Toward a conceptualization of personalized services in apparel e-commerce fulfillment

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sheenam Jain ◽  
Malin Sundström
Keyword(s):  
Customer Satisfaction ◽  
Perceived Value ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Personalized Service ◽  
Middle Range Theory ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Personalized Services ◽  
Online Retailers ◽  
Middle Range ◽  
Range Theory

Purpose Today, customers’ perceived value does not only depend on the products, but also on the services provided by a firm. In e-commerce, it is important to shift the focus beyond the product and discuss the value of personalized services in the context of e-commerce fulfillment. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is twofold: to develop a conceptual framework proposing satisfaction through personalized services as a middle-range theory; and to suggest foundational premises supporting the theoretical framework, which in turn shape middle-range theory within the context of apparel e-commerce fulfillment. Design/methodology/approach In this theory-driven paper, the authors apply the scientific circle of enquiry, as it demonstrates the role of theorizing with the help of middle-range theory and empirical evidence and as such provides a methodological scaffolding that connects theory formulation and verification. The authors synthesize literature related to customer perceived value (CPV) and satisfaction, followed by abduction focusing on understanding the empirical domain as it occurred in practice from company cases. The presented case studies are based on semi-structured interviews with three Swedish online retailers within the apparel industry. The theory-driven analysis results in suggestions of foundational premises. Findings Based on the theoretical foundations and empirical generalizations, three propositions are suggested. The premises regarding satisfaction through personalized service applied in the domain of apparel e-commerce fulfillment are: to ensure customer satisfaction requires a value co-creation perspective using data during the pre-purchase phase; to ensure customer satisfaction and retention require added-value perspective during the post-purchase phase of the shopping journey; and to ensure satisfaction and convenience require an added-value perspective at the last mile. Practical implications The apparel firms lose a substantial amount of revenue because of poor online customer satisfaction, leading to e-commerce not reaching its full potential. To enhance customer value, online retailers need to find a resort in advanced technologies and analytics to address customer satisfaction, and it is suggested that retailers shift their focus beyond the products and find ways to improve personalized service offerings to gain market advantage, improve fulfillment, drive sales and increase CPV. Originality/value To consider personalized services as a source for improving e-commerce fulfillment and CPV, the main contribution of this study is conceptual as it presents a theoretical model developed from general theory, middle-range theory and verified with empirical claims.

Functional differentiation of society as a middle-range theory

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kosuke Sakai
Keyword(s):  
Semantic Analysis ◽  
Sociological Theory ◽  
Functional Differentiation ◽  
Theoretical Frameworks ◽  
Middle Range Theory ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Perspective ◽  
Institutional Formation ◽  
Middle Range ◽  
Range Theory

PurposeThis paper aimed to analyze the ways in which Niklas Luhmann's theory of the functional differentiation of society can be applied to historical studies. To achieve this, a semantic analysis of the development of modern insurance in Germany during the nineteenth century was conducted.Design/methodology/approachThrough an examination of the significant features of Luhmann's theoretical frameworks in empirical objects, Luhmann's semantic analysis was reformulated as an approach based on a middle-range theory, similar to that of Robert K. Merton, where the potential of the theory can be maximized for empirical research. This paper embodies this proposal, citing several developments within organizations that imbued insurance technology with various ideas and values.FindingsThe theory of the functional differentiation of society can be reconstructed as a working hypothesis from a methodological perspective, instead of a general theory that explains every part of society. Applying this to empirical social practices leads to progress in historical studies conducting the semantic variations connected to the institutional formation and their boundary works.Originality/valueThis paper provides a practical research perspective for historical studies in the social sciences, employing a reinterpretation of sociological theory that may be understood only as a structural presupposition of modern society. Furthermore, the increased possibility of historical-comparative studies on modern insurance is indicated by illustrating the applicability of this framework to a detailed case study of modern insurance.

Commentary and Book Review of Middle Range Theories: Application to Nursing Research and Practice (5th Edition) by Sandra J. Peterson and Timothy S. Bredow (2020),

2021 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 211-216
Author(s):  
Howard K. Butcher
Keyword(s):  
Current Status ◽  
Nursing Research ◽  
Nursing Theory ◽  
Middle Range Theory ◽  
Research And Practice ◽  
Middle Range ◽  
Range Theory

The author in this article provides a review of Peterson and Bredow’s 5th edition of Middle Range Theories: Application to Nursing Research and Practice. The author also shared some concerns and thoughts about the current status of nursing theory and middle-range theory.

Mobile communications: a comprehensive hierarchical modelling approach

2014 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 114-146 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Daniel Clemes ◽  
Xin Shu ◽  
Christopher Gan
Keyword(s):  
Customer Satisfaction ◽  
Service Quality ◽  
Customer Loyalty ◽  
Mobile Communications ◽  
Switching Costs ◽  
Important Determinant ◽  
Perceived Value ◽  
Corporate Image ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Customer Perceived Value

Purpose – Global mobile communication is one of the most dynamic and important service markets. Several researchers suggest using a theoretical approach to develop a much deeper insight into key marketing constructs such as service quality, customer perceived value, customer satisfaction, perceived switching costs, corporate image, and customer loyalty is of vital importance to the mobile communications market. This study aims to develop and test a comprehensive hierarchical model of these six important constructs. The model also incorporates the retailing function of a major mobile communication provider. Design/methodology/approach – The research sample of 516 was drawn from customers of one of the largest mobile communications service providers in China. The data were analysed using exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling. Findings – The results of the study support using a hierarchical and multidimensional approach for conceptualising and measuring customers' perceptions of service quality in the mobile communications market. In addition, the findings illustrate that service quality is an important determinant of customer perceived value, customer satisfaction, corporate image, and perceived switching costs. Customer perceived value is also an antecedent of customer satisfaction. Corporate image, customer satisfaction, and perceived switching costs are three key drivers of customer loyalty. However, the findings also indicate that corporate image is not an important determinant of customer satisfaction and that customer perceived value is not a key driver of customer loyalty. Originality/value – This is the first paper that has developed and tested a comprehensive hierarchical model of the mobile communications market.

