This thesis investigates the role of affective design in online help systems. The thesis begins with a discussion of the current research related to online help systems and the rhetorical nature of technical communication. The thesis then provides a heuristic evaluation of two versions of procedural discourse for Microsoft Word 2000. Based on an analysis of the heuristic evaluation, five recommendations are given for improving the affective design of online help systems. The thesis concludes with a proposed usability test and consideration of a related area of study.

In the retail environment, the salesperson is a strong factor of influence in consumer ´s decision process because a store image and ability to build loyalty can heavily depend on the ability and characteristics of the salesperson (Engel, Blackwell, & Miniard, 1995). A consumer may fully anticipate buying, but this intention may change if the salesperson´s performance is not satisfactory. Engel et al. (1995) indicated that appearance is an important characteristic of the salesperson. Clothing is an essential part of the salesperson´s appearance and it can transmit many meanings, such as identity, mood, and attitude (Stone, 1962). Hawkins, Best, and Coney (1998) indicated that consumers in different age groups have different attitudes, values, and behaviors. The purpose of this study is to determine the influence of consumer age and the clothing type of the salesperson in the apparel consumer satisfaction process. Based on the previous literatures, a conceptual model was developed as a framework of the study. This model suggests that consumer age and the clothing type of the salesperson influence consumer attitude toward the salesperson, which in turn influences consumer expectation and evaluation of the salesperson´s performance. Consumer expectation and evaluation of the salesperson´s performance, and expectancy disconfirmation (i.e., the confirmation/ disconfirmation between consumer expectation and evaluation of the salesperson´s performance) are three factors that influence consumer satisfaction with the salesperson´s performance. Six hypotheses were generated to test this model. A 2 x 2 between-subjects factorial design was used with two age groups (adolescents and the elderly) and two clothing types of the salesperson (formal and informal). Two questionnaires with the same scenario, but two pictures of the salesperson with the different clothing types, were developed as the measurement of instrument. The participants were 120 adolescent males 16 to 19 years old and 120 elderly males 65 years and older. Results indicated that a significant interaction existed between consumer age and the clothing type of the salesperson in consumer attitude toward the salesperson. Adolescent participants had a more positive attitude toward the salesperson with an informal clothing type. On the other hand, elderly participants had a significantly more positive attitude toward the salesperson with a formal clothing type. Significantly positive relationships were found between consumer attitude toward the salesperson and consumer expectation and evaluation of the salesperson´s performance. These results indicated that a more positive attitude toward the salesperson was related to a higher expectation and evaluation of the salesperson´s performance. Significantly positive relationships were also found between consumer expectation and consumer satisfaction, and consumer evaluation and consumer satisfaction. A higher expectation and evaluation of the salesperson´s performance was related to a higher satisfaction with the salesperson´s performance. When the relationship between expectancy confirmation/disconfirmation and consumer satisfaction was examined, results indicated that participants were more satisfied with the salesperson´s performance when their evaluations of the salesperson´s performance were equal or better than their expectations, than when their evaluations were worse than their expectations. The results of this study suggest that consumer age and the clothing type of the salesperson influences consumer satisfaction with the salesperson. Several marketing applications were discussed and recommendation was given for the future study. / Master of Science

Yes / Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop and test a new conceptual model in an online service context. The model focuses on an important, yet often neglected customer-oriented construct, i.e., user “control”, which is embedded in consumer behaviour when accessing the internet. The study examines the relationship between control, online dependency, online encounter satisfaction and overall satisfaction. It explains the strategic implications surrounding customer control and online dependency as means for enhancing customer satisfaction. Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire was developed drawing on a combination of existing and new measurement items for the constructs in question. The instrument was later pilot tested on two consecutive occasions ahead of the main survey. A random sample of Hong Kong banking consumers was approached and interviews were undertaken via telephone. The data were analysed via confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling was used to test the hypotheses relating to the model. Findings The findings reveal positive relationships between control and online dependency, and control and online encounter satisfaction. Meanwhile control, online dependency and online encounter satisfaction lead to overall satisfaction. Originality/value This study proposes a counterintuitive argument that while online service customers gain control of the online service process, they become more dependent on it, and their control and dependency also lead to their satisfaction, at both the online service encounter level and corporate level. Drawing on the pertinent literature, this is the first study to examine the importance of two information system constructs, i.e., control and online dependency, as predictors of consumer psychological fulfilment, i.e., satisfaction. The findings confirm that control as an initiator and driver of customer satisfaction in an online context, and online encounter satisfaction, further contributes to overall satisfaction at the corporate level.

