Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Marketing regulation'

Alcohol related harm is one of the major public health and societal concerns in the UK. Per capita alcohol consumption has risen considerably over the last twenty years and binge drinking has increased. Alcohol related harms including crime and social disorder, lost productivity, family breakdown and health harms such as rising incidence of liver disease and increases in alcohol related hospital admissions, are considerable. Particular concern has focused upon alcohol and young people, with levels of youth binge drinking in the UK among the highest in Europe and alcohol related hospital admissions of young people increasing. Furthermore, youth drinking behaviours are strong predictors of alcohol dependence in later life and contribute to long term health harms. As a result there has been an increased focus on factors that may potentially influence youth drinking behaviours including alcohol marketing. The evidence base on the impact of alcohol marketing on youth drinking has developed since the topic was first examined in the early 1980s. Recent systematic reviews have suggested a causal link between alcohol marketing and youth drinking behaviour. However gaps in the evidence base remain. The research project presented in this PhD contains six publications which aim to address these gaps, being the first longitudinal consumer study on the impact of alcohol marketing on youth drinking in the UK. The study used a critical social marketing framework to assess the cumulative impact of alcohol marketing on youth drinking, with findings intended to help upstream social marketing efforts, inform policy and regulation and targeted behaviour change interventions. The project examined the impact of alcohol marketing across a comprehensive range of communications channels including less well researched areas such as new media and sponsorship. The project involved three discrete stages of research. First, a brand website and press audit of contemporary alcohol marketing communications in the UK was conducted, supplemented by interviews with key informants from the marketing profession and regulatory bodies. Second, qualitative focus group research was conducted with young people to explore the role and meaning of alcohol in their lives and their attitudes towards alcohol marketing. Third, a two wave cohort study design featuring a questionnaire survey was conducted to assess the impact of alcohol marketing on youth drinking. The survey consisted of a two part interviewer administered and self completion questionnaire in home with 920 second year school pupils at baseline, and follow up of a cohort of 552 in fourth year. The audit revealed that alcohol marketing is ubiquitous in the UK with most brands having a dedicated website featuring sophisticated content that appeals to youth including music, sport and video games. The press audit found that alcopop brands concentrated advertising in youth magazines, and that supermarket advertising of alcohol was considerable in the printed press. Focus group research revealed a sophisticated level of awareness of and involvement in alcohol marketing among respondents across several channels. Marketing activities often featuring content with youth appeal seemed to influence young people’s well developed brand attitudes. Cross sectional regression analysis found significant associations between awareness of, and involvement with alcohol marketing and drinking status and future drinking intentions. Bivariate and multi-variate longitudinal analysis indicated that alcohol marketing was associated with youth drinking behaviour, including initiation of drinking, and increased frequency of drinking between wave one and wave two. The implications of these findings for theory, practice and public policy are discussed.

PhD
Self-regulation is a vital function to humanity, and is an important factor in the dominant paradigm of consumer research, whereby consumer decisions are characterised by the battle between long- and short-term interests. The current research examined the relative effectiveness of two self-regulatory strategies: stopping an already-commenced consumption episode, or to not commence one at all. Traditional economic theories, including the principle of diminishing marginal utility, would predict that not starting is harder to accomplish; whereas a proposal by Thaler (1983) suggests that not starting is in fact the optimal strategy. Two studies were conducted whereby participants were asked to either perform a less-favoured task and resist from starting a more-favoured one (Not Start), or to cease performing a more-favoured task to complete the less-favoured task (Stop). Study 1 found that Stop was more difficult than Not Start, which tentatively supported Thaler’s argument; however there was an explanation which could not be ruled out, namely the psychological distance of the anticipated second task. Study 2 addressed this issue by manipulating that factor by incorporating it into the experimental design. It was found that Not Start became as depleting as Stop when psychological distance of the second task was reduced. This research contributed to the literature by establishing a boundary condition upon the strength model of self-regulatory resource depletion, and adds to the discussion on the descriptive validity of the principle of diminishing marginal utility.

