• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.14 no.12
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• pp.43-51
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• 2016

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to discuss success factors behind ATO distribution channels by examining successful partnerships between producers and alternative trading organizations (ATOs). Research design, data, and methodology - This is a case study, an analytical approach, which illustrates how the partnership between producers and ATOs has strengthened the fair trade and the performance of participants in the trade based on the example of the trading relationship between Beautiful Coffee, an alternative trading organization dealing coffee related products, and the coffee cooperative union (CCU), a coffee producing cooperative in Gulmi, Nepal. Results - Beautiful Coffee in the partnership with HELVETAS empowered small coffee farmers by a successful institutionalization of CCU that consolidated the distribution channel to be more efficient. Also, Beautiful Coffee and its partnership with KOICA have tried to increase productivity and quality of coffee beans. Conclusions - The case of Beautiful Coffee demonstrates that the partnership between producers and alternative trading organizations (ATOs) has benefited the fair trade partners. In other words, Beautiful Coffee's partnerships with a NGO working in the local producing area, HELVETAS, and a government aid agency, KOICA could strengthen the relationship between the producers and the ATO, and thus contributes to the whole distribution channel.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.5-15
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• 2021

Purpose: This study explores the types of relational benefits that generate loyalty to room-sharing services among Chinese customers based on the relationship marketing literature. The study also examines the moderating effect of alternative attractiveness on this relationship. Research design, data and methodology: Based on research hypotheses, questionnaires with items measuring the proposed constructs in three dimensions, including relational benefits, alternative attractiveness, and customer loyalty, were designed to test the hypotheses. Data were collected via an online questionnaire of 220 room-sharing service customers in China. Results: Results verify the effects of relational benefits on customers' loyalty to room-sharing services and the mediating effect of alternative attractiveness. More specifically, confidence, social, and safety benefits positively affect customer loyalty to room-sharing services, and alternative attractiveness moderates only the effect of social benefits. Conclusions: The results suggest that room-sharing service providers should concentrate on providing confidence, social, and safety benefits to maintain long-term relationships with customers. This study also provides practical implication for building relationships between channel members in service distribution channels. The study concludes that without customer relationships marketing for managing collaborative and social communication channels, the entire distribution channel might lose out eventually.

• Journal of Distribution Research
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.59-85
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• 1997

The automobile industry in Korea has grown to the fifth in the world in terms of production capacity. In spite of the production growth, the marketing aspects such as distribution and customer service in the auto industry are still behind the world-class. Thus, the major purposes of this paper are as follows. The first is to analyze competitive structure of the industry and to compare distribution strategies of the major auto firms(Hyundai, Daewoo, and Kia). The second is to theoretically explain the transition from the vertical marketing system to the dealer system using transaction cost analysis. The third is to compare auto distribution channels in Korea with those in the U.S. and Japan. Finally, an optimal channel stucture in the auto industry is suggested after reviewing five alternative channel structures such as corporate-owned VMS, sales-specializing firm, multiplex system(VMS+limited dealer system), dual sales channel, and advanced dealer system. In the short-run, sales-specilizing firm was suggested as an optimal channel system to enhance customer satisfaction by integrating sales and customer service. In the long-run, advanced dealer system through regional differentiation was desirable for an optimal channel structure by organically integrating new car sales, used car sales, and after service to provide total marketing service to customers.

• ETRI Journal
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.345-347
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• 2009

This letter presents an alternative analytical expression for computing the probability of an M-ary phase shift keying (MPSK) wedge-shaped region in an additive white Gaussian noise channel. The expression is represented by the cumulative distribution function of known noncentral F-distribution. Computer simulation results demonstrate the validity of our analytical expression for the exact computation of the symbol error probability of an MPSK system with phase error.

• Journal of Agricultural Extension & Community Development
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.197-230
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• 2007

The objectives of this study were to identify the cause of consumers for purchasing foods from various distribution channels, and to compare with characteristics of consumers by each distribution channel. The distribution channels as the basis of comparison were four types namely, the consumer cooperatives / environment－friendly specialized stores, large retail discount stores, direct marketing and parents / relatives. The researcher developed a questionnaires, and a total of 190 questionnaires were collected and 186 of them were analyzed. The data were analyzed utilizing the SPSS－WIN 12.0K program and major statistical technique were mean, percentage, t－test, Chi－square test, ANOVA. There were differences in the quality perception, demographical characteristics, relationship with rural communities and personal experiences of the consumers according to the distribution channels.

