• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.17 no.9
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• pp.25-33
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• 2019

Purpose - The purpose of the study was to seek to find out what factors having differences between paid membership customers (Costco membership) and general customers in retail industry. Since Costco operates differently from other conventional retailers, which is expected to have a substantial impact on consumers' preference of retail stores. Research design, data, and methodology - The survey conducted covered 1,000 adults in their 30s~50s living in Goyang and Gwangmyeong where Costco runs stores to determine the effects of Costco's local market-entry from consumer perspectives. 500 respondents were surveyed in each region and those working in the retail sector were excluded to ensure the objectivity of the answers. Results - Costco members in Goyang considered the price, bulk purchasing, and membership benefits as important criteria when choosing their retail store. On the other hand, as for Gwangmyeong, the non-member group's prominent characteristic was that they considered accessibility including travel distance and location and in-store amenities including food court services as important criteria for decision-making. Conclusion - Unique business model of Costco shows a statistically significant difference in terms of consumer awareness. the feature of Costco served as an critical criteria for consumers in their purchasing decision. Moreover, Bulk packaging purchases at Costco results in a strong supplementary relationship with neighborhood supermarkets.

• The Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Business
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• v.9 no.6
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• pp.287-295
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• 2022

With the dramatic increase in mobile usage, more and more businesses see the potential of m-commerce. This study focuses on a subcategory of m-commerce, a mobile shopping application. To understand the purchase intention via m-commerce applications, this study is aimed to identify the main factors that are related to the applications and explore the influence of these factors on consumers' mobile shopping intention. This study uses quantitative research methods and selects Vietnam as its case study. The survey responses of 450 Vietnamese mobile shoppers were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The results indicated that online reviews, e-service quality, and information quality are significant predictors of behavior intention, and perceived risk negatively influences consumer online purchase intention via the applications. The content enriches the combined research of detailed and possible models with quality dimensions and risk perception. Practitioners such as e-retailers and developers can enhance the quality of applications and determine strategies to reach potential users and maximize revenue. M-commerce providers should pay adequate attention to credible and influential online reviews since mobile shoppers heavily rely on reading reviews before buying a product.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.20 no.5
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• pp.105-117
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• 2022

Purpose: This research investigates ready-to-drink (RTD) coffee. Although the RTD coffee market is growing competitively, few studies have examined behavioral re-intention or repurchase intention in the context of this industry. Therefore, the objective of this study was to explore factors affecting the behavioral re-intention to purchase RTD coffee. Research design, data and methodology: Using the theory of planned behavior (TPB) as the underpinning theoretical framework, this study hypothesized that behavioral re-intention to purchase RTD coffee is influenced by the variables of the TPB and additional variables. A mixed-method research design was applied, starting with qualitative in-depth interviews and followed by a quantitative method. Data were collected using an online survey of coffee lovers. Multiple linear regression (MLR) was used to assess the hypothesized relationships in the proposed conceptual framework. Results: The results reveal that content sensory attribute beliefs are the strongest positive predictor of behavioral re-intention in Thailand, followed by perceived utilitarian value. In contrast, price signaling was negatively related to behavioral re-intention. Conclusions: The findings can help food and beverage companies to develop new coffee product lines to gain more market share, create integrated marketing communications to build brand awareness, and manage distribution channels and the supply chain.

• Korean Journal of Exercise Nutrition
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.185-192
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• 2009

The aim of this study was to examine the use of such dietary supplementation practices, opinions, taking period for dietary supplement, and among elite Judoists varying in age and gender. Subjects were recruited from Korea National Team Judoists in elite athlete training centers (Taenuing in Seoul, Korea and surrounding area), a total of 223 elite Judoists (2003y n=34, 2005y n=41, 2006y n=101, 2007y n=30, 2008y n=17). Data were collected from personal interviews with Judoists who participated at the Olympic games, Asian game and World Championship game since 2003-2008. Elite Judoists representing mean age of 2003y (men: 23.5±2.7, women: 22.6±2.4), 2005y (men: 23.4±2.6, women: 22.5±2.3), 2006y (men: 20.3±3.2, women: 21.9±2.4), 2007y (men: 25.3±2.6, women: 22.5±2.8) and 2008y (men: 23.9±3.9) completed a validated questionnaire assessing dietary supplementation practices and opinions. Older Judoists were significantly more likely to report greater dietary supplementation usage; to be advised by oneself; health food store and pharmacy retailers; to decrease taking period days per week and past 6 month. Relative to gender, significant differences were observed for the types of dietary supplementation reported; supplementation practice trend; reasons for dietary supplementation use.

