• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.13 no.8
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• pp.73-80
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• 2015

Purpose - This study's objective is to analyze the content of the communications between users and producers based on the construal level theory. User generated content refers to content created in an online-based service where users and producers communicate interactively with each other. In a user generated content platform, the messages sent and received between the many players, the users and producers who use the content, may be analyzed at the psychological level based on construal level theory. Research design, data, and methodology - This study gathered user and producer participation through a snow-bowling sampling method. The data analyzed includes 125 video clips and 2,912 comments. The period of the data collection was from September 2014 to December 2014. The collected data was analyzed using a t-test and two-way ANOVA. Results - This study obtained the following research results. First, users who were a short social distance from producers responded to user participatory activities stated in concrete language rather than abstract language. In contrast, users who were at a longer social distance from producers tended to respond to the content requesting user participation through abstract language. Second, if users and producers were at a short social distance from each other, user preference increased more when a producer response to user participation was expressed concretely rather than when it was expressed abstractly. In contrast, if the users were at a longer social distance, users' preferences increased more when producer response was expressed abstractly rather than when it was expressed concretely. Conclusion - This study found that the effect of suitability, in which the social distance and the content were in congruence at the construal level, could be observed. Therefore, based on this, academic and practical implications were drawn. The three main insights of the study are as follows. First, firms can use psychological factors to analyze the message content of users in their distribution platforms. This study reveals managerial implications for marketing managers who want to take make use of this analysis of user and producer communications. This study indicates that the main factors include the concrete and abstract scores and social distance between users and producers. Second, we also provide the strategic guidelines to maximizing user preferences and other outcomes. The main dependent variable in this study is the user preference shift; the variable increases through the congruence effect; and the construal level is determined by the social distance between the users and producers and the type of producer response. The outcomes here from users can be utilized to develop several systemic strategies. One process to use the outcomes could be: (1) firms could measure the users and producers social distance; (2) calculate the concreteness or abstractness of the messages; and, (3) predict the user preference outcomes by the congruence between user and producer social distance and the abstractness or concreteness of the message content.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.10 no.11
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• pp.89-99
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• 2012

Purpose - Mobile devices, especially mobile terminals capable of telecommunication and wireless connectivity, are leading the advancements in consumer electronics. Digital convergence drives the functions of various devices, such as cellular phones, MP3 players, personal digital assistants, and gaming, into a single device. This trend would continue and applications such as digital audio and video streaming (including personalized content delivery mechanisms) would soon be on a handheld device. As customers want mobile convergence devices, manufacturers are driving new initiatives in the emerging mobile device market. Given the roles played by device design and service content in user satisfaction of a mobile convergence device, this study focuses on identifying and measuring the constructs for the process by which user satisfaction is achieved. This study synthesizes the expectation-disconfirmation paradigm with empirical theories in user satisfaction. Device and service levels are separated, and nine key constructs for user satisfaction of mobile convergence devices are proposed. Insight into this process could help web-based businesses to improve user satisfaction, thus enhancing the effectiveness of e-commerce for sellers and buyers. Research design, data, methodology - This study draws on three users of mobile convergence devices as examples. To test there search model and hypotheses, survey questionnaires were sent to 607 mobile device users. Mobile device users were initially identified from several members, and subjects were randomly drawn. Data from 577 survey responses were finally analyzed. The unit of measurement and analysis in this research study is at a personal level. Results - The measurements for the constructs were developed and tested in a two-phase study. In the first phase, the device and service dimensions were identified, and instruments for measuring them were developed and tested. In the second phase, using the salient dimensions of the device and service as the formulating first-order factors, instruments were developed and empirically tested to measure satisfaction of the device and service. In measuring satisfaction of mobile convergence devices, the critical tasks are to identify the key constructs of such user satisfaction and to develop validated instruments to measure them. Hence, the results of this study have immediate implications for businesses and for research in user satisfaction of mobile convergence devices. Conclusions - This study provides reliable instruments for operationalizing key constructs in the analysis of user satisfaction of mobile convergence devices within the expectation-disconfirmation paradigm. Hence, convergence device makers will be able to examine whether their websites meet their customers' expectations by examining the device aspect of the mobile convergence device customers, and the service aspect expectations and disconfirmation. Moreover, the introduction of expectation and disconfirmation constructs brings the marketing aspect of convergence devices into focus for such retailers, an aspect crucial to the effective design of websites for online businesses. In addition,this study provides the metrics required to initiate future studies on user satisfaction of mobile convergence devices.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.10 no.12
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• pp.366-377
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• 2010

As internet and mobile technology brings rapid transformation to this society of information, how relations are conducted between customers have become a critical factor influencing companies. Companies are creating Internet communities based on their brands, encouraging customers to actively form and develop brand communities. Thus, this report proposes a plan to analyze the effectiveness of community activities based on the customers active involvement and how to effectively manage and utilize it. The purpose of this research is to understand the effects on-line brand communities and their characters have on customer behavior. Also, it will study the effects community attitudes have on brand decisions and oral transmission communication when on-line brand communities choose a brand. This report was conducted to survey on-line university students to understand how communities' attitude affects the decision of on-line university brand and oral transmissions when students choose to study at a on-line university. According to research, those factors brought positive responses to character of the brand communities(confidentiality of information, interactivity, convenience, intimacy) and by doing so, on the customer's attitude side, positive results on intention of purchase and oral transmissions can be expected. In addition, the character of the brand communities affects intention of purchase and oral transmission communication. Based on this research, it is possible to propose a marketing strategy that revitalizes brand communities' activities.

