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Article
Publication date: 22 January 2021

Xiaofei Li, Baolong Ma and Hongrui Chu

The value of online reviews has been well documented by academics and practitioners. However, to maximise the benefits of consumer reviews, online sellers must avoid the negative…

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Abstract

Purpose

The value of online reviews has been well documented by academics and practitioners. However, to maximise the benefits of consumer reviews, online sellers must avoid the negative consequences associated with customer feedback, such as reputation loss, or product returns after purchase. In developing a better understanding of the relationships between online reviews and their potential for negative impacts, this research aims to explore product returns. Through a quantitative model, this research demonstrates why online reviews can result in product return behaviours.

Design/methodology/approach

The hypotheses were tested via two studies. In Study 1, the authors examine the direct effects of review valence and review volume on product returns by analysing secondary data on 4,995 stores on China's Taobao.com. Study 2 further extends and validates the findings of Study 1 with a survey sample of 795 participants across several online shopping platforms. This analysis examines the mechanics and conditions that influence the relationships between online reviews and product returns through partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

The results show that both review valence (i.e. average star ratings) and the number of reviews can increase the probability of product returns due to the high expectations that result from positive online reviews. Further, the effect of review valence on product returns is stronger for first-time purchasers at a store. In terms of mitigation, the analysis shows that bilateral communications between sellers and buyers can temper the unrealistic expectations set by positive reviews, leading to fewer product returns.

Originality/value

This research adds to the literature on online reviews by exploring the negative consequences of online reviews and the role they play in online purchasing decisions. The findings also provide direct evidence as to why online reviews can result in more product returns, adding clarity to extant research which contains conflicting conclusions as to how online reviews affect product return behaviours.

Details

Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing and Logistics, vol. 33 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-5855

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Article
Publication date: 4 August 2023

Zhiqi Liu, Tanghong Liu, Hongrui Gao, Houyu Gu, Yutao Xia and Bin Xu

Constructing porous wind barriers is one of the most effective approaches to increase the running safety of trains on viaducts in crosswinds. This paper aims to further improve…

211

Abstract

Purpose

Constructing porous wind barriers is one of the most effective approaches to increase the running safety of trains on viaducts in crosswinds. This paper aims to further improve the wind-sheltering performance of the porous wind barriers.

Design/methodology/approach

Improved delayed detached eddy simulations based on the k-ω turbulence model were carried out, and the results were validated with wind tunnel tests. The effects of the hole diameter on the flow characteristics and wind-sheltering performance were studied by comparing the wind barriers with the porosity of 21.6% and the hole diameters of 60 mm–360 mm. The flow characteristics above the windward and leeward tracks were analyzed, and the wind-sheltering performance of the wind barriers was assessed using the wind speed reduction coefficients.

Findings

The hole diameters affected the jet behind the wind barriers and the recirculation region above the tracks. Below the top of the wind barriers, the time-averaged velocity first decreased and then increased with the increase in the hole diameter. The wind barrier with the hole diameter of 120 mm had the best wind-sheltering performance for the windward track, but such barrier might lead to overprotection on the leeward track. The wind-sheltering performance of the wind barriers with the hole diameters of 240 mm and 360 mm was significantly degraded, especially above the windward track.

Originality/value

The effects of the hole diameters on the wake and wind-sheltering performance of the wind barriers were studied, by which the theoretical basis is provided for a better design of the porous wind barrier.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 33 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

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Article
Publication date: 19 November 2021

Khalid Shamim, Shamim Ahmad and Md Ashraf Alam

Confusion over the interpretation of date labels is one of the main causes of food waste at the retail and consumer level. The purpose of this study was to determine consumer…

1187

Abstract

Purpose

Confusion over the interpretation of date labels is one of the main causes of food waste at the retail and consumer level. The purpose of this study was to determine consumer understanding of food date labels and to assess consumer perception of food waste based on these labels.

Design/methodology/approach

It is a cross-sectional study carried out in India. Google forms were used to administer an online structured questionnaire. A total of 389 individuals participated in the study. The data were analyzed using Chi-square statistics and ordinal logistic regression.

Findings

The results affirmed that most of the consumers frequently looked at date labels while purchasing food products, but many of them did not have adequate knowledge of commonly used date label terms. In particular, respondents tended to misunderstand the “best before” date label as the last date for safe consumption, that is, a safety indicator that is not correct. The study indicated that lack of appropriate knowledge, misunderstanding of date labels and lack of complete information contributed toward unnecessary and excess discard of foods that may otherwise perfectly be safe and edible.

Practical implications

Raising public awareness, educating consumers about food date labels and pushing for standardizing the information on date labels by providing adequate guidelines to companies would enable consumers to better interpret the labels, and it would lead to lowering the unnecessary food wastage.

Originality/value

This study fulfills an important knowledge gap in respect of examining the food date label knowledge and its relationship with food waste practices in India.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 124 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

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