AI personalisation has emerged as a powerful tool to boost consumer satisfaction in digital experiences. Satisfaction is a multifaceted concept, encompassing the fulfilment of needs and wants and resulting in a positive emotional and cognitive state. This study describes how AI personalisation can strengthen overall satisfaction by aligning AI recommendations along with both observable needs and deeper emotional and social desires. To investigate this, a qualitative research approach was employed, utilising semi-structured interviews to gather empirical data. This method ensured comprehensive coverage of the topic while allowing for individual variation. Participants were selected through purposive sampling, focusing on those with prior experience of AI. Interviews continued until theoretical saturation was reached. Data analysis was inspired by grounded theory, using a systematic coding process. The findings reveal that consumer satisfaction with AI recommendations is influenced by added value, contextual relevance, and timing. Additionally, factors such as speed, efficiency, quality responses, accessibility, adaptive empathy, communication style and humour play crucial roles. These components demonstrate how AI personalisation can strengthen consumer satisfaction by tailoring recommendations and interactions to individual tastes and preferences.

published_or_final_version / Business Administration / Master / Master of Business Administration

by Cyril Chi-kin Chow. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1995. / Includes bibliographical (leaves 165-184). / ABSTRACT --- p.i / TABLE OF CONTENTS --- p.iii / LIST OF FIGURES --- p.vii / LIST OF TABLES --- p.viii / ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS --- p.x / CHAPTER / Chapter I. --- INTRODUCTION --- p.1 / The Retail Banking Industry --- p.1 / Retail Banking in Hong Kong --- p.4 / The Present Research Focus --- p.8 / Significance of Research --- p.9 / Organization of Thesis --- p.10 / Chapter II. --- REVIEW OF LITERATURE --- p.11 / Literature on Service Marketing --- p.11 / Services as Activities --- p.12 / Services as Experiences --- p.13 / Services As Molecular Marketing Entities --- p.13 / Services As Processes --- p.14 / Services As Systems --- p.15 / Service Classification --- p.17 / Literature on Quality and Service Quality --- p.19 / Definition of Quality --- p.19 / Approach to Quality Management --- p.21 / Perceived Service Quality --- p.25 / Service Quality Gap Theory ´Ø --- p.26 / Issues in Service Quality Measurement --- p.33 / Literature on Satisfaction / Dissatisfaction --- p.39 / Expectancy Disconfirmation Theory --- p.40 / Attribution Theory --- p.42 / Equity Theory --- p.43 / Dyadic Role Expectation Theory --- p.44 / Catastrophe Theory --- p.44 / Service Quality - Satisfaction Link --- p.48 / "Transactional, Contractual, and Relational Service Exchanges ´Ø" --- p.51 / Transactional Exchange --- p.54 / Relational Exchange --- p.54 / Contractual Exchange --- p.56 / Chapter III. --- TOWARD A GENERIC MODEL OF SERVICE QUALITY --- p.60 / Service Quality Dimensions --- p.60 / Product Quality --- p.62 / Service Recovery Quality --- p.64 / Social and Structural Relationship Quality --- p.66 / Service Quality Measures --- p.67 / Service Adequacy --- p.67 / Service Superiority --- p.68 / Degree of Tolerance --- p.68 / Generic Service Quality Model --- p.70 / Dimensionality --- p.70 / Perceived