This master's thesis explores the impact of marketing communication tools on consumer behavior in the Russian alcohol market. Russia is a dark market. The dark market is a market where outdoor advertising is prohibited, as well as advertising on TV and radio. As such, communications with consumers in these markets are strongly regulated by the government. The study provides an overview of current trends in the alcohol market in the world and in Russia. The purpose of this study is to analyse Russian consumers' perceptions of marketing tools and the impact of these promotion tools on the purchase of strong alcohol under the AIDA model. For this purpose, the study examines the legislation governing the Russian alcohol market. The paper provides a description and classification of channels and instruments used in communications with consumers in the dark market conditions. Further, the perception of these methods by Russian consumers under the AIDA model is considered. The study identified the most effective channels of communication for marketing companies. Moreover, the ethical aspect of promoting alcohol products was discussed. The survey results showed that Russian consumers are loyal to both alcohol advertising and the market in general, as well as to their own brands. These results can be used by companies to create marketing campaigns and plan their budgets.

Consumer credit has become a common source of finance for households, inevitable for the majority of them. Developments of credit markets that emerged as a result of economic hardship in 2008-2009, leads to the high relevance of the scientific researches on the topic. Traditional consumer loans provided by banks or credit unions are supplemented by the new debt instruments. The most popular and well known ones are payday loans (small amount, short term and high cost loans), having the high credit price (in APR terms) and are easily accessible. Because of such rapid growth and popularity of payday loans among socially vulnerable borrowers, these transactions became the object of regulation. The regulator here faces a very complex task - to balance the interests of the payday loan transaction parties (borrower and lender) throughout the process of the transaction. In the Baltic States, including Lithuania, payday lending transactions and their regulation is a well underexplored field of scientific research. Analysis of the scientific literature has revealed that there is a general disagreement on whether payday loans benefit or harm borrowers? Usually studies does not provide complete answer on how to regulate payday lending transactions in order to ensure access to credit and balance the interests of creditors and debtors. No one has offered a model of payday lending transactions regulation yet. Moreover, there is no generally established view on the balance of borrowers’ and... [to full text]
Vartojimo kreditavimas yra įprastas namų ūkių poreikių finansavimo šaltinis, neišvengiamas daugeliui jų. Kreditavimo rinkos pokyčiai, atsiradę ekonomikos sunkmečio laikotarpiu 2008-2009 metais, lemia ypatingai didelį šios tematikos mokslinių tyrimų aktualumą. Tradicines bankų ar kredito unijų teikiamas vartojimo paskolas papildė nauji skolinimo instrumentai, tarp kurių populiarūs ir žinomi – mažieji vartojimo kreditai, pasižymintys aukšta palūkanų norma ir lengvu prieinamumu. Dėl mažųjų vartojimo kreditų populiarumo tarp socialiai pažeidžiamų asmenų ir augimo, šie sandoriai tapo reguliavimo objektu. Reguliuotojui čia kyla sudėtingas uždavinys subalansuoti reguliavimo objekto – mažojo vartojimo kreditavimo sandorio šalių (skolininko ir kreditoriaus) interesus šio sandorio proceso metu. Baltijos šalyse, įskaitant ir Lietuvoje, mažojo vartojimo kreditavimo sandoriai ir jų reguliavimas yra visiškai mokslininkų netyrinėtas reiškinys.Mokslinės literatūros analizė parodė, kad tyrėjai nesutaria ar visumoj mažieji vartojimo kreditai labiau padeda vartotojams, ar yra jiems labiau žalingi. Dažnai moksliniai tyrimai neatsako į klausimą - kaip reguliuoti mažojo vartojimo kreditavimo sandorius, kad būtų užtikrintas kredito prieinamumas ir subalansuota skolininko bei kreditorių interesų apsauga. Mokslinėje literatūroje nėra pasiūlyto mažojo vartojimo kreditavimo sandorių reguliavimo modelio, nėra nusistovėjusio požiūrio į priešingų skolininko ir kreditorių interesų balansavimą ar mažojo... [toliau žr. visą tekstą]

The diploma thesis deals with the current internet advertising legislation and self-regulation and provides a summary of the internet advertising forms. For analysis the thesis uses the standards of national and international self-regulatory organisations and complements them with Czech legislation. The thesis compiles and compares particular standards and legislation and on this basis it reviews the current state of advertising regulation, discusses the necessity of legal regulation and efficiency of self-regulation.

