John D. Claxton

Complexities of Household Energy Consumption and Conservation

A national sample of Canadian households was used to relate climatic variables, dwelling/appliance/vehicle descriptors, demographic characteristics, and attitudinal variables to actual in-home energy consumption and self-reported gasoline consumption. Using split-sample replications, dwelling and vehicle descriptors indicated a strong association with energy consumption, and both male and female attitudes indicated weak associations.

Delays and the Dynamics of Service Evaluations

In this study, we examine the stability of evaluations and relative importance weights in linear compensatory service performance evaluations when customers are delayed. We postulate that even within one specific service, a consumer’s evaluation model may differ depending on the service experience. In an empirical study comparing delayed and nondelayed airline passengers, we found that evaluations of punctuality and overall service quality differed between those experiencing a delay and those who did not. More significantly, the delay also affected other service attribute evaluations and the relative importance of the various service attributes in the prediction of overall service evaluation. Preliminary explanations for these results, based on attribute salience and mood research, are discussed.

Barriers to Consumer Choice of Energy Efficient Products

A number of barriers deter consumers from making energy conserving choices when buying major durables. In a field experiment, refrigerator energy labels and sales staff emphasis were manipulated in an attempt to help put these barriers into perspective. Energy information was most effective in the low price market segment when consumers were choosing between manual and frost-free refrigerators.

The Nominal Group Technique: Its Potential for Consumer Research

This article illustrates the adaptation and modification of the Nominal Group Technique from the field of organizational planning for use in the study of consumer behavior. The method is compared to traditional group interviews and structured survey methods.

An expert system predevelopment test for assessment of sales territory difficulty

Abstract Since expert systems (ESS) are costly and risky to develop, it is important to evaluate both technical feasibility and management benefits prior to ES development. ES research has emphasized the technical feasibility of system development. This paper discusses a predevelopment test used to assess management benefits. In particular, this research considers the potential of an ES to aid sales managers in making salesforce evaluations. The predevelopment test compares ES output with alternative decision aids.

Evaluating acceptability and effectiveness of consumer energy conservation programs

Abstract The Canadian Government has recognized the need for programs which accelerate consumer energy conservation efforts. A major concern in these efforts is the identification of conservation programs which achieve this goal most effectively and most efficiently. This paper addresses this issue by presenting the results of a study which examined a range of policy options with the goal of providing a better understanding of which type of conservation programs are most likely to succeed. The unique characteristic of the study was the use of inputs from experts responsible for program design and from consumers upon whom such programs will ultimately impact. Comparison of professional and consumer views indicated a concensus favoring energy efficiency product labels, and grants for purchase of energy conserving products. For other programs differences between professional and consumer views suggested the need for caution. Auto-related conservation was identified as an area of particular concern.

Automobile gasoline consumption: A repeated survey

Abstract Understanding the factors contributing to household automobile gasoline consumption can assist decision-makers involved in energy management programs and energy demand forecasts. This article provides a predictive model of gasoline consumption and the results of regression analyses based on data collected from the same households at two different time periods. The analyses tested a range of explanatory variables and found that two variables, number of cylinders and commuting distances, were the major determinants of gasoline consumption. As well. a number of other variables were related to consumption. Further, it was found that one regression model could he used to explain consumption for the two different time periods. It was concluded that consumers, in this study, had not modified their driving patterns over the two time periods under investigation.

Marketer and Societal Response to Changes in the Energy Information Environment for Durable Products

Governments have responded to actual or impending energy shortages by designing reward-penalty sanction systems to affect the activity of marketing institutions and ultimate consumers. Sanctions may be classified as mandatory or voluntary and persuasive (informational) or financial. A popular policy initiative in North America and Europe is mandatory for voluntary energy consumption labeling programs for major durables such as automobiles and household appliances. The objectives of these initiatives are: (1) to alter the marketing practices of manufacturers and distributors (e.g., encourage the design, distribution and promotion of energy efficient models); (2) to alter the value consumers place on the energy consumption attribute when choosing among competing models; and (3) to bring about more energy efficient product choices (hence a reduction in the total energy consumed by society). The extent to which marketing institutions and consumers are influenced by the new &dquo;state of nature&dquo; regarding energy consumption disclosure requirements