Spelling suggestions: "subject:"decisision _taking 6process"" "subject:"decisision _taking _process""
61 |
THE INFLUENCE OF WIDOWED STATUS AND TASK COMPLEXITY ON DECISION MAKINGOrtz, Courtney L. 01 January 2013 (has links)
Widowhood is a stressful life event that can impact an individual’s everyday life, including her decision making abilities. The complexity of the decision is also likely to influence the decision making abilities of these widows. The purpose of this dissertation was to better understand widows’ decision making processes, their preferences for collaboration when making decisions, and their satisfaction with the decision outcomes. Data analysis consisted of a series of 3 (widowed status) x 2 (task complexity) ANOVAS and ANCOVAS which found that both complexity and widowed status influence decision making processes. Higher complexity led to less overall satisfaction, but none of the other satisfaction variables yielded significant results. In addition, there were no significant findings with regard to preferences for collaboration. Multiple linear regressions were conducted to better understand individual difference variables on decision processing. Restoration orientation coping, loss orientation coping, and task complexity were found to be significant for decision processing and satisfaction measures. Future studies should aim to develop decision aids for this particular population so that they are able to make better decisions.
|
62 |
The Concept of Ecosystem Services : Integrating the concept of ecosystem services on the environmental impact assessment of the Bunge Quarry / :de Rover, Ted, Persson, Tobias January 2014 (has links)
With the growing awareness and urgency of sustainable business behavior, conducting environmental impact assessments is an important tool for companies to evaluate their impacts. However, the assessment tool has received critique over the last years, and seems not to accomplish its goal to assure a sustainable development and use of the environment. In this thesis, the possibility of integrating the concept of ecosystem services in an environmental impact assessment is investigated. The aim of this study was to create a theoretical framework that facilitates the decision making process of impact assessments with the dimension of ecosystem services. This research is based on an empirical analysis surrounding the environmental assessment of the Bunge Area on Gotland, Sweden by the Finnish mining company Nordkalk AB, together with the legal decision making process that derived from it. The theoretical framework was tested upon applicability, and resulted into providing information concerning the integration of ecosystem services on the environmental impact assessment.
|
63 |
Consumers' understanding and utilisation of textile eco-labels when making a pre-purchase decision / Heleen DreyerDreyer, Heleen January 2013 (has links)
Eco-labels impact consumers‟ likelihood to buy eco-labelled products and serve as a tool during the decision-making process that helps consumers make informed purchase choices. The textile industry is responsible for a large amount of pollution, but has started to follow a more holistic, eco-friendly approach. Information about their eco-friendliness is communicated to consumers via eco-labels. Consumers can influence the textile industry to include more eco-labelled textile products in their desired range of products, by buying and demanding eco-labelled textile products. However, international studies indicate that consumers do not understand textile eco-labels and the information that is found on these labels. A lack of understanding prevents consumers from including such products in their pre-purchase decision-making process. Yet some consumers, from developed and developing countries, are willing to buy eco-labelled products and pay more for such products. Limited research in this regard, within a South African context, is available hence, more research was required in this study field. Therefore, this study aimed to explore consumers‟ understanding and utilisation of textile eco-labels during pre-purchase decision-making.
The research for the study was done using a convenience and purposive sampling method with a quantitative structured online questionnaire for data collection purposes. Findings suggest that respondents were environmentally conscious, but only to some extent. Most respondents objectively understood textile eco-labelled products, but not textile eco-labels or organic label information regarding cotton production processes. Respondents indicated that they do not use textile eco-labels when making a pre-purchase decision, yet they somewhat recognised the need to buy eco-friendly textile products, because they are aware of environmental implications. Regarding the information on eco-labels, respondents searched for information surrounding the quality of eco-labelled textile products, followed by the care instructions and the credibility of the eco-label on the product. Finally, there was a segment of respondents who buy and utilise textile eco-labelled products, and are willing to pay a higher price for these products. The higher price was the main factor that prevented other respondents from buying eco-labelled textile products.
