Purpose: The study aims to, from a companys point of view, describe how strategic work with customer loyalty is done. Conclusion: Another possible way to try to create loyalty is to exceed the expectations whether the customer is a member of the loyalty program or not. A strong brand with a good reputation can also contribute to a stronger loyalty. Reward systems gradually reward the customers since they first need to collect points, or in this case miles, to be able to use them later on. The staff is often educated in service to be able to interact with the customer in a professional manner. One way to interact with the members of the loyalty program is through profiles on the internet. To work with loyalty programs is a way for companies to get loyal customers.

Background: During the last decades the efforts to foster customer relationships have become important due to increased competition in the consumer markets. One of the most popular strategies have been to introduce customer loyalty programs which are believed to enhance the customer loyalty. The popularity of the customer loyalty programs is based on the beliefs that loyal customers are lucrative and these programs would bond the customers to the company. More recently however, the discussion whether these statements are accurate has started to blossom. Loyal customers are not necessarily as profitable as believed and it is not easy for companies to gain competitive advantage because almost all companies have similar customer clubs. Purpose: This thesis evaluates through a case study of a Swedish retail company whether customer loyalty programs manage to create loyalty among their members. Appropriate features of loyalty will be examined with the intention to evaluate whether there exists other factors outside the loyalty programs that are also influencing the creation of loyalty. Method: A qualitative study was conducted to answer the purpose of the thesis. Within the case study several semi-structured interviews were carried out with INTERSPORT and 20 telephone interviews with INTERSPORT customers. Empirical material was analyzed with a reflection to the theoretical framework and the research questions. Conclusions: Customer loyalty programs can enhance the creation of loyalty, but should be seen as a complement to other aspects of the business, namely, the product line, the customer service and the store concept. However, sustainable customer loyalty is difficult to obtain because many customers today are loyal to several companies instead of one.

<p>Background:</p><p>During the last decades the efforts to foster customer relationships have become important due to increased competition in the consumer markets. One of the most popular strategies have been to introduce customer loyalty programs which are believed to enhance the customer loyalty. The popularity of the customer loyalty programs is based on the beliefs that loyal customers are lucrative and these programs would bond the customers to the company. More recently however, the discussion whether these statements are accurate has started to blossom. Loyal customers are not necessarily as profitable as believed and it is not easy for companies to gain competitive advantage because almost all companies have similar customer clubs.</p><p>Purpose:</p><p>This thesis evaluates through a case study of a Swedish retail company whether customer loyalty programs manage to create loyalty among their members. Appropriate features of loyalty will be examined with the intention to evaluate whether there exists other factors outside the loyalty programs that are also influencing the creation of loyalty.</p><p>Method:</p><p>A qualitative study was conducted to answer the purpose of the thesis. Within the case study several semi-structured interviews were carried out with INTERSPORT and 20 telephone interviews with INTERSPORT customers. Empirical material was analyzed with a reflection to the theoretical framework and the research questions.</p><p>Conclusions:</p><p>Customer loyalty programs can enhance the creation of loyalty, but should be seen as a complement to other aspects of the business, namely, the product line, the customer service and the store concept. However, sustainable customer loyalty is difficult to obtain because many customers today are loyal to several companies instead of one.</p>

