• Asia pacific journal of information systems
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.1-24
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• 2007

With the development of information technology (IT), various information systems (IS) such as Web-based systems and mobile systems have appeared utilizing different technologies. However, recent studies on IS use and user satisfaction rarely account for technological differences among IS and environmental characteristics where IS are intended to be used. The purpose of this research is to investigate the determinants of the use of Web-based ticketing systems for cultural activities and to empirically validate their relationships. Environmental psychology suggests that human beings respond to external stimuli from environments with their emotions, and their emotional states influence human actions, e.g., IS use in this research. Applying environmental psychology to the use of Web-based systems in the culture and entertainment industry, we propose that web site characteristics first influence a user's internal state of mind (i.e., flow) and then the flow state influences the IS use. Studies related to the state of flow collectively affirm the key role played by the flow construct in shaping individual attitudes and behaviors toward IS. Users' flow states are captured by their shopping enjoyment, perceived behavioral control, and the level of concentration on the IS use. Referring to social presence theory, we have included such web site characteristics as content quality, context of web site, and community quality. In our research model, a second order construct is utilized to represent web site quality, because flow theory suggests that holistic experiences with web-based systems (rather than individual characteristics of the web site) are important in explaining the IS use. Further, we have included trust as another important factor influencing the IS use since business transactions on the web encompass higher uncertainty comparing to offline transactions. In order to test our hypotheses, we have conducted an online survey which results in 1,141 valid responses in the final sample. The data were collected from respondents who have experiences in Internet ticketing systems. Although it was a convenient sample, the sample represents a wide variety of user demographics. Validity and reliability of the research instrument were tested and research hypotheses were examined using PLS Graph 3.0. The results indicate that web site characteristics significantly influence the level of user concentration, user's enjoyment in shopping, and perceived behavioral control. Further, the use of Internet ticketing systems is influenced by users' flow states and trust in the web channel. User satisfaction is turned out to be affected by the use of Internet ticketing systems. Unlike extant research on the relationship between web site characteristics and its use, our study has found that, in the culture and entertainment industry, the impact of web site characteristics on IS use is mediated by a user's flow state. This finding has a practical implication that web site design should include as many features that enhance shopping enjoyment and concentration. Other practical implications of these findings and future research implications are also discussed.

• Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers B
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• v.38 no.11
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• pp.951-956
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• 2014

Steady-state thermal analysis was performed on a thermal equivalent circuit to determine the heat generation during operation of an interior permanent magnet synchronous motor (IPMSM). New machines must be compact and light and produce high torque density under extreme environmental conditions. Thermal analysis of an IPMSM is particularly important because excessive heat generated from the core and magnet reduces the IPMSM's output and has adverse effects on the durability. Therefore, steady-state thermal analysis of an IPMSM was performed for changes in the design variables using a thermal equivalent circuit. The changed variables were the axis length and thickness of the housing. The results of this method were compared with those of the finite element method to verify the accuracy and reliability.

• Journal of KIISE:Computing Practices and Letters
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• v.15 no.9
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• pp.661-674
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• 2009

Recently, there has been much research and many attempts to enhance converged information technology services using new technology such as ubiquitous sensor networks (USN) in medical, environmental, industrial, and logistic areas. There has also been much research and various attempts to apply this new technology to agricultural areas. However, applications to the agricultural areas should be considered differently against the same areas such as medical, environmental, industrial, and logistics. Therefore, this paper suggests that an agricultural cultivating management and traceability system. This system is a unified system that supports the processes sowing seeds through selling agricultural products to consumers. Farmers can be provided with an effective calendar for cultivation and weather information in real time as well as the monitoring of the growth of farm products on the farm in real time using this system. Farmers can also control all equipment installed on the farm directly or remotely and the equipment can be controlled automatically when the measured values such as temperature and humidity deviate from the decent criteria which are set by farmers or this system. Additionally, the reliability for and the better quality of the agricultural products can be improved because farmers can use this unified system to cover all processes from sowing seeds to selling to consumers.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.105-118
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• 2015

