Syftet med denna studie är att undersöka vilka utmaningar och möjligheter återförsäljare i modebranschen i Sverige upplever med inköp via digitala möten samt dess inverkan på inköpsbeslutet. Studien ämnar också undersöka hur relationen mellan leverantör och återförsäljare påverkar inköpsbeslutet vid inköp via digitala möten. Studien har sin teoretiska utgångspunkt i van Weeles (2014) modell över inköpsprocessen och Dwyer, Shurr och Ohs(1987) modell över relationer mellan köpare och säljare. En kvalitativ studie har genomförts där data har samlats in genom semistrukturerade intervjuer med tio återförsäljare i modebranschen. Datan har sedan analyserats med en tematisk analys. Resultatet visar att inköp via digitala möten har orsakat en större osäkerhet hos återförsäljare vid inköpsbeslutet. Den största utmaningen vid inköp via digitala möten är att mildra osäkerheten. Det finns möjligheterför återförsäljare att tids- och kostnadseffektivisera sin verksamhet med hjälp av inköp via digitala möten. Relationen mellan leverantör och återförsäljare har en betydande roll underinköp via digitala möten, där ett förtroende parterna emellan kan mildra osäkerheten. / The purpose of this study is to investigate what challenges and opportunities retailers in the fashion industry in Sweden experience with purchasing via digital meetings and its impact on the purchasing decision. The study also intends to investigate how the relationship between supplier and retailer affects the purchasing decision when purchasing via digital meetings. The theoretical basis of this study is van Weele's (2014) model of the purchasing process and Dwyer, Shurr and Oh's (1987) model of buyer-seller relationships. A qualitative study has been carried out where data has been collected through semi-structured interviews with 10 retailers in the fashion industry. The data has then been analyzed with a thematic analysis. The results show that purchases via digital meetings have caused greater uncertainty among retailers in the purchasing decision. The biggest challenge when purchasing via digital meetings is to mitigate uncertainty. There are opportunities for retailers to streamline their operations in terms of time and cost with the help of purchasing via digital meetings. The relationship between supplier and retailer has a significant role in purchasing via digital meetings, where trust between the parties can alleviate uncertainty.

Purpose of this thesis is to create strategies based on market analyses for optimized inventory management in area of small batch production and enforce meaning of the supply chain marketing within KLM company. This thesis providing ABC analysis, new system developed for efficient identification of the parts and suppliers. Based on these analyses new quotation system for spare parts management has been proposed.

by Chan Kwong-Tak. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1999. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 80-81). / ABSTRACT --- p.i / TABLE OF CONTENTS --- p.iii / LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS --- p.v / LIST OF TABLES --- p.vi / Chapter / Chapter I. --- INTRODUCTION --- p.1 / Chapter II. --- MARKETING CHANNELS: STRUCTURE AND FUNCTIONS --- p.4 / The Basic Framework of Marketing Channels --- p.4 / The Functions of Intermediaries --- p.6 / Variation in the Basic Framework --- p.8 / Determinants of the Marketing Channel Structure --- p.11 / Chapter III. --- THE CAR LOAN MARKET IN HONG KONG --- p.14 / Marketing of Services --- p.14 / Indirect Lending Through the Car Dealers --- p.16 / Background For the Predominance of Indirect Lending --- p.19 / Cooperation and Conflict between the Car Dealers and Financiers --- p.21 / Major Car Dealers and Financiers in Indirect Lending --- p.23 / Rebate Commission --- p.26 / Functions of the Car Dealers --- p.27 / Growth of Direct Lending --- p.29 / Reasons For the Rise of Direct Lending --- p.30 / The Customers --- p.31 / Chapter IV. --- THE BANK --- p.32 / Background --- p.32 / Customer Profile --- p.33 / SWOT Analysis --- p.34 / Strengths --- p.34 / Weaknesses --- p.36 / Opportunities --- p.37 / Threats --- p.37 / Chapter V. --- CHANNEL STRATEGY --- p.40 / Analytical Framework --- p.40 / Corporate Objectives --- p.40 / Marketing Objectives --- p.41 / Competitive Strategies --- p.41 / Channel Objectives --- p.42 / SWOT Analysis --- p.43 / Direct Lending or Indirect Lending --- p.43 / Corporate Mission --- p.44 / Marketing Strategies --- p.46 / Competitive Strategies --- p.47 / Cost Leadership --- p.47 / Focus Strategy - Segmentation Decision --- p.47 / Differentiation Strategy- Service Excellence --- p.49 / Channel Objectives --- p.50 / Marketing Coverage and Distribution Intensity --- p.50 / Channel Control --- p.51 / Flexibility --- p.51 / SWOT Analysis --- p.52 / Strengths --- p.52 / Weaknesses --- p.52 / Opportunities --- p.53 / Threats --- p.53 / Dual Channel Structure --- p.54 / Integrated Marketing Activities --- p.56 / Chapter VI. --- CONCLUSION --- p.58 / APPENDIX --- p.61 / BIBLIOGRAPHY --- p.80