Consumers can benefit from education regarding environmental issues and how their purchasing choices can make a difference in protecting the environment. Furthermore, educating consumers about eco-labelled textile products might increase their awareness and utilisation of these products. In turn, this awareness about eco-labels might encourage consumers to include these kinds of products in their pre-purchase decision-making process. Additionally the industry can strive towards keeping eco-labelled products‟ prices relatively equal to regular product‟s prices to make it easier for consumers to choose between the different products, based on their environmental attributes and not price. Finally, the textile industry and manufacturers can focus on making textile eco-labels more attractive and attention-grabbing in order to focus consumers‟ attention on these labels. Furthermore, on these labels, symbols and words should be used together and all elements should correspond to enhance consumers‟ understanding. If all of these elements of an eco-label convey the same message, consumers might be able to understand the intended message by manufacturers and the industry better. / M Consumer Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014
|
64 |
Student travel behaviour : North-West University (Potchefstroom Campus) / C.M. HeynsHeyns, Cornelius Muller January 2010 (has links)
The student market is a large and growing segment of the tourism industry that
contributes approximately one billion rand annually to the tourism economy
Unfortunately, despite the apparent profitability of this market, students are still
disregarded by the South African tourism industry This may be explained by the
perception and ignorance by the industry and that little is known about the
characteristics, travel motivations and behaviour of this market
The literature review revealed that students have specific characteristics which
influence their travel behaviour such as money, time, social factors, personal
characteristics, motives, special interests and especially cultural or ethnic backgrounds.
Thus it is clear that although the student market seems homogeneous, heterogeneous
differences do exist In order to capitalise on this market and to comprehensively
understand student behaviour, information is needed about the activities which the
students pursue, with whom and where these activities are pursued and even more
importantly , how the students make the decision to purchase the product to go on
holiday
Thus the main purpose of this study was to determine the travel behaviour of students
at the NWU, Potchefstroom Campus. This was achieved firstly by analysing motivation
(Chapter 2) and conceptualising travel behaviour (Chapter 3) by means of extensive
literature reviews. Motivation is understood as the underlying forces that arouse and
direct the behaviours in which students engage, in order to realise certain benefits
Behaviour can be viewed as a process of internal psychological factors (e.g. needs,
wants and goals) which generate tension to some extent Different students have
different needs; their purchase decision may be influenced by individual preference and
social circumstances at the least The aim of conducting a literature review concerning
the total concept of travel behaviour was to analyse the process of travel behaviour and
effecting factors including travel motives, in order to understand and how best to attract
the student market.
In order to determine the travel behaviour of students at the NWU, Potchefstroom
Campus, a survey was conducted between the 5th and 14th of October 2010 The survey
was conducted by means of distributing a Questionnaire among third -year students
during contact sessions in each of the different Faculties. From the data obtained from
the questionnaire; a profile of the third-year students could be compiled and through
factor analyses, the travel behaviour of the students could be determined. ANOVAs and
Chi-square tests were used to determine whether the student travel behaviour in the
different faculties differed from each other as well as to what extent These analyses
were conducted in Chapter 4.
Evidently convenience was considered as the most important factor with regard to the
travelling characteristics of the students, Relaxation and Having fun as the most
important factors influencing the travel motivation of students and Finance was the most
important factor influencing the travel behaviour of the third-year students at the NWU,
Potchefstroom_ Overall it was clear that the students in each faculty differed in their
travel characteristics, activities influencing the holiday experience, motives to go on
holiday and factors influencing the choice of destination as well as holiday preferences
The Faculty of Theology stood out as the faculty which differed the most with regard to
the afore-mentioned, whereas the Faculty of Health Sciences indicated the least
differences
This research therefore revealed that the third-year student market at the NWU,
Potchefstroom Campus cannot be seen as a homogenous market since there are
definite heterogeneous differences with regard to their travel behaviour. This market is
also very complex since the Faculty to which the student belongs, contributes to these
heterogeneous differences Knowledge of the travel behaviour of students can aid in
segmentation of the student market in order to refine the marketing strategies of the
destination as well as the development of target specific marketing messages. / Thesis (M.Com. (Tourism))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.
|
65 |
The relationship between travel motives, service levels and satisfaction of nature-base [i.e.nature-based] tourist [i.e. tourists] / T. Schoeman / Relationship between travel motives, service levels and satisfaction of nature-based touristsSchoeman, Talita January 2010 (has links)
The literature review on tourist satisfaction revealed that a satisfied tourist leads to positive word of mouth recommendation to friends and family, loyalty (return visits), competitive advantage and long-term profitability and sustainability. These favourable benefits resulting from satisfaction are necessary for any destination to survive in the competitive tourism industry. The Addo Elephant National Park (AENP) is one of 21 national parks in South Africa and is managed by SANParks. Data captured from visitors to the (AENP) was used to achieve the objective of this study. As national, regional, local and privately owned parks (private game farms) strive to increase their share in the international and national market, it is important to understand why visitors return to a certain destination and the role service plays in the return decision. Literature on satisfaction identified two components that contribute to return visits. These were service (delivering quality service) and travel motivation (why people travel to a certain destination).
The aim of this research was to determine the relationship between satisfaction, service and travel motivations of the visitors to the AENP. To achieve this, data captured from 2005-2007 by the Institute for Tourism and Leisure Studies on the AENP was firstly used to determine the visitors? profile and, secondly, to apply factor analyses and the t-test. The factor analyses were applied and, in both cases, four factors were identified. In the case of the service factors, hospitality services, general services, activities, and infrastructure disseminations were found and, in the case of travel motivation factors, learning experience, activities and events, escape and family socialising. The t-tests were used to determine whether or not visitors' expectations were met. This was also used to determine the relationship between travel motives, service and satisfaction of the visitors to the AENP.
Findings indicated that the visitors whose primary travel motivation expectations were met rated the services higher than visitors whose primary travel motivation expectations were not met. The research therefore confirmed that there is a relationship between service and travel motivation. In terms of visitors' satisfaction, the relevance of the relationship between travel motives and service is lower if the visitors' primary travel needs are met, with a higher relevance of the relationship if the primary travel needs are not met. Park management can use these results as tools to ensure that the product offered guarantees visitors' satisfaction and therefore contributes to long-term park sustainability. Therefore park management can obtain the ideal tourist experience by not only focusing on the travel motives but also on the quality of service delivered at the park. / Thesis (M.Com. (Tourism))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.
|
66 |
Consumers' expectations of furniture labels during their pre–purchase information search : toward label development / A. LabuschagneLabuschagne, Adri January 2010 (has links)
Labels serve as a source of external information during the consumer
decision–making process, and frequently contribute to consumers’ prior
knowledge of different products as well as their search activities prior to
purchase of furniture. Labelling of a wide range of products, such as food and
clothing has been investigated with regard to the effectiveness of the label, to
convey information and draw consumers’ attention to the product, and the
usage of the labels by consumers. However, no literature suggests the
existence of labels with regard to furniture items, or consumers’ expectations
about furniture labels. It is believed that labels on furniture items could assist
consumers during the pre–purchase information search of the decision–making
process.
The current study investigated consumers’ expectations of furniture labels,
during the pre–purchase information search of the consumer decision–making
process, in order to propose furniture labels. The objectives of the study were
to determine what questions regarding product information consumers
frequently ask store assistants prior to furniture purchasing; to determine
consumers’ expectations regarding furniture labels in terms of the product
information on the label, the appearance of the label and the placement of the
label on furniture items; and finally to suggest a preliminary furniture label
according to consumers’ expectations.
A mixed–method research approach was followed, using a two–phase
exploratory design. Qualitative findings indicated that consumers enquire
about the type of materials used for the manufacturing of furniture items,
finishes used on items, quality, guarantees, warrantees, design, performance,
maintenance, care instructions and colours of items. Similarly, quantitative
results showed that the majority of respondents deemed the price, materials
used, cleaning instructions, guarantee and warrantees important to be
displayed on the furniture label. Appearance characteristics were
summarised and preliminary furniture labels were suggested accordingly.
These labels can be used by product developers, marketers, and the furniture industry to assist consumers during their pre–purchase information search of
the consumer decision–making process. / Thesis (M. Consumer Science)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.
|
67 |
Student travel behaviour : North-West University (Potchefstroom Campus) / C.M. HeynsHeyns, Cornelius Muller January 2010 (has links)
The student market is a large and growing segment of the tourism industry that
contributes approximately one billion rand annually to the tourism economy
Unfortunately, despite the apparent profitability of this market, students are still
disregarded by the South African tourism industry This may be explained by the
perception and ignorance by the industry and that little is known about the
characteristics, travel motivations and behaviour of this market
The literature review revealed that students have specific characteristics which
influence their travel behaviour such as money, time, social factors, personal
characteristics, motives, special interests and especially cultural or ethnic backgrounds.