Why Middle-Range Theory?

1997 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. viii ◽  
Author(s):  
Peggy L. Chinn
Keyword(s):  
Middle Range Theory ◽  
Middle Range ◽  
Range Theory

The effects of customer satisfaction, perceived value, corporate image and service quality on behavioral intentions in gaming establishments

2014 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 540-565 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hung-Che Wu
Keyword(s):  
Customer Satisfaction ◽  
Service Quality ◽  
Behavioral Intentions ◽  
Perceived Value ◽  
Corporate Image ◽  
Gaming Industry ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Perceived Service Quality ◽  
Multi Level ◽  
Main Determinants

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify the dimensions of service quality and examining the interrelationships among behavioral intentions, customer satisfaction, perceived value, corporate image and service quality in the gaming industry. A multi-level and hierarchical model is used as a framework to synthesize the effects of customer satisfaction, perceived value, corporate image and service quality on behavioral intentions of customers in the gaming industry. Design/methodology/approach – The data used in this study were based on a sample of 470 at a newly built casino in Macau. Data were analyzed using exploratory factor analysis and regression analysis. Findings – The findings support using a multi-level model consisting of three primary dimensions and ten sub-dimensions to conceptualize and measure perceived service quality. Perceived service quality significantly influences perceived value and corporate image, respectively. In addition, perceived value and corporate image are main determinants of customer satisfaction. Also, customer satisfaction and corporate image significantly affect behavioral intentions. Originality/value – This is the first study synthesizing behavioral intentions, customer satisfaction, perceived value, corporate image and perceived service quality in a Macau casino setting.

scholarly journals Developing and Testing a Middle-Range Theory of the Well-Being Supportive Physical Environment of Home-Dwelling Elderly

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Satu Elo ◽  
Maria Kääriäinen ◽  
Arja Isola ◽  
Helvi Kyngäs
Keyword(s):  
Physical Environment ◽  
Development Process ◽  
Theory Development ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Middle Range Theory ◽  
Hypothetical Model ◽  
Middle Range ◽  
Range Theory ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Deductive Theory

The aim is to describe the development of a middle-range theory by using an inductive-deductive approach. A theory of well-being supporting physical environment of home-dwelling elderly is used as an example. The inductive-deductive theory development process is described through four different phases: (1) the creations of concepts were described inductively through concept synthesis, (2) relationships between the concepts were examined to set up a hypothetical model, (3) hypotheses were set up to verify the concepts and to test hypothetical models, and (4) the verification and presentation of the theory.

Testing a Middle -Range Theory of Heart Failure Self-Care

2021 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 378-391
Author(s):  
Sumayya A. Attaallah ◽  
Rosalind M. Peters ◽  
Ramona Benkert ◽  
Hossein Yarandi ◽  
Sandra Oliver-McNeil ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Latent Variable ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Middle Range Theory ◽  
Conditioning Factors ◽  
Middle Range ◽  
Patients With Heart Failure ◽  
Range Theory ◽  
Care Deficit

A middle-range theory of heart failure self-care, derived from the self-care deficit theory of nursing, was tested among 175 Arab American older adults with heart failure. The middle-range theory achieved good statistical fit, but not all hypothesized relationships were supported. Specifically, conceptualizing basic conditioning factors as a single latent variable was not supported. However, individual factors of depression, social support, and time living with heart failure had a direct effect on both self-care agency and quality of life. Understanding predictors and outcomes of self-care within a theoretical framework is essential in caring for patients with heart failure.

Understanding Consumption: What Interviews with Retired Households Can Reveal about Budgetary Decisions

2001 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edmund Chattoe ◽  
Nigel Gilbert
Keyword(s):  
Time Allocation ◽  
Labour Supply ◽  
Economic Models ◽  
Middle Range Theory ◽  
Middle Range ◽  
Household Behaviour ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Range Theory ◽  
Budgetary Decisions

This paper uses interview data from retired households to inform a discussion about economic models of consumption. It is divided into two parts. In the first part, the economic models are described. The paper then discusses several different types of reasons for finding them unhelpful in explaining consumption. The second part of the paper considers the role of ‘middle range’ theories in developing plausible models of household behaviour. Phenomena which the interviews suggest are important in explaining consumption, such as time allocation, the labour supply decision, the ubiquitous durability of goods and the structure of the household, are not typically supported by middle range theory in current models. Without the constraints of such theory, it is very hard to distinguish models providing genuine explanation from those that merely fit the data. The latter part of the paper also discusses aspects of a new middle range theory of consumption suggested by the interviews.

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