrar studien med kompletterande indikationer av faktorer som påverkar de sporadiska besökarnas konsumtionsfrekvens av matchevenemang. / Problem definition: Today there is a negative trend regarding the number of spectators among a majority of the organizations within professional ice hockey in Sweden. This is a problematic development since the spectators play an important part for the event of the games, both financially and experientially. Previous research shows that the customer segment which visits one to three games per season is a favorable group when it comes to increasing their consumption. Though, previous research has fore most studied spectators in general terms or have had the devoted fansas main focus. Furthermore, the previous research has primarily been quantitative regarding its research strategy. Aim and research questions: The aim of the study is to gain a deeper understanding of low frequent spectators and understand how the brand can be used in order to influence them to go more often.• Which factors, which influence the consumption, is described by the the low frequent spectators?• How can the knowledge of these identified factors be used in order to influence the low frequent spectator to visit more often from a brand perspective? Methodology: With a qualitative research strategy and a deductive, with element of inductive, research approach, this study has completed twelve semi-structured interviews. The respondents are spectators of ice hockey games of the organization which this study have studied and who visits 1-3 games per season. Results: A number of factors which can influence the low frequent spectators’ consumption through the brand have been noticed through this study. The atmosphere has been identified as a consumption motive among a group of low frequent spectators and the study has also found different versions of the social motive as well as preferences for the nature of the games results. Furthermore, the study has found a group of low frequent spectators which has a high level of knowledge about ice hockey. Finally, the study has also found deeper descriptions of escape and entertainment which also are factors which influence the consumption among a group of low frequent spectators within professional sports. Research grants: This study provides detailed descriptions of low frequent spectators’ consumer behavior and brand associations within professional sports. Furthermore, the study provides additional indications of factors which affect the low frequent spectators’ consumption regarding games.

<p>Many brands are using celebrities as spokespeople, to enhance the brand image. This investigation aims to research the effects of athlete endorsements on brand image, in particular, whether Nike has been affected by the change in Tiger Woods’ image due to his recent personal life difficulties. Firstly, whether the perceived brand image is concurrent with the brand’s identity, and if not then if the image gap could be caused by the brand’s association to Tiger Woods. The topic is very current as the number of athletes who drastically deviate from their image has increased, at the same time as athlete endorsements are very popular. If changes in the image of an endorser come to affect consumer perception of the brand, then one could assume that there would be a decline in such endorsements.</p><p>In investigating the research question, literature and articles regarding endorsements and brand associations was consulted to gain a deeper understanding of how associations work. Data regarding Nike was collected from secondary sources in order to form an accurate view of the company identity. This would be compared to data collected on consumer attitudes toward Nike and Tiger Woods using a questionnaire sent out to participants with a variety of characteristics so as to be able to see if there were differences in attitudes between segments.</p><p>It was found that there is an image gap between Nike’s desired image and its perceived image. However, the low number of respondents who claimed that their opinions of Nike had changed because of Tiger Woods suggests that his association to Nike is not to blame for the gap. Reasons discussed for the low level of transferability of Tiger Woods’ ‘new’ characteristics to Nike are that the fit between the brand and the athlete is good in the relevant categories, whereas they are irrelevant to the collaboration. Furthermore, the strength of the associations is seen as a factor – it is not strong enough to or too connected to Tiger Woods to transfer – as well as the respondent attributes and background. Finally, the attachment to Nike is seen as possibly a contributing factor, as people who own Nike seem to stay loyal to the brand despite the so called ‘<em>Tigergate’.</em></p>

<p>This study examines how consumers perceive the overall quality and similarity/fit of the brand extensions (Nike camera, Nike socks, and Nike golf balls) in relation to the original brand (Nike athletic shoes) and how these perceptions influence their attitudes towards the extensions. The researcher proposes that the perceived overall quality of the brand extensions will be congruent to that of the original brand and that the attitude towards the brand extensions will be favourable only when there is a perceived similarity/fit between the brand extensions and the original brand. In order to get these insights, the study surveyed 147 undergraduate and postgraduate students from the University of the Western Cape across all faculties. A non-probability convenience sampling method was used to access respondents. To collect data, qualitative and quantitative methods were employed using a questionnaire which consisted of open-ended and closed-ended questions in the form of free associations technique and 5-point Likert scales. The data gathered was analysed by means of descriptive statistics and Spearman correlation coefficient. The findings indicate two things. (1) respondents only perceived Nike socks&rsquo / overall quality to be congruent to the original brand, Nike athletic shoes. (2) respondents only perceived Nike socks to be strongly similar to the original brand, Nike athletic shoes.</p>