La recherche se propose d’introduire en sciences de gestion le concept de cherté de la vie du point de vue des consommateurs. Pour ce faire, la recherche propose, dans un premier temps, de définir le concept de cherté de la vie tel qu’évalué par les consommateurs et d’en identifier son contenu. Dans un second temps, la recherche pose la question des antécédents de cette évaluation et de ses conséquences sur le comportement d’achat des consommateurs.La démarche empirique s’appuie sur une Mixed Methods Research. Il s’agit là d’une méthode de recherche qui implique de combiner à la fois les éléments d’une approche quantitative et d’une approche qualitative à des fins de compréhension et de corroboration. Dans cette optique, deux principales études empiriques ont été réalisées : (1) une étude exploratoire qualitative composée de plusieurs méthodes de collecte de données (entretiens semi directifs, netnographie, sondage en sortie de supermarché) et (2) une étude quantitative confirmatoire menée auprès de 700 résidents de l’île de La Réunion.L’étude qualitative permet (1) de déterminer les causes de cette cherté de la vie du point de vue des consommateurs, (2) de définir l’évaluation de la cherté de la vie et de structurer son contenu et (3) d’analyser les conséquences de cette évaluation sur le comportement d’achat des consommateurs. A la lumière de ces premiers résultats et de la revue de la littérature, une série d’hypothèses ainsi que le modèle de la recherche qui en découle sont alors formulés. Hypothèses et modèle testés lors de la phase quantitative.L’étude quantitative permet quant à elle (1) de valider un instrument de mesure de l’évaluation de la cherté de la vie, (2) de mettre en évidence l’influence de l’évaluation de la cherté de la vie sur les comportements d’achat des consommateurs, et (3) de souligner le rôle modérateur de la préoccupation du maintien du pouvoir d’achat (PPA). La recherche a comme principaux apports la conceptualisation de la cherté de la vie du point de vue des consommateurs et la mise en exergue des conséquences de cette évaluation sur les habitudes de consommation des individus. Les résultats permettent ainsi d’alimenter la réflexion sur la nécessité, pour les managers, de tenir compte de / The research proposes to introduce the concept of high cost-of-living from customers’ point of view into managementscience. In order to do this, the research first proposes to define the concept of high cost of from customers’ point of viewand to identify its content. Secondly, the research focuses on the antecedents of the concept and its consequences onconsumers' purchasing behavior.The empirical approach is based on a Mixed Methods Research. This is a research method that involves combining boththe elements of a quantitative and qualitative approach in order to understand the high cost-of-living from customers’point of view. Two main empirical studies have been carried out: (1) a qualitative exploratory study composed of severalmethods of data collection (semi-directive interviews, netnography, survey at the exit of a supermarket) and (2) aquantitative confirmatory study with a sample of 700 residents of Réunion Island.The qualitative study allows (1) to determine the causes of this high cost-of-living from customers’ point of view, (2) todefine the concept and to structure its content and (3) to analyze the consequences of this evaluation on consumerpurchasing behavior. From the results of the qualitative study and the literature review, a series of assumptions and themodel of research are formulated. The assumptions and the model are tested during the quantitative study.The quantitative study allows (1) to validate a measuring instrument of evaluation of the high cost-of-living, (2) todetermine the influence of this evaluation on consumer buying behavior, and (3) to emphasize the moderating role ofPPA.The main contributions of this research are the conceptualization of the high cost of living from customers’ point of viewand the description of the consequences of this evaluation on consumer.

