Chiranjeev Kohli

Brand equity: the halo effect measure

The halo effect is a systematic bias in attribute ratings resulting from raters′ tendency to rely on global affect rather than carefully discriminating among conceptually distinct and potentially independent brand attributes. Traditionally, researchers have regarded the halo effect as a source of measurement error to be avoided. Discusses how halo measurement can serve as a useful indicator of brand equity. Uses consumer rating data in three categories of commonly purchased household products to demonstrate the approach.

Branding consumer goods: insights from theory and practice

Branding may be one of the most important decisions made by marketing managers. Since it is done somewhat sporadically, there are no strict guidelines provided by the companies to assist the managers in this task. Academic research also has not helped. While there is a tremendous amount of descriptive and normative research on the topic, it is somewhat fragmented in nature. Synthesizes findings from descriptive and normative studies on branding in the literature, and also from related fields. Integrates these with their own practical insight to recommend a step‐by‐step approach to building brand names.

Signaling New Product Introductions: A Framework Explaining the Timing of Preannouncements

Abstract Preannouncements of new product introductions is a prevalent practice in high-technology industries. The timing of preannouncements is a central construct and may vary from a few days to 2 years. An empirical analysis based on a telephone survey of 217 senior marketing managers in computer hardware and software manufacturing firms showed that the timing of preannouncements is contingent on factors that are product related (purchase cycle length, learning requirements, and switching costs), design related (forecast horizon), and industry related (perceived competitive elasticity). The length of preannouncement is important and can significantly influence the chances of a successful product launch.

Brand evaluations: a comparison of fixed price and discounted price offers

While fixed price offers are quite common in the marketplace, there is limited empirical evidence that documents the effectiveness of these offers in comparison to price discounting tactics. Drawing on information processing theory we provide a conceptual framework that explains the differential impact of fixed price and price discounting tactics. The empirical study shows that consumers’ perceptions of quality and value for the product were higher when price information was presented in a fixed format (versus a discount). Furthermore, perceptions of sacrifice were higher in the discount format than the fixed price format. Overall, this study finds empirical support for the notion that fixed price formats may be more effective than price discounts.

Product Positioning: A Comparison of Perceptual Mapping Techniques

Product positioning is a crucial component of competitive marketing strategy. Perceptual mapping techniques are frequently used to aid managers in making product positioning decisions. Presents an overview of perceptual mapping, explains the conceptual foundation, and compares three widely used techniques – factor analysis, discriminant analysis, and multidimensional scaling. Highlights differences in these analytical techniques, with implications for marketing managers.

Comparing fixed price and discounted price strategies: the role of affect on evaluations

Price is an important variable because it has a direct impact on a company’s profitability. However, there is limited evidence to support the effectiveness of competing strategies of fixed pricing and discounted pricing. As a result, both strategies are practised extensively in the industry. This paper draws on theories on affect, information processing, and pricing to provide a conceptual framework. The aim is to examine the effect of fixed pricing and discounted pricing on consumers’ affect and evaluation of products. Results from an experiment indicate that a fixed price format elicits more positively valenced thoughts and stronger positive affect than a discounted price format. This affective response, in turn, results in a less thorough processing of price information and, consequently, higher perceptions of quality and value for the fixed price format. Managerial implications of these findings are discussed.

Are You In Good Hands?: Slogan Recall: What Really Matters

ABSTRACT Slogans are very important in brand building, and recall is considered one of the most effective measures of slogan success. For this study, 220 respondents were asked to recall slogans. Factors impacting recall of the 150 short-listed slogans were investigated. The study relied on objective (rather than perceptual) data, and factored in the natural variance associated with the variables of interest in the marketplace without imposing the artificial constraints of lab settings. The results suggest that to improve recall, slogans should be retained for long periods of time and supported by extensive marketing budgets. When designing the slogans, care should also be taken to keep them short. However, contrary to expectations, none of the other design elements—complexity of slogans, use of jingles, and use of rhymes—had an impact on slogan recall.ABSTRACT Slogans are very important in brand building, and recall is considered one of the most effective measures of slogan success. For this study, 220 respondents were asked to recall slogans. Factors impacting recall of the 150 short-listed slogans were investigated. The study relied on objective (rather than perceptual) data, and factored in the natural variance associated with the variables of interest in the marketplace without imposing the artificial constraints of lab settings. The results suggest that to improve recall, slogans should be retained for long periods of time and supported by extensive marketing budgets. When designing the slogans, care should also be taken to keep them short. However, contrary to expectations, none of the other design elements—complexity of slogans, use of jingles, and use of rhymes—had an impact on slogan recall.

What really makes a promotional campaign succeed on a crowdfunding platform? guilt, utilitarian products, emotional messaging, and fewer but meaningful rewards, drive donations

ABSTRACT Online crowdfunding is a popular platform for entrepreneurs to engage consumers by raising funds for creative projects. The purpose of this research was to conceptualize a theoretical framework for crowdfunding appeals and investigate the relationship effect of appeal modes, product, and message characteristics as well as presentation characteristics on donation levels. A stratified random sample of 200 campaigns on Kickstarter.com was analyzed in a regression-based study. Guilt appeals, utilitarian product types, an emotional message frame, and reward tiers were significantly—and positively—related to funding level, measured as a percentage of the funding goals. Entrepreneurs further can use this framework to develop crowdfunding campaigns that can serve as effective marketing tools.

Online video modules for improvement in student learning

The objective of this teaching innovation was to incorporate a comprehensive set of short online video modules covering key topics from the undergraduate principles of marketing class, and to evaluate its effectiveness in improving student learning. A quasiexperimental design was used to compare students who had access to video modules with a comparison group from otherwise identical classes. The profile of the students in the two groups was comparable, due in part to the large sample size. Evidence was found for significant improvement in learning across ethnic groups and gender, as measured by performance on a major exam.

Who pays the price for loyalty? The role of self-consciousness

Purpose – This paper aims to study the role of self-consciousness from the point of view of firm loyalty. Firms increasingly vie to gain, and then maintain, loyal consumers. A firm’s assumption that such consumers will be willing to pay premium prices, however, contradicts consumers’ rational motivations to seek low prices. This research suggests that consumers’ self-consciousness and the nature of their loyalty toward a firm help resolve this apparent contradiction. The results show that when past purchases reflect an exclusive relationship with a retailer, participants with high public self-consciousness valued relatively low-price offers, whereas those with high private self-consciousness expressed high-value perceptions for higher priced offers. However, when past purchases were divided between retail partners, self-consciousness showed no impact on value perceptions. Design/methodology/approach – Firms increasingly vie to gain, and then maintain, loyal consumers. A firm’s assumption that such consume...