Many brands are using celebrities as spokespeople, to enhance the brand image. This investigation aims to research the effects of athlete endorsements on brand image, in particular, whether Nike has been affected by the change in Tiger Woods’ image due to his recent personal life difficulties. Firstly, whether the perceived brand image is concurrent with the brand’s identity, and if not then if the image gap could be caused by the brand’s association to Tiger Woods. The topic is very current as the number of athletes who drastically deviate from their image has increased, at the same time as athlete endorsements are very popular. If changes in the image of an endorser come to affect consumer perception of the brand, then one could assume that there would be a decline in such endorsements. In investigating the research question, literature and articles regarding endorsements and brand associations was consulted to gain a deeper understanding of how associations work. Data regarding Nike was collected from secondary sources in order to form an accurate view of the company identity. This would be compared to data collected on consumer attitudes toward Nike and Tiger Woods using a questionnaire sent out to participants with a variety of characteristics so as to be able to see if there were differences in attitudes between segments. It was found that there is an image gap between Nike’s desired image and its perceived image. However, the low number of respondents who claimed that their opinions of Nike had changed because of Tiger Woods suggests that his association to Nike is not to blame for the gap. Reasons discussed for the low level of transferability of Tiger Woods’ ‘new’ characteristics to Nike are that the fit between the brand and the athlete is good in the relevant categories, whereas they are irrelevant to the collaboration. Furthermore, the strength of the associations is seen as a factor – it is not strong enough to or too connected to Tiger Woods to transfer – as well as the respondent attributes and background. Finally, the attachment to Nike is seen as possibly a contributing factor, as people who own Nike seem to stay loyal to the brand despite the so called ‘Tigergate’.

Varumärkeskapital är det mervärde som ett varumärke ger en produkt i förhållande till om varumärket inte funnits på produkten. Konsumentbaserat varumärkeskapital innebär vidare att det är i konsumentens medvetande som varumärkeskapitalet existerar. Snabbrörliga konsumentvaror kännetecknas av att de köps ofta och att deras kontakt med konsumenten är begränsad, vidare är de ofta lätta att byta ut. Den här studien undersöker genom kvalitativa intervjuer hur företag bygger varumärkeskapital inom en marknad för snabbrörliga konsumentvaror. Åtta varumärkesansvariga på företag verksamma inom en marknad för snabbrörliga konsumentvaror har intervjuats för att få reda på deras syn på byggande av varumärkeskapital inom nämnda kontexten. Hela studien utgår i grunden från fem dimensioner av varumärkeskapital nämligen varumärkesassociationer, varumärkeskännedom, varumärkeslojalitet, upplevt värde samt andra varumärkestillgångar. Intervjuerna har sedan analyserats utifrån dessa dimensioner stött av andra relevanta teorier inom ämnet, analysen har också sin grund i det valda syftet. Resultaten av denna studie påvisar hur varumärkeskapital skapas för snabbrörliga konsumentvaror inom de fem dimensionerna av varumärkeskapital. Den bekräftar också att alla dimensioner är viktiga att jobba med för att bygga varumärkeskapital. Inom varumärkesassociationer så är trovärdighet och unicitet viktiga aspekter. Det är extra viktigt att jobba med varumärkeskännedom då konsumenter ofta spenderar kort tid då ett köpbeslut tas för snabbrörliga konsumentvaror. Att öka konsumenters involvering i varumärket är viktigt för att skapa varumärkeslojalitet. För upplevd kvalitet är det avgörande att arbeta med de sensoriska delarna då en produkt med dålig kvalitet inte blir långvarig, speciellt, inom en marknad för snabbrörliga konsumentvaror. Att ha fungerande distributionskanaler är viktigt för snabbrörliga konsumentvaror då dessa bidrar till exponering av varumärket. Studien visar att de fem använda dimensionerna är av högsta vikt för byggande av varumärkeskapital inom en marknad för snabbrörliga konsumentvaror. Vidare finner studien att en aspekt av andra varumärkestillgångar, nämligen distribution, istället kan tillhöra varumärkeskännedom i denna kontext. Studien visar också indikationer på att dimensionen upplevd kvalitet är den viktigaste för snabbrörliga konsumentvaror inom varumärkeskapital Dessa är tre viktiga teoretiska bidrag som studien gett. Vidare är studien av praktiskt värde då den ger rekommendationer hur företag inom denna kontext kan arbeta för att bygga varumärkeskapital utifrån de fem använda dimensionerna.

