Subjects, 432 convenience store cashiers, were divided into long-tenure and short-tenure groups. Chi-square analysis of application blank information for a weighting sample drawn from both groups revealed two items which significantly (p < .05) differentiated between the long tenure and short-tenure groups: number of previous jobs and full-time/part-time preference. Response weights were computed for these two items and used to calculate composite scores for the remaining holdout sample. A significant reduction in turnover would have occurred at the highest composite score level, if used as a hiring cut off. Results were tempered by several considerations, including a high percentage of false negatives and an insignificant linear relationship between composite scores and tenure.

The decision regarding when and to what extent to use convenience food products is a perennial issue in the hospitality industry. Despite the pertinence of this issue in the industry, it has never been explicitly examined in the hospitality literature. Potential advantages of adopting convenience food products in food-service operations include: savings in time and costs, better portion and cost control, ease of training and evaluation, superior customer relationships through product consistency, increased safety, ease of storage, and added eye appeal. On the other hand, noticeable disadvantages may include: staff motivation problems, facilitated labor mobility, increased emotional labor for supervisor, health and nutrition down-sides, and more waste. Therefore, to further explore this issue, a paper and pencil survey was administered to culinary managers in a large university dining setting. Respondents included 132 chefs representing ten dining facilities. The results indicate that even though the time and labor cost savings brought about by the use of convenience food products are perceived as advantageous, the implied consistency of the final product and superior portion control are not as important. Furthermore, customer relationships, catering to special groups, and final products' eye appeal appear to be better facilitated by non-convenience foods. Even though it is easier to train chefs/ cooks/ employees to use convenience food products rather than non-convenience ones and these employees appear to be under less psychological pressure in their jobs, they will conversely be less motivated and worse paid. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed herein. / Master of Science

Thesis (M. Com. (Business Management)) -- University of Limpopo, 2021 / The trend towards healthy eating has been gradually growing in South Africa. Health consciousness has become more apparent with customers not only wanting to consume quick and convenient meals, but also meals that are nutritionally beneficial. Although fast-food outlets have risen to the occasion by providing for this demand, there are few studies in South Africa that focus on strategic guidelines for fast-food outlets to enable strategic planning for achieving customer satisfaction and the increase in profits with healthier food options on the menu. The purpose of this study was to explore strategic guidelines for customer satisfaction with healthier diet menu items in fast-food franchising outlets in South Africa. An extensive literature review was conducted on the South African fast-food industry and customer satisfaction. The study followed a quantitative method approach, and 400 respondents were selected using the convenience sampling method. An empirical study was conducted in which data was collected from 329 customers of fast-food outlets within the Capricorn Municipality, South Africa by means of self-administered questionnaires. The findings of this study reveal that there is a general level of satisfaction amongst South African customers with the healthier food options available at fast-food outlets with areas of improvement for price, convenience and atmosphere pertaining to healthier diet meals. The study made recommendations on a variety of healthy menu items, interaction between managers and customers, price and value, extended service hours, safe parking and walking distance, cleanliness, staff appearance and dining-in feeling and provided a model on Strategic Sustainable Growth as a guideline to increasing customer satisfaction with healthier diet menu items.