This thesis analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of various types of eco-labels, focusing primarily on differences between mandatory and voluntary eco-labeling programs. I argue that many of the problems with eco-labeling could be addressed by improving regulations. The current regulation of eco-labeling in the United States is discussed, especially the shortcomings of the FTC’s Green Guides. I recommend creating enforceable national legislation to regulate environmental claims that includes involvement of key stakeholders, a list of acceptable environmental claims, enforceable national definitions of environmental terms, an avenue for manufacturers and consumers to challenge environmental claims, consumer education, and periodic review and revision.

This thesis concerns the development of the self-regulation of advertising in Sweden from 1950 until 1971. Self-regulation was initiated in the 1930s due to a business desire to regulate fair competition in marketing, and while it initially was a minor operation, the 1950s and 1960s were characterized by extensive development. When self-regulation was overtaken by state policies in 1971, it included several interlocking systems, of which parts survived the introduction of the state regime. The thesis’ aim has been to analyze how the rapid regime transitions in the self-regulation regime can be understood. The existing literature identifies four major transitions that occurred during the studied time period. To understand them, the thesis has studied the policy processes leading up to these transitions. Focus has been on the business interest organizations that controlled the regime and their regulatory strategies. Theoretically, the analysis has departed from the hypothesis that tensions between these organizations, due to their members’ different market interests and varying levels of exposure to regulation and public badwill, to a significant degree informed their strategic choices as well as policy outcomes. The results show that the policy processes preceding the regime transitions were characterized by internal tensions, whereby organizations representing advertisers, and to a lesser degree media carriers, due to their members’ higher level of exposure to regulation and public badwill, successfully supported stronger market policing, while ad agencies, being less exposed, as well as a peak industry organization for the proliferation of marketing largely opposed such measures, preferring a more lenient regulation. However, due to increased exposure to regulation and bad will, the ad agencies finally abandoned their opposition and took the lead in regulatory innovation through the introduction of an extensive clearance program that survived the launch of the state regime, becoming a key component in the co-regulatory structure that followed.

The objective of this dissertation is to evaluate whether two different types of policy interventions in the United States are associated with health service utilization and economic outcomes. Paper 1: The number of government lawsuits accusing pharmaceutical companies of off-label marketing has risen in recent years. We use Medicare and Medicaid claims data to evaluate how an off-label marketing lawsuit and its accompanying media coverage affected utilization and spending on gabapentin as well as other anticonvulsant medications. In this interrupted time series analysis of dual eligible patients with bipolar disorder, we found that the lawsuit and accompanying media coverage corresponded with a decrease in market share of gabapentin, a substitution of newer and expensive anticonvulsants, and a substantial increase in overall spending on anticonvulsants. Paper 2: Medicare Part D was a major expansion of Medicare benefits to cover pharmaceuticals. There were initial concerns about how the dually eligible population who previously had drug coverage through Medicaid would fare after transitioning to Part D plans. Using a nationally representative longitudinal panel survey of Medicare Beneficiaries that are dually eligible for Medicaid, we investigated whether differences in generosity of Medicaid drug benefits were associated with differential changes in drug utilization and out-of-pocket spending for duals after they transitioned to Part D. Our finding suggest that those who previously encountered a monthly drug cap prior to Part D implementation experienced a differentially higher increase in annual prescription drug fills compared with those who did not face a cap.