Submitted in compliance with the requirements for the Doctorate in Philosophy: Management Science (Marketing), Durban University of Technology, Durban. South Africa, 2017. / Loyalty programmes have become a popular marketing tool in marketplaces that are highly competitive and where differentiation is difficult. Although they are not new anymore, they continue to grow in popularity, particularly in South Africa where numbers are steadily increasing. The main aim of this study was to determine the influence of various types of perceived benefits from loyalty programmes in the South African fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) market with respect to their impact on relationship quality and loyalty towards the retailer concerned. The study reveals three forms of perceived benefits which are named as consumeristic, altruistic and egoistic benefits. In addition, the influence of socio-demographic characteristics are examined to ascertain any differences that might occur in the results. The study design was based on an exploratory sequential mixed methods approach and began with qualitative research before proceeding to quantitative data collection and analysis. The qualitative section of the research involved two in-depth interviews with managers of loyalty programmes at major retailers and two focus groups aimed at loyalty programme members. These assisted in the design of the quantitative data collection instrument. The quantitative data collection was aimed at a consumer database which incorporated those who were actively employed in the economy, resulting in a sample of 559 respondents. The initial findings of the study, revealed by means of regression analysis, were that all three forms of perceived benefits lead towards the three constructs that make up relationship quality, namely trust, satisfaction, and commitment with the retailer concerned. In addition, the same benefits were found to contribute towards customer loyalty. However, once structural equation modelling was employed, the results evolved. Firstly, the constructs of trust and satisfaction cross loaded onto each other and were therefore treated as a single construct named trust/satisfaction. Secondly, egoistic benefits were absorbed into consumeristic benefits and were therefore no longer featured as a separate item. Explanations are offered for this phenomenon. Consumeristic benefits still had a positive and significant relationship with trust/satisfaction, as did altruistic benefits. However, it was found that although altruistic benefits still enjoy a significant relationship with commitment, consumeristic benefits did not. A suggestion for this is that the perception of altruistic benefits has a greater attitudinal impact than consumeristic benefits do. Finally, neither altruistic nor consumeristic benefits showed a direct relationship with loyalty. The introduction of demographic variables established that only age affects the results, with older consumers being more receptive than others to altruistic benefits. However, findings revealed that a pathway to loyalty remains through the constructs of trust/satisfaction and commitment. This emphasises the importance of achieving trust and satisfaction first by means of the benefits offered. Finally, a new structural model is developed in line with the results of the structural equation model. The results from this study add to the body of research in the field, yielding both significant theoretical and practical contributions to the field of loyalty programmes, relationship quality and loyalty research, particularly in the South African FMCG retail marketplace. Retailers are advised to continue offering both altruistic and consumeristic benefits to customers, despite consumeristic benefits not necessarily creating a direct route towards loyalty. This is because once trust and satisfaction is achieved, loyalty will follow. In addition, loyalty programme providers should ensure that offerings provide both simplicity and transparency in order to create a positive relationship with trust and satisfaction. / D

This dissertation thesis identifies marketing activities that support customer loyalty in banking in the Czech republic. Besides providing the answer on question which loyalty activites to implement it defines general methodical model designed for similar projects use. The thesis also deals with several approaches to clients selection process including analytical marketing tools application. The research is structured into several continuous grades which findings follow each other. It also takes into consideration numerous dimensions of customer perception such as satisfaction, personal use, exit barrier, standards and inovations. New term meanings for satisfaction, retention and loyalty are defined in the thesis.

The purpose of this research was to demonstrate the importance of brand equity in the purchase of consumer durable goods, specifically heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.

Old Spice cleverly used a handsome actor to play the Old Spice Man character for a Super Bowl commercial in 2010. After the game, this Old Spice commercial was viewed more than 13 million times on YouTube, a social media video-sharing site. This viral marketing campaign, also known as electronic word-of-mouth (E-WOM), propelled the Old Spice brand into the forefront of consumers’ minds, increased brand awareness, and inspired people to share the video links with their family, friends, and co-workers. The rapid growth of E-WOM is an indication of consumers’ increased willingness to convey marketing messages to others. However, despite this development, marketing academics and practitioners do not fully understand this powerful form of marketing. This dissertation enriches our understanding of E-WOM and how e-servicescape may lead to E-WOM. To that end, stimulus-organism-response theory and the network co-production model of E-WOM are applied to investigate the relationships between e-servicescape, trust, E-WOM intentions, customer loyalty, and purchase intentions. Two forms of E-WOM were examined, namely emails and social network postings. E-servicescape is defined as the online environmental factors of a marketer’s website. E-servicescape is composed of three main dimensions, including aesthetic appeal, financial security, and layout and functionality. This study used cross-sectional customer data from a single e-tailer. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the responses. Customer reviews was added as an additional sub-dimension of e-servicescape. The findings suggest e-servicescape positively impacts trust, which in turn positively influences E-WOM and customer loyalty. Moreover, two groups of customers were compared using multi-group analysis, where one group of users received emails and the other group received social network postings from the same e-tailer. Overall, the results indicated emails had a stronger impact on e-servicescape, E-WOM, and customer loyalty. Social networking site postings had slightly greater influence on trust, and two sub-dimensions of e-servicescape, i.e., interactivity and ease of payment. These findings contribute to the marketing research on E-WOM theory and electronic commerce shopping behavior. In particular, the sub-dimension of customer reviews is added to e-servicescape. This study yields practical implications for marketers in understanding consumers’ perceptions of websites and how to better design sites. In addition, these findings add to knowledge on how to engender consumers’ trust and customer loyalty online. Finally, this research provides suggestions for firms wanting to create marketing campaigns that will lead to E-WOM.

