Chieko Minami

A study of the authenticity of traditional cultural products: focus on Korean, Chinese, and Japanese consumers

ABSTRACT Countries’ specific traditional cultures are becoming popular subjects for commercialization. The research discussed here focuses on “traditional cultural products” (TCPs) and investigates consumer attitudes and behaviors with respect to cultural aspects. Consumer attitudes and the purposes of consumption within the commercialization of traditional cultures encircling cultural authenticity are scrutinized. Results show that while the personal factor of consumers’ open-mindedness toward other cultures positively influences their attitudes toward TCPs, the ethnocentrism and familiarity of the culture have negative effects. This analysis of the purchasing purpose model of culture products among three countries – Korea, China, and Japan – shows that positive attitudes toward the aesthetic elements are crucial in raising the will to consume traditional cultural goods. Moreover, Korean and Chinese consumers have significantly considered the cultural/historical authenticity of goods whereas Japanese consumers have found craftsmanship to be more vital.

Cost Efficiency of Multiple Store Retailers: A Comparison of Purchasing and Store Operation Costs

As many firms adopt chain operations, it is worth investigating whether the operations are efficient enough to support the firm’s growth and if opening new retail outlets actually provides economies of scale. This study examines the effect of increasing the number of stores on retailers’ operational efficiency and tests the effect empirically. The number of stores is considered an important indicator affecting retail efficiency. However, previous studies have returned conflicting results and arguments about the impact of the number of stores on efficiency. A log-linear regression analysis reveals that while retailers gain advantages in terms of reduced purchasing costs, they increase the costs for store operations. This paper aims to contribute to the field by clarifying the impact of retailers’ growth on operational efficiency based on empirical research.

Information transparency in SME network relationships: evidence from a Japanese hosiery firm

This paper uses a longitudinal case study of a network of organisations in the fashion hosiery sector to examine the role of information visibility as the key facilitator in the transition from a flexible supply chain to an agile supply chain. The findings of this study emphasise that information transparency in a supply network enables members to become proactive to market demand. The results also indicate the importance of time postponement in the knitting-based industry. The experiences of Tabio indicate that time postponement is a key component of agile supply chain management, which was enabled by utilising external resources in a mutually dependent SME network. The agile supply chain requires a network that can change and be reconfigured according to changes in market demand.

Waiting for Checkout: Toward an Understanding of Customers’ Perceptions

Waiting in line to check out of a store or from a service provider is a necessary but undesirable experience for consumers. It remains a serious problem for retailers and service providers even though scanning technology and self-checkout systems have been increasingly introduced. Prior studies on this problem have emphasized that wait time leads to negative customer evaluation of service delivery. However, the accumulation of empirical research on this problem is not extensive. Thus, this study aims to develop useful measurements for investigating customers’ perceptions of waiting and service management.

ICT’s Integration Effects on the Relationship Benefits and Business Process in Industrial Markets

Managing inter-firm relationships is important in industrial marketing for stable and timely procurement/supply, safeguarding investment, etc. In addition, there is more expectation toward business relationships. Both supplier and manufacturer companies expect to capture value from their ongoing relationships, also known as relationship values. Relationship benefits are considered a part of relationship values. This paper focuses on relationship benefits and aims to examine the enabling effect of information and communications technology (ICT) on relationship benefits and business processes, which influence business performance.