Study 1 - Individual - The purpose was to determine whether a 12-week behavioural risk reduction intervention caused self-reported MVPA to increase and to identify associated Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) constructs. Three hundred twenty-four physically inactive (<150 minutes/week moderate-vigorous PA) participants were included. Intervention participants were significantly more likely to meet PA guidelines at 12-weeks (OR=3.54, 95% CI 2.22-5.63, p<.001), which was significantly correlated with increases in TPB constructs. // Study 2 - Family - Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 36 participants to elicit perceptions of factors that influence PA. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, coded and analyzed. Spouses were more likely to engage in PA with their spouse after the CHD event; however this may be limited by their partners’ capabilities. The data suggests awareness of an increased susceptibility to CHD is not stimulating participants to increase their own PA to prevent future risk, particularly among offspring, but they may take other actions. The shared family environment can promote PA, although intensity may be limited. // Study 3 - Neighbourhood - Self-reported PA from a prospective behavioural risk reduction intervention was explored in the context of objectively measured Walk Scores and neighbourhood walkability in Ottawa, Canada. Participants in the intervention arm had significantly higher odds of meeting PA guidelines at 12-weeks compared to the standard care control group. This was not influenced by Walk Scores or walkability. This individual-level intervention was effective in assisting participants to overcome potential structural barriers presented by their neighbourhood to meet PA guidelines at 12-weeks.

Study 1 - Individual - The purpose was to determine whether a 12-week behavioural risk reduction intervention caused self-reported MVPA to increase and to identify associated Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) constructs. Three hundred twenty-four physically inactive (<150 minutes/week moderate-vigorous PA) participants were included. Intervention participants were significantly more likely to meet PA guidelines at 12-weeks (OR=3.54, 95% CI 2.22-5.63, p<.001), which was significantly correlated with increases in TPB constructs. // Study 2 - Family - Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 36 participants to elicit perceptions of factors that influence PA. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, coded and analyzed. Spouses were more likely to engage in PA with their spouse after the CHD event; however this may be limited by their partners’ capabilities. The data suggests awareness of an increased susceptibility to CHD is not stimulating participants to increase their own PA to prevent future risk, particularly among offspring, but they may take other actions. The shared family environment can promote PA, although intensity may be limited. // Study 3 - Neighbourhood - Self-reported PA from a prospective behavioural risk reduction intervention was explored in the context of objectively measured Walk Scores and neighbourhood walkability in Ottawa, Canada. Participants in the intervention arm had significantly higher odds of meeting PA guidelines at 12-weeks compared to the standard care control group. This was not influenced by Walk Scores or walkability. This individual-level intervention was effective in assisting participants to overcome potential structural barriers presented by their neighbourhood to meet PA guidelines at 12-weeks.