University of Macau / Faculty of Law

Purpose: The purpose is to investigate and analyse the impact of intra-organizational purchasing synergy on periodic price adjustment (PPA) process. Specifically, paper provides a view on how  purchasing process synergy through an operational IT platform can increase process reengineering opportunities within PPA.  Methodology: So, to fulfil the purpose of the research, the in-depth case study approach is chosen as a strategy that goes along with exploratory nature of the study, aimed at gaining rich insights in the context in which the phenomenon happens. Findings: The findings emphasize the importance of global process standardization and balanced governance among regional affiliates in successful implementation of PPA process synergy. We also identify a set of specific process reengineering needs  in PPA such as company wide information sharing,  standardization of part specifications and cost bases, and joint world-wide cost reduction activity within global buyer community (BGC). Then it is observed that all these process reengineering initiatives will not be possible without solid and flexible IT infrastructure  to improve buyer productivity and support their further development.   Research limitations/implications: Primarily, this study was conducted on single in-depth case study which makes it difficult to completely generalize the findings. Next, there are many factors impacting intra-organizational pricing processes besides global synergy projects. In fact, regional and organizational contexts are of high importance, which are addressed but not analysed in detail in the current study.   Practical implications: Together, the findings contribute to our understanding of the step-by-step pricing activity from industrial customer perspective and how buyers can improve cost competitiveness through various tangible and commercial part cost reduction activities.   Originality/value: Current study has addressed the pricing process from industrial customer perspective. It has two main theoretical contributions: (1) Detailed step-by-step description of PPA process between OEMs and their suppliers happening after SOP; and (2) groundwork for implementation guidance on intra-organizational price revision process synergy.

