<div>Technology is rapidly transforming both vehicles and transportation systems. The nature of this transformation will depend on how fast the technology resulting from three related revolutions, those in automated, electric, and shared vehicles, will diffuse. At the same time, the ‘sharing’ economy is growing and affecting mobility in urban areas that includes additional travel alternatives, such as car-sharing services, ride-hailing services, bike-sharing services, and other micro-transit services. It is evident that to prepare for these large-scale operations involving autonomous vehicles (AVs), researchers and transportation professionals need the useful insights on people’s attitudes toward and on acceptance of AVs that can be gained through behavioral experiments. In addition to this, it is also important to understand how the deployment of AVs will impact vehicle ownership and mode choice decisions.</div><div><br></div><div>The goal of this dissertation is to assess the public acceptance of AVs and shared autonomous vehicles (SAVs) via a behavioral experiment (stated preference survey) and offer insights on the potential implications of AVs and SAVs on mode choices. The following four overarching research objectives were formulated: (a) identifying the factors influencing the behavioral intention to ride in AVs; (b) identifying the characteristics of the AV market segments; (c) evaluating the attributes impacting personal vehicle ownership decisions (i.e., decisions to postpone the purchase of a non-AV due to the emergence of AVs); and (d) assessing the factors affecting mode choice decisions after the emergence of autonomous ride-sharing services operated through AVs, and evaluating the corresponding value of travel time savings. The results of each part of the research framework are integrated in the last chapter of the dissertation in order to provide the final conclusions and recommendations of the study.</div><div><br></div><div>To achieve these research objectives, a survey of the general population was distributed online in a major urban area with an advanced multimodal transportation system and captive users of ride-sharing users (Chicago, Illinois) and in an urban area with a more automobile-oriented culture (Indianapolis, Indiana). The survey sample included 400 responses of adults, representative of age and gender on each area. </div><div><br></div><div>One of the contributions of this dissertation is a theoretical model to assess the behavioral intention to ride in AVs that includes components of the theory of Planned Behavior, the theory of Diffusion of Innovation and additional factors derived from the literature while evaluating possible interrelationships between these components. A more holistic approach along these lines can help explain whether the emerging AV technology can diffuse by identifying the factors and key determinants that influence the behavioral intention to ride in AVs. The market segmentation analysis can further provide knowledge of the socio-demographic characteristics of potential AV users and an accurate classification of these groups of potential users in terms of their willingness to ride in AVs. The findings can provide insights into perceptions of and attitudes toward AVs that can help transportation and urban planners, as well as original equipment manufacturers, to prepare for the deployment of AVs by designing marketing strategies to improve people’s perceptions of AVs and increase market penetration.</div><div><br></div><div>Moreover, this dissertation provides a well-documented and easy-to-use framework that can support both planning and policy decisions in urban areas in an era of emergent automated transportation technologies. In urban areas with advanced multimodal transportation networks, the framework can be applied to identify the impact attributes affecting shared mobility in urban settings. In urban areas with a more car-oriented culture, the framework can be applied to explore the potential impacts of the emergence of AVs on personal vehicle ownership patterns. Finally, the survey that was designed to fulfill the goal of this dissertation can be replicated and distributed in metropolitan areas outside the US with more advanced multimodal transportation systems or areas within the US with traditionally higher rates of affinity to innovativeness and areas where AVs have been pilot-tested in real-world road conditions.</div><div><br></div>

Production, processing, transport and consumption of food form a significant part of the environmental burden. Organic farming and organic food production represent for many experts, policymakers and for a part of lay public a way to reduce the environmental burden. The volume of organic food production hinges on, among others, the willingness of consumers to prefer organic food to conventional food and also to change consumer behaviour. Although organic food consumer and purchase behaviour is sometimes found to be environmentally motivated, health motives are prevailing in many developed countries. Recently, organic food consumption has grown significantly in developed countries. The diploma thesis is for these reasons aimed at analysis of motivational factors and barriers that affect consumer's purchase decision-making related to organic food. First, the overview of scientific literature concerning organic food consumption behaviour is presented. Factors that explain it can be divided into four major types: attitudinal variables, contextual forces, personal capabilities and habits. In the diploma thesis, we focus on risk perception, which can be classified as the attitudinal variable. Considering the perception of health and environmental risks, it is important to point out that manufactured...

(in english): Modern agriculture faces soil erosion as one of its problems in the Czech Republic. Soil conservation practices are implemented to prevent erosion. This thesis reports on perception of the soil conservation practices by farmers themselves. Hypothesis of the research is based on declaration of organic farming in the Czech Republic: to specifically protect natural sources. Main research question is: Is there a difference in perception of soil conservation practices between certified organic farmers and farmers using conventional methods? As a concept to examine perception, this thesis uses the theory of planned behavior developed by Icek Ajzen. Results show that farmers' attitudes towards soil conservation practices in general are negative. Their attitudes can be explained by intermingling beliefs about erosion, the agriculture subsidy system and own soil quality. Specific practices are evaluated by other than anti-erosion effects. The farmers do not perceive social pressure from their peers to adopt soil conservation practices and their perceived control over adoption of a practice is low. Evaluating the level of difficulty of specific practices, smaller farmers feel substantial difficulties regarding financial issues. The results do not indicate a difference in perception of soil...