The retail banking services sector, a key driver for global economic growth, faces drastic challenges, such as globalised competition and continuously changing customer expectations that call for an in-depth understanding of customer switching, particularly in Asia’s emerging markets. Research shows that minor reductions in switching can notably enhance profitability. Yet only insufficient or fragmented research to explain switching exists. For this study titled “A Cross-Cultural Study of Consumer Switching in the Retail Banking Services Sector” at The University of Manchester, completed in September 2014, Frank Siegfried identified the theory of planned behaviour as the most suitable framework, while Singapore served as a test bed in view of its diverse population. A qualitative pilot study was conducted (February to April 2010), consisting of 22 semi-structured interviews, in which a suitable definition of switching and a better understanding about the cross-cultural context of this study were developed. These insights were instrumental in the design of a new theoretical model, built on constructs that had not been combined in a single framework before, applying constructs of the theory of planned behaviour as the foundational framework, and subsequently integrating the concept of past behaviour, selected cultural dimensions from the GLOBE model and four distinct predisposing and precipitating factors. Next, a quantitative study was conducted (January to May 2013) and, after data cleaning, a quasi-representative sample of 1,431 cases was subjected to analysis. For comparability with other studies, both regression analysis (RA) and structural equation modelling (SEM) were performed. Notable results that were consistent in RA and SEM include: Attitude towards switching (attitude) successfully explained switching intention. Subjective norms had a positive effect on attitude, which implied a mediated effect of subjective norms on switching intention. Contradicting the initial hypothesis, a significant effect of perceived behavioural control on switching intention was negative. Past behaviour had a significant, but weak positive effect on attitude and switching intention, as well as an indirect positive effect on switching intention, mediated by attitude. Lack of trust positively affected switching intention. Service failure had a strong positive effect on switching intention, with perceived behavioural control moderating this effect. Performance orientation had a moderately strong effect on perceived behavioural control. High in-group collectivism negatively affected service failure. These results constitute the new Comprehensive Banking Service Switching Model (CBSSM). Interestingly, a large number of constructs and construct paths that played an important role in the literature could not be confirmed as significant contributors to the model. Overall, tests of model fit still showed a significant contribution of the proposed extensions to the foundational model. Weighting the importance of various constructs in a single framework enhances the understanding of switching of retail banking services in Singapore and offers new insights for strategic planning, particularly in the areas of branding, marketing, service operations and human capital management. Theoretical, methodological and managerial implications are discussed in detail.

Second hand har genomgått olika faser sedan många år tillbaka och har med tiden ändrat status för konsumenten. Idag kan second han bäras med omtanke för miljön och hållbar konsumtion eller som en modetrend. Idag har det utvecklats fler second hand-verksamheter som möter den allt mer miljömedvetna konsumenten. Tidigare forskning har givit kunskap om olika barriärer och motiv kopplat till second hand, men inte satt dessa barriärer och motiv i relation till köpprocessen. I vår studie tillämpar vi “teorin om planerat beteende” och analyserar gymnasieelevers resonemang kring barriärer och motiv i förhållande till köpprocessens olika steg. Genom att studien tillämpar dessa perspektiv, bidrar det därmed till en djupare förståelse om gymnasieelevers attityder och beteenden. Syftet med studien är att identifiera gymnasieelevers attityder till att handla second hand samt identifiera barriärer och motiv till att konsumera second hand. Resultatet från studien tillhandahåller följaktligen en ökad kunskap till befintliga second hand-verksamheter om gymnasieelevers attityder till att handla second hand i syfte att utveckla verksamheten. Studiens valda metod är en kvalitativ ansats där semi-strukturerade intervjuer genomfördes med gymnasieelever via videoplattformen Zoom. Totalt 18 elever intervjuades i tre olika skolklasser i Västra Götaland. Sex elever från varje klass deltog i studien. De mest framträdande motiven till att gymnasieelever väljer att handla second hand är det “överkomliga priset” samt “omtanke för miljön” och de mest framträdande barriärerna till att inte vilja handla second hand är “kontaminerade kläder”, “begränsat utbud och tillgänglighet”, “oinspirerade butiksmiljöer” samt “grupptryck”. Motiven och barriärerna sätts i relation till köpprocessen och det visar sig att “överkomligt pris” och “kontaminerade kläder” identifieras i samtliga steg i köpprocessen. Studiens slutsatser är att ett attityd-beteendegap har identifierats hos gymnasieelever samt att barriärer och motiv kan placeras i köpprocessens olika steg. Även storlek på stad påverkar vilken attityd en gymnasieelev har till second hand-köp. Rekommendationer utifrån studiens resultat tyder på att second hand-verksamheter behöver förbättra och effektivisera sin marknadsföring, öka tillgängligheten av butiker för att nå fler konsumenter samt att utveckla butiksatmosfären till en attraktiv miljö för den unga konsumenten. Vår studie bidrar med kunskap om hur gymnasieelever resonerar om barriärer och motiv i köpprocessens olika steg. Kunskapen kan inte generaliseras på grund av studiens begränsade urval och för framtida forskning rekommenderas därför ett bredare urval av respondenter med större geografisk spridning. / Second hand has undergone several phases historically and has over time changed status due to the consumer perception. These days second hand could be worn with concern for the environment, sustainable consumption or as a fashion trend. More second hand businesses have been developed as a response to the increasingly environmentally conscious consumer. Previous research has provided knowledge about various barriers and motives connected to second hand but did not put these barriers and motives in relation to the buying process. In our study, we apply the “theory of planned behaviour” to analyze high school students’ reasoning about barriers and motives in relation to every step of the buying process. Through these perspectives, the study contributes to a deeper understanding of young consumers’ attitudes and behaviors. The main purpose of this study is to identify high school students’ attitudes towards second hand shopping and to identify barriers and motives for consuming second hand. The result from the study will consequently provide an increased knowledge to existing second hand-retailers about high school students' attitudes toward secondhand-buying, in purpose of a business development. This study’s research design is based on a qualitative approach, where semi-structured interviews were conducted with high school students via the video platform Zoom. A total of18 students were interviewed in three different classes in Västra Götaland. Six students were chosen from each class to participate in this study. The most prominent motives for highschool students to shop second hand are the affordable price and the concern for the environment. Regarding the barriers for not having a willingness to perform a buying were “contaminated clothes”, “limited supply and availability”, “uninspired stores” and “peerpressure”. The motives and the barriers are put in relation to the buying process and it turns out that “affordable price” and “contaminated clothes” are identified in all steps in the buying process. Conclusions from the study shows that attitude-behavior gap is identified in high school students and that barriers and motives can be placed in various steps of the buying process. The size of the city also affects the attitude of a high school student towards secondhand-buying. Implications based on the results of the study indicate that second hand-business need to improve their efficiency of marketing, increase availability of stores to reach more consumers and to develop the store-environment for the purpose of attracting potential customers. Our study contributes with knowledge of high school students reasoning about barriers and motives in various steps of the buying process. The knowledge can’t be generalized due to the limited selection of the study. Further research could therefore widen the selection of respondents with a greater geographical spread.