The starting point of this dissertation is the increasing number of Swedish consumers who use the Internet forshopping. Convenience is said to be an important ground for this choice. However, there are few studies thatattempt to understand the true meaning of convenience. This study sets out to understand what convenienceentails for Internet shoppers, what characterizes a convenient Internet shopper, what charterizes a convenientonline product or service, and finally how different meanings of convenience can be explained in differentshopping situations. The purpose of this study is to deepen the understanding of consumers’ conveniencegrounds when shopping online. Qualitative data was collected from 24 respondents, 12 female and 12 male,living in the Swedish cities of Örnsköldsvik, Stockholm, Göteborg and Borås. Data collection was mainlyconducted by means of group interviews and additional personal interviews, questionnaries and shoppingexperiment observations. The study has its theoretical outlook based in convenience literature, and conveniencemotives when choosing a particular store, however, adjusted to better fit the phenomenon of onlineshopping.This theoretical approach emphasizes different dimensions of convenience and gives special insight intoremote shopping consumers. Results show that convenience is an important ground for Internet shopping.Convenience in this context, can be seen from a psychological and/or behavioural perspective. However,grounds for convenience entail efficiency and rationality reasons for all of the respondents included in thestudy. These results indicate that convenience is best understood by using a resource efficiency approach.When using this approach the study shows the importance among the respondents to save time and energy,both from a psychological as well as a physiological perspective. Another useful explanation in order tounderstand the meaning of convenience is to use consumers’ descriptions of themselves as planned orimpulsive. In most cases the respondents describe themselves as planned consumers, which in turn indicatethat the use of a resource efficency perspective is valuable.It is a great variety of products and services described as convenient, however the study pinpoints twoexceptions: home electronic devices and tickets. The study shows that one reason for the differences inconsumers’ convenience perceptions is how time is perceived. Another reason is how customer perceivespsychological or physiological energy. A third reason is how they perceive security and safety. Another importantresult is that convenience differs between women and men in the study. The female consumer givespriority to saving time and saving physical energy. The male consumer gives priority to timing. The study’s resultscan help online businesses to identify how their customers perceive convenience to better designcommunication, virtual store, information, payment and deliviery according to their wants and needs. Anotherpractical implication drawn from the findings is to use direct delivery when possible and offer home delivery. / <p>AKADEMISK AVHANDLING: För avläggande av ekonomie doktorsexamen i företagsekonomi som</p><p>med tillstånd av Handelshögskolans fakultetsnämnd vid Göteborgs</p><p>universitet framlägges till offentlig granskning fredagen den 5 oktober</p><p>2007, kl 10—12 i sal B33 vid Företagsekonomiska Institutionen,</p><p>Vasagatan 1, Göteborg.</p>

This is a multidisciplinary information systems thesis with a strong sociological focus. Theoretically it uses the technical concerns of human-computer interaction as the background to consider the separate theories of consumer decision-making and the diffusion of innovations. Emphasis is placed on understanding how consumers make sense of the Internet and come to define the role and use of the Internet in their lives. A practical framework for hermeneutic investigation was created to access the unreflective thoughts and actions driving online consumer decision-making. Implicit within hermeneutics is the prospect of transcendental interpretations and the ability to investigate in situ new avenues of research that emerge as a result of anomalous comments or findings. Hence, this thesis presents two different, but inter-related, research inquiries and their associated findings. Initial interest was centred on consumer behaviour and interface design. Specifically, can a dedicated 'consumer interface' be designed using principles based on consumer perceptions of online convenience. The resulting data analysis created a framework of advice that interface designers can use to improve their understanding of the nature and limitations of convenient interfaces and associated consumer decision-support technologies. A second research theme emerged from the data analysis which broadened the focus into a consideration of online consumer behaviour as a distinct issue. Specifically, a new from of interactive behaviour prevalent in electronic retail markets was identified and, following a second literature review, labeled "surrogacy". Related in form to the personal shoppers found in traditional marketplaces, surrogacy differs from electronic intermediaries with regard to (i) the motivations of use and (ii) the symbolic and functional benefits of usage. The emergence of this phenomenon suggests that interactions between individuals (as consumers) and Web-based systems are maturing, albeit in a non-predictable manner. Together, the methodological refinements presented here with the accompanying research findings provide a reference point for further work in the following three areas: interface design for electronic marketplaces; Web-based consumer decision support technologies; and the development of interpretive approaches suitable for socio-technical investigations.

