E-Commerce and Web Technologies


Book Description

This book constitutes the refereed proceedings of the 8th International Conference on Electronic Commerce and Web Technologies, EC-Web 2007, held in Regensburg, Germany, September 2007 in conjunction with Dexa 2007. It covers recommender systems, business process / design aspects, mobile commerce, security and e-payment, Web services computing / semantic Web, e-negotiation and agent mediated systems, and issues in Web advertising.







Consumer Safety Regulation


Book Description

Advocates of consumer safety regulation, an active and controversial area of public policy in the United States, contend that markets do not adequately protect the interests of vulnerable consumers; market traditionalists respond that public agencies increasingly make risk/safety decisions that individual citizens ought to be making for themselves. This book, written by an economist, critically assesses the rationales for, and the effects of, our major consumer safety programs. Addressed to a general audience, and incorporating relevant literature on cognitive psychology as well as economics, the author argues that although legitimate reasons for public protection of consumers exist in some markets, the particular programs we adopt often produce results that fall far short of what their advocates desire, and at least occasionally yield perverse outcomes.




Maintaining Financial Stability in Times of Risk and Uncertainty


Book Description

Risks and uncertainties?market, financial, operational, social, humanitarian, environmental, and institutional?are the inherent realities of the modern world. Stock market crashes, demonetization of currency, and climate change constitute just a few examples that can adversely impact financial institutions across the globe. To mitigate these risks and avoid a financial crisis, a better understanding of how the economy responds to uncertainties is needed. Maintaining Financial Stability in Times of Risk and Uncertainty is an essential reference source that discusses how risks and uncertainties affect the financial stability and security of individuals and institutions, as well as probable solutions to mitigate risk and achieve financial resilience under uncertainty. Featuring research on topics such as financial fraud, insurance ombudsman, and Knightian uncertainty, this book is developed for researchers, academicians, policymakers, students, and scholars.




The European Union REACH Regulation for Chemicals


Book Description

This book discusses the law and practice of the European Union's new chemical regulatory programmes known under the acronym ''REACH'. REACH is intended to ensure the safe management of risks associated with chemical substances throughout the supply chain. Its scope is very broad; subject to limited exceptions, REACH applies to all bulk chemicals used in industrial processes and to chemicals present in products such as cleaning products, paints, clothing, furniture, and electrical appliances. The newly established European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), the Commission, and member state authorities are in charge of administering the various parts of the REACH Regulation, creating a complex patchwork of government powers, procedures, and oversight. The volume is written by experienced REACH practitioners. It addresses both the key legal regulatory issues associated with REACH and the key management and practical challenges. In addition to analysing the scope, the processes, and the obligations of the industry under REACH, the book covers the strategy and management of REACH compliance from the perspective of the regulated entities. The focus is on the strategic and practical decisions facing companies subject to REACH's various regimes. Significant attention is paid to REACH consortia, which are a key instrument in compliance management, and to the competition law issues arising in connection with REACH consortia. It also covers legal remedies, enforcement, intellectual property rights, and civil liability for damages arising from chemical substances as well as how companies can shape their REACH compliance programme to reduce their liability exposure.




Handbook of Human Factors and Ergonomics in Consumer Product Design, 2 Volume Set


Book Description

A comprehensive resource, this handbook covers consumer product research, case study, and application. It discusses the unique perspective a human factors approach lends to product design and how this perspective can be critical to success in the market place. Divided into two volumes, the handbook includes introductory and summary chapters on case study design, design methods and process, error and hazards, evaluation methods, focus groups, and more. It discusses white goods, entertainment systems, personnel audio devices, mobile phones, gardening products, computer systems, and leisure goods.




Handbook of Research on Strategic Retailing of Private Label Products in a Recovering Economy


Book Description

As the global market continues to recuperate from economic downfall, it is essential for private label products to find ways to compete with alternatives offered by wholesale and national retailers. In many cases, it becomes difficult for off-brand products to generate market appeal when consumers have preconceived notions about the quality of generic products and loyalty to branded products. The Handbook of Research on Strategic Retailing of Private Label Products in a Recovering Economy emphasizes advertising and promotional approaches being utilized, as well as consumer behavior and satisfaction in response to marketing strategies and the sensitive pricing techniques being implemented to endorse generic and store-brand products available on the market. Highlighting brand competition between wholesalers, retailers, and private brand names following a global economic crisis, this publication is an extensive resource for researchers, graduate-students, economists, and business professionals.




The Seven Principles of WOM and Buzz Marketing


Book Description

Why are word-of-mouth campaigns effective for some products, while failing for others? Which group of consumers should be the target of viral marketing efforts, and how can you turn word of mouth into buzz? Panos Mourdoukoutas and George J Siomkos provide the answers! The transformation of a desire for a product into an "epidemic" was, is and will always be the dream of each and every marketer. For some marketers this dream becomes reality. For others it remains simply a fantasy. "The Seven Principles of WOM and Buzz Marketing" offers the essential tools – seven simple steps – to launch an effective WOM and buzz campaign that helps products to cross the tipping point and to reach the mass market: Begin with the consumers Be innovative Target the right group Create the right message Find the right environment




Market-Driven Management


Book Description

Market-Driven Management adopts a broad approach to marketing, integrating the strategic and operational elements of the discipline. Lambin's unique approach reflects how marketing operates empirically, as both a business philosophy and an action-oriented process. Motivated by the increased complexity of markets, globalisation, deregulation, and the development of e-commerce, the author challenges the traditional concept of the 4Ps and the functional roles of marketing departments, focusing instead on the concept of market orientation. The book considers all of the key market stakeholders, arguing that developing market relations and enhancing customer value is the responsibility of every member of the organization, and that the development of this customer value is the only way for a firm to achieve profit and growth. New to this edition: - Greater coverage of ethical issues and corporate social responsibility; cultural diversity; value and branding and the economic downturn - Broad international perspective - Thoroughly revised to reflect the latest academic thinking and research With its unique approach, international cases and complementary online resources, this book is ideal for postgraduate and upper level undergraduate students of marketing, and for MBAs and Executive MBAs.




Consumer Behaviour


Book Description

Consumer behaviour is more than buying things; it also embraces the study of how having (or not having) things affects our lives and how possessions influence the way we feel about ourselves and each other - our state of being. The 3rd edition of Consumer Behaviour is presented in a contemporary framework based around the buying, having and being model and in an Australasian context. Students will be engaged and excited by the most current research, real-world examples, global coverage, managerial applications and ethical examples to cover all facets of consumer behaviour. With new coverage of Personality and incorporating real consumer data, Consumer Behaviour is fresh, relevant and up-to-date. It provides students with the best possible introduction to this fascinating discipline.