published_or_final_version / Housing Management / Master / Master of Housing Management

The urban landscapes of Chile, Argentina, and Uruguay lay bare the markings of these countries‘ turbulent political and economic pasts, their transition to democracy, and diverse efforts to preserve memory. Claudia Feld‘s observation that these countries have experienced a 'memory boom‘—not a deficit—in recent years manifests itself as much culturally and politically as it does spatially, through the creation of memorials, memory parks, museums, and memory-related performances and discourses. Along these same lines, narratives of memory recur among artistic and cultural works of the post-dictatorial Southern Cone—not exclusively among memorials and other designated sites of recollection, but along the everyday corridors and causeways of some of South America‘s most populous cities, and rather unexpectedly, among seemingly generic sites of consumerism and transit. In fact, my reading of literary and cinematic works by Alberto Fuguet, Sergio Chejfec, Ignacio Agüero, and Fabián Bielinsky, and my examination of Uruguay‘s Punta Carretas Shopping Center, suggests that memory has not been easily corralled into designated sites nor erased through modern spaces and lifestyles; instead, each of the works analyzed in this study reveals that palimpsests of memory can appear often and, in many cases, spontaneously among all angles of the cityscape.

本研究共壹冊，預計四萬至六萬字，分五章：第一章、導論；第二章、文獻查考；第 三章、研究方法；第四章、購物導向之分析結果；第五章、結論與建議。 內容提要： 目前在探討有關消費者行為的文獻中，大都集中在“品牌選擇行為”之研究上。對於 “商店惠顧行為”之研究則顯得相對地稀少。然而，在很多情況下，商店選擇決策及 是在品牌選擇決策甚或產品選擇決策之前完成，並且由於先選擇了商店，因而也限制 或影響了後階段之品牌選擇行為。 本研究乃是大台北地區之消費者為對象，分析其購物導向，並試圖區隔出不同之購物 導向群體，最後再對於這些群體作一較為完整之描述，似提供零售商店選擇目標市場 及訂定合適行銷策略之依據。

<p>Over the past 20 years, retailers have embraced new international trends, which created a strong economic growth. Experiences are one of the trends that will be a significant part of future retail. The purpose of this thesis is to find components that can provide a positive experience in a clothing store to the customer. We have used a qualitative method with an inductive approach and the empirical data is collected through interviews. Literature we have chosen focus on how an experience is created in clothing stores. We have in our research found out that an experience is created through entertainment, products and personnel. The architecture, decor, props and activities that engage customers can create a store experience.</p>

Magistro baigiamojo darbo tyrimo objektas yra didžiųjų Lietuvos prekybos centrų viešųjų erdvių estetika. Darbe tiriami šį objektą formuojantys veiksniai, vertinimo ir analizės kriterijai, istorinės, sociokultūrinės ir politinės aplinkybės, filosofinis, psichologinis ir menotyrinis jo vertinimas, santykis su šiandieninės globalios vaizdų kultūros tendencijomis. Didžiausias dėmesys darbe skiriamas septyniems didžiausiems Lietuvos prekybos centrams, kuriuos analizuojant išskiriami Lietuvos didžiųjų prekybos centrų viešosioms erdvėms būdingi estetiniai dėsningumai ir savybės. Estetikos tyrimo metodas paremtas trimis pagrindiniais erdvės vaizdinio elementais: prasme, struktūra ir identitetu. Prasminis kontekstas darbe akcentuojamas pirmajame skyriuje, perteikiant viešųjų erdvių prasmės pasikeitimą istoriniame raidos kontekste. Daroma išvada, jog prekybos centras – tai ekonominės galios estetinės reprezentacijos laukas. Antrame skyriuje nagrinėjama erdvės struktūra. Keliant hipotezę, jog prekybos centro viešosios erdvės imituoja miesto viešųjų erdvių struktūrinius modelius, taikomas miesto ir prekybos centrų viešųjų erdvių struktūrų palyginimo metodas. Išskiriami pagrindiniai prekybos centrams būdingi miesto viešųjų erdvių elementai, paaiškinamos jų transformacijos bei ryšys su formuojamu vartotojiškumo imperatyvu. Trečiajame skyriuje nagrinėjamas identitetas. Jis analizuojamas tiriant prekybos centruose naudojamas interjero dizaino temas ir motyvus, taip pat lyginant su... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / The object of master thesis’ research is the aesthetics of public space in shopping malls in Lithuanian cities. The paper researches the object-forming factors, evaluation criteria and analysis, historical, socio-cultural and political context, philosophical, psychological and art research findings, the ratio of the global image culture. The thesis of the paper analyses seven major shopping malls in Lithuania, rendering the most common aesthetic patterns and inherent aesthetic qualities, that are peculiar in Lithuanian largest shopping centres. The method of research is based on three key elements of visual space: meaning, structure and identity. The context of meaning is presented in the first chapter, overviewing historical development of the concept of public space. Its conclusion is that a shopping mall is a field for aesthetic representations of economic power. The second chapter examines the structure of space. It is suggested that shopping malls are simulating urban public spaces for the consumer-oriented reasons. Therefore, the method of comparison between urban and shopping mall spaces is applied. As a result, the most specific elements and their transformations common both to the shopping mall and urban public spaces are distinguished and analysed. The third chapter examines identity. It analyzes themes and motives of interior design, also comparing aesthetics of shopping malls with the global image culture. It is concluded that the shopping mall is an inherent... [to full text]