La consommation de suppléments alimentaires (DS) est répandue chez les athlètes et peut entrainer des conséquences telles que de faciliter la transition vers la consommation de substances prohibées ou échouer un contrôle anti-dopage causé par la consommation de DS contaminés. Une recherche utilisant des méthodes mixtes a été mené pour étudier le processus décisionnel sous-tendant la consommation de DS chez les athlètes. Dans la partie qualitative de l’étude, des athlètes universitaires (n=10) ont participé à des entrevues semi-structurées. L’analyse thématique des entrevues indique que les athlètes consommant des DS pour augmenter leurs performances sans obtenir les bénéfices escomptés seraient plus à risque de consommer des substances prohibées. Selon les données quantitatives (n=162), la prévalence de consommation des DS est élevée chez les athlètes et les hommes consommeraient plus de DS différents. La majorité des participants considéraient les nutritionnistes comme la source d’information la plus importante, mais peu d’entre eux (4%) ont utilisé leurs services. La participation d’athlètes élites à des entrevues semi-structurées (n=7) et à un questionnaire (n=36) dans le cadre d’une recherche préliminaire a permis une comparaison entre ces deux populations. Minimiser les risques susmentionnés pourrait être fait en ciblant les athlètes les plus vulnérables selon les critères suivants : 1) être un homme; 2) ne pas être inscrit dans un programme académique dans le domaine de la santé; 3) n’avoir jamais suivi de formation sur les DS; 4) consommer des DS pour améliorer ses performances sans obtenir les bénéfices escomptés ou 5) consommer plus de 3 DS différents. / Dietary supplements (DS) consumption is widespread among athletes. Despite evidence-based benefits, DS have proven to represent a risk for transitioning toward prohibited substances and even failing an anti-doping test due to contamination. A sequential mixed-method research design was used to explore the factors affecting athletes’ decision-making process underlying DS use. Varsity athletes (n=10) participated in semi-structured interviews that were thematically analyzed. In addition, a survey was conducted (n=162). Results indicated that athletes who consume DS to improve performance and experiencing little to no benefits could be more prone to transition toward prohibited substances. A high prevalence of DS use in varsity athletes was also observed (>90%), with males consuming more DS products. Nutritionists were ranked as the most importance source of information regarding DS; however, only 4% of athletes consulted one. A follow-up preliminary study conducted on elite athletes (semi-structured interviews: n=7; questionnaire: n=36) was also performed to compare those athlete populations. Minimizing DS consumption risks could be achieved by targeting the most vulnerable segment of the athletics population based on the following criteria: 1) being a male; 2) not being enrolled in a health program; 3) not having followed a DS workshop; 4) consuming DS to improve performance without experiencing significant improvements; or 5) consuming more than three different DS.

Resultatet visar oss att människors konsumtionsvanor påverkas av våra beteenden. Både attityden mot beteendet, subjektiva normer och vår upplevda kontroll över köpet påverkar det slutliga utfallet av konsumtionen av märkeskläder. Det gäller framförallt för klädköp som är avsedda för att förbättra individens självbild. Vi kan också se relativt tydliga indikationer på att konsumtionen av märkeskläder som är avsedda att förbättra individens självkänsla har störst inverkan av individens attityd. Om individen har en positiv inställning mot att köpa märkeskläder för att öka sin självkänsla kommer den också i större utsträckning genomföra köpet. / The result shows us that people's consumption habits are affected by our behaviors. Both the attitude towards the behavior, subjective norms and our perceived control over the purchase affect the final outcome of the consumption of branded clothing. This is especially true for clothing purchases that are intended to improve the individual's self-image. We can also see relatively clear indications that the consumption of branded clothing intended to improve the individual's self-esteem has the greatest impact on the individual's attitude. If the individual has a positive attitude towards buying designer clothes to increase their self-esteem, it will also make the purchase to a greater extent.

Electric vehicle adoption is one of the most prominent discussions currently facing the automotive industry, as this is an inevitable change towards a more sustainable future of transportation. Traditionally, car manufacturers adapt to consumer needs changing, thus prompting high relevance for understanding the consumer perspective and purchasing influences. This study aims to build a deeper understanding of the importance of internal and external factors on the EV consumer decision-making process, as well as to explore how the perception of such factors change upon adoption of electric vehicles. The study follows a positivism approach by conducting deductive research. A conceptual framework is developed based on review of research literature of rational choice theory, the consumer decision-making model, and factors impacting EV consumers, and constructing a model from the findings. Quantitative survey data is then collected following the model presented, and results are obtained using SPSS. Finally, the analysis applies the social identity theory, innovation diffusion theory, and theory of planned behavior for further evaluative discussions. The findings show that internal factors such as environmental awareness and fears and anxieties have a vital impact on consumers’ decisions of EV adoption and evaluation of EV alternatives, while social influences have a relatively small impact on the decision. The findings suggest a link between the theory of planned behavior and changing perceptions upon adoption of EV, in which factors relating to attitudes and perceived behavioral control are more susceptible to changing, while factors relating to subjective norms are not.