• KIPS Transactions on Software and Data Engineering
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• v.2 no.8
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• pp.535-542
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• 2013

Since case-based reasoning(CBR) has many advantages, it has been used for supporting decision making in various areas including medical checkup, production planning, customer classification, and so on. However, there are several factors to be set by heuristics when designing effective CBR systems. Among these factors, this study addresses the issue of selecting appropriate neighbors in case retrieval step. As the criterion for selecting appropriate neighbors, conventional studies have used the preset number of neighbors to combine(i.e. k of k-nearest neighbor), or the relative portion of the maximum similarity. However, this study proposes to use the absolute similarity threshold varying from 0 to 1, as the criterion for selecting appropriate neighbors to combine. In this case, too small similarity threshold value may make the model rarely produce the solution. To avoid this, we propose to adopt the coverage, which implies the ratio of the cases in which solutions are produced over the total number of the training cases, and to set it as the constraint when optimizing the similarity threshold. To validate the usefulness of the proposed model, we applied it to a real-world target marketing case of an online shopping mall in Korea. As a result, we found that the proposed model might significantly improve the performance of CBR.

• CRM연구
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.71-88
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• 2009

The purpose of this thesis is to examine the effects of e-CRM activities by the internet shopping mall companies on the purchase activities of purchase customers and the potential customers. The internet shopping companies utilize e-CRM to systematically identify customers' varying demands, and to utilize the results as marketing tools, thus producing a significant effect on the potential customers by generating customer feedback through e-Community. Contrary to their intention, however, cognitive dissonance can occur through e-Community, which may lead to customers' complaints. If these complaints are not properly managed and settled in a timely manner, they can be transferred to other potential customers, and the conformity phenomenon could be created by other complaining customers. Findings obtained through this thesis are as follows: If cognitive disharmony is created by customers who purchased products through the internet shopping malls, this can lead to private complaining behaviors, and subsequently, these behaviors are formed through e-Community. If the internet shopping mall companies do not take any timely and proper measures to intervene in the stage of private complaining behaviors in the first place, these behaviors will immediately escalate into the public complaining behaviors. Furthermore, the complaints will be transferred to other potential customers, ultimately resulting in their swift expansion. In other words, contrary to intention of the internet shopping mall companies, e-CRM does not facilitate the potential customers purchase decision, it rather affects them to postpone or withdraw their purchase decision. Accordingly, the internet shopping mall companies are required to manage e-Community with extreme care, and they should promptly respond to the complaining customers so that e-Community can function properly.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles
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• v.40 no.6
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• pp.1045-1061
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• 2016

This study clarifies differences in attitudes toward the Omni-Channel service (Pintech service, Beacon service, and Click and Collect service) and fashion consumption behavior among four clusters grouped by level of technology readiness. An online survey was conducted; 572 individuals between 20 and 30 years of age were collected, but only 539 were used. Factor analysis, cluster analysis, descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and frequency analysis were adopted to analyze data using SPSS 20.0. The results are as follows. Technology readiness was divided into four factors: optimism, innovativeness, discomfort, and insecurity. Participants were divided into four groups according to four sub-factors of technology readiness: brave adopters, optimistic laggards, indifferent adopters, and critical adopters. These groups showed significant differences in attitudes toward the Omni-Channel service and fashion consumption behavior. Critical adopters and brave adopters recognized the value of the Omni-Channel service and had more positive attitudes toward it than other groups. Critical adopters also better perceived the risk of service with new technology that showed higher fashion innovativeness and monthly consumption of fashion products than other groups. We inferred that the indifferent adopters did not use the Omni-Channel service or services offered by fashion retailers as much as other groups because indifferent adopters were less interested in both the Omni-Channel service and fashion consumption behavior than other groups. Optimistic laggards viewed the Omni-Channel service optimistically, despite perceptions of high risks to accompanying it and a low intent to use it. The results of this study assisted in the formation of a theoretical framework of consumer behavior associated with the Omni-Channel, which is an emerging issue in research related to distribution. The results can help fashion industries that operate consumer-oriented marketing based on Omni-Channel strategies.

