Namkyung Jang, Kitty G. Dickerson and Jana M. Hawley
The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore how the performance of apparel products is measured in the apparel business so as to contribute theoretical understanding and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore how the performance of apparel products is measured in the apparel business so as to contribute theoretical understanding and the company's capacity of apparel product development.
Design/methodology/approach
Qualitative research method was employed. Face‐to‐face interviews were conducted with 27 individuals who have developed apparel products in the US apparel and retail industries. Emergent themes were classified into Griffin and Page's “core success and failure measures” including customer acceptance, financial performance, product‐level, and firm‐level.
Findings
Findings revealed that the performance measures for apparel products are multidimensional. The combination of consumer acceptance and financial performance measures, especially sales and profitability, served as critical measures for apparel product performance. Both long‐ and short‐term performances were considered.
Research limitations/implications
The small, convenience and purposeful sample should be considered as a limitation.
Practical implications
The findings from this study may be useful for apparel product development in the apparel industry where it is important, particularly in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
Originality/value
The emergent performance measures in this study may be used as a baseline for further studies that need to measure apparel product performance.
Details
Keywords
The purpose of this study is to explore the applicability of analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to collective decision-making of local and state disaster managers for their…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to explore the applicability of analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to collective decision-making of local and state disaster managers for their efficient and effective allocation of limited financial resources.
Design/methodology/approach
For the implementation of AHP, this study conducted an AHP survey with state and local disaster managers in post-Katrina Louisiana, the USA.
Findings
The AHP analysis disclosed a preference gap between local and state managers. It also identified frequent interaction with partners, leadership and communication, as the most critical capabilities to develop for effective emergency management.
Research limitations/implications
This study discussed the value of consistent and careful management of the collaborative relationship. This study is context-specific in disaster type (Hurricane) and locality (Louisiana). Other AHP studies or similar multi-criteria decision-making models should be implemented in different contexts.
Originality/value
Even with clear advantages of collective decision-making in the emergency management field, a model for collective decision-making has been rare. This study explored the applicability of AHP to the collective decision-making for the efficient and effective allocation of limited financial resources.
Details
Keywords
Seonjeong Ally Lee and Miyoung Jeong
This study aims to investigate antecedents and outcomes of customers’ narrative engagement on hotels’ social networking sites (SNSs). Four different types of brand story were…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate antecedents and outcomes of customers’ narrative engagement on hotels’ social networking sites (SNSs). Four different types of brand story were explored as antecedents for brand story.
Design/methodology/approach
A cross-sectional, self-administered, online survey was conducted with customers who have stayed at a hotel and have used hotel SNSs within the past 12 months.
Findings
Results identified authenticity and humor brand story influenced customers’ narrative engagement, which further influenced their brand attitudes and behavioral intentions. However, reversal and conciseness types of a hotel’s brand story did not lead to customers’ narrative engagement.
Research limitations/implications
The role of SNSs in the hotel industry is evolving; however, the use of a hotel’s brand story has not been closely examined to date. This study investigated the importance of a hotel’s brand story that influenced customers’ narrative engagement on SNSs.
Practical implications
The prevalence of SNSs has changed hotel management practices. Hotels are suggested to pay attention to create persuasive brand stories that encourage customers’ visits to the hotel.
Originality/value
This study is an original attempt to propose a conceptual framework, explaining the relationships among different types of hotel brand stories, customers’ narrative engagements, their attitudes and their behavioral intentions in the SNSs context.