Editorial

Citation

Phau, I. (2008), "Editorial", Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing and Logistics, Vol. 20 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/apjml.2008.00820daa.001

Editorial

Article Type: Editorial From: Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing and Logistics, Volume 20, Issue 4.

As 2008 comes to a close, I like to start by thanking the researchers who have chosen APJML as an outlet for their papers, the reviewers for their timely reviews, and the EAB for their diligence in bringing APJML great results for 2008. Starting from this issue, APJML will be increasing from six papers per issue to eight. This is largely attributed to the increase in submissions but we have not compromised on the quality and standard of the papers. Based on the quarterly usage statistics, APJML has recorded an all-time high downloads for the first quarter of 2008. Our acceptance rate is currently at about 20 per cent.

This issue continues to present innovative research ideas and interesting findings to readers from various contexts and industries. The research are mainly conducted in China, Thailand, and India but also included a number of cross-national studies.

The issue starts with a paper examining factors that influence Chinese consumers' purchasing decision to participate in cause-related marketing (CRM) programs. The findings suggest that the degree of cause's participation for consumers, fit between the brand and the cause, and the cause importance; are some of the important factors that influence consumer attitudes towards product and the not-for-profit firm. These factors lead to their decisions to purchase the firm's products and participate in their CRM campaigns. Structural equation modeling was employed in this study.

The second paper investigates the relationship between personal values and shopping orientations across Shanghai, Taipei, and Hong Kong. Chinese consumers in Greater China have been found to share similar personal values, however, the shopping orientation is varied. Significant relationships were found between personal values and shopping orientation with self-actualization playing a major influencing role. It is recommended that since consumers are interested in smart shopping and bargain hunting, personalized shopping can be implemented as Chinese consumers prefer close personal relationships with salespersons.

The third paper compares Malaysian and Australian shoppers' behavioral response to stock-outs of their preferred dairy item. Findings show that the Archetypical Malaysian shopper differs from the Australian shopper by adjusting to their budget and seeking alternatives in-store than to venture into another store. They are less inclined to purchase the alternative choice if stock-out occurs on their preferred item. The authors suggest that it is harder for retailers in Malaysia to dispose of grocery stocks that are close to expiring, and they resist buying beyond their immediate needs.

The fourth paper examines the relationship between technology turbulence and environmental scanning among 124 small and medium food processing enterprises in Thailand. The findings show that the higher perception of technology turbulence observes a higher level usage of environmental scanning. However, the technology strategy of the company does not influence the use of environmental scanning. Furthermore, managers have also realized the importance of using more extensive scanning in more turbulent environments.

Paper five explores the similarities and differences of life-style orientations between American and Canadian consumers. Consumers from two rural regions in the respective countries were used in this study. Even though they hold similar characteristics, the findings observed life-style differences between the two countries. Marketers are recommended to implement life-style analysis studies in order to better understand and target the consumers based on their different life-style orientations. This will allow marketers to provide targeted benefits that would meet consumer needs and wants.

Paper six evaluates the effect of country-of-origin (COO) sub-components and the degree of interaction between consumer ethnocentrism and product quality assessments, and purchase intentions of young Chinese consumers. Two Chinese and German high involvement products were used to test the relationships. However, the COO sub-components and consumer ethnocentrism did not influence consumers' product evaluation of quality or purchase intention. It is recommended that Chinese consumers are less affected by COO factors since most joint venture products are “localized”, hence marketers need to consider the role of COO's affect before using it to target consumers.

Paper seven investigates the impact of relational embeddedness of dyadic business relationships on relationship quality, and TIO (Tertius Iungens Orientation) as a moderating factor on the relationship. Findings show that A-connections with banks, MR agencies, and other service providers have the most favourable impact on firm's customers, when its boundary personnel show a high TIO bonding towards their customers. There is no relationship between A-connection with relationship quality, and other four connections prove to hold no significant relationship.

The concluding paper of this issue tests a new conceptual model of service quality on the maritime transport sector. The authors found that the service quality in maritime transport is a six-dimensional construct. Factors that focused on satisfying the customer, such as outcomes and management factors were ranked highly. Management and process-related factors were emphasized to be the core of all quality systems. The study provided important implications for managers to develop customer satisfaction surveys to better measure and facilitate a standard for the industry.

As a conclusion to a fruitful 2008, we look forward to greater achievements and seek continuous support and assistance from readers, reviewers, and authors alike.

Ian PhauCurtin University of Technology