Due to the adverse environmental impacts today’s clothing consumption behaviour is causing, it is necessary to accelerate the awareness of sustainable fashion among consumers. Fashion companies are facing difficulties, as sustainable consumption has not yet made an impact on consumers’ fashion purchasing decision. To accelerate the sales of newly produced sustainable fashion, the willingness to purchase has to increase. This study suggests that it through different factors is possible to influence consumers’ rational behaviour. It examines the gap between Swedish fashion consumers’ willingness to purchase sustainable fashion and their actual actions from data collected through focus groups. The difficulty to recognize sustainable fashion, as well as the limitations of product options, appealing aesthetic and design explains the emerged gaps. Consumers are also requiring a modified usage of the concept as sustainability today is used without a consistent meaning. Findings indicate that fashion consumers’ demands sustainable fashion with appealing design, high quality as well as varied product options. It also showed a request for a standardized, simple and easily accessible label, representing the idea of sustainability equally without any room for interpretation. A standardized label symbolized with a consistent meaning could also be apart of the development of making sustainability a sustained trend - making sustainability the ‘new black’. / Dagens klädkonsumtion innebär en negativ miljöpåverkan som kräver nödvändiga åtgärder såsom att öka medvetenheten av hållbart mode bland konsumenter. Eftersom hållbarkonsumtion hittills inte har någon större inverkan på modekonsumenter i deras köpbeslut står modeföretagen inför en utmaning. För att öka försäljningen av nyproducerat hållbart mode måste viljan att handla hållbara plagg öka. Denna studie föreslår att det genom olika faktorer är möjligt att påverka konsumenters rationella beteende. Den undersöker vad som påverkar gapet mellan svenska modekonsumterns vilja att konsumera och deras faktiska ageranden genom två fokusgruppsintervjuer. Svårigheter att identifiera hållbart mode, likväl som begränsningen av utbudet, tilltalande estetik och design förklarar hur gapen uppstått. Konsumenter efterfrågar dessutom en förändrad användning av begreppet hållbarhet eftersom det idag används utan en konsekvent innebörd. Resultatet i studien visar på att modekonsumenter kräver hållbart mode som har en tilltalande design, god kvalité liksom ett större utbud. Den visar också på att de efterfrågar en enkel, lättillgänglig och standardiserad märkning som bör användas av alla modeföretag och som tydligt förklarar innebörden av hållbarhet utan att ge rum för tolkning av begreppet. En standardiserad märkning kan också bli en del av en ihållande trend som gör hållbarhet till det nya svarta.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the antecedents and reinforcements of fairtrade purchase intention and to examine the effect of reporting good fairtrade practices on consumers’ punishment behavior. A stratified sample of 240 English-speaking, American, adult subjects was collected online. First, the Behavioral Perspective Model (BPM) (Foxall, G., 2007) was modified and four manipulations varying luxury/commodity product type and open/closed purchase settings were presented. The results of paired-sample t-tests demonstrated closed purchase settings did not increase luxury purchase intention by itself. A split-plot ANOVA combining closed setting and the participant’s fairtrade learning history did not produce significant results, but post-hoc testing revealed a significant effect of positive learning history on purchase intention. Two separate, repeated-measures ANOVA found that utilitarian reinforcement was not affected by purchase setting, but informational reinforcement was significantly increased by the presence of others. Second, four manipulations of good/bad press events were presented without/without the firm’s fairtrade performance history mentioned in a news article. A two-way, between-subjects ANOVA produced insignificant results for the effect of information on willingness to pay. Importantly, the type of event significantly affected willingness to pay, accounting for 18% of the variation, with positive events generating higher willingness to pay than negative, regardless of whether fairtrade performance information was included. This study suggested firms would benefit from including cues for the social reward aspect of luxury fairtrade purchasing in marketing efforts and from preventing missteps rather than bragging about past practices. Future research suggestions included further analyzing the effect of information on punishment of bad corporate actors, investigating the credibility of self-declaration of fairtrade certification versus independent certification labels, and incorporating the effect of culture into the BPM.

By measuring intentions to purchase, this research gives insight into environmental attitudes, pressures to purchase environmentally friendly apparel, factors that inhibit environmentally friendly apparel purchasing, awareness of environmentally friendly apparel purchase options, and marketing insight into the eco-friendly consumer. The theory of planned behavior (TPB) was used to assess consumer purchasing intentions for environmentally friendly apparel. The TPB consists of a three-pronged measurement: individual attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. Individual attitudes were gauged on three dimensions which included environmental attitudes, demographic patterns, and environmentally friendly apparel purchase intentions. Subjective norms involve social pressure to engage in eco-friendly behavior, perceived individual environmental impact, and desire for uniqueness in dress. Finally, perceived behavioral control was studied through previous environmentally friendly apparel purchases, accessibility of environmentally friendly apparel purchase options, and cost of environmentally friendly apparel. The results revealed that individual environmental attitudes, social pressure to behave environmentally friendly, perceived individual environmental impact, desire for uniqueness in dress, past environmentally friendly apparel purchases, accessibility of environmentally friendly apparel purchase options, and cost of environmentally friendly apparel all have an impact on intentions to purchase environmentally friendly apparel. The variable with the strongest relationship to intentions was social pressure. A demographic profile of intent to purchase environmentally friendly apparel, however, was not possible with this sample. This indicates there is not specifically one type of person who purchases environmentally friendly apparel.

The master's thesis deals with the purchasing process of network trade within its information system. The thesis focuses in more detail on the individual purchasing activities that take place in the purchasing process. The aim of the analysis of these activities is to find critical points and propose appropriate improvements. The submitted proposals and changes in the information system contribute to streamlining the purchasing process and ultimately to effective management of supplier-customer relationships and customer satisfaction.