Purpose - The objective of this study is to verify whether there are differences between Korean and Chinese consumers in the importance of the attributes such as shopping value and loyalty in social commerce. With the purpose of finding out these differences, the following questions are set up as research questions. First, will there be a difference between Korea and China in the importance of attributes of social commerce? Second, will there be a difference between Korean and Chinese consumers in shopping value? Third, will there be a difference between Korean and Chinese consumers in their loyalty? Research design, data, and methodology - The researchers collected data through self-administered questionnaires from Korean and Chinese consumers who had used social commerce within the past six months before answering the questionnaire. First, for social commerce users in Korea, comprising male and female university students in Chungcheong, a questionnaire was circulated. For social commerce users in China, university students within Beijing were surveyed. Responses to 336 questionnaires were used, excluding those with no answers or unreliable answers. Data coding and data cleaning were used. SPSS 18.0 was used. First, exploratory factor analysis is done to verify the validity of testing tools, and Cronbach's α coefficient is used to verify credibility. For factor analysis, the Varimax method is used. To verify the internal consistency reliability of each factor, the Cronbach's α coefficient is used to verify the credibility. Second, a T-test is done to verify differences between Korean and Chinese consumers for the importance of attributes. Third, ANOVA (Analysis of variance) is done to verify differences between Korean and Chinese consumers in shopping value and loyalty. Results - When Korean and Chinese consumers use social commerce, first, the importance of the attributes of social commerce is affected by four factors; playfulness and economic factors are more important to Korean consumers than Chinese consumers. As for informativeness factors, including product information and quality, and buyer comments, there was no confirmed difference between Korean and Chinese consumers. The convenience factor is more important to Chinese consumers than Korean consumers. Second, the factors affecting shopping value for Korean and Chinese consumers were hedonic shopping value and rational shopping value. To see the difference between Korean and Chinese consumers in shopping value factors, a t-test is conducted. As a result, in the rational shopping value factors of social commerce, Korean consumers scored higher than did Chinese consumers. These results were verified to be meaningful through statistics. In the hedonic shopping value factor of social commerce, Korean consumers scored higher than Chinese consumers. These results showed a significant difference. Third, loyalty in social commerce is higher for Chinese consumers than for Korean consumers. However, there is no difference in loyalty depending on sex. Conclusions - These results will hopefully be valuable and used in the future by Korean companies that wish to enter the Chinese social commerce market.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.55-66
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• 2016

Purpose - This article aims to explore the characteristics of disaster risk distribution information in China. Also, this research attempts to analyze the findings of risk communication using case study in chronological order in terms of social amplification of risk. To achieve the purpose, the paper reviews the trends and issues of risk communication in China, with an emphasis on examining earthquakes by a chronological approach. In these regards, we hope that some relevant findings from this empirical study with cases will be able to enhance national risk communication and provide implications in Korea as well. Research design, data, and methodology - The conceptual framework of this study is theoretically based on the risk amplification model, which describes signals about risk transmitted and processed by individuals and social groups. The social amplification of risk also reflects the interactions of social groups about disaster-related risk issues, which are potential amplifiers or attenuators of communication signals. The key concept of social amplification implies that the risks pertaining to natural disasters interact with social, psychological, institutional, and cultural processes in ways that can affect public perceptions of risk. SMCRE Model is methodologically employed to examine risk communication history of China with the focus on natural disaster. Four earthquakes are selected to figure out the chronological characteristics of risk communication since 1970s. He bei Tang Shan earthquake is selected as an example disaster before 1990's, while the earthquake in Yun Nan Jiang is explored for the case study of 1990's. The earthquake in Si Chuan Wen Chuan is also examined as a example disaster of 2000's. The recent earthquake in Si Chuan Ya An Lu Shan is selected as a case of 2010s. Results - SMCRE model in this case study is operationally defined as a methodology and applied to the four earthquakes occurred in China. SMCRE model describes the exchange of risk information and is also applied to all forms of communication between stake holders. Each factor of risk communication includes source, message, channel, receiver and effect. It is notable that a big progress has been made on disaster risk communication in China for the past 40 years. We also found that highly developed information technology has enabled Chinese society to better cope with natural disaster, leading to enhanced disaster risk communication. It is mainly found from case study that the disaster risk communication of China has been involved with political situation, which derived from the change of government for the past 40 years. Conclusion - From this historical research, it can be inferred that the policies and politics of Chinese leaders have had a more critical role to play in the process of source of risk communication than those of any other countries. The results of this paper also support that the effective risk communication involves not only the improved reliability of local government as a key factor of disaster risk communication, but also is accompanied by international cooperation for substantial collaboration with stake holders.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.67-79
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• 2016

