• Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.452-459
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• 1998

The purpose of this study was to discover a conceptual framework and evaluation process of apparel quality by means-end chain theory. The theoretical study was conducted to find out a conceptual framework and build a hypothetical evaluation process model of apparel quality. Apparel quality was perceived associative network called a means-end chain and was evaluated in several stages. A conceptual framework of apparel quality evaluation was organized into hierarchical relationships among four different dimensions: physical attribute, physical function, instrumental performance, and expressive performance. The means-end structure linked tangible physical attributes and function to more abstract instrumental and expressive performance. A hypothetical evaluation process model linked dimensions of apparel quality to the selected means-end relationship. Different consumers had different means-end chains for the same apparel. Therefore different subjects are likely to have different evaluation paths. From this study we can suggest an evaluation process model of apparel quality.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
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• v.24 no.6
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• pp.641-648
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• 2009

The principal objective of this study was to analyze Swede's perceptions of Asian food using a means-end chain method, which may contribute to our understanding of new markets for a food industry interested in globalizing Korean food. With the Means-end chain method, one can determine the cognitive structures built in consumer's minds, which are developed by connecting attributes of product, consequences, and values. The attributes of Asian food that are most positively perceived by Swedes are 'fresh vegetables', 'low-fat', 'light meat and seafood', 'exotic ingredients', 'not expensive' and 'unknown food'. The consequences of eating Asian food connected to these attributes are 'healthy', 'tasty', 'good way to save money' and 'curious'. Finally, Swedes expect to enjoy a value of 'achievement' at the end. Based on the result that 'unknown food' attribute is connected to 'achievement' value, Swedes are assumed to be attracted by the fact that Korean food is 'unknown food'. However, the effect of the 'unknown food' attribute will fade away with time; therefore, stressing Korean food's status as a 'healthy' food, which can be attributed to its use of 'fresh vegetable' and 'light meat and seafood' ingredients and 'low fat' cooking method may be effective as a long-term strategy for making Korean food attractive. The 'healthy' consequence is connected to Swedes' perception of the value 'achievement' and simultaneously to their perception of the value 'belonging and love/sense of belonging'.

• International Journal of Contents
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.18-22
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• 2014

Social network games (SNGs), a rapidly growing online game genre, are built and played on social network sites. SNGs provide an online world for enjoying leisure time and interpersonal communication, and an increasing numbers of college students are involved in such game-playing as a leisure time activity. Despite the popularity, relatively few studies have been conducted to investigate the nature of game players, especially the meaning of such leisure time behavior by college students. This paper's aim was to explore a subjective meaning structure of online social network game play. The means-end chain model was used to link attributes of SNGs to the underlying values of game playing as a leisure activity. The results revealed two emerging end-values: the need for bridging and a sense of belonging. This study sheds light on the meaning of college students' leisure activities when playing social network games.

• Management & Information Systems Review
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.253-272
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• 2012

One of the fastest growing sectors in tourism industry is the use of applications from the MICE industry in various parts including business, politics, and cultural exchange due to globalization among the countries. The means-end chain theory suggests that convention participants perceive and judge convention destination as the means to achieving a desired end-state in a given destination selection situation. This study aims at establishing a convention destination's attributes, the benefits of consequences of using it, and the personal values it satisfies. A laddering interview was conducting in order to provide in-depth probing and to elicit responses from 96 visitors. This study presents the unique pyramid-structure of the means-end chain; a model linking perceived convention destination attributes to values. Understanding these concepts provides opportunities for convention destinations to target market segmentation and advertising based on the participants' desired end-states. In conclusion, the major correlations of attributions of the visitors, consequences, and the values are; informativeness(A), activity(A), tourist attraction(A) - sympathy(C), human relations(C) - self-development(V), and fellowship(V).

• Journal of Internet Computing and Services
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.49-66
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• 2018

This research explores a value chain structure of VR-AR media including user's perception, uses, and evaluation. The purpose of this research focused on factor analysis and the relationship among user's VR-AR adoption motivations and utilities. This research explores correlation between personal value and using motivation. This study was to identify the value structure of respondent on VR-AR usages based on means-end chain theory. The research used structured APT laddering questions and 251 data was analysed. Through such analysis, category difference by stage and relationship difference were identified and hierarchical value map was compared. There are four different value ladders: first is attributes, functional consequences, psychological consequences, and final value. This study is based on the analysis of the value chain structure factors that affect VR and AR use behavior (attributes, functional benefits, psychological benefits, use value), 'Hierarchical Value Map' between users' The purpose of the model is to construct a model. For this, 'means-end chain theory' was applied to measure the causal relationship between personal value and VR related use behavior. In order to solve this research problem, 135 people were analyzed through the structured questionnaire using the AR and VR content fitness measure and the second APT laddering, and the use of VR-AR : 1) Functional benefits; 2) Psychological benefits; 3) Means to reach value, 4) Objective value chain structure was identified. The results show that VR users tried to smooth the social life through the new virtual reality audiovisual element, the newness of experience, fun, and pleasure through the departure of reality, vividness of experience, and leading fashion. The AR fitness was a game and a new program, and the value of interacting with other people and the value of 'periwinkle' played an important role through the vividness and peripheral interaction of AR, It was an important choice. The important basic values of users' VR and AR selection were correlated with psychological attributes of interaction with others, achievement, happiness and favorable values.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.89-98
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• 2017

To enrich a country's food culture, it is essential that residents understand and care about that culture. Although various efforts to globalize Korean food have been made outside Korea, the importance of understanding Koreans' perception of and increasing interest in Korean food has been neglected. Thus, this study was conducted to identify the cognitive structures regarding Korean food among 30 Koreans living in metropolitan cities using in-depth laddering interviews based on the means-end chain theory. The most dominant cognitive structures toward Korean food were familiarity (attributes), ease of digestion and health (functional consequences), sense of responsibility and will to live (psychosocial consequences), and family affection and sense of achievement (values). In short, Koreans were found to consume Korean food to achieve perceived high-dimensional values rather than simply for its attributes or benefits. These findings have important implications for future strategies and policies aimed at increasing Korean food consumption by Koreans, as they suggest that underlying and symbolic values rather than the attributes of Korean food are more effective in promoting its consumption. Further studies on understanding perceptions and values using a larger Korean population are needed to preserve and further develop Korean food.

• The Journal of Industrial Distribution & Business
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.31-40
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• 2013

Purpose - This study attempted to identify the value promotion clues that may operate as a consumer's motive, by shedding new light on consumer value and by reconstructing each variable analyzed through the means-end chain (MEC) theory. Research design, data, and methodology - In this study, 202 copies of effective questionnaires using the data of Yang and Ju (2012) were subjected to correlation, regression, and SEM. Results - All store selection attributes were verified as having a positive influence on the relationship quality. Although the store selection attributes were verified as exerting a positive influence on the relationship quality, according to the verification result of the mediating effect, consumer value was verified to be influenced only by the relationship quality instead of by the store selection attributes. Conclusion - As a result of path analysis on the proposed model after modification, it was verified that only product factor had a statistically significant positive influence and that social value was completely mediating between relationship quality and emotional value. It may be highlighted that the MEC theory concept would be applicable to the cause-and-effect relationship model.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.331-348
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• 2022

This study explores the value structure of experiential rental Hanbok companies using the means-end chain theory. For this, soft laddering was conducted for nine experiential rental Hanbok companies located in Jeonju Hanok Village. Next, the value structure was created. The results are as follows. First, the elicited values are in the following order: "creation of wealth," "promotion of Korean culture," "aesthetic value," "self-actualization," "community development," and "transmission of tradition." Second, most attributes are connected to "creation of wealth." Third, "promotion of Korean culture" and "community development" are similar to Holden's instrumental values. Fourth, some attributes linked to "aesthetic value" express what the experiential rental Hanbok companies consider to be beautiful. Fifth, the companies pursue "company satisfaction" through "consumer satisfaction" and "company differentiation," which leads to "self-actualization" and "aesthetic value." Sixth, it seems that "transmission of tradition" can be achieved through "expertise/expert training," indicating that some companies think expertise is necessary for the transmission of Hanbok and do it. This study is significant because it is a new attempt to understand the core values of experiential rental Hanbok companies and provides insights into their growth.

• Korean journal of communication and information
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• v.71
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• pp.194-223
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• 2015

This study explores a value chain structure of TV program including news, drama, and comedy. The purpose of this research focused on factor analysis and the relationship among viewer's program selection motivations. This research explores correlation between personal value and viewing motivation. This study was to identify the value structure of respondent on TV program(news, drama, comedy) based on means-end chain theory. The research used structured APT laddering questions and 251 data was analysed. Through such analysis, category difference by stage and relationship difference were identified and hierarchical value map was compared. There are four different value ladders: first is attributes, functional consequences, psychological consequences, and final value. The result shows that on news program the basic function is viewers are want to visual factor and quickly acquire social news and they pursue a value of personal social relationship. Whereas, on drama program, the viewers are reflected by around person, and they selected a program based on closed related person. In addition, the viewers are influenced by program's social nomination, production's brand in drama, and performer's nomination, producer and program prominence on comedy. The program selection is highly correlated on program selection's credibility, vital energetic life, and social relationship. The results shows that there was no significant difference between low involvement group and high involvement group for main category involvement group respondents.

• Journal of the Korean Operations Research and Management Science Society
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.21-39
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• 2016

Although the demand for IT outsourcing (ITO) has increased recently because of the recent recession, concerns about business discontinuity in the transition phase cause companies to hesitate to adopt ITO. Therefore, a guideline to improve the prospects is needed. However, studies on the success factors of the transition phase in ITO are lacking. In this study, we develop an expert hierarchical value map (HVM) of the success of the transition phase in ITO by using cognition scientific methodologies. We empirically verify how success factors affect the success of the transition phase. Specifically, we derive an HVM of main stakeholders by using in-depth interviews and approaches, such as repertory grid technique (RGT) and laddering, based on means-end chain theory. We validate the success factors empirically through a bipolar analysis of RGT. Finally, we determine the most important cluster of success factors through cluster analysis.