Purpose of the Study To study how Apoteket AB can retain its customers after the government decision to implement de-regulation in Swedish pharmaceutical market. Apoteket AB was the only state-owned pharmacy for more than 38 years but now they are in competition with other pharmacy operators including supermarkets and gas stations. The main purpose of this study is to find out those vital factors which are important to customers in selecting pharmacy operators for buying prescription and non-prescription products. Approach The study begins by reviewing the Swedish pharmaceutical market and parliament decision of de-regulation about Apoteket AB monopoly. The literature then reviews the PESTEL framework, Porter model, customer relationship management and 7 P’s of marketing mix. We use Umeå university library for gathering material for our literature review. After that the authors reviewed different pharmacy operators and potential entrants in the Swedish pharmacy market. For this case study the authors have gathered the data through customer survey and semi-structured interview. The data was collected in Umeå (Sweden) with the help of questionnaire. We have collected the data with the help of convenience sampling technique at different locations in Umeå. Interview was conducted with Apoteket AB brand manager to understand their point of view about our research question. SPSS was used for analyzing the quantitative data, mainly descriptive statistic and Mann-Whitney U test were used for this purpose. Finally all the information’s were carefully analyzed by comparing with theories before drawing the final conclusion. Findings Four important aspects of customer’s retention were found; which are more community pharmacies, extended opening hours, low prices of over the counter products and added value to individual customers. Our respondents also show great confidence over the Apoteket AB personnel (Pharmacists). On the other hand we have also found that people appreciate the removal of Apoteket AB monopoly. Furthermore, we have found that after the implementation of de-regulation in Swedish pharmacy market over the counter (OTC) products have shown a 20% growth. The reason behind this growth may be the easy excess to such products and extended opening hours of supermarkets. The authors have also observed that people are willing to buy prescription products from other operators.

Introdução - A obesidade infantil está pautada como assunto de saúde pública e exige a análise, implementação e avaliação de novas intervenções. O marketing é apontado como um dos fatores que interferem no aumento do índice de sobrepeso e de obesidade da população. As estratégias de comunicação publicitária se utilizam de processos cognitivos para determinar, através de elementos emocionais do receptor, a escolha e o consumo de alimentos não saudáveis, já que os publicitários respondem à demanda das empresas que buscam lucrar com seus produtos. Já se afirma que a regulamentação legal do marketing dos alimentos infantis não saudáveis deve ser adotada como instrumento de política pública na prevenção da obesidade. Assim, justifica-se a investigação de quais seriam as formas mais apropriadas para regular esse tipo de marketing no Brasil, de forma a garantir o direito à saúde e à alimentação adequada e saudável. Objetivo - Analisar o papel do marketing como um dos determinantes da obesidade infantil, buscando apontar, no campo jurídico, estratégias para a sua regulamentação no Brasil. Métodos - Revisão de literatura, análise de textos legislativos e de programas adotados para controle da obesidade infantil, além de entrevistas com representantes de entidades e profissionais diretamente ligados à implementação de políticas públicas, nacionais e internacionais, de controle da nutrição e saúde infantil, bem como de proteção dos direitos do consumidor infanto-juvenil. A interpretação dos dados levantados deu-se através do método científico dedutivo. Resultados - O crescente índice de obesidade no Brasil está demonstrado através de pesquisa nacional. A presença de alimentos no mercado com excesso de sal, gordura e açúcar precisa ser controlada. As teorias de comunicação explicam a influência do marketing na decisão emocional do consumidor. Os direitos à saúde e à alimentação adequada e saudável estão previstos na Constituição Federal. Conclusão - A regulamentação legal do marketing de alimentos não saudáveis é juridicamente possível e suas diretrizes devem focar os alimentos processados e ultraprocessados, além dos fatores que facilitam a persuasão da criança, impedindo o uso de elementos emocionais.
Introduction - Childhood obesity is considered a public health issue and requires the analysis, implementation and evaluation of new interventions. Marketing is considered as one of the factors that play a role in the increase of overweight and obesity rates in the population. Advertisement strategies use cognitive processes to determine, by means of emotional elements of the receptor, the choice and consumption of unhealthy foods, since advertisement professionals respond to the demand of companies willing to make a profit by selling their their products. The regulation of the marketing of unhealthy foods for children must be adopted as a public policy instrument for the prevention of obesity. Thus, we should investigate what are the most appropriate ways to regulate this kind of marketing in Brazil to guarantee the right to health and to adequate and healthy foods. Objective - Analyze the role of marketing as one of the determinants of childhood obesity, and try to identify legal strategies for its regulation in Brazil. Methods - Literature review, analysis of legal texts and programs implemented for the control of childhood obesity and interviews with representatives of institutions and professionals directly related to the implementation of public national and international policies for the control of childhood nutrition and health, as well as the protection of children and youth consumer rights. Deductive scientific method was used to interpret data. Results - Increasing obesity rates have been demonstrated by national surveys. The presence of foods with excessive salt, fat and sugar in market must be controlled. Communication theories explain the influence of marketing in the emotional decision of consumers. The right to health and to adequate and healthy foods is determined by the Federal Constitution. Conclusion - It is possible to regulate the marketing of unhealthy foods according to the law. The guidelines for regulation must focus on processed and ultra processed foods and the factors that facilitate persuasion of children, by prohibiting the use of emotional elements.