Purpose - Over recent years, we have concerned about safety and quality on food products because of delivery complexity. The dependence of foreign food products escalate supply of products. And there are often negligent accident of marine and agricultural products. Therefore, the complexity increases the importance of safety on food and information quality for consumers. In spite of the interest augmentation of various interested parties, there is decrease in reliability and effectiveness, if it would be established without the right directivity. For the study, we tried to examine the first considerations the point of - view in service environment and information quality with accepting and diffusing the Traceability System. Then, we tried to verify the relationships between the factors of TS and the determinants of behavior decision. Next, we made efforts to find the mutual relationship among distributors, producers, consumers and the other prerequisite factors from the point of view in service environment and information quality in order to operate effectively the information perspective and system. Research design, data, and methodology - For the purpose of this study, the samples of consumers were targeted to Traceability System, and 661 people have been investigated. Through theoretical discussion of previous research, nine hypotheses were established, the influence of Continuous User Intention in TS. In order to test the hypotheses, a survey had conducted for 661 consumers as opinion leaders in their 20s-60s as data, and structural equation modeling was used. The difference analysis between Agricultural and Marine Products in TS; SPSS 22.0 and AMOS 22.0 were used for statistical analysis. Results - The major findings from this study were as follow; all factors of information quality excluding completeness and a social-impact had effects on the ease of use; all factors excluding understand ability in information quality and a social-impact had effects on the usefulness; completeness and social-impact had effects on perceived value; the ease of use had effects on usefulness and perceived value; usefulness had effects on perceived value and the intention of continuous use. From the results of different analysis, the CPLT(Completeness) factor has positive effects on Easy of USE and PV(Perceived Value) strongly in agricultural products. On the other hand, Social Duty has positive effects on Easy of Use strongly in marine products. Conclusion - In the age of information overflowing, TS will be a burden for users if it places too much emphasis upon accessibility. To accept and diffuse TS safely, therefore, Information System should be settled first into initial market formation. In addition, if TS elements are considered in conjunction with information factors and user environment, the acceptance and diffusion of TS would make synergy effect, even better. That is, this study contributes to the acceptance and diffusion of Traceability System. Accordingly, information quality will be settled into initial market formation. Also, social-impact element will be considered in conjunction with information quality's factors, and it will make synergy effect.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.81-92
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• 2016

Purpose - In recent years, management scholars have expressed growing interest in the concept of person-Job fit because of having many benefits for employees' attitudes and behaviors. The related research is needed to determine what specific types of fit are related to each other, and to get important individual outcomes. Person-job fit of employees in service organization plays an important role in company as well as person in service industry. Person-job fit, representing the consistency between person (service provider) and job (service provided to the customers), gives significant and positive effects on the attitude and behavior of service provider. On the basis of the study background, the purpose of this study is as follows. First, we would like to examine the effects of person-job fit of service provider on their emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence is divided into four sub-factors such as self-understanding, understanding others, emotional utilization, and emotional regulation. Second, we would like to identify the relationships between job satisfaction and sub-factors such as self-understanding, understanding others, emotional utilization, and emotional regulation. Research design, data, and methodology - We performed structural equation model using Spss 18.0 and Amos 20.0 in order to verify the hypotheses. Subjects were golf service assistants who were high-touching service with high degree in interaction and long contact time with customers. 178 out of the total 200 surveys were used in evaluation from helpers of golf service working as full-time service provider after selecting two locations of golf course located near Busan. From the evaluation of reliability and validity with variables used in this research, they satisfied and confirmed certain standard. Results - The results are as follows. First, as the results of identifying the relationships between person-job fit and emotional intelligence of service provider, person-job fit did not have positive and significant effect on self-understanding. On the other hand, it affected positively and significantly other factors in emotional intelligence such as emotion to others, emotional utilization, and emotional regulation. Second, as the results of identifying the relationship between emotional intelligence and job satisfaction, sub-factors in emotional intelligence such as emotion to others, emotional utilization, and emotional regulation except self-emotion affected significantly and positively job satisfaction. However, self-emotion did not have significant and positive effects on job satisfaction. Conclusion - These results will be valuable and used for service providers. In addition, many service providers will recognize that person-job fit is very important to get a job. This research has a purpose on the assumption that appropriateness between individual and task in service industry shall act as major influence in emotional intelligence of service provider. Recognitive ability of service provider is also very important per characteristics of service, but emotional intelligence that interacts and connected directly with most customers can be a very meaningful factor as well. Emotional intelligence allows people to recognize, understand, and empathize the emotion of customers shall be a positive reinforcement for customers to evaluate the service ultimately.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.93-101
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• 2016