Thus it is clear that although the student market seems homogeneous, heterogeneous
differences do exist In order to capitalise on this market and to comprehensively
understand student behaviour, information is needed about the activities which the
students pursue, with whom and where these activities are pursued and even more
importantly , how the students make the decision to purchase the product to go on
holiday
Thus the main purpose of this study was to determine the travel behaviour of students
at the NWU, Potchefstroom Campus. This was achieved firstly by analysing motivation
(Chapter 2) and conceptualising travel behaviour (Chapter 3) by means of extensive
literature reviews. Motivation is understood as the underlying forces that arouse and
direct the behaviours in which students engage, in order to realise certain benefits
Behaviour can be viewed as a process of internal psychological factors (e.g. needs,
wants and goals) which generate tension to some extent Different students have
different needs; their purchase decision may be influenced by individual preference and
social circumstances at the least The aim of conducting a literature review concerning
the total concept of travel behaviour was to analyse the process of travel behaviour and
effecting factors including travel motives, in order to understand and how best to attract
the student market.
In order to determine the travel behaviour of students at the NWU, Potchefstroom
Campus, a survey was conducted between the 5th and 14th of October 2010 The survey
was conducted by means of distributing a Questionnaire among third -year students
during contact sessions in each of the different Faculties. From the data obtained from
the questionnaire; a profile of the third-year students could be compiled and through
factor analyses, the travel behaviour of the students could be determined. ANOVAs and
Chi-square tests were used to determine whether the student travel behaviour in the
different faculties differed from each other as well as to what extent These analyses
were conducted in Chapter 4.
Evidently convenience was considered as the most important factor with regard to the
travelling characteristics of the students, Relaxation and Having fun as the most
important factors influencing the travel motivation of students and Finance was the most
important factor influencing the travel behaviour of the third-year students at the NWU,
Potchefstroom_ Overall it was clear that the students in each faculty differed in their
travel characteristics, activities influencing the holiday experience, motives to go on
holiday and factors influencing the choice of destination as well as holiday preferences
The Faculty of Theology stood out as the faculty which differed the most with regard to
the afore-mentioned, whereas the Faculty of Health Sciences indicated the least
differences
This research therefore revealed that the third-year student market at the NWU,
Potchefstroom Campus cannot be seen as a homogenous market since there are
definite heterogeneous differences with regard to their travel behaviour. This market is
also very complex since the Faculty to which the student belongs, contributes to these
heterogeneous differences Knowledge of the travel behaviour of students can aid in
segmentation of the student market in order to refine the marketing strategies of the
destination as well as the development of target specific marketing messages. / Thesis (M.Com. (Tourism))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.
|
68 |
The relationship between travel motives, service levels and satisfaction of nature-base [i.e.nature-based] tourist [i.e. tourists] / T. Schoeman / Relationship between travel motives, service levels and satisfaction of nature-based touristsSchoeman, Talita January 2010 (has links)
The literature review on tourist satisfaction revealed that a satisfied tourist leads to positive word of mouth recommendation to friends and family, loyalty (return visits), competitive advantage and long-term profitability and sustainability. These favourable benefits resulting from satisfaction are necessary for any destination to survive in the competitive tourism industry. The Addo Elephant National Park (AENP) is one of 21 national parks in South Africa and is managed by SANParks. Data captured from visitors to the (AENP) was used to achieve the objective of this study. As national, regional, local and privately owned parks (private game farms) strive to increase their share in the international and national market, it is important to understand why visitors return to a certain destination and the role service plays in the return decision. Literature on satisfaction identified two components that contribute to return visits. These were service (delivering quality service) and travel motivation (why people travel to a certain destination).