by Hui Peter. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1992. / Includes bibliographical references (leaf 65). / ABSTRACT --- p.ii / TABLE OF CONTENTS --- p.iii / LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS --- p.v / ACKNOWLEDGMENTS --- p.vi / Chapter I. --- INTRODUCTION --- p.1 / Scope and Statement of the Problem --- p.1 / Definition --- p.2 / Grocery Retail Industry --- p.2 / Scanning --- p.4 / EDI --- p.4 / The Company --- p.5 / Objectives --- p.7 / Methodology --- p.8 / Chapter II. --- PRESENT SITUATION AND PROBLEM AREAS --- p.9 / Accounting System --- p.9 / Tangible .Problem --- p.10 / Prices Change --- p.10 / Price Marking --- p.13 / Pricing Control --- p.13 / Store Shrinkage --- p.14 / Intangible Problems --- p.14 / Product Movement --- p.15 / Monitor Promotion --- p.16 / Customer Information --- p.17 / Manpower Shortage --- p.17 / Chapter III. --- THE CHARACTERISTICS OF SCANNING AND EDI --- p.19 / Electronic Point-of-Sale (EPOS) Terminal --- p.19 / Bar Code Scanner --- p.20 / Mechanics Of EPOS Terminal --- p.21 / Scanning System --- p.23 / EDI Concept --- p.24 / Chapter IV. --- THE BENEFITS OF SCANNING AND EDI --- p.26 / Tangible Benefits - Scanning --- p.26 / Elimination Of Prices Change --- p.26 / Reduction In Price Marking And Price Change Labour --- p.27 / Reduction In Store Shrinkage --- p.27 / Increase In Checkout Productivity --- p.28 / Reduction In Store Bookkeeping --- p.28 / Intangible Benefits - Scanning --- p.29 / Improved Product Movement Information --- p.29 / Markdown Losses --- p.30 / Improved Customer Information --- p.30 / Customer Benefits --- p.31 / Front-End Labour Scheduling --- p.31 / Security --- p.31 / Simplified Training --- p.32 / Use Of Plastic Money --- p.32 / EDI Benefits --- p.32 / Purchasing --- p.33 / Inventory --- p.34 / Invoices --- p.34 / Chapter V. --- HOW TO GET STARTED --- p.35 / Vendor Presentation --- p.35 / Talk To Other Retailers --- p.36 / Define Goals To Achieve --- p.36 / Costs And Benefits Analysis --- p.37 / Set Up Steering Committee And Project Team --- p.38 / Project Planning --- p.39 / Implementation Plan --- p.40 / Monitoring Plan --- p.41 / Chapter VI. --- CONCLUSION --- p.42 / APPENDIX --- p.44 / BIBLIOGRAPHY --- p.65

En los últimos años, el subsector de tiendas de conveniencia en Lima ha presentado un amplio crecimiento ya que, son formatos novedosos que integran un surtido de productos que logran satisfacer las necesidades inmediatas de sus usuarios y rápida reposición de artículos como bebidas alcohólicas. Asimismo, se puede resaltar que el consumidor actual es más exigente con el servicio y productos que esperan recibir durante su compra. Esto en conjunto ha llevado a las diferentes marcas de tiendas a diferenciarse una de otra para poder satisfacer las necesidades del consumidor. La presente investigación busca determinar y explicar cuáles son los atributos más valorados por el consumidor de cerveza tradicional de tiendas de conveniencia de los distritos de Lima Moderna con mayor concentración de tiendas de conveniencia (Lima son San Borja, San Isidro, La Molina, Surco, Miraflores y Barranco) y que además pertenecen a los niveles socioeconómicos Ay B, con el objetivo de conocer sus hábitos de compra, percepciones y atributos más importantes de la cerveza tradicional y de la tienda de conveniencia, los resultados fueron analizados a través de procesos estadísticos. Por último, se determinó que los atributos más valorados por el consumidor de cerveza de las tiendas de conveniencia son: la cercanía y atención al cliente y de la cerveza tradicional el cuerpo, sabor ligero y amargor. / In recent years, the convenience store subsector has been presented a broad growth, since they are novel formats that integrate a wide assortment of products that manage to satisfy the immediate needs of its users and a quick replacement of items such as alcoholic beverages. Likewise, it can be highlighted that the current consumer is more demanding with the service and the products that are expected to be received during his purchase, this has been taken to the different convenience stores and to differentiate a way of being able to satisfy the needs of the consumer. The present investigation seeks to determine and explain which are the values most valued by the consumer of the traditional beer and the convenience store located in the districts of San Borja, San Isidro, La Molina, Surco, Miraflores and Barranco. The results were analyzed through statistical processes. Finally, it was determined that the attributes most valued by the beer consumer of the convenience stores are: closeness and customer service and the traditional beer the body, light taste and bitterness. / Tesis