The growth of the Small Medium and Micro Enterprise (SMMEs) has been phenomenal in the last 17 years since the advent of democracy in South Africa. Turbulant economic conditions have also led more people to seek opportunities for survival by participating in the economy as small entrepreneurs. Small entrepreneurs in townships lack sophistication to understand new development trends in business such as the emergence of shopping malls in townships, bringing along major national and international retailers. The study aims to determine the effects of the emergence of shopping malls on SMMEs in eThekwini; a case study of Umlazi. The Umlazi Mega City Mall is used as a point of reference. The challenges faced by small business owners after the emergence of Umlazi Mega City will be explored in detail in this study. A probability sample of 120 small businesses falling under the SMME sector were identified based on a population of approximately 500 SMMEs operating in and around Umlazi. It is important to highlight that from the above sample, 100 completed the questionnaire which was used for data analysis. Quantitative research method was used and a questionnaire with a total of 25 closed questions was used to collect data directly from participants. The questionnaire was distributed directly to respondents and that proved to be very effective but time consuming. The presentation of results has been covered using graphs, tables and statistical percentages. The analysis is accompanied by the researcher‟s interpretation and remarks to explain the salient features discovered in the findings. The respondents in this study ranged from street hawkers, chicken stalls, shoe repairs, butcheries and supermarket owners. The findings revealed that the majority of participants indicated a decrease in turnover after the emergence of Umlazi Mega City. One of the recommendations put forward was that, new developments of shopping malls should create an empowerment venture of not less than 10% that would be owned by a consortium of SMMEs. This arrangement has a potential to build loyalty of SMME tenants if they become part of that mall, and at the same time, remove resentment. The definition of the sizes “small business” and “medium business” will be covered during the course of the research. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2012.