Diplomová práce se zabývá problematikou analýzy spokojenosti zákazníků společnosti Deloitte Belgie. Srovnává teoretické poznatky s praktickými dovednostmi získanými během stáže ve společnosti Deloitte. Metoda osobního dotazování byla použita za účelem získání cenné zpětné vazby od klientů a k provedení analýzy spokojenosti zákazníků. Na základě vyhodnocení bylo identifikováno několik oblastí vyžadujících zdokonalení a navržena opatření vedoucí ke zlepšení zjišťování spokojenosti zákazníků a zvýšení stávající úrovně spokojenosti zákazníků.

The rapid advancement in technology-based systems, especially those related to the Internet and World Wide Web, has led to fundamental changes in how banks interact with customers. These developments have propelled banks to be innovative and use alternative delivery channels such as electronic banking with a view to attract more customers, create value for customers, enhance customer satisfaction and ultimately obtain customer loyalty. Within the South African context, a gap in research was identified that dealt with the conceptualisation and measurement of electronic banking service quality. Furthermore, no single empirical or conceptual study could be found that put up the four constructs identified in this study that tested the causal relationships of these constructs. Against this backdrop, the study‘s principal objective was to develop and validate a measuring scale of electronic banking service quality for the South African banking sector. The study also sought to determine the causal relationships amongst the four constructs of the study, namely electronic banking service quality, customer value, customer satisfaction and customer loyalty. To address these research objectives, the study applied a two-phase design in conducting the research in an effort of enhancing and maximising the outcome of this research endeavour. Phase I of this study comprised a literature review and focus group interviews (qualitative research). An extensive literature review was conducted as an inductive method to build the theoretical foundation of the study, generate the initial pool of items, and define and conceptualise the constructs. Using a deductive method, the focus group interviews were used to generate original items for the development of the scale. Phase II of the study comprised scale refinement and validation of the scale through various interactive statistical applications such as exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and structural equation modelling (SEM) (quantitative method). Using an exploratory factor analysis, eight determinant dimensions were extracted that constitute electronic banking service quality (EBSQ). These dimensions in accordance of their importance are reliability, system availability, privacy and security, website aesthetics, ease of use, functionality, efficiency, and contact and responsiveness. The Pearson‘s correlation coefficient between each of the eight dimensions and EBSQ was above 0.6 at p<0.01 level of significance showing practical significance. Similarly, the Pearson‘s correlation coefficient among the four constructs, namely EBSQ, customer value, customer satisfaction and customer loyalty, revealed that there are evidence positive linear correlations among these constructs. T-test statistics and non-parametric correlations were computed to determine the influence of demographic variables such as gender, age, education and income on the perceptions of customers of electronic banking service quality dimensions, electronic banking service quality as a whole, customer value, customer satisfaction and customer loyalty. Employing comprehensive and best practice (inductive and deductive research methods), a measuring scale has been developed and validated for the South African banking sector (primary objective of this study). The purification and validation of the scale involved rigorous statistical methods including exploratory factor analysis followed by confirmatory factor analysis through structural equation modelling (SEM) to ensure the reliability, validity and robustness of the scale. Moreover, the study endeavoured to contribute to the theoretical conceptualisation of electronic banking service quality (EBSQ), which is a relatively new concept in South Africa, and indeed, globally. Eight dimensions of EBSQ have identified and operational definition provided for. The dimensions identified in this research can be used to better understand EBSQ, and to measure and improve service quality levels in the banking sector. Ultimately, a model has been proposed providing South African banks with an instrument to measure, manage, and improve their electronic banking service quality. The model has established the building blocks of electronic banking service quality by identifying the main dimensions or attributes of electronic banking service quality that can be used to improve service quality levels. Furthermore, the study determined the causal relationships among four constructs, namely (I) electronic banking service quality (EBSQ), (II) customer value, (III) customer satisfaction and (IV) customer loyalty through regression path estimates (coefficients), mediation analysis and standardised regression weights. Understanding the intricate relationships among these constructs will definitely enhance the banks‘ approach to customer relationship management (CRM) in this digital era in their quest to provide quality services and devise appropriate customer service solutions. In light of the findings of this research, several managerial implications and recommendations are offered. Amongst others, the research revealed that reliability, privacy and security are the top concerns customers have with regard to electronic banking. Therefore, it is recommended that banks invest in the robustness of the websites for banking transactions by using cutting-edge technology to protect their customers from illicit criminal activity, as security and trust are of crucial importance to customers when engaging in online transactions. The sample size (310) used in this research is consistent with previously developed and validated scales and sufficiently meets the requirements of sample adequacy for the study of this nature. Using the scale developed and validated in this study, future research endeavours are recommended to use a bigger sample size to test the robustness of this scale, and obtain more exact and organisation-specific customer perceptions of electronic banking services. It may be worthwhile for future studies to consider developing a measuring instrument from a different perspective, that is, from other customer groups, namely internal customers (employees) of the banks. / PhD (Marketing Management)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2015.

