Christo Bisschoff

Validating a Model to Measure the Brand Loyalty of Fast Moving Consumer Goods

Abstract The objective of this paper is to validate a conceptual model to measure brand loyalty. The empirical process of validation is based on literature research. The model was tested amongst a sample of 550 managers and 541 completed the questionnaires (response rate of 98%). The validation process aimed to validate the items that measure each of the brand loyalty influences; assess the sampling adequacy; test the applicability of the data for multivariate statistical analysis; determine the importance of each of the brand loyalty influences; and test the reliability of each of the brand loyalty influences in the model. All these objectives were met. This culminated in the final result, namely that the model to measure brand loyalty was proven statistically to be a valid and reliable model that can be used to measure brand loyalty. The research is of value to managers, academia and researchers.

Push and pull factors in relation to skills shortages in South Africa

Abstract There are many factors that push people out of the country. While affirmative action is one factor that contributes to emigration of skilled individuals, other factors include: crime, better wage offers, better quality of life and future for their children, economic stability and improved health care. These factors include: attractive salary packages, early retirement within the education sector, an opportunity to gain international work experience, an improved lifestyle and a variety of career choices. Immigrants, on the other hand, are pulled to South Africa as they see this as offering them economic opportunities that are not available in their home countries. These immigrants range from a large number of unskilled to a limited number of highly skilled workers. The main purpose of this study was to determine the factors that push or pull skilled labour into or out of South Africa and the consequences of this movement. The outcome of this study was achieved through undertaking a brief literature review of push-and-pull factors, followed by the empirical research. A survey-based research design was adopted using a closed questionnaire to determine the factors that either push or pull skilled labour from or to South Africa. The sample consisted of 800 organisations/businesses that seek to employ skilled foreign labour in South Africa. The results of this study have confirmed the findings of other research and similar studies undertaken. These push–and-pull factors cannot be addressed overnight; therefore, the recruitment of skilled foreign workers could be a short- to medium-term solution to the problem.

Empirical Evaluation of a Model That Measures the Brand Loyalty for Fast Moving Consumer Goods

Abstract The objective of this paper is to evaluate the model to measure brand loyalty. This is achieved by using the model to measure three fast moving consumer goods (toothpaste, bread and coffee) and apply the model to measure the brand loyalty influences and their measuring criteria. If the model remains valid when applied to different FMCG products, and measures brand loyalty of the three products successfully, it implies that the model is a generic rather than specific managerial tool in the FMCG industry. The results obtained from the research in this article shows that the model to measure brand loyalty were successful and remained valid in the case of all three the products. The results are promising, showing that the model to measure brand loyalty strives towards a generic tool that can be applied in the FMCG industry in different products. However, the model needs to be scrutinised further by exposing it to a wide range of FMCG products to ensure that it really is applicable to all FMCG products. Managers will find the model valuable because they can apply the model to determine which specific influences are the most important for their products or services, while also identifying where their brand loyalty fails. This research paper is an exploratory study of brand loyalty in the FMCG market which sets a scientific base for academia who wants to further research the concepts of brand loyalty and brand management. In addition, the model sets a scientific base for academia who wants to further research the concepts of brand loyalty and brand management.

Causes of stress in public schools and its Impact on work performance of educators

Abstract This article reports on educator stress in public schools. In doing so, the article sets the objectives of identifying the causes of stress in public schools of educators in KwaZulu-Natal. The data were collected by means of a stratified random sample drawn in a cross-sectional survey design of educators employed in public schools in four districts in KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. A total of 368 questionnaires (of which 350 were usable) were received from 1500 distributed questionnaires The theory on the causes of stress were empirically postulated and analysed by means of data employed exploratory factor analysis. In total seven key causes (factors) of educator stress were identified. These factors explain a favourable cumulative variance 69%, and are (in declining order of importance) Organizational support, Overload, Remuneration, Control, Job insecurity, Relationship opportunities and Growth opportunities.

A Theoretical Model to Measure Creativity at a University

Abstract Measuring creativity at a tertiary educational level has been problematic due to the diverse teaching and learning processes and programmes used in tertiary educational institutions. The objective of this research paper is to develop a theoretical model to measure creativity on a tertiary education level to actively support the creative development of students. To develop this model, the experimental design included an extensive literature study of various creativity models in order to identify the constructs that influence the creativity of university students. A total of twenty-eight creativity influences were observed which ultimately culminated into the selection of the eleven most important influences which resulted in a theoretical model. This model is of great value because tertiary education is important in equipping graduates with creative skills to apply in the global and competitive business and social environments.