The aim of this research was to determine the relationship between satisfaction, service and travel motivations of the visitors to the AENP. To achieve this, data captured from 2005-2007 by the Institute for Tourism and Leisure Studies on the AENP was firstly used to determine the visitors? profile and, secondly, to apply factor analyses and the t-test. The factor analyses were applied and, in both cases, four factors were identified. In the case of the service factors, hospitality services, general services, activities, and infrastructure disseminations were found and, in the case of travel motivation factors, learning experience, activities and events, escape and family socialising. The t-tests were used to determine whether or not visitors' expectations were met. This was also used to determine the relationship between travel motives, service and satisfaction of the visitors to the AENP.
Findings indicated that the visitors whose primary travel motivation expectations were met rated the services higher than visitors whose primary travel motivation expectations were not met. The research therefore confirmed that there is a relationship between service and travel motivation. In terms of visitors' satisfaction, the relevance of the relationship between travel motives and service is lower if the visitors' primary travel needs are met, with a higher relevance of the relationship if the primary travel needs are not met. Park management can use these results as tools to ensure that the product offered guarantees visitors' satisfaction and therefore contributes to long-term park sustainability. Therefore park management can obtain the ideal tourist experience by not only focusing on the travel motives but also on the quality of service delivered at the park. / Thesis (M.Com. (Tourism))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.
|
69 |
Consumers' expectations of furniture labels during their pre–purchase information search : toward label development / A. LabuschagneLabuschagne, Adri January 2010 (has links)
Labels serve as a source of external information during the consumer
decision–making process, and frequently contribute to consumers’ prior
knowledge of different products as well as their search activities prior to
purchase of furniture. Labelling of a wide range of products, such as food and
clothing has been investigated with regard to the effectiveness of the label, to
convey information and draw consumers’ attention to the product, and the
usage of the labels by consumers. However, no literature suggests the
existence of labels with regard to furniture items, or consumers’ expectations
about furniture labels. It is believed that labels on furniture items could assist
consumers during the pre–purchase information search of the decision–making
process.
The current study investigated consumers’ expectations of furniture labels,
during the pre–purchase information search of the consumer decision–making
process, in order to propose furniture labels. The objectives of the study were
to determine what questions regarding product information consumers
frequently ask store assistants prior to furniture purchasing; to determine
consumers’ expectations regarding furniture labels in terms of the product
information on the label, the appearance of the label and the placement of the
label on furniture items; and finally to suggest a preliminary furniture label
according to consumers’ expectations.
A mixed–method research approach was followed, using a two–phase
exploratory design. Qualitative findings indicated that consumers enquire
about the type of materials used for the manufacturing of furniture items,
finishes used on items, quality, guarantees, warrantees, design, performance,
maintenance, care instructions and colours of items. Similarly, quantitative
results showed that the majority of respondents deemed the price, materials
used, cleaning instructions, guarantee and warrantees important to be
displayed on the furniture label. Appearance characteristics were
summarised and preliminary furniture labels were suggested accordingly.
These labels can be used by product developers, marketers, and the furniture industry to assist consumers during their pre–purchase information search of
the consumer decision–making process. / Thesis (M. Consumer Science)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.
|
70 |
Oh, look - It's coffee o'clock! : En studie om konsumentens beslutsprocess vid köp av homogena produkter, samt studiet av ett företags arbete med varumärkesstärkande aktiviteter på en homogen produktmarknadWolontis, Stella, Jonsson, Maja January 2014 (has links)
It is important, for companies operating on a homogeneous product market, to understand and adapt to customer needs. Since coffee is a homogeneous product in food retail it is vital for coffee companies to work extensively with differentiation and the fierce competition. The prevailing homogenity makes it difficult for companies to develop the product itself and must therefore work to create added value to the product. The purpose of this thesis is to carry out a study on consumer decision-making when purchasing homogeneous products, and to examine how companies work to strengthen their brand and gain market share in a homogeneous product market. The market that this thesis highlights is the coffee market. To answer the purpose of this thesis the writers have conducted a questionnaire survey regarding consumers’ decision-making process and interviewed two marketing managers for two major actors on the coffee market. The results of the survey show that the availability and the price are key factors for consumers when choosing coffee, and the generated responses from the interviews emphasize the importance of working with strengthening a brand and finding an identity for the product.
|
Page generated in 0.1305 seconds