Despite many international and local attempts to end the practice of FGM/C, this practice continues to flourish in Nigeria and thus has a negative impact on the lives of girls and women on a daily basis. Furthermore, female genital mutilation is a serious form of violence against girls, women, and children that must be abolished worldwide. This study primarily sought to understand the sociocultural factors that influence the mothers' attitudes towards the continuation of FGM/C in Nigeria. The study used the theory of planned behaviour developed by Ajzen which proposes three distinct constructs as drivers of intention. This theory was deemed to be suitable for the study since sociocultural factors that contribute to the continuation of FGM in relation to mothers’ attitudes toward the practice can be interpreted or linked to the determinants of intention. In addition, this study used secondary data analysis and relied largely on reliable secondary sources.

Background: Fast furniture is a growing trend similar to fast fashion and fast food, implying that manufacturers produce large quantities of inexpensive furniture. At the same time, consumers use the furniture shorter and replace it more frequently. Fast furniture relies on high resource consumption, outsourced production, and furniture design that makes it necessary to replace it more often. This causes a decrease in quality and an increase in produced quantities. Most of the furniture worldwide is landfilled as it is not recyclable due to low-quality materials. One potential solution is implementing Circular Economic practices, including furniture rental as an alternative way of consumption. Consumer acceptance of this model is scarcely researched, but the formation of consumers' attitudes and intentions has been the subject of publications in other consumption contexts. The recent literature is reviewed, and a research framework was built based on the Theory of Reasoned Action and additional intrapersonal barriers and drivers. Purpose: This research aimed to explain the relationship between intrapersonal barriers and drivers with attitude and behavioral intention towards furniture rental. Further, it was aimed to show which furniture categories are most likely to be rented. Method: A quantitative approach deploying a self-administered online survey was chosen. 235 usable responses were gathered, which were analyzed using PLS-SEM to assess the hypothesized relationships. Conclusion: The findings show that the overall attitude towards furniture rental is positive. Trend orientation and perceived risk are the most influential antecedents of attitude and behavioral intention. Supporting the Theory of Reasoned Action, attitude is the strongest predictor of behavioral intention. Perceived sustainability value, perceived economic value, and materialism also significantly influence the intention to rent furniture. Familiarity with the Sharing Economy shows no significant influence. The study contributes to the existing literature on consumer intentions to use alternative consumption. A new research model was developed based on existing theory and literature. Managers can use the findings to alter, adapt, and build their furniture rental service offerings.

In the context of the world's increasing environmental challenges and the rise of green consumerism, promoting sustainable consumer behavior is more important than ever. This study aims at extending the understanding of consumers' purchase  intention of  environmentally friendly cosmetic products. With a theoretical starting point in theories of green promotion and the theory of planned behavior, a total of ten hypotheses and sub-hypotheses were formulated to answer the research question how green promotional cues can be used to affect consumers' beliefs and increase purchase intention. Central concepts in the study’s constructed conceptual framework are intrinsic cues which represent concrete characteristics of a product such as ingredients and formula, and extrinsic cues which are attributes not present within the product itself such as packaging and brand. A quantitative approach using an online survey in an experimental vignette designed questionnaire generated responses from a sample of 325 participants in three treatment groups, and the data was subsequently examined through statistical analysis. The study’s main findings show that intrinsic cues have a stronger influence on purchase intention than extrinsic cues but that extrinsic cues seem to have a stronger influence on consumers’ subjective beliefs. The study provides implications on how cosmetic companies can use the insights generated by the study when developing promotional strategies for green cosmetics.

Although many information system (IS) implementations are considered to have the resources necessary to be successful, they often fail. This is especially challenging for small IS providers who lack a proven process for gaining willingness to use and onboard a new customer. Hence, there is a need to develop a framework to identify potential pitfalls in such implementation matters, from designing the system until successfully onboarded customers. This paper aims to target this issue and proposes a framework for identifying common pitfalls during the implementation process of an IT system. Moreover, this paper applies the framework to an IS provider in the start-up phase by focusing on the system user. With the support of the framework and based on the company's context, this paper presents identified pitfalls and suggestions for actions that the IS provider can take to avoid them. IS models are selected and applied considering the company's needs and previous literature. The IS models considered are Value Network Analysis (VNA), Extended Technology Acceptance Model (TAM2), and Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). As a result, seven pitfalls are identified considering organizational culture and leading change, user resistance, complexity, mandatory reliance, value demonstration, experience and control, and weak links.