<p>This study examines how consumers perceive the overall quality and similarity/fit of the brand extensions (Nike camera, Nike socks, and Nike golf balls) in relation to the original brand (Nike athletic shoes) and how these perceptions influence their attitudes towards the extensions. The researcher proposes that the perceived overall quality of the brand extensions will be congruent to that of the original brand and that the attitude towards the brand extensions will be favourable only when there is a perceived similarity/fit between the brand extensions and the original brand. In order to get these insights, the study surveyed 147 undergraduate and postgraduate students from the University of the Western Cape across all faculties. A non-probability convenience sampling method was used to access respondents. To collect data, qualitative and quantitative methods were employed using a questionnaire which consisted of open-ended and closed-ended questions in the form of free associations technique and 5-point Likert scales. The data gathered was analysed by means of descriptive statistics and Spearman correlation coefficient. The findings indicate two things. (1) respondents only perceived Nike socks&rsquo / overall quality to be congruent to the original brand, Nike athletic shoes. (2) respondents only perceived Nike socks to be strongly similar to the original brand, Nike athletic shoes.</p>

This study examines how consumers perceive the overall quality and similarity/fit of the brand extensions (Nike camera, Nike socks, and Nike golf balls) in relation to the original brand (Nike athletic shoes) and how these perceptions influence their attitudes towards the extensions. The researcher proposes that the perceived overall quality of the brand extensions will be congruent to that of the original brand and that the attitude towards the brand extensions will be favourable only when there is a perceived similarity/fit between the brand extensions and the original brand. In order to get these insights, the study surveyed 147 undergraduate and postgraduate students from the University of the Western Cape across all faculties. A non-probability convenience sampling method was used to access respondents. To collect data, qualitative and quantitative methods were employed using a questionnaire which consisted of open-ended and closed-ended questions in the form of free associations technique and 5-point Likert scales. The data gathered was analysed by means of descriptive statistics and Spearman correlation coefficient. The findings indicate two things. (1) respondents only perceived Nike socks' overall quality to be congruent to the original brand, Nike athletic shoes. (2) respondents only perceived Nike socks to be strongly similar to the original brand, Nike athletic shoes. / Magister Commercii - MCom

Submitted by JÚLIO HEBER SILVA (julioheber@yahoo.com.br) on 2017-05-05T20:06:53Z No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Denise Santos de Oliveira - 2017.pdf: 3990360 bytes, checksum: 1b334cb5389f48673746e329e16254f5 (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Luciana Ferreira (lucgeral@gmail.com) on 2017-05-10T13:38:21Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Denise Santos de Oliveira - 2017.pdf: 3990360 bytes, checksum: 1b334cb5389f48673746e329e16254f5 (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-05-10T13:38:21Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Denise Santos de Oliveira - 2017.pdf: 3990360 bytes, checksum: 1b334cb5389f48673746e329e16254f5 (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-03-14 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of the passenger's perception of the marketing strategies, developed by airlines, on each of their brand equity dimensions. From systematic review and research with airline managers a conceptual model was proposed, relating the marketing strategies, adopted by airlines, and the dimensions of consumer-based brand equity: brand associations/brand awareness, perceived quality and brand loyalty. The data were collected at six airports located in the Midwest, South and Southeast regions of Brazil and analyzed with Structural Equations Modeling (SEM). The results demonstrate correlation between the perception of marketing strategies, adopted by the airlines, indicating that for companies to affect the dimensions of value that the passenger perceives in the brand, it is not enough to carry out isolated investments, in one or the other strategy, but efforts to strengthen joint service innovations, price-related promotions and event sponsorship. This study provides a basis for the development of future studies on passenger-based brand equity and enables the best targeting of marketing strategies in the air transport sector / A proposta desse estudo consiste em examinar a influência da percepção do passageiro em relação às estratégias de marketing, desenvolvidas por companhias aéreas, sobre cada uma de suas dimensões de valor da marca. A partir de revisão sistemática e de pesquisa com gestores de companhias aéreas foi proposto um modelo conceitual, relacionando as estratégias de marketing, adotadas por companhias aéreas, e as dimensões de valor da marca na perspectiva do consumidor: associações/reconhecimento da marca, qualidade percebida e fidelidade à marca. Os dados foram coletados em seis aeroportos sediados nas regiões Centro-Oeste, Sul e Sudeste do Brasil e analisados com Modelagem de Equações Estruturais (SEM). Os resultados demonstram correlação entre a percepção de estratégias de marketing, adotadas pelas companhias aéreas, indicando que para que as companhias consigam afetar as dimensões de valor que o passageiro percebe na marca, não basta a realização de investimentos isolados, em uma ou outra estratégia de marketing, mas sim esforços para fortalecimento de inovações em serviços, promoções relacionadas a preço e patrocínio de eventos em conjunto. Este estudo fornece base para o desenvolvimento de estudos futuros sobre valor da marca na perspectiva do passageiro e possibilita o melhor direcionamento de estratégias de marketing no setor de transporte aéreo.

