• Journal of Korea Trade
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.153-168
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• 2021

Purpose - In this study, we aim to explore new distribution strategies for sustainable growth in the era of the 4th industrial revolution, focusing on SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) in Korea, and suggest ways to upgrade the government's official distribution channel to the next level. Design/methodology - First of all, this paper explored the prior research, the current status of sales support for SMEs, and the changes in the distribution industry due to COVID-19 pandemic. Based on Moon (2016)'s ABCD strategic model - Agility, Benchmarking, Convergence, and Dedication, the study then derived directions in which official distribution channels should move and the new distribution strategy for Korean SMEs to secure competitive advantage. Findings - First, in terms of 'Agility', in order to upgrade official distribution channels, which are currently at some competitive disadvantages compared to private distribution companies, we must quickly introduce technologies for the 4th industrial revolution, such as AI, Big Data, etc., and establish precise strategies to strengthen the capabilities of SMEs. Second, in terms of 'Benchmarking', the use of "Chamelezones" has been increasing to enhance the competitiveness of offline stores in line with recent ontact trends. Therefore, official distribution channels should also benchmark such cases, strengthening their competitiveness by utilizing offline spaces more efficiently and effectively. Third, in terms of 'Convergence', in line with the rapidly changing trend of the times, official distribution channels should also promote active partnerships with media commerce, e-commerce and ICT platforms, as well as cooperation with private retailers, and focus on creating synergy effects through them. Finally, from the perspective of 'Dedication', digitalization should be promoted step by step, finding the sector that can accelerate digital among the value chains of official distribution channels, and continuing to discuss how to digitize it realistically. Originality/value - Based on this analysis, we have presented strategies and implications for innovating official distribution channels for SMEs, which will contribute to enhancing the competitive advantage of official distribution channels in the post COVID-19 pandemic era.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.47-58
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• 2018

Purpose - China has become the world's largest market of Korean culture goods. However the distribution and information channel from which Chinese consumers can access to Korean contents remains under-explored. This study aimed to investigate Chinese consumers' information accessing behavior. Research design, data, and methodology - We collected the sample of 800 customers who are exposed to Korean Wave in China. Regression analysis is used to confirm the relationships in the research model. Results - The results showed that official channels such as state owned sites still play a significant role, Chinese consumers prefer to use unofficial channels and the private SNS is the most popular one. It is also found that users with low interests in Korean contents prefer offline/indirect channels while people who are highly immersed into Korean culture and spend longer time on it tend to favor online/unofficial channels. The results confirms that there are some users' characteristics such as gender, age, income and experience of visiting Korea are relevant to explain their propensity to select distribution and information channels for Korean contents. Conclusions - The study enables managers to develop the more effective distribution channel strategies according to the different target consumer groups.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.22 no.8
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• pp.1-15
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• 2024

Purpose: This study explored how Indonesian banks utilize digital marketing communication strategies to optimize their distribution channels, leading to enhanced customer trust and brand loyalty. It examined specific methods such as sponsorships, social media, institutional partnerships, and mobile banking application features as key components of this digital distribution strategy. Research Design, Data, and Methodology: This study employed mixed methods design to assess digital distribution impacts. It involved 385 Jakarta bank customers. The sample size was determined using the Lemeshow formula. Results: The findings indicate that effective digital distribution strategies, including sponsorships, social media engagement, and user-friendly mobile banking applications, significantly enhance customer trust and loyalty. However, overly complex features may negatively impact loyalty. Conclusion: Thisstudy demonstrates a clear connection between the strategic use of digital marketing channels, such as sponsorships, social media, institutional partnerships, and mobile banking features, and the development of customer trust and loyalty. The results provide valuable insights to Indonesian banks in designing digital distribution strategies that prioritize building trust and fostering integrated customer interactions. Tailored digital marketing approachesthat optimize distribution can significantly enhance both trust and loyalty among Indonesian bank customers.

• The Journal of Fisheries Business Administration
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• v.54 no.3
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• pp.29-43
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• 2023

The United States is Korea's important trading partner, ranking third (13.7%) in exports of fishery products in Korea. The impact on exports to the United States is expected to be significant if the seafood import provisions under the MMPA are implemented in 2024 accordingly. It is expected that documents proving production information will be required for all items when exporting to the U.S. Therefore, this study attempted to examine the current status of exports and exporters in order to understand the actual conditions of major fishery products exported to the United States. Besides, there are currently no official system and procedures in Korea to prove production information for all fishery items, so we tried to suggest implications by examining distribution channels for major export items to the U.S. In this study, five items including seaweed and halibut as domestic aquaculture items, tuna and squid as deep-sea fishing items, and fish cake using imported raw materials were selected as the target items for distribution channel investigation. In addition, this study is meaningful in that it investigated the routes from production to processing, distribution, and export of each item and identified detailed distribution channel for major items exported to the U.S.

• Journal of the Korea Fashion and Costume Design Association
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.61-71
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• 2020

This study looks at 'Corporate Social Responsibility' which is required for the fashion industry and brands in modern times. The American fashion brand known for its corporate social responsibility activities, 'Patagonia' is the case study for this research. The purpose of this study is to make suggestions to eco-friendly, outdoor and casual apparel fashion brands that want to introduce corporate social responsibility programs by considering the case of Patagonia's "Worn Wear" campaign. The method of this study was to review corporate social responsibility, previous studies on Patagonia, and literature, such as domestic and foreign media, Patagonia's official homepage, specialty publications, and media. The study concerning corporate social responsibility is focused on Patagonia's "Worn Wear". Worn Wear is Patagonia's system that repurchases and repairs products from Patagonia's own consumers. The study found that the well known corporate social responsibility led to increased sales. Patagonia's social responsibility activities are thought to be part of the brand identity that goes beyond marketing. In the Worn Ware case, repurchasing products from consumers and reselling them or reprocessing them resulted in increased sales, increased consumer engagement, and higher brand attention. The suggestion for a fashion company or brand in a category similar to Patagonia that is looking to engage in corporate social responsibilbty is to adopt and continue a campaign that 'consists of a successful marketing image, connecting memories and new experiences, separated shopping channels while diversifying the creation of distribution and contact channels'.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.252-260
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• 2012

The wetlands have eco-sociological values because their functions have proven to be useful to human society. Many countries are working to conserve and protect the wetland ecosystems. However, many wetlands have disappeared or have been fragmented due to a natural and/or anthropogenic disturbance. These isolated wetlands appear to work best in the landscape, as a spatially distributed system. We have analyzed the spatial-social distribution patterns of wetlands in Gyeongsangnam-do Province (GNP). We examined the frequency distribution of wetland sizes, the distances to the nearest wetlands, the shapes of the wetlands, land-use patterns, land owners, and official land values were confirmed as social characteristics for each wetland. A total of 146 wetlands (3,598.85 ha), including 76 riverine wetlands (1,955.60 ha), 49 palustrine wetlands (1,282.28 ha) and 21 mountain wetlands (1,282.28 ha) were identified in GNP. Most wetlands left for use to drainage were small (<2 ha) and located in agricultural areas. However, small and isolated wetlands were clustered, according to the location, indicating that these wetlands can be connected to each other using the linear riverine wetlands and water channels in agricultural areas. This is extremely valuable in maintaining the biodiversity, such that any loss of small wetlands will cause a direct reduction in the connectedness among populations of the remaining species. Due to most wetlands belonging to the nation or businesses, being classified as reservoirs (water storage areas), and consequently, degradation of wetlands will progress due to grand-scale engineering works. Therefore, wetland policy and ecologically sensitive laws and policies should be developed in order to promote the wise-use for wetlands.