Philosophiae Doctor - PhD / Muslims and non-Muslim consumers regardless of who they are or from where they come, whether natives or foreigners in a particular country are much concerned with consuming food products. However, not any researchers in South Africa (SA) have addressed the consumers who buy food products labelled halal. This doctoral dissertation primarily aims to explore and bring new knowledge towards halal food purchasing behaviour. It specifically focuses on understanding the current purchase intention and behaviour of halal consumers in Cape Town, South Africa. For this purpose, the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) was utilised as the theoretical framework to measure the purchase intention and subsequently the buying behaviour of halal consumers. An exploratory sequential mixed method was adopted. A qualitative approach formed the first phase of the study, while a quantitative approach formed the second phase of the study. For the qualitative phase, data was collected purposively through 9 intensive semi-structured interviews. Nonetheless, for the quantitative phase, data was collected by means of 516 self-administrated questionnaires using a stratified random sampling. In analysing the qualitative data, thematic analysis was applied. However, for the quantitative phase, data was analysed using multivariate statistical analysis known as the Structured Equation Modelling (SEM).

The purpose of this thesis is to investigate consumers’ willingness to act socially responsible in their online fashion purchasing behaviour. Three frameworks; Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), Socially Responsible Consumer Behaviour (SRCB) and Consumer Social Responsibility (CNSR), constitute a foundation and have been combined in a conceptual framework. The research approach used is a qualitative research approach, and the empirical data was gathered in two semi-structured focus-groups with five and six participants. The participants were recruited by a convivence sampling method, with purposive sampling characteristics. The findings indicate that factors that influenced consumers’ willingness to act socially responsible was price, convenience, and time. Moreover, the findings show that SRCB is seen as a process, and that consumers’ stage in the process influence their willingness to act socially responsible. Lastly, it is shown that the TPB and SRCB must be considered before consumers can act socially responsible. This since consumers who have positive attitudes towards responsible actions, are susceptible to information of social and environmental issues related to their behaviour. These consumers can create enough awareness to take social- and environmental responsibility for their actions. Responsible consumers also aim to influence other consumers to take a greater responsibility. The findings of this study have contributed to further understanding within the research area of responsible consumers. Since the conceptual framework consider consumer behaviour in combination with their areas of awareness and responsibilities, this study contributes to deeper understanding of why consumers act socially responsible or not.