Purpose - As more consumers pursue high quality products at reasonable prices, Korean retail companies are increasing investment in expanding their outlet stores. Despite the growing importance of the outlet business, there has been very little empirical research on consumers' outlet shopping behaviors. This study aimed to investigate the relationships between consumers' perceived product value (performance quality, value for money, and social value) of outlet stores and overall shopping satisfaction and the effect of shopping satisfaction on outlet store loyalty. Research design, data and methodology - The authors developed a structural model in which performance quality, value for money, and social value of products are proposed to affect overall outlet shopping satisfaction, thus increasing customer loyalty. To analyze the research model, data were collected from 88 shoppers at suburban outlets. SPSS 21.0 and AMOS 21.0 were utilized to test the hypotheses. The unidimensionality of each construct was supported from the results of the reliability test with Cronbach's α and confirmatory factor analyses. Correlation analysis was performed and the results warranted the nomological validity of the measures. The fit statistics of the overall model analysis demonstrated an acceptable fit(X²(₁₆₁)=171.651, p=.000; X²/df=1.546; GFI=.821, NFI=.879, TLI=.942, CFI=.953, RMR=.035, RMSEA=.079). Results - The findings are as follows. First, consumers' perceived value of product performance quality had a significant positive effect on overall outlet shopping satisfaction. Consumers, who evaluate performance quality of the product more positively, tend to express stronger satisfaction and happiness about outlet shopping experience. Second, consumers' perceived social value of outlet products influenced their overall satisfaction significantly. Consumers who believe that products of outlet stores enhance self-concepts are more likely to satisfy with outlet shopping experience. However, consumers' perception of outlet products on value for money was not found to significantly influence overall shopping satisfaction. Finally, overall shopping satisfaction had a significant and positive influence on loyalty. Conclusions - While outlet retailers have traditionally focused on promoting competitively priced merchandise, the results of this study suggest that customers' overall satisfaction with outlet shopping is influenced more by the non-price-related product values. In the context of an outlet shopping environment, performance quality and social value of the products were found to be more critical predictors of customer overall satisfaction. Therefore, it would not be efficient for outlet retailers to highlight economic value of their merchandise. Instead, they need to investigate the performance quality of the products regularly and try to deliver quality guaranteed goods to enhance customer satisfaction. Also, outlet retailers should differentiate their businesses by carrying more unique and prestigious brands and emphasize higher social value and symbolic meanings of their products. As competition among outlet retailers are getting fierce, retail companies need to focus on strengthening customer loyalty with a long-term perspective. With a deeper understanding of the relationship between consumers' perceived product values and shopping satisfaction, outlet retailers will be able to develop customer loyalty strategies effectively and to achieve competitive advantage.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.47-55
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• 2015