Quality Importance --- p.71 / Service Satisfaction / Dissatisfaction --- p.74 / Comparison of the Generic Model and PZB Model --- p.74 / Chapter IV. --- RESEARCH METHODOLOGY --- p.77 / Research Design --- p.77 / Focus Group Research --- p.79 / Pretest --- p.82 / Sampling --- p.82 / Operationalization of Measures --- p.83 / Forms of Service Exchange --- p.79 / Service Quality --- p.86 / Satisfaction --- p.87 / Dissatisfaction --- p.87 / Loyalty and Switching Intent --- p.87 / Importance of Quality Dimensions --- p.87 / Survey Response --- p.88 / Response Rate --- p.88 / Respondent Characteristics --- p.89 / Service Exchange Respondent Grouping --- p.90 / Reliability of Measures --- p.91 / Validity of Measures --- p.92 / Convergent and Discriminant Validity --- p.92 / Concurrent and Predictive Validity --- p.94 / Chapter V. --- RESULTS --- p.96 / Generic Service Quality Model --- p.96 / Dimensionality --- p.96 / Noticeable Differences in Service Quality Dimensions --- p.98 / Perceived Quality Importance --- p.100 / Service Satisfaction --- p.102 / Service Dissatisfaction --- p.104 / Model Comparison --- p.106 / Explanatory and Predictive Power --- p.107 / Adequacy of Explanation --- p.108 / Domain of Application --- p.108 / Chapter VI --- SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS --- p.110 / Objectives and Focus of the Research --- p.110 / Operationalization of Constructs --- p.112 / Reliability of Research Instruments --- p.114 / Validity of Research Instruments --- p.115 / Response Rate and Sample Representativeness --- p.116 / Summary and Interpretation of Findings --- p.116 / Significance of the Research Contribution --- p.119 / Contribution to Theory --- p.119 / Contribution to Practice --- p.122 / Contribution to Methodology --- p.124 / Evaluation of Theory from the Philosophy of Science --- p.126 / Directions For Future Research --- p.128 / Better Construct Measurement --- p.128 / Better Data Collection Methodology --- p.129 / Causal Experimental Design --- p.130 / Replication Study Required --- p.130 / Limitations --- p.131 / EXHIBITS / Exhibit 1 All Users' SERVQUAL MSS Factor Structure --- p.132 / Exhibit 2 All Users' Generic Service Quality Model MSS Factor Structure --- p.133 / Exhibit 3 Transactional Users' MSA Structure --- p.134 / Exhibit 4 Transactional Users' MSS Structure --- p.135 / Exhibit 5 Contractual Users' MSA Factor Structure --- p.136 / Exhibit 6 Contractual Users' MSS Factor Structure --- p.137 / Exhibit 7 Relational Users' MSA Factor Structure --- p.138 / Exhibit 8 Relational Users' MSS Factor Structure --- p.139 / APPENDICES / Appendix I Measures --- p.140 / Appendix II Respondent Characteristics --- p.144 / Appendix III Results of One Way Analysis of Variances --- p.145 / III-A Minimum Service Expectations --- p.145 / III-B Desirable Service Expectations --- p.146 / III-C Measures of Service Adequacy (MSA) --- p.147 / III-D Measures of Service Superiority (MSS) --- p.148 / III-E Measures of Tolerance Range --- p.149 / III-F Perceived Service Quality Dimension Weights --- p.150 / III-G Behavioural Intent and Behaviour --- p.151 / Appendix IV Research Covering Letter --- p.152 / Appendix V Questionnaire One (3-Column Format) --- p.153 / Appendix VI Questionnaire Two (2-Column Format) --- p.159 / BIBLIOGRAPHY --- p.165 / CURRICULUM --- p.183

by Ng Wing Yiu. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong. / Bibliography: leaves 75-76.

