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1. The Impact of Demographic Factors in Consumer Purchasing Preferences in Developing Countries: Empirical Evidence From Kosovo

Author:
Faruk Ahmeti
Publication Date:
02-2022
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Journal of Liberty and International Affairs
Institution:
Institute for Research and European Studies (IRES)
Abstract:
This paper analyses the role and the level of impact that different demographic factors have on buying preferences during the selection process between local and imported goods in developing and emerging economies, with a specific focus on the Kosovo region. A total of 630 questionnaires were distributed, from which 536 valid responses and an empirical study is applied to test the hypothesis. A probability sample (randomly selected), which was stratified by seven regions throughout the country was applied, by covering all levels of the society, cultural background, different locations (urban and rural), different levels of education, and income. Some of the respondents have shown a preference for imported goods and were willing to pay a price premium for it based on the quality offered by top producers (around 41.79%). Whereas, 58.21% of respondents prefer local products. It is proven that there is a correlation between demographic factors and buying preferences process when deciding between local and imported products. Whereas, price is considered as the main factor in the buying process in developing countries, due to the low income, whereas the level of imported products depends on the country’s ability to fulfill the local needs with local products.
Topic:
Demographics, Economics, Local, and Consumerism
Political Geography:
Europe and Serbia

2. Switching from Cash to Cashless Payments: Consumer Behavior Evidence From Kosovo

Author:
Faruk Ahmeti and Nazmi Zeqiri
Publication Date:
06-2022
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Journal of Liberty and International Affairs
Institution:
Institute for Research and European Studies (IRES)
Abstract:
This paper investigates the readiness of customers to shift toward cashless payment by identifying the main factors that impact that shift. The sample consisted of randomly selected individuals identified as potential users of cashless payment and are considered more likely to continue using the new technology. Five hundred eighty-six questionaries were returned and considered complete for the research. The outcomes were assessed employing CFA for validity and determined using Cronbach’s alpha for the reliability of the research, which was stratified by seven regions throughout the country was applied, by covering all levels of the society. The findings show that the perceived risk is connected to the level of correct and believable information offered to customers. It has been confirmed that the respondents trust cashless payment technology, and at the same time, self-efficacy had a lower impact on usage continuance intention. Consequently, the growth of self-efficacy would strengthen the intention to use cashless technologies. Several segments in the financial market may benefit from the results and develop more appropriate and reliable systems and the proper approach toward customers with needed information and insurance related to the security and benefits they may have by adopting the cashless technology.
Topic:
Development, Finance, Consumerism, Cash, and Consumer Behavior
Political Geography:
Europe and Kosovo

3. Are Agri-Food Workers Only Exploited in Southern Europe?

Publication Date:
07-2020
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
Open Society Foundations
Abstract:
In recent years, several studies have reported on the exploitation endured by migrant workers in Southern European Union member states—especially in sectors such as agriculture and food production. However, there has been much less focus on the North. New research now shows that agri-food workers in Northern Europe also face poor and even abusive conditions. In this light, Are Agri-Food Workers Only Exploited in Southern Europe? focuses on production in Germany, Netherlands, and Sweden. These three EU member states have stronger social protections than Italy, Spain or Greece—yet the dynamics driving wage compression and the violation of workers’ rights are like those in Southern Europe. This publication provides recommendations on how the EU and national governments can act to make Europe’s agri-food system more sustainable, benefiting farmers, consumers, workers, and the environment.
Topic:
Agriculture, Environment, Human Rights, Labor Issues, Sustainability, Farming, Exploitation, and Consumerism
Political Geography:
Europe, Northern Europe, and Southern Europe

4. The Impact of Online Content on Portuguese Tourism

Author:
David Goodger
Publication Date:
11-2019
Content Type:
Research Paper
Institution:
Oxford Economics
Abstract:
The Portuguese tourism industry has benefitted from a greater embrace of online content, driving engagement with travellers and ultimately creating new jobs. This study explores the value of online content to the tourism economy in Portugal, building on prior analysis for Southern European destinations. The analysis quantifies the proportion of recent tourism growth which was generated by successfully embracing online platforms and with an improved focus on digital skills. Remaining growth opportunities are also estimated, including the potential for job creation, from increased investment in digital infrastructure and skills. This will help to meet higher tourism growth targets.
Topic:
Tourism, Digital Economy, Customer Service, and Consumerism
Political Geography:
Europe and Portugal

5. The Impact of Online Content on European Tourism

Author:
David Goodger
Publication Date:
07-2017
Content Type:
Commentary and Analysis
Institution:
Oxford Economics
Abstract:
This study explores the value of online content to the tourism economies of six southern European countries: Greece, Italy, Spain, Cyprus, Croatia and Malta. The analysis quantifies the proportion of recent tourism growth generated by greater use of online platforms. Improvements since the previous report (produced in 2013) are highlighted. Remaining growth opportunites are estimated, including the potential for job creation, from increased internet adoption by the tourism industry in each country to meet source market demands.
Topic:
Tourism, Digital Economy, Internet, Customer Service, and Consumerism
Political Geography:
Europe

6. Consumer Detriment: Counting the Cost if Consumer Problems

Author:
Oxford Economics
Publication Date:
09-2016
Content Type:
Research Paper
Institution:
Oxford Economics
Abstract:
Every year, millions of UK consumers suffer from some form of consumer detriment, be it a delayed delivery, substandard service or the purchase of a faulty item. Such experiences are a familiar feature of everyday lives, but quantifying the scale and impact of these experiences for UK consumers in a systematic way is a complex task. This research project takes account of the monetary and time costs of consumer detriment, as well as compensation, to arrive at a considered estimate of total net cost for the UK population. This valuation incorporates three core elements. Firstly, it calculates the direct monetary costs borne by consumers who experience problems. These might be cash outlays caused by the problem itself (for example, when a broken toy is simply written off or when a poorly fitted boiler causes knock-on problems that have further costs) as well as any resulting loss of earnings. Secondly, it calculates the value of any leisure time given up by the consumer in experiencing or attempting to resolve the issue, so-called ‘time costs’, which might include things like time wasted on a delayed train, or time spent in a phone queue to get through to customer services. Thirdly, it calculates any compensation payments awarded in light of any claims made by the consumer, and subtracts these from the monetary and time costs described above. This approach seeks to present a comprehensive picture of UK consumer detriment, both larger and smaller problems.
Topic:
Markets, Services, Customer Service, and Consumerism
Political Geography:
United Kingdom and Europe

7. Complaint Calls as a Proxy for Perceived Quality: The Turkish Dishwasher Demand Estimation

Author:
Çağlar Yurtseven
Publication Date:
01-2016
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
The Rest: Journal of Politics and Development
Institution:
Centre for Strategic Research and Analysis (CESRAN)
Abstract:
The paper estimates dishwasher demand and supply in Turkey. The constructed Stackelberg type oligopolistic competition, with its strong testable implications is demonstrated to be consistent with a stable market composed of a leader firm and followers. The paper has an important contribution to demand estimation literature as well. The complaint calls rate for a product is offered and shown to be a valid proxy to help the problem of omitted variable bias due to the unobserved characteristics as perceived quality or after sale service quality. Elasticities calculated for each demand determinant can help durable good firms in emerging countries to use their investment and marketing resources more efficiently.
Topic:
Science and Technology, Demand, Supply, and Consumerism
Political Geography:
Europe, Turkey, and Asia