• International Commerce and Information Review
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.81-119
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• 2012

In order to maintain high level of control over and close coordination of foreign marketing activities, export manufacturers often consider vertical integration strategy into global distribution. However, full integration is not always a feasible option. The purpose of this study is to investigate the alternative ways to achieve optimal level of control over export channel system for desirable channel performance. This study investigates different options for integration of the vertical channel structure, and examines their effect on the performance. The findings of this study suggest different combination of ownership and coordination level has varying impact upon channel performance: efficiency, effectiveness, and adaptiveness. This implies exporters may achieve desirable performance control over export channel without fully integrating the channel via ownership.

• THE INTERNATIONAL COMMERCE & LAW REVIEW
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• v.36
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• pp.143-170
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• 2007

In order to analyze the distribution channel of marine products in Korea, this study shows SCM approach to redesign of the marine distribution channel with case study related to previous literatures. In view of the supply chain and the future impact of RFID on the marine SCM on the recognition of the importance of the seafood traceability system, this study also provides the possibility to accomplish effective SCM for integration of production, storage, transportation, delivery, and sale when RFID is used in the seafood distribution channel based on the expansion of awareness on the marine product traceability. The traceability system for seafood is considered as the distribution infrastructure established in RFID deployment. By introducing Lotte mart case, this case study also discusses the marine distribution structure in view of the supply chain, to present an effective foundation for supplying seafood throughout production, distribution, and consumption. This is achieved by introducing RFID in an ubiquitous environment, and suggesting far more efficient control planning throughout the seafood distribution channel in view of the expected effects resulting from the introduction. In addition, as the alternative of solving this situation, this study propose the supply chain in seafoods by comprehensive management in whole distribution channels. In the SCM in seafood perspectives, HACCP can take into account the whole seafood chain from the point of supply to the point of consumption when assessing hazards. As the contributions of this study, this study emphasizes the seafood industry first should require the establishment of the relevant infrastructure, for which the efforts of the government and demonstrative project participants are essential.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.19 no.7
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• pp.113-121
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• 2021

Purpose: Technology induces the virtual distribution channel to exist, especially for booking a room online. This situation, indeed, provides an alternative for the customers to book based on their budget through digital platforms. One platform offering competitive prices is virtual hotel operators, such as Airbnb, OYO, RedDoorz, and Airy Rooms. Preferably, after using their platform, the user should be satisfied and loyal. Hence, this investigation aims to prove some associations. The first is between e-satisfaction and e-loyalty. The second is between website quality and e-satisfaction. The final is between website quality and e-loyalty. Research design, data, and methodology: This study is quantitatively designed with the sample of 350 users of the virtual hotel operator applications in Bandar Lampung: Airbnb, OYO, RedDoorz, and Airy, as the samples. Therefore, by denoting this sample size, the structural equation model based on covariance is utilized to examine the three hypotheses proposed. Also, to get the responses, this study uses a survey through a questionnaire. Result: This investigation demonstrates the positive relationship between e-satisfaction and e-loyalty. Additionally, website quality positively associates with e-satisfaction and e-loyalty. Conclusion: The virtual hotel operators must have the superiority on their website-based application to update the information based on the room availability and price, ensure online transaction safety, and facilitate its utilization to maintain long-term satisfaction and loyalty virtually.

• The Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Business
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.139-149
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• 2018

In the contemporary era of smart tourism, travelers face more accommodation options than ever before. The rapid expansions of alternative accommodation sector are partially owing to the growth of electronic commerce and the rise of online intermediary platforms. Online travel agencies serve as a critical distribution channel for tourism sectors, and the significance is further increased for small and micro entrepreneurs whose direct communication channels are scarce. Considering the holistic process of customer experience started with a third-party online intermediary, this study explores basic and extended attributes of small and medium-sized alternative accommodation where the comparative value is created. In order to achieve the objective, a research design was developed to synthesize the qualitative evidence. The synthesis encompasses both theoretical and practical perspectives, from a systematic review and opinions of academic professionals to an in-depth interview with an industry expert and the current practices of online travel agencies. This study suggests that the sources of value creation for alternative accommodation are not always consistent with those of the traditional. Accounting for the temporal and spatial dynamics in customer experience, the findings of this study provide insights on the comparative value of alternative accommodation, to both academic and industry audiences.

• Journal of Distribution Research
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.27-54
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• 2008

This study explored the relationship between information search and purchasing behavior across in-home shopping channels to give multi-channel retailer an implication of multichannel customer management. We analyzed the relationship between consumer's information search and purchase behavior (choice, frequency, and expenditure) with a view to channel lock-in and cross-channel synergy. This study was carried out using survey data about in-home shopping behavior of housewives. Results of the study showed that (1) there was channel lock-in between information search and purchase behavior across in-home shopping channels, (2) catalog channel and the Internet channel were a alternative channels of TV home shopping channel and (3) catalog channel and the Internet channel were an complementary channels. This results can provide meaningful implication for multi-channel retailers.