The shift towards electric vehicles has during the last years increased; nevertheless, the rate has not been fast enough. Electric vehicles have several environmental benefits as reduced CO2 footprint and a lower climate impact. On the other side, the reality shows that there are several adoption barriers on an individual level for electrical vehicles. These are technical, economic, infrastructure, policy, and social. However, a low amount of literature focuses on the business sector. This thesis examines and explores what the different adoption barriers are concerning battery electric vehicles for small and medium enterprises in Sweden, and why they occur. The purpose of this is to fill the current research gap and provide valuable data to vehicle providers/manufacturers in Sweden. To reach the objectives, an extensive theoretical framework has been created to accurately utilize current literature. In the thesis, five small and medium enterprises participated, and interviews were conducted with nine informants at the specific companies. The findings display that the technical, economic, and infrastructure barriers have the most negative effect on the possibility to adopt battery electric vehicle. It further shows two new barriers, planning and customer/competitors which influence the adoption of battery electric vehicles. These findings solely display the barriers for small and medium enterprises, and by linking together with current literature, new barriers have been presented in terms of planning and customers/competitors.

Background: Engaging in sharing economy practices has in recent years increased in popularity. Hence, renting a private home instead of traditional accommodation options are becoming more common among travellers. Previous research has focused on the demand side of renting accommodations. The suppliers' perspective has also been developed and researched regarding their intentions to continue renting out their properties. However, non-experienced hosts have previously been neglected in academic research. Therefore, this thesis focuses on non-experienced hosts and their thoughts regarding opening their home and their intention to engage in sharing economy practices.  Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore how the different factors guide Swedish ‘småhus’ owners' intention to rent out their primary residence.  Method: To explore the purpose of this thesis, a qualitative research design was chosen. The empirical data was gathered through fifteen semi-structured interviews sampled through non-probability judgemental sampling. An abductive research approach was chosen to analyse and interpret the data using thematic analysis.  Conclusion: This study found that participants' intentions to act as hosts were guided by attitude, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control presented through the theory of planned behaviour. Participants further showed that trust, concerns, control, privacy, economics, environment, security, and people were themes that affected some- or all ‘småhus’ owners' intentions in this research. Furthermore, this study found that economic benefit acts as the largest motivator to act as hosts, especially where an economic need exists. However, trust was deemed necessary to enable most participants to consider the idea of opening up their private homes.

Background: Ordering online food delivery has become an urban lifestyle for many people around the world, especially in China. The booming of this online-to-offline market has brought lucrative profits to online food delivery industry players, while consumers are enjoying the diversity of food available through this convenient delivery way. However, the environmental issues are also alarming with huge impact on every aspect of human development. This paper is interested in whether the Chinese Generation Z is thinking green when ordering food online. Purpose: The study aims to examine the effect of different influencing factors on Generation Z’s green consumer behaviour in three stages: purchasing, using and disposing for a holistic view. This also serves the purpose of an adaptation of relevant theories in green consumer behaviour studies such as theory of planned behaviour and ecological conscious consumer behaviour framework into the Chinese online food delivery industry. Method: A quantitative research was conducted based on a hypothesised model aiming to analyse the causal relationships between 5 factors (perceived consumer behaviour, environmental control, altruism, narcissism and subjective norm) and ECCB, together with the purchasing, using and disposing stages. 326 valid responses were collected from an online survey for the data analysis procedures in SPSS and SPSS Amos. Confirmatory factor analysis and multiple regression were among the analysis methods conducted. Conclusion: Subjective norm, narcissism, and perceived consumer effectiveness were found to have significant positive effects on green consumer behaviour among the five proposed predictors for Chinese Generation Z. The most impactful determinant is narcissism, followed by subjective norm and lastly, perceived consumer effectiveness.