Atranka į valstybės tarnybą įtakoja viešojo sektoriaus žmogiškųjų išteklių kokybę. Ji yra griežto teisinio reglamentavimo objektas, todėl bet kokios problemos ir tobulinimo perspektyvos susiję su teisinio reglamentavimo turinio pokyčių poreikiu. Darbo tikslas – išnagrinėti esamą atrankos į valstybės tarnybą teisinį reglamentavimą - įvardinti esmines problemas bei galimas tobulinimo kryptis. Pasitelkiant mokslininkų požiūrį į atranką viešajame sektoriuje nagrinėtas atrankos teisinio reglamentavimo turinys, išskirtos probleminės sritys, įžvelgtos galimo tobulinimo perspektyvos.
Selection of the civil service affect human resource quality of the public sector. It is subject to strict legal regulation, so any problems and improvement prospects related to changes in the legal regulation content. The aim - to reveal legal regulation characteristics of the selection in the civil service - . Through scientific approach of the selection in a public sector, legal regulation content is analyzed considering the problem areas and the prospects of potential improvements.

Face à l’abus d’alcool notamment chez les jeunes, les acteurs de santé recommandent de réguler le marketing des industriels. En France selon la loi Evin (1991), les publicités pour l’alcool doivent être objectives, informatives et, non attractives en termes de contenu. Cette recherche teste l’efficacité de cette régulation en comparant l’influence de publicités informatives versus plus attractives en termes de perception du produit, d’attitude envers la publicité et d’envie de consommer. Elle évalue aussi la visibilité des avertissements sanitaires alcool selon la saillance de leur format et du contexte publicitaire. Cette recherche a identifié et étudié l’appropriation des codes et de l’iconographie du luxe par les marques d’alcool comme une nouvelle forme de contenu publicitaire à travers une phase de monitoring. Grâce à une revue de la littérature, elle a formulé des propositions de recherche en termes d’implications marketing et de santé publique afin de cerner le mécanisme de persuasion potentiel relative à cette pratique marketing. Ces implications présentent le luxe comme une potentielle réponse marketing aux motivations de consommer de l’alcool chez les jeunes, sur la base de théories relatives à la construction identitaire. Elles soulignent aussi l’influence des publicités et du packaging, en particulier lorsque ces stimuli sont infusés de codes du luxe (sur la base de théorie de l’infusion de l’art et de cas des paquets de cigarettes infusés des codes du luxe). Pour tester ces propositions, une étude qualitative exploratoire (26 entretiens) a d’abord servi à cerner la nature et l’influence du contenu (publicités plus informatives versus luxe) en termes de réponses cognitives, affectives, d’intentions comportementales et de perceptions des avertissements sanitaires. Les résultats de ces entretiens ont servi à construire la phase expérimentale de la recherche en termes d’opérationnalisation des concepts de contenu publicitaire et d’avertissement sanitaire, de formulation des hypothèses de recherche, de sélection et design des stimuli et de méthodologie (combinaison de méthodes verbales et non-verbales). Sur la base d’un design inter-sujets, nous avons lancé deux études expérimentales (étude eye-tracking = 174 jeunes ; étude en ligne = 696 jeunes) testant 12 stimuli publicitaires [3 (marques d’alcool) x 2 (styles de contenu publicitaire: PO versus luxe) x 2 (formats d’avertissement: format actuel versus plus saillant)]. Les résultats soulignent l’intérêt de réguler le contenu des publicités d’alcool (cf. Loi Evin). Celui-ci influence l’attitude à l’égard de la publicité, la perception du produit et le désir de consommer. Les publicités plus informatives sont perçues comme moins attractives, alors que les publicités luxe génèrent et renforcent des perceptions positives à l’égard du produit, des bénéfices de consommation et les envies de consommer et de boire. Quant à l’avertissement actuel, il est jugé inefficace en termes de visibilité, de crédibilité et de risques perçus. Toutefois un format plus saillant permet d’augmