• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.20 no.6
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• pp.75-86
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• 2022

Purpose: This research aims to provide empirical evidence on the impact of digital literacy on behavioural intention regarding using technology for distribution of higher education. Design, Methodology, and Approach: Quantitative analysis was carried out using Covariance-Based Structural Equation Model with data collected from 901 students who fully experienced 2-year study online at different universities in Vietnam. The structural model was built with digital literacy as the primary indicator and other variables were included based on modified version of Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) by adopting performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, habit, and hedonic motivation variables specifically for education sector. Self-efficacy was added to eliminate possible bias in technology acceptance. Results: From the results of model estimation, digital literacy presented positive impact on the online distribution of higher education in Vietnam. The mediating effects of various indicators such as performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, habit, hedonic motivation, and self-efficacy are significantly determined by research model. Conclusion: The higher level of digital literacy of the students, the more likely that they will use technology in higher education study, especially online learning. Additionally, the mediating effects of indicators from the UTAUT2 theoretical model were also evident to be positively significant.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.85-91
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• 2016

Purpose - Recently, the importance of rapid change in business models is more and more increasing as the change of information technology environment. Therefore, a variety of business models have emerged. On the other hand, there is no company that can generate revenue. Many enterprises are still maintained while they are changing only their appearance of the business model. Business model is important in e-commerce. However, a lot of researches are targeted only in Web sites. Thus, e-commerce companies do not have the infrastructure for measuring and business models. The purpose of paper is to evaluate factors which are related with the structuring of the e-commerce success. And it proposed a financial items and non-financial items. From the perspectives of administrators and managers, the paper researches the possibility for E-Commerce Evaluation Model as a valuable criteria in measuring business model. Research design, data and methodology - The methods are taken by the classification for the type of business-to-business transactions, transactions subject, and the degree of integration and innovation capabilities. Financial and Non-financial value is used to build E-Commerce Evaluation Model. Evaluation items in Administration's perspective are composed with enhance the effectiveness of the mission, improving efficiency of the administration, and control of costs. Evaluation items in the customer's perspective were measured by customer participation and cooperation with customer Satisfaction. In the case of researching the information system's perspective, three criteria are used such as adequacy of the development process, improvement of the quality of service, and maintenance of standardized information technology. In researching for the ICT competence's perspective, evaluation items were composed of enhanced user capabilities, utilizing new technologies, and empowerment of information workers. Results - In this paper, E-Commerce Evaluation Model with financial and non-financial perspectives shows the possibility to be criteria in the case of measuring business model. Moreover, it gives the positive expectation to be successful criteria. But the research may have ambiguity in its essential concept because it cannot avoid the limitation in selecting evaluation tools from merely the model. It is impossible to exclude the possibility in omitting specific properties which may take place in actual case study. Therefore, In hereafter research, it is necessary to include actual case study research in selecting evaluation tools in order to improve the limit point. Actual measurement items which are derived from actual case study should be subdivided, and it would be more effective to complete the research. Conclusions - In rapid change in business models, there are various kinds of business models. But it is general situation that companies which adopted business models have not brought in revenue. For this reason, E-Commerce Evaluation Model is needed as an important factor for the structuring of the e-commerce success. Although it has the limitation in selecting evaluation tools from model, E-Commerce Evaluation Model proposes the implication for measuring business models as a valuable criteria.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.69-78
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• 2017

Purpose - The study was AI as exploratory study on artificial intelligence (AI) shopping information services, to explore the possibility of a new business of the distribution industry. For research, we compare to IBM of consumer awareness surveys an AI shopping information service for retailing channel and target goods group. Finally, we present to service scenario for distribution service using AI. Research design, data, and methodology - First, to identify possible the success of the information service shopping using AI, AI technology for the consumer is very important for the acceptance of judgement. Therefore, we explored the possibility of AI information service for business as a shopping. The experimental data were used to interpret the meaning of the relevant literature and the IBM Institute of Business Value (IBV) Report 2015. This research is based on the use of a technical acceptance model (TAM) to determine whether the consumer would adopt the 'AI shopping information service' technology. Step 1 of the process assumes that the consumer adopts AI technology. In step 2, consumers find their preference channels and goods targeted at them as per their preferences. Finally Step 3, we present scenario for 'AI shopping information service' based on the results of Step 1 and 2. Results - Consumers have expressed their high interests in the new shopping information services, especially the on/off line distribution channels can use shopping information to increase the efficiency in provision of goods. Digital channel (such as SNS, online shopping etc.) is especially high value goods such as cars, furniture, and home appliances by displaying it to an appropriate product group. Conclusions - The study reveals the potential for the use of new business models such as 'AI shopping information service' by the distribution industry. We present seven scenario related AI application refer from IBM suggestion, and the findings would enable the distribution industry to approach target consumers with their products, especially high value goods. 'Shopping advisor' is considered to the most effective. In order to apply to the other field of the distribution industry business, which utilizes AI technology, it should be accompanied by additional empirical data analysis should be undertaken.

• The Journal of Industrial Distribution & Business
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• v.13 no.5
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• pp.15-26
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• 2022

Purpose: There has been a consistent failure of businesses that are run by a single person. Most of these collapse at infancy prematurely and those that survive continue to operate at minimal capacity. The study thus sought to enhance growth of sole proprietors from being small entities to large corporates. Financial determinants of business growth were earmarked for research as they were amongst the grey areas of business growth research. Research design, data and methodology: The target population of the study was made up of groceries retail sole proprietors operating in Epworth, Zimbabwe. Questionnaires were used in a once-off cross-sectional survey using stratified random sampling. Through a deductive research approach, four financial determinants of business growth were established namely financial availability, financial management, financial evaluation and financial investment (AMEI). These constructs formulated the basis for the development of the model which linked financial factors to business growth. Results: The study found out that all four financial determinants were statistically significant (P < 0.05) in predicting business growth. Conclusions: The study concludes that the model tested was useful in explaining sole proprietor's business growth. Sole proprietors should have access to funding, manage received funds in an appropriate manner, invest into the business and evaluate their business processes.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.12 no.10
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• pp.29-35
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• 2014

Purpose - This study highlights the inter-dependence between business and society. Various business strategies like Corporate Philanthropy and CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) are introduced to establish better relationship between business and society. Research Design, Data, and Methodology - This study presents a research model clarifying the role of Creating Shared Value (CSV) and its influence on overall corporate performance. Further, we reveal the mediating role of corporate trust generated by various mechanisms of economic and social values, leading to enhanced corporate performance. Results - The proposed research model addresses five different proposals indicating that, by incorporating CSV approaches, organizations can create both business and social values. These values help positively influence corporate trust, ultimately facilitating improvements in overall corporate performance. Conclusions - CSV is currently in its early stage; it is difficult to gather meaningful data to measure its performance. However, this study seeks to connect CSV with other important factors such as corporate trust. The proposed model can be a starting point for a more empirical and formal conceptualization of CSV along with other important links.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.21 no.9
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• pp.93-102
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• 2023

Purpose: This study attempts to analyze the current status of the railway logistics business and to seek ways to improve it by using the business model as an analytical framework. It was intended to reflect practical implications that could be applied to the field, by dealing with issues at the industrial site related to each component in the business model. Research design, data and methodology: This study was conducted through literature review and field research. We analyzed academic papers and industrial reports on the development of the railway logistics industry and interviewed various stakeholders in the railway logistics industry. Results: This study determined the factors that could be eliminated, raised, reduced, or created from the customer and product perspective, infrastructure management perspective, and financial perspective. Conclusions: The growth of existing business can be achieved by lowering service prices, improving service quality, and securing large-scale transportation capacity. The additional transportation of high value goods and cold chain commodities will be promising business opportunities. Existing services can be provided to new customers (large pre-shippers, forwarding customers, etc.) in order to increase the size of sales Urban delivery services and comprehensive logistics services based on complex logistics centers may open an avenue for new market. A more timetable and track capacity need to be assigned to logistics, which significantly improve the flexibility and the competency of railway logistics.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.21 no.9
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• pp.1-11
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• 2023

Purpose: This study focuses on developing a structural equation model of variables influencing loyalty to buying and selling food products through e-marketplaces in Thailand. The variables investigated comprised food attributes, online system attributes, marketing innovations, attitudes, and satisfaction. Research design, data and methodology: An online questionnaire was used to collect data from a sample group (200 buyers and 200 sellers) using quota sampling. The data were analyzed using the structural equation model. Results: The developed structural equation model was consistent with the empirical data. Factors in the model could explain 40.1% of the variance in loyalty to buying and selling food products through e-marketplaces. Food attributes and online system attributes influenced satisfaction directly. Online system attributes, market innovation, and attitudes directly influenced loyalty. The developed model had no variation between groups of buyers and sellers. Conclusions: This research demonstrated the causal factors leading to consumer loyalty to buying and selling food products through e-marketplaces. The research findings help e-marketplace providers manage factors of buying and selling to comply with the needs of buyers and sellers, which will increase the number of buyers and sellers, help generate long-term profits for service providers, and increase the country's financial value.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.20 no.6
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• pp.99-108
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• 2022

Purpose: This study aims to provide a further research challenge in digital marketing distribution and co-creation from relevant literature. The concept of digital marketing and co-creation has been known to impact the business sector positively, but it has not been utilized much in the government sector. Therefore, further research is needed to identify the role of digital marketing distribution and co-creation in increasing non-tax state revenue services of government institutions in Indonesia. Research design, data, and methodology: This study is based on a systematic literature review. The stages are (1) research scope review, (2) article extraction from journals, (3) article quality assessment, (4) article analysis, and (5) comprehensive report. Fifty articles published from 2011 to 2021 were collected from the Google Scholar website. Result: This study provides a proposed model that depicts all of the potential connections between digital marketing, co-creation, and non-tax state revenue. In addition, we also identify that the customer experience influences non-tax state revenue. Conclusions: This study attributes the use of the digital marketing distribution and co-creation concept in the government sector and its benefits for state organizations, which have not been investigated in previous studies.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.89-97
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• 2013