Title: How does the buying decision process really function within e-commerce? - A qualitative study of consumer behavior when they consume on Internet. Institution: School of Economics, Linnaeus University, Växjö. Course code: 2FE16E. <img src="file:///page3image2784" />Authors: Sara Hjärne, Mathilda Perem, Ewelina Wallin. Tutor: Dan Halvarsson. Examiner: Åsa Devine. Key words: Buying decision process, purchase decision process need recognition, information search, evaluation, purchase decision, postpurchase behavior, consumer decision making, E-commerce, E- commerce channels, online shopping, online purchase, e-retail, internet shopping, electronic shopping, consumer behavior, online appereal shopping, social media, decision making, online retailing, website design, customer satisfaction, webshopping, perceived risk, convinience, price, online consumption behavior. Background: Buying decision process is a model that marketers use to get a better understanding of their customers and their behavior when purchasing a product. This process consists of five different steps; need recognition, information search, evaluation of alternatives, purchase decision and evaluation. Buying decision process has for a long time been an accepted model but scientists argue that the introduction of Internet as a channel for consumption has changed this process. The Internet has also led to a change of power in which customers today have greater influence, which greatly affects the buying decision process in e-commerce Purpose: The purpose is to explore how consumers perceive their behavior when they consume through e-commerce. Research questions:How do consumers perceive the buying decision process they experience when they consume through e-commerce?How do consumers perceive different factors that are important to them when they consume through e-commerce? Methodology: Qualitative study, cross-sectional design, semi-structured interviews. Conclusion: This thesis shows that the traditional model of the buying decision process is not consistent with consumers' perception of how they are undergoing the process when applied to an e-commerce context. This process is influenced by different factors, which is influence, convenience, webpage's atmosphere, risk, price, supply, consumption occasions, expectations, delivery and return. / Titel: Hur fungerar egentligen köpbeslutsprocessen inom e-handel?- En kvalitativ studie om konsumenternas beteende vid konsumtion på Internet. Institution: Ekonomihögskolan, Linnéuniversitetet, Växjö. Kurskod: 2FE16E. Författare: Sara Hjärne, Mathilda Perem, Ewelina Wallin.<img src="file:///page5image4008" /> Handledare: Dan Halvarsson. Examinator: Åsa Devine. Nyckelord: Buying decision process, purchase decision process need recognition, information search, evaluation, purchase decision, postpurchase behavior, consumer decision making, E-commerce, E- commerce channels, online shopping, online purchase, e-retail, internet shopping, electronic shopping, consumer behavior, online appereal shopping, social media, decision making, online retailing, website design, customer satisfaction, webshopping, perceived risk, convinience, price, online consumption behavior. Bakgrund: Köpbeslutsprocessen är en modell som marknadsförare använder för att få en bättre förståelse för sina kunder och deras beteende vid köp av en produkt. Denna process består av fem olika steg; behov, informationssökning, värdering av alternativ, köpbeslut och utvärdering. Köpbeslutsprocessen har länge varit en accepterad modell men forskare menar att introduktionen av Internet som en kanal för konsumtion har även förändrat denna process. Internet har även lett till ett maktskifte där kunderna idag har större inflytande, vilket i hög grad påverkar köpbeslutsprocessen inom e-handel Syfte: Syftet är att utforska hur konsumenterna uppfattar sitt beteende när de konsumerar genom e-handel. Forskningsfrågor: Hur uppfattar konsumenter den köpbeslutsprocess de går igenom när de konsumerar genom e-handel?Hur uppfattar konsumenterna olika faktorer som är betydelsefulla för dem när de konsumerar genom e-handel? Metod: Kvalitativ studie, Tvärsnittsdesign, Semi-strukturerade intervjuer. Slutsats: Studien visar att den traditionella modellen för köpbeslutsprocessen inte stämmer överens med konsumenternas uppfattning om hur de genomgår processen i en e-handel kontext. Denna process påverkas av faktorerna inflytande, bekvämlighet, webbsidans atmosfär, risk, pris, utbud, konsumtionstillfällen, förväntningar, leverans och retur.