by Tse Kwong Keung. / Pages 52-56 and 74 in clear holder. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1998. / Includes bibliographical references (leaf 99). / Questionnaries in English and Chinese. / ABSTRACT --- p.ii / TABLE OF CONTENTS --- p.ii / LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS --- p.v / LIST OF APPENDICES --- p.vi / LIST OF TABLES --- p.vii / LIST OF EXHIBITS --- p.ix / PREFACE --- p.x / Chapter / Chapter I. --- INTRODUCTION --- p.1 / Title of the Project --- p.1 / Terms of Reference --- p.1 / Objective --- p.2 / Chapter II. --- BACKGROUND --- p.4 / Overview of the Octopus System --- p.4 / Overview of the Octopus System Bus Equipment --- p.6 / Fare collection system on LRT Feeder and Auxiliary Bus Routes --- p.9 / Pre-Octopus Fare Collection System --- p.9 / New Fare Collection System with the Introduction of Octopus System --- p.10 / Implementation Measures --- p.11 / Implementation Measures to Prepare Passengers to Use Octopus System on Buses --- p.11 / Implementation measures - CSL --- p.11 / Implementation measures - LRT --- p.13 / Implementation Measures to Prepare Staff to Launch Octopus System on Buses --- p.14 / Chapter III. --- METHODOLOGY --- p.16 / Sources of Information --- p.16 / The Questionnaire Surveys --- p.17 / Questionnaire Survey for LRT Bus Passengers --- p.17 / Questionnaire Survey for LRT Bus Traffic Staff --- p.18 / Data Analysis Tools --- p.19 / Chapter IV. --- FINDINGS --- p.20 / Literature Review --- p.20 / The Systems Development Cycle --- p.20 / The Systems Development Cycle of Octopus System in LRT Buses --- p.24 / Systems Implementation Measures Getting People Ready to Use the New System --- p.25 / Measures of gaining acceptance by passengers and staff --- p.26 / Measures of obtaining passengers and staff performance --- p.29 / Education and training --- p.30 / Performance aids --- p.32 / Findings from Questionnaire Survey for LRT Bus Passengers --- p.33 / Demographic Profile --- p.33 / Effectiveness of Promotion Channels on Octopus Card to Passengers --- p.33 / Number of Trips on LRT Buses Per Week by Respondents --- p.34 / Fare Paying Methods of Respondents --- p.34 / Competence of Respondents in Using Octopus Card on Buses --- p.35 / Most Effective Methods to Educate Passengers on Octopus Card Usage --- p.36 / Findings from Questionnaire Survey for LRT Bus Traffic Staff --- p.36 / Demographic Profile --- p.36 / Personal Computer Experience Prior to Octopus Bus Equipment Training --- p.37 / Evaluation of DDU Operations Training Course --- p.37 / Staff Perceived Level of Competence to Operate the DDU During Octopus System Launching --- p.38 / Measures Proposed by Staff to Enhance Competence to Operate the DDU --- p.39 / Evaluation of BDC Operations Training Course --- p.39 / Staff Perceived Level of Competence to Operate the BDC During Octopus System Launching --- p.40 / Measures Proposed by Staff to Enhance Competence to Operate the BDC --- p.41 / Chapter V. --- CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS --- p.42 / Strengths of Implementation Measures on Passengers --- p.42 / Weaknesses of Implementation Measures on Passengers --- p.43 / Recommendations of Implementation Measures on Customers --- p.44 / Strengths of Implementation Measures on Staff --- p.46 / Weaknesses of Implementation Measures on Staff --- p.47 / Recommendations of Implementation Measures on Staff --- p.48 / APPENDICES 1-11 --- p.50 / TABLES 1-18 --- p.75 / EXHIBITS 1-6 --- p.93 / BIBLIOGRAPHY --- p.99

The purpose of this study is to gather information for the management of the Bank of Ayudhya to improve its internet banking service. It explored customer satisfaction, customer attitudes, and the correlation between the frequency of Internet banking usage and customer demographic data.

The research on this study examines how first impressions are formed in the hotel setting. The study also looks at the social intelligence process through the constructs of self-monitoring and impression management.