Purpose - The purpose of this study is to systematically review the background of the Korean distribution promotion policy and distribution adjustment policies along with related regulations and policies. Research design, data, and methodology - Domestic distribution policy and relevant laws were examined through a review of existing research literature. The results of the development process of the domestic distribution policy, promotion policies, and adjustment policies are summarized below. Results - The results are summarized as follows. First, the purpose of the development of the domestic distribution promotion policy was to strengthen the competitiveness of the small and medium business industry through structural advancement of the small and medium industry. By expanding the managerial base for the small and medium industry, a new balance could be created in the national economy. There was a requirement for an early assistance policy for small and medium businesses as a base of these businesses in the distribution industry developed from their original model of catering to a traditional market of retail shops. Since 1996, there was a need for this early assistance policy due to the expansion and rapid growth of large scale stores causing a change in the consumption pattern for distribution markets and the decline of large enterprises. Second, the government supports small and medium business distribution through distribution promotion policies by supporting an organization promoting small business and supporting innovation in the distribution system. Third, in 1961 a business mediation system was established to protect small and medium industries. The Small and Medium Business Administration advises conglomerates to postpone acquisitions, restrain expansion of the business, or to reduce business scale if small businesses undergo an adverse effect such as decreasing demand because large companies are expanding into their areas. Fourth, the Distribution Adjustment Policy managed large-scale store regulation as follows: ① limitation on construction by urban planning ordinance, ② limitation on location based on traffic impact assessments, ③ regulation based on business guidelines by chiefs of autonomous bodies, ④ regulation on mandatory holidays and limitation of business hours. This large-scale store regulation is a policy introduced by authority to increase competitiveness of small and medium business distribution by the government. Conclusions - As discussed in this study, the distribution promotion policy and distribution adjustment policy are government distribution policies focused on the protection of the small and medium distribution businesses. This study is timely, since it was planned when the strengthening of the revisions of the Distribution Industry Development Act, aimed to protect small and medium retailers and merchants, was under discussion. The significance of this study is that it offers insights for the development of new policies in the future and an opportunity to consider the background of the distribution policy by the government.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.12 no.6
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• pp.81-88
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• 2014

Purpose - Entrepreneurship promotion is emerging as an important economic growth agenda. However, in Korea, entrepreneurship has weakened because of the collapse of the venture bubbles of the 2000s and the global economic recession in 2008, which have induced the business community to choose stability over risk. The Korean government has been implementing several support projects to inspire and promote youth entrepreneurship through various means including financial assistance; however, the perpetuation rate of young entrepreneurship is still low as compared to advanced economies such as the US and EU. This case study focuses on the Youth Start-Up Business Support Program of the Small & Medium Business Corporation, and explores practical alternatives. Further, it aims to suggest managerial factors and a conceptual model for change management factors affecting the business performance creation of a startup company, based on the Small and medium Business Corporation's young venture startup fund. Research design, data, and methodology - Many studies examine the current progress and issues of startup firms, for example, a lack of systematic cultivation of entrepreneurship and startup business training, lack of commercialization funding for youth startup businesses, lack of mentoring, and inadequate infrastructure. From prior research, we address four factors, namely, personal managerial capabilities, innovative business model, sufficient cash flow, and social network, affecting startup companies' business performance. This study involved a sample survey of 200 young entrepreneurs to investigate casual relations between the four factors and business performance. A regression analysis was used to verify the hypotheses. Results - First, in relation to differences in the founder's personal characteristics, age, sales amount, and number of employees significantly impact business performance. Second, regarding the causal relation between the four factors for creating business performance, an innovative business model and social networking have supported the hypotheses, revealing that the more that a start-up founder has an innovative business model and social networking, the more the start-up firms are likely to have better performance (e.g., sales volume, employment, ROE, ROI, etc.). Although the founder's competency and sufficient cash flow have no significant relationship with business performance, the mean value was higher performance for high founder's competency and sufficient cash flow. Conclusions - This study provides basic data on policy support strategies of the Small and Medium Business Corporation, to help young entrepreneurs achieve their start-up business goals. It shows that young entrepreneurship startup firms should strive to explore ideas to satisfy customers' needs, and that changes in customer value and the continuous innovation of business model differentiation are required to actively respond to change management. Moreover, at the infant startup stage, they should activate social network programs to share information, thereby offsetting resource scarcity and managing business risk. Further, the establishment of a long-term vision and the implementation of training programs in related specific fields should be supported to strengthen founders' personal capabilities.