Purpose - The objective of this study is to verify whether there are differences between Korean and Chinese consumers in the importance of the attributes such as shopping value and loyalty in social commerce. With the purpose of finding out these differences, the following questions are set up as research questions. First, will there be a difference between Korea and China in the importance of attributes of social commerce? Second, will there be a difference between Korean and Chinese consumers in shopping value? Third, will there be a difference between Korean and Chinese consumers in their loyalty? Research design, data, and methodology - The researchers collected data through self-administered questionnaires from Korean and Chinese consumers who had used social commerce within the past six months before answering the questionnaire. First, for social commerce users in Korea, comprising male and female university students in Chungcheong, a questionnaire was circulated. For social commerce users in China, university students within Beijing were surveyed. Responses to 336 questionnaires were used, excluding those with no answers or unreliable answers. Data coding and data cleaning were used. SPSS 18.0 was used. First, exploratory factor analysis is done to verify the validity of testing tools, and Cronbach's α coefficient is used to verify credibility. For factor analysis, the Varimax method is used. To verify the internal consistency reliability of each factor, the Cronbach's α coefficient is used to verify the credibility. Second, a T-test is done to verify differences between Korean and Chinese consumers for the importance of attributes. Third, ANOVA (Analysis of variance) is done to verify differences between Korean and Chinese consumers in shopping value and loyalty. Results - When Korean and Chinese consumers use social commerce, first, the importance of the attributes of social commerce is affected by four factors; playfulness and economic factors are more important to Korean consumers than Chinese consumers. As for informativeness factors, including product information and quality, and buyer comments, there was no confirmed difference between Korean and Chinese consumers. The convenience factor is more important to Chinese consumers than Korean consumers. Second, the factors affecting shopping value for Korean and Chinese consumers were hedonic shopping value and rational shopping value. To see the difference between Korean and Chinese consumers in shopping value factors, a t-test is conducted. As a result, in the rational shopping value factors of social commerce, Korean consumers scored higher than did Chinese consumers. These results were verified to be meaningful through statistics. In the hedonic shopping value factor of social commerce, Korean consumers scored higher than Chinese consumers. These results showed a significant difference. Third, loyalty in social commerce is higher for Chinese consumers than for Korean consumers. However, there is no difference in loyalty depending on sex. Conclusion - These results will hopefully be valuable and used in the future by Korean companies that wish to enter the Chinese social commerce market.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.93-103
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• 2015

Purpose - This study plans to adopt a more sophisticated approach toward service recognition by customers in general supermarkets in order to revise the service quality measurement methods that suit the context of Korean distribution channels. In particular, in general supermarkets, where much of the shopping process is in the form of self-service, there is high reliance on the service recognized by the consumers; therefore, it is highly likely that consumers would make their purchasing decisions based on their recognition of service quality or guarantees. It also utilized service quality elements of a basic level in the KD-SQS development model in order to indicate that the quality recognized by consumers impacts their loyalty to the stores with financial value and abstract value. Research design, data, and methodology - The study suggested a theoretical model comprising 13 hypotheses on relations between theoretic variables, and conducted surveys with consumers using discount stores in Seoul and Gyunggi Metropolitan area in order to verify the hypotheses, while using SPSS 20.0, AMOS 21.0 as the verification program. The survey sheets used amounted to 332, and a structural equation model was used to analyze the reliability and validity of constituent elements and to verify the suggested hypothesis. Therefore, this study analyzes the interrelations between service quality and guarantee factors in the distribution channel and their relations with the loyalty to stores as a dependent variable. Results - First, the results of the hypotheses tests helped identify the relations between service quality, service guarantees, service value, and customer loyalty, providing an opportunity to define the relations between constituent elements. In particular, service convenience in service quality has no impact on financial values. Further, stores' service policy had no impact on abstract values. Service recognition by service convenience has an impact on abstract values such as good image, comfort, and usability, while mileage systems promote financial values for consumers. In order to improve consumer values in service quality and values, general supermarkets should improve their service convenience, membership, and mileage programs using various strategies. Conclusion - In order to improve consumer values in service quality and values, general supermarkets should improve their service convenience, membership, and mileage programs using various strategies. Further, as service guarantee systems have a significant and direct impact on customer loyalty, rather than customer value recognition, service guarantees should be used to encourage customers to re-visit the stores. Finally, this study applied the findings of preceding studies in terms of service quality measurement; it had limitations in referencing preceding studies in a comprehensive manner. It also had limits in expanding upon various preceding studies because it was difficult to apply new measurement tools due to the lack of service quality measurement tools for general supermarkets. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct more studies on service quality to measure service quality and develop measurement tools by incorporating various industry characteristics.