• The Journal of Fisheries Business Administration
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• v.55 no.1
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• pp.37-53
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• 2024

In the post-COVID-19, the food industry is rapidly reshaping its market structure toward online distribution. Rapid delivery system driven by large distribution platforms has ushered in an era of online distribution of fresh seafood that was previously limited. This study surveyed 1,000 consumers nationwide to determine their online seafood purchasing behaviors. The research methodology used factor analysis of consumer lifestyle and Heckman's ordered probit sample-selection model. The main results of the analysis are as follows. First, quality, freshness, selling price, product reviews from other buyers, and convenience are particularly important considerations when consumers purchase seafood from online shopping. Second, online retailers and the government must prepare measures to expand seafood consumption by considering household characteristics and consumer lifestyles. Third, it was analyzed that consumers trust the quality and safety of seafood distributed online platforms. It is not possible to provide purchase incentives to consumers who consider value consumption important, so improvement measures are needed. The results of this study are expected to provide implications on consumer preferences to online platforms, seafood companies, and producers, and can be used to establish future marketing strategies.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.165-174
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• 2005

This survey was conducted to monitor the current status of pesticide residues in agricultural products collected in wholesale markets and big retailers in Gwangju, in 2004. A total of 751 samples was analyzed by multiresidue method. Vegetables and fruits accounted for the largest proportion of the commodities analyzed and those two commodity groups comprised 604 $(80\%)\;and\;83\;(11\%)$ of the total number of 751 samples. Of these 751 samples, 112 samples $(14.9\%)$ had pesticide residues and 29 samples $(3.9\%)$ had violative residues. The detection rate was the highest $25\%$ in January and the lowest $9.5\%$ in June. The violation rate was the highest $7.0\%$ in March and the lowest $0\%$ in April. The violation rate in wholesale products was higher than that in big retailer products, $5.8\%$ verses $3.5\%$. And of 112 samples with pesticide residues, the agricultural product in which the pesticide residues were the most flequently detected was perilla leaf $(17.9\%)$ followed by korean lettuce $(16.1\%)$, spinach $(8.0\%)$ and korean cabbage $(5.4\%)$ and among 112 samples, 22 samples $(20\%)$ had more than one pesticide. Procymidone $(20.3\%)$, endosulfan $(18.2\%)$, dimethomorph $(13.3\%)$, chlorpyrifos $(7.7\%)$ and azoxystrobin $(6.3\%)$ were the most frequently found in agricultural product analyzed.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.79-91
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• 2015

Purpose - First, the study identifies and analyzes consumer preferences with regard to health foods and supplements. Second, it identifies and analyzes consumer preferences with regard to the properties of Vitamin C supplements. Third, in order to provide a basic data for the development of Vitamin C supplements and to measure how consumers value the properties of different Vitamin C products, a consumer survey was conducted through the choice-based conjoint model. Based on the results, the research estimates consumers' relative product-related priorities as well as price levels and willingness to pay (WTP) for different product types, and makes suggestions regarding consumer-oriented new product development and progressive directions for the successful launch of health foods and supplements. Research design, data, and methodology - This study aims to define the attributes of health foods and supplements based on several characteristics including their natural ingredients, product price, product originality, natural ingredient content, and additional functional ingredients, and makes suggestions regarding strategic market pricing and product development for health foods and supplements according to customer attitudes and characteristics. The research used choice-based conjoint analysis methodology based on the Multinomial Logic Model and collected 94 questionnaires filled out by users of Korean Vitamin C supplements. Results - Product price is the most influential factor among the five analyzed properties. When consumers buy Vitamin C products, the relative significance level of four of the examined properties is as follows: 40.9% for product price, 23.3% for product originality, 21.9% for natural ingredient content, and 13.9% for additional functional ingredients. Vitamin C content is excluded as it is not a statistically significant factor. It is interesting that supplement manufacturers and retailers consider Vitamin C content to be very important whereas consumers do not regard it as an important factor at the time of purchase. The results for the marginal willingness to pay (MWTP) for each property of Vitamin C supplements show that consumers are willing to pay an additional 11,146 Korean won for a 50% increase in the natural ingredient content. With regard to product originality, consumers are willing to pay an additional 11,301 Korean won for products manufactured in Europe than for products manufactured in China. Moreover, consumers show a greater preference for products manufactured in Korea than in Europe. However, consumers are not willing to pay more for additional Vitamin C or additional functional ingredients added to Vitamin C products. Conclusions - According to the results of consumer research on Vitamin C supplements, which represent a popular health food supplement in Korea, most Korean health food and supplement companies are not consumer- or market-oriented when developing new products. Companies gather information from either R&D specialists or sales managers and their opinions are highly reflected in new product development. The study's results will help companies recognize the importance of understanding consumers' unmet needs in advance to develop new products in the future.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.42 no.1
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• pp.27-32
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• 2010