La siguiente investigación pretende analizar las motivaciones del consumidor en su preferencia por las tiendas de conveniencia en el distrito de Miraflores. Para la ejecución del estudio, se han examinado los factores del mix del marketing, tales como producto, plaza, promoción, precio y calidad del servicio; los cuales determinarán en qué grado intervienen en la decisión de compra del cliente. Las tiendas de conveniencia han presentado una expansión en Lima, desde el 2015. Este formato de tiendas es una propuesta que se puede considerar como un punto medio entre el canal moderno y el tradicional, ocasionando el surgimiento de un nuevo grupo estratégico. Se espera que la investigación pueda contribuir a optimizar las estrategias de este grupo empresarial y en la propuesta de valor ofrecida a los consumidores, integrantes de este nuevo formato de negocio; es por ello, que se proporciona información que evidencia la experiencia real de los consumidores. La investigación involucra a 381 personas que hayan realizado compras en las tiendas de conveniencia del distrito de Miraflores. La data recolectada, mediante el cuestionario, se analizó con el software IBM SPSS Statistics, utilizando métodos tales como estadística Descriptiva, Chi Cuadrado y Análisis de Correlación de Spearman, para ver en qué grado afectan las variables del marketing mix en la decisión de compra del cliente. Finalmente, los resultados revelan que el consumidor valora más la localización de la tienda y el amplio horario de atención; así como también, los productos y promociones que son ofrecidos en estas tiendas de conveniencia. / This research proposes to analyze the motivations of consumers in their preferences for convenience stores in Miraflores district. In order to carry out the study, the factors of the marketing mix has been studied, such as product, place, promotion, price and quality service; which will determine if these factors influence the customer’s purchase decision. The convenience stores have presented an expansion in Lima, since 2015. This kind of retail is a proposal that can be considered as a mid-point between the modern and traditional channels, causing the emergence of a new strategic group. It is expected that the research can contribute to improve the strategies of this business group and the value proposal offered to the users among the members of this new business format. That is why, it provides information that demonstrates the real experience of consumers. The research involves 381 persons approached while purchasing at convenience stores in Miraflores district. The data collected, based on the questionnaire, has been analyzed with IBM SPSS Statistics software, and it was evaluated through statistical methods such as descriptive statistics, Chi-square test and Spearman correlation analysis in order to see at what extend, the variables of marketing mix affect the customer's purchase decision. Finally, the results reveal that the consumer values the location, products and promotions offered by convenience stores. / Tesis

Compared to most Western democracies, voter turnout in the United States is consistently lower. Individuals from disadvantaged groups such as the poor are also less likely to vote than more affluent citizens. To counteract these trends, American state governments since the 1970s have adopted election reform laws (early voting, no-excuse absentee or mail voting, and Same Day Registration [SDR] voting) to make voting easier for the citizen. Paradoxically, most research on election reform laws has found that these laws have a minimal effect on turnout, and do not reduce disparities between more and less advantaged voting groups. This study argues that past studies have not properly accounted for features of a state’s electoral system – combinations of voting reform laws, election administration, and history of turnout – that structure the impacts of these laws on turnout. The goal of this research is to re-evaluate the performance of these election reform laws by contextualizing the laws in a state’s electoral system. This study makes several unique contributions to the literature on election reform laws. First, convenience voting laws and state election administration are reframed as components of the overall accessibility of a state’s electoral system. Using a policy feedback framework, this reframing recognizes how citizens, political campaigns, and accessible electoral systems shape turnout. The study then evaluates the effects of accessible electoral systems on overall turnout, and turnout among the poor. Additionally, this project analyzes how these laws structure the mobilization strategies of political campaigns. Finally, this research utilizes two large datasets containing millions of respondents from all fifty American states (Catalist and the Cooperative Congressional Election Study) with advanced statistical methods to assess the effects of these laws at the individual level in the 2008-2014 midterm and presidential elections. After controlling for the accessibility of state electoral systems, this research finds that convenience voting laws do increase turnout, encourage participation from the least likely voting groups, motivate campaigns to mobilize voters, and reduce turnout inequality.

Mobile payment is a new payment method that is being introduced on the Swedish market, but has not yet come to its breakthrough. This thesis investigates the attitude the Swedish consumer has towards mobile payment. Based on previous surveys and theory, three main attributes, security, privacy and convenience, were chosen to represent the attitude of the consumer towards mobile payment. In order to analyze the data obtained from the surveys conducted, the multi-attribute attitude model was used. The model showed that convenience was the most beneficial attribute in mobile payment, followed by security and then privacy. Security was the attribute that the survey participants valued the most when it comes to payment methods, but was also the attribute they thought that mobile payment would lack the most. Therefore security was determined to be the most important aspect when it comes to the success of mobile payment.