The Covid-19 pandemic, as a health and economic crisis, has significantly affected consumers, businesses and industries in all parts of the world. In this study, the aim was to investigate how situational factors, the covid-19 pandemic, affected consumer behavior regarding food purchases via e-commerce instead of physical stores. This has been done through a qualitative method in the form of 15 semi-structured interviews that have taken place via the Zoom program. The study sample consisted of a combination of both a goal-directed and convenience sample, where the authors chose the interviewees based on their circle of acquaintances and based on three different criterias, (1) the interviewees live in either the Salem or Södertälje municipality, (2) the interviewees need to be at least 18 years old to participate in the study and (3) the interviewees must have purchased food via e-commerce after the emergence of the covid-19 pandemic. The study's question is: How has the covid-19 pandemic affected consumers over the age of 18 in Södertälje and Salem municipalities when buying food, from shopping in physical stores to shopping via e-commerce? The authors analyzed the empirical data with regard to the study's theoretical frame of reference. The results of the study showed that the situational factor, the covid-19 pandemic, has been a contributing force in a change in consumer behavior when purchasing food starting from physical stores to e-commerce. This has been demonstrated by the fact that the interviewees' subjective norm, attitude and evaluation of alternatives have been influenced by the situational factor. Some trends have also been found in the empirical study, where one of the trends concerns the perceived behavioral control, which has been shown to have the opposite effect. Post-purchase evaluation in The Consumer Purchase Decision-Making Process has been shown to be for the most part positive in the interviewees answers and finally, WOM-communication has had an impact on consumer behavior inconnection with the impact of the covid-19 pandemic. / Covid-19-pandemin, som både en hälso- och ekonomisk kris, har väsentligt påverkat konsumenter, företag och industrier i alla delar av världen. I denna studie var syftet att undersöka hur situationella faktorer, covid-19-pandemin, påverkat konsumentbeteendet gällande inköp av livsmedel via e-handeln istället för fysiska butiker. Detta har genomförts via en kvalitativ metod i form av 15 semistrukturerade intervjuer som skett via Zoom-programmet. Studiens urval bestod av en kombination av ett målstyrt och bekvämlighetsurval, där författarna valde intervjupersonerna utifrån deras bekantskapskrets och utifrån tre olika kriterier, att (1) intervjupersonerna bor i antingen Salem eller Södertälje kommun, (2) intervjupersonerna behöver vara minst 18 år gamla för att delta i studien och (3) intervjupersonerna måste ha handlat livsmedel via e-handeln efter covid-19-pandemins uppkomst. Studiens frågeställning lyder: Hur har covid-19-pandemin påverkat konsumenterna över 18 år i Södertälje och Salem kommun vid inköp av livsmedel, från att handla i fysiska butiker till att handla via e-handel? Författarna analyserade empirin med hänsyn till studiens teoretiska referensram. Studiens resultat visade att den situationella faktorn, covid-19-pandemin har varit en medverkande kraft i ett ändrat konsumentbeteende vid inköp av livsmedel från fysiska butiker till e-handeln. Detta har påvisats genom att intervjupersonernas subjektiva norm, attityd och utvärdering av alternativ har påverkats av den situationella faktorn. Även en del trender har upptäckts i empirin, där en av trenderna berör den upplevda beteendekontrollen, vilket har visats ha en omvänd effekt. Utvärdering efter köpet i  The Consumer Purchase Decision-Making Process har visats vara för den övervägande delen positiv och slutligen har WOM-kommunikationen haft en påverkan på konsumentbeteendet i samband med covid-19-pandemins inverkan.