This study was conducted to monitor aflatoxins in various medicinal herbs, providing available data for the safety of those products. To monitor aflatoxins in medicinal herbs, a total of 400 samples of 40 different herbs were collected in commercial retailers in Seoul, Daejeon, Gwangju, Daegu, and Busan from March to August, 2008. The samples that passed the sensory evaluation were tested for aflatoxins. Aflatoxins in samples were analyzed by HPLC-florescence coupled with photochemical enhancement. Samples were extracted with 70% methanol and then diluted to the appropriate concentration. A refining process was performed using an immunoaffinity column. The analytical method used in this study was validated. The $R^2$ value for aflatoxin $B_1$ was 0.99946, and the detection range was from 0.25 to 10.0 ng/mL. The accuracy of the analysis was ranged from 83.2% to 101.8%. The relative standard deviation (RSD) in the aflatoxin $B_1$ analysis was 3.4%, demonstrating the precision of this method. In addition, the detection limit and quantitative analysis limit of aflatoxin $B_1$ was $0.53\;{\mu}g/kg$ and $1.76\;{\mu}g/kg$, respectively. These results indicated that the analytical method used in this study was appropriate. The results of HPLC showed that 1% (4 samples) of the samples may contain aflatoxins. The concentration of quantified aflatoxin was $2.3\;{\mu}g/kg$ for both Quisqualis fructus and Remotiflori radix samples. The other samples were below the limit of quantification. Moreover, the concentration of aflatoxin $B_1$ which is made by specific fungi were below the level of regulation. Only 20% of aflatoxin $B_1$ were transferred to hot water. Therefore, the levels of aflatoxins in medicinal herbs were considered to be safe especially considering the aflatoxin transfer ratio.

• Journal of Korea Technology Innovation Society
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• v.8 no.spc1
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• pp.360-390
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• 2005

The paradigm of the corporate innovations has been changed from the intra-company innovations to the inter-company innovations. A prevalent approach to the inter-company innovations is the supply chain management. Three key words of the core concept of supply chain management are the long-term relationship, resource integration, and value creation. Specifically, it means that the supply chain management aims to make value creation through the resource integration for the supply chain entities, based on the long-term relationship between buyers and sellers. To make more effective long-term relationship among the supply chain entities, it is very important for the supply chain entities to analyze followings: i) What variables can influence the long-term relationship, ii) How these variables can influence to the long-term relationship. However, previous researches mostly deals the long-term relationship in the marketing area in fragment, and thus few research efforts have been done for the development of conceptual model using supply chain management theories. In contrast to previous studies, our research tried to develop and examine the integrative research model by introducing both the marketing theories and the supply chain management theories, and thus related hypotheses are derived. A multiple regression analysis was performed to examine the influence of the antecedents of the long-term relationship, for the 87 retailers of grocery supply chains. The empirical results confirm that cultural similarity, reputation, interdependency, and trust positively influence long-term relationship (i.e., partnership orientation and partnership symmetry). And results also confirm that the supply implementation factors such as organization integration, information system integration, and process integration playa moderating role between antecedents and long-term relationship. These findings suggest that companies should perceive the importance of managing the process, organization, information system integration in the long-term relationship implementation process as well as the factors such as cultural similarity, reputation, interdependency, and trust in the long-term relationship establishment process.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.194-199
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• 2001

This study was designed to compare the effectiveness and applicability of the HApS$^{TM}$ (Hazard Analysis process System; HUKO, Seoul, Korea) based on Petrifilm$^{TM}$ (3M, St. Paul, MN, USA) with the AOAC (the Association of Official Analytical Chemists) standard total aerobic count (TAC) method and coliform count (CC) method for meat products. The comparisons were carried out using 230 meat samples collected from various retailers: 80 pork samples, 80 chicken samples, and 70 beef samples. In the comparison of the correlation coefficient (r) between conventional method and HApS$^{TM}$ method by a linear regression analysis, the correlation coefficients in total microorganism were 0.97767, 0.90712, and 0.95594 in pork, beef, and chicken samples, respectively. The correlation coefficients in coliform count were 0.82062, 0.94833, and 0.96839 in pork, beef and chicken samples, respectively. All the independent t-test on measurement values between conventional method and HApS$^{TM}$ method represented no significant differences in the means between two methods at the 0.05 of significance level($\alpha$=0.05). Based on the high correlation between HApS$^{TM}$ and the AOAC standard methods in the TAC and CC, it might be compatible to employ the HApS$^{TM}$ method to measure the microbial contamination in livestock products. HApS$^{TM}$ method was simpler and less time-consuming in sample preparation and procedures faster than the conventional method. These results suggested that the HApS$^{TM}$ method could be substitute for the conventional methods in the analysis of microbial contamination measurement in meat products.n meat products.