Globally, trade and industry has shifted its focus from the traditional service delivery approaches to various alternative practices to be more successful, cost efficient, customer orientated, flexible and innovative. This shift in focus has lead to organisations applying a customer centric approach in their business. In order to understand customer centricity, it is necessary to be familiar with the term customer service. Customer service is the offering of services to customers before, during and after a purchase. It is a series of activities designed to enhance the level of customer satisfaction, i.e. the feeling that a product or service has met the customer’s expectations. Although it seems to be difficult to create and maintain a positive service culture, the implementation and upkeep of service excellence hold numerous advantages for organisations in both the short and the long term. Excellent customer service leads to an increase in profits as well as assist organisations in achieving a competitive advantage. Organisations with a customer centric approach can expect to experience a 30% higher return on investment on their marketing efforts compared to their peers not embracing customer centricity. Moreover, exceptional customer service will lead to customer satisfaction, which in turn, may well lead to customer loyalty which is crucial in the current volatile economic market. Recent economic instability triggered financial uncertainty in trade and industry. This causes difficulties for organisations to gain a competitive advantage and predict consumer behaviour. The organisations that will survive and outlive these uncertain circumstances will be those that maintain a customer centric focus. A customer centric focus implies that organisations place their customers first by concentrating on their needs and behaviours. These organisations will also attempt to eliminate internal factors that constrain service offerings to customers. Furthermore, customer centricity includes the alignment of resources of the organisation to successfully respond to the ever-changing needs of the customer, while building mutually profitable relationships. The main difference between customer service and customer centricity appears to relate to meaningful changes that customer centric organisations make in addressing their customers’ expectations and providing reciprocal support. Customer centricity seems to take customer service thus a step further with regards to service delivery. The healthcare environment forms an important part of trade and industry and economic instability also affects this sphere. In this study, the focus filters to the healthcare industry in South Africa and the role and importance of a customer centric approach to doctors. The South African healthcare environment consists of two sectors, namely large public (managed by government) and smaller, higher quality private healthcare. The South African healthcare system is unique to those of other countries as it is dynamic and multifaceted. The legislative framework within the healthcare system gives South African citizens the right to access healthcare services. Due to a skewed financing system in healthcare, this framework has a major impact on both the public and private sectors. The private healthcare industry in South Africa has grown dramatically with the number of beds doubling between 1988 and 1993. This was mainly due to the international trends toward privatisation and advanced by government's policies for privatisation. This resulted in the migration of doctors from public service to private practices. Specialists play an integral part in providing healthcare services. The private hospital industry provides admitting and treating facilities where doctors prescribe the care that hospitals should deliver to patients. This interplay between private hospitals and specialists emphasises that specialists are important customers of private hospitals. The importance of obtaining and retaining doctors is also highlighted in the vision and mission of the top three private hospital groups in South Africa, namely Mediclinic, Netcare and Life Healthcare. Many challenges exist to grow and maintain patient volumes for the private hospital sector. One thereof is to establish doctor (and their practices') support by building an optimum mix of loyal specialist and general practitioner (GP) networks for the hospital. The management and nurturing of relationships with doctors through these networks could lead to a competitive advantage for private hospitals. A study was therefore conducted to gain insight as to how specialists define customer centricity as well as their expectations of private hospitals when applying a customer centric approach towards doctors. The research was of qualitative nature. An experimental research design was applied and included 11 participants. Semi-structured interviews with specialists from one of the top three private hospital groups were conducted in order to gather relevant data. The interviews were transcribed and coded. Results were analysed and interpreted via thorough content analysis. Participants highlighted the following elements as important when defining customer centricity: customer focus, satisfaction, facilities and resources, accessibility, safety and cost effectiveness. In addition, participants confirmed that the following aspects marked their expectancies of a customer centric organisation: quality patient care and services, facilities and resources, effective communication, support and cooperation, provision of sufficient and well trained staff, mutual financial gains, appreciation, resolving of problems, involvement in decision making and respect. Conclusions and recommendations pertaining to future research were also provided. / MBA, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014