Problembakgrund: Sportorganisationer, lag och atleter har allt mer börjat ses som varumärken. Precis som att ett varumärke anses vara den absolut mest värdefulla tillgången för ett företag, är det en minst lika värdefull tillgång för sportorganisationer. Dock verkar många sportorganisationer ändå underskatta styrkan i deras varumärke. Problematiken i den tidigare varumärkeslitteraturen är att det verkar finnas ett kunskaps gap i hur man stärker en hel sports varumärke.  Syfte: Syftet med denna studie är att identifiera hur marknadskommunikationen idag ser ut hos en sportorganisation, där den huvudsakliga finansieringen kommer från spelmarknaden. Dessutom belysa vilka kommunikationsverktyg en sport effektivast kan använda i förhållande till resurser och maximal spridning. Slutligen beskriva hur en sportorganisation kan bygga upp ett starkare varumärke.  Metod: Studien är baserad på en fallstudie, där en kvalitativ metod valts och ett deduktivt angreppsätt. Undersökningens empiriska material utgörs av tre djupgående intervjuer med sportorganisationens marknadsavdelning och tre stycken fokusgrupper vilka representerades av hästspelare, sportspelare och neutrala individer, som utgör galoppsportens passiva målgrupp.  Slutsats: Studiens resultat visar att en sportorganisation kan stärka sitt varumärke genom att fokusera på den unika emotionella koppling som individer har till sporter, samt att strategiskt välja kommunikationskanaler som passar väl ihop med organisationens resurser och möjligheter. Slutligen måste en integrerad varumärkeskommunikationsplan integreras i alla sportens avdelningar, för att kunna koordinera budskap och kanaler på ett effektivt sätt. / Sport organizations, teams and athletes have increasingly begun to be seen as brands. Just like a brand is considered to be by far the most valuable asset for a company, it is just as valuable to sport organizations. However, many sport organizations still seem to underestimate the strength of their brands. The difficulties in the previous brand literature is that there seems to be a lack of knowledges about how to strenghten an entire sport.   The purpose of this study is to identify how the market communications today looks like for a sport organization, where the main funding comes from the gambling industry. Then identify which communication tools a sport can use moste effectively in relation to resources and maximum awareness. Finally, decribe how a sport organization can build a stronger brand.  The study is based on a case study, where a qualitative method is chosen, with a deductive approach. The empirical evidence of the survey consists of three interviews with the selected sport organization’s marketing departement and three focus groups which were represented by the horse racings passive taget group, which consist of horse gamblers, sport gamblers and neutral individuals.  The results of the study shows that a sport organization can strengthen it’s brand by focusing on the unique emotional connection that individuals have to sports, and to strategically choose communication channels that fit well with the organization’s resources and options. Finally, an integrated brand communication plan must be integrated throughout all the divisions within the sport, in order to coordinate messages and channels in the most effective way.

Purpose: This research aims to test the application of a customer-based brand equity model, based on Aaker´s well-known conceptual framework of brand equity in the context of streamers.  Design/Methodology- This research has used multiple linear regression to test the relationship between brand equity and brand loyalty, brand awareness, brand associations as well as perceived quality. The data was collected through a self-completion questionnaire that was distributed via Facebook groups of desired target audience. Following, the data has been processed through the statistics software IBM SPSS. The outputs have been interpreted to later lead to the conclusions.  Findings: This research has found that Aaker´s conceptual framework of brand equity is applicable in the streamers context.  Research limitations: The limitations of this study were regarding sampling methods that lead to the study to not be generalizable.  Originality/Value: This study contributed to the body of knowledge as streamers as influencers is not a widely researched topic.