• Cartoon and Animation Studies
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• s.36
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• pp.167-187
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• 2014

Animation-related films and game industries have been expanding their markets rapidly responding to sharply increasing public demand. The production processes of major studios are getting more and more specialized and detailed. Therefore, they feel burden to manage and maintain as the HR and physical sizes are getting greater. So, independent studios which perform partial processes of the works are increasing over North America and Europe. Specialized studios build previous functions and related business models. They are expanding their areas. Therefore, this study targeted studios specialized in digital concept art in free production step. The characteristics of such studios were analyzed. To this end, first definitions of digital concept art concepts and functional & artistic features of entire production, and their application to business were deliberated through documents and online. Based on the results, the features of 'concept art service', 'self-brand business/ communication', and 'education service' were drawn. Second, based on it, targeting three con cept art studios such as Atomhawk (UK), FengZhu Design (Singapore), and Studio Gage (Korea), case research was done. Comparative analysis for the cases was conducted. It turned out that concept art studio s lead new market demand through active business strategies such as related contents development, marketing, etc. based on specialization. This research is significant to understand global trend of newly establishing specialized studios market and suggest reference data to improve prospective domestic specialized studios competitiveness.

• Archives of design research
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.153-162
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• 2004

This paper focused on the effect of Kansei design on the web in branding as well as its influence factors. As a key of this research, it classified web users' Kansei into five categories; 1) functional Kansei, 2) sensoryKansei, 3) psychological Kansei, 4) relational Kansei and 5) cultural Kansei, and organized relevant factors. Online surveys were conducted on seven websites of the fast food brands in Korea (Lotteria, Mcdonald, BurgerKing, Popeyes, KFC, Pizza Hut, Domino's) which are targeting 463 male and females in 20s. As a result, an average of 58% responded that they had a positive Kansei experience and could enhanceits brand preference. Of the sensory Kansei, visual design factors were the one that gave the greatest effect on brand preference enhancement. Regarding the functional Kansei satisfaction, such as user convenience and access speed were also one of the most crucial variables for the whole Kansei satisfaction. Moreover, the preference enhancement brought not only a positive effect on its reliability but also its brand image and consumers' purchasing desire. Based on the survey results, the additional FGI (Focus Group Interview) had been conducted and determined \circled1 what kind of major Kansei that users wanted to have satisfied, \circled2 what type of design can give strong Kansei appeal to its users, and \circled3what design factors gave an effect on sensory emotion. In the course of this research, Itried to renew the awareness of the web importance as a major channel in non-mass interactive marketing, and suggest the effect and its possibility of emotional branding through Kansei design in the web as well as design principles of strategic Kansei design.

• Information Systems Review
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.71-90
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• 2003

Virtual communities have been suggested to play important roles such as attracting customers, building customer loyalty, and leading to commercial transactions. Little research in marketing has focused on virtual communities in spite of its importance indicated by many practitioners and conceptual studies. More specifically, little research has empirically examined factors of customer participation and its consequences. This research investigate if customers' participation motives in virtual communities affect their sense of community and if sense of community affects customers' loyalty towards and purchase intentions from the website offering the community service. One hundred ninety six questionnaires were collected from individuals who have participated in and have been involved in online activities in various virtual communities. Major results of this research can be summarized as follows. First, participation motives employed significantly affected customers' sense of community and more specifically, perceived ease of use and perceived playfulness had a large influence on the customers' sense of community. Second, customers' sense of community positively affected their loyalty toward the community and more specifically, membership and emotional connection had a large influence on loyalty. Third, customers' sense of community did not affect directly their purchase intentions. Fourth, customers' loyalty toward virtual communities had a significant, positive, although marginal, influence on their purchase intentions.

• Journal of Distribution Research
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.61-86
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• 2002

The number of people who perform their banking business on Internet has been increasing drastically during the recent period and the trend still continues. Banks and other types of financial institutions are now competing intensely with each other in attracting customers to this new innovative banking service. The marketers in charge of formulating and implementing the strategies for this new banking business need to understand the behavioral factors as well as the technical factors in order to succeed in attracting more customers to this new service. products. A deep understanding as to why and how the customers are adopting the new service developed on information technology is a prerequisite for a successful marketing effort. The purpose of this dissertation is to find out what factors are playing important roles in the customers'decision related to the adoption of the Internet banking services. The focus of the research is threefold. First. by testing the hypotheses proposed by the Technology Adoption Model, a well-known theory in the IT-related behavioral science, an analysis was made as to which factors are more important in affecting the attitudes and adoption of the Internet banking on the part of customers. Secondly, an analysis was made as to whether the three criteria of the Technographics- -the attitude toward new technology, level of income, and the motivational factor- -are useful as the criteria for segmenting the Korean users of the online banking. Thirdly, an analysis was made as to whether each customer group segmented by the criteria of the Technographics reveal a differential decision process and thus requires a differential approach strategywise.