A model to measure the brand loyalty for fast moving consumer goods

Abstract This paper develops a model to measure brand loyalty. This is achieved by researching historical brand loyalty models from the literature, and to identify from these models the constructs that influence behaviour related to brand loyalty. An exploratory research perspective examined a broad range of survey-based loyalty influences and then reduced these influences to the twelve more important ones. These twelve influences were further examined and a number of valid questions to measure each influence, were formulated from the literature review. This culminated in the final result, namely the model to measure brand loyalty. The research is of value to management, especially marketing and brand managers, as well as academics and other researchers. Managers will be able to apply the model to determine which specific influences are the most important for their products or services, while also identifying where their brand loyalty fails.

A model to measure creativity in young adults

Abstract This article develops a theoretical model to measure the creativity of young adults (18 to 25 years of age). Historical creativity approaches, dimensions, models and tests were researched through a literature study in order to identify selected constructs that influence creativity of young adults. Resultantly, a total of twenty-eight creativity influences were identified which ultimately culminated in the selection of nine key influences. Additionally, from the literature study, measuring criteria were identified for each of the nine influences, resulting is a theoretical model to measure creativity. The research is of value due to the significant role young adults play and will play in society at a socio-economic level. Young adults need to know the value of creativity in society, how creative they are and how they can develop creative abilities. In this context, it is necessary to measure creativity in an effort to actively support creative development in young adults. Measuring creativity at this level has been challenging due to the impact of various cognitive psychological factors and the external environment which can foster or inhibit creativity dramatically.

An empirical model that measures brand loyalty of fast-moving consumer goods

Abstract A model to measure the brand loyalty of Fast-moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) was developed by researching historical brand loyalty models, by identifying brand loyalty influences, by validating the measurement criteria and, ultimately, by constructing a structural equation model. Twelve brand loyalty influences were included in the model, two of which further possess sub-influence qualities. The model shows good fit indices with the Comparative Fit Index (0.815), while the secondary fit indices RMSEA (0.131 within a small margin of 0.018) and Hoelter (77 at p <= 0.01) also show satisfactory model fit. Management can use the model as diagnostic brand loyalty tool in managerial decision-making, while academics and brand researchers could apply the model in extended brand loyalty research.

Heart rate variability and recovery as predictors of elite, African, male badminton players’ performance levels

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine whether pre-match, in-match, resting and post-match heart rate variability (HRV) as well as resting and post-match heart rate recovery (HRR) can serve as significant predictors of male, elite, African, singles badminton players’ performance levels. Twenty-two male badminton players were categorised into successful and less successful player groups according to match results. Heart rates were recorded every second before (pre-match), during (in-match) and directly after (post-match) 46 matches to determine 14 HRV and 2 HRR indices. Binary, forward, stepwise logistic regression analyses’ results showed that log transformed low frequency to high frequency ratio (Ln-LFnu/Ln-HFnu ratio) and peak very low frequency power (VLF power (Hz)), were significantly (p < .05) related to group allocation of successful and less successful badminton players. Overall model fit was good and 75% of players could be classified into their original groups by making use of the HRV-based logistic regression formulas. Furthermore, all models had a large effect in predicting player classification, although only the pre- and in-match models emerged as being useful. In conclusion, short-term frequency domain-related HRV variables are related to badminton match performances and should be considered when measuring HRV in sport and exercise settings.

An Attitudinal Analysis of Different Groups of Managers towards Business Ethics in South Africa

Abstract This study determines the ethical profiles and dispositions of three groups of managers in South Africa. These groups consisted of (1) Managers from a specific company active in the agricultural sector in South Africa; (2) A collection of managersfrom diverse industries in South Africa; and (3) A group consisting of potential managers. The objectives are tomeasure the ethical views of the groups, to identify ethical discrepancies that existbetween the different respondent groups, and to determine the statistical significance of those differences. Individual- as well as company ethical behaviour are tested amongst of 754 participating respondents regarding individual and ethical ethics while the groups do not differsignificantly from each other on individual ethical behaviour. However, regarding company ethics, the groups differ more in their views of which actions are acceptable and which are not.