Bakgrund E-handel av livsmedel är en av de e-handelsbranscher som växer starkast i Sverige just nu. Enligt Svensk Digital Handel förväntas e-handel av livsmedel omsätta 5,7 miljarder kronor år 2016, vilket innebär en ökning med 38 procent från föregående år. Den första satsningen på e-handel av livsmedel gjordes i början av 2000-talet, dock lade de flesta aktörer inom branschen i Sverige ned efter bara några år. Idag år 2016 är denna typ av bransch mer mogen än vad den var då, på grund av snabbare internetuppkopplingar och att fler har datorvana och även större vana att handla på internet. Dock stod livsmedelshandeln på internet för endast 1,5 procent av den totala livsmedelshandeln i Sverige år 2015. Trots att e-handeln av livsmedel ökar är det alltså fortfarande många konsumenter i Sverige som inte köper livsmedel på internet. Syfte Syftet med studien är att identifiera barriärer till att handla lösplock av livsmedel på internet för konsumenter i Sverige som inte tidigare har använt sig av konceptet. Som en del av syftet ingår även att identifiera eventuella likheter och skillnader för olika typer av hushåll genom att analysera om barriärerna varierar beroende på hur hushållens utformning och förutsättningar ser ut. Genomförande Studien utgår från ett konsumentperspektiv och med en abduktiv ansats och en kvalitativ strategi genomfördes intervjuer med tio hushåll. De hushåll som deltog i intervjuerna hade ännu inte e-handlat livsmedel och det som undersöktes var varför de inte anammat konceptet. Ett uppföljningsmoment genomfördes därefter där de intervjuade hushållen bads att testa att handla livsmedel på internet för att sedan svara på några korta frågor i en uppföljningsintervju. Sju av hushållen medverkade i uppföljningsmomentet. För att sätta resultatet från de intervjuade hushållen i perspektiv och för att skapa bredd i studien genomfördes även en enkätundersökning där 154 respondenter deltog. Slutsats 38 barriärer till e-handel av livsmedel identifierades. Dessa barriärer har grupperats i följande kategorier: vana, sättet de handlar livsmedel på, att inget problem uppstår, personlighet, okunskap, fördelar med fysiska livsmedelsbutiker, negativa aspekter eller antaganden som de har till e-handel av livsmedel, att de inte har möjlighet samt att de är skeptiska. Alla barriärer som går under dessa kategorier presenteras i studien. Inga mönster som identifierar att barriärerna varierar beroende på hur hushållens utformning och förutsättningar ser ut kunde hittas. Att flera olika hushållstyper studerades kan dock tänkas ha bidragit till att många olika barriärer kunde identifieras. / Background Grocery e-commerce is one of the e-commerce sectors with the strongest growth in Sweden right now. According to Svensk Digital Handel, the expected turnover for grocery e-commerce in 2016 is 5,7 billion SEK, which is equal to an increase of 38 percent compared to the previous year. The initial investment in the grocery e-commerce industry was made around year 2000, however, most of the businesses in Sweden was shut down after only a few years. Today, this type of industry is more mature than it was at that time because of faster internet connections and that more people are used to using computers and shopping on the internet. But still the grocery e-commerce is responsible for only 1.5 percent of the total turnover in the grocery industry in Sweden in 2015. Despite the fact that the use of grocery e-commerce increases, there are still many Swedes who are not using the internet for buying groceries. Aim The study aims to identify barriers to buy groceries online for consumers in Sweden who have not previously used the concept. A part of the aim is also to identify possible similarities and differences of the different types of households by analysing if the barriers vary depending on the type of household. Completion The study is using a consumer perspective, and with an abductive and qualitative approach ten interviews was conducted. The households that participated in the interviews had not yet tried grocery shopping online and we examined why they did not yet adopt the concept. After the interviews all the households were asked to try the grocery e-commerce concept, of which seven of them took part. Those were asked a few questions in a follow-up interview. To put the results of the interviews of the households in perspective, and to broaden the study, a survey was also carried out, were 154 respondents participated. Conclusion 38 barriers to grocery e-commerce were identified. The barriers have been categorised info following categories: habit, the way they are buying groceries, there is no problem existing, personality, ignorance, that they prefer traditional grocery stores, negative aspects or assumptions about grocery e-commerce, that they do not have the opportunity and they are sceptical. All the barriers in these categories are presented in the study. No patterns that identifies that the barriers vary depending on the type of household could be found. That different household types were studied could however have contributed to the fact that many different types of barriers could be identified.

The population percentage, population growth, buying power, and geographic concentration of Hispanic-Americans in the United States is causing marketers and retailers to carefully examine this market segment. Through a better understanding of Hispanic-American consumers, marketers and retailers will be more capable of meeting their wants and needs. Tailoring marketing promotions and strategies can help a company more effectively reach the Hispanic-American market. This study compared Hispanic-Americans and Anglo-Americans in their general shopping characteristics, responses to excitement in the mall, consumption patterns, and repatronage intention. A total of seven hypotheses were developed, all of which were either supported or partially supported.

This study investigated the consumers' intention towards multi-channel shopping and the function of synergy in a multi-channel retailing format (i.e., brick-and-mortar stores, catalogs, and the Internet). Two questionnaires were developed, one for the multi-channel consumers and the other for the multi-channel retailers. The structural equation modeling was used to predict the effect of shopping benefits and costs perceived from each channel on the consumer's purchase intention. Data analysis (N = 500) indicated that the purchase intentions were affected by different shopping benefit and cost variables. Qualitative analysis of retailers (N= 10) revealed that the retailers considered synergy to be an important part of their multi-channels. Also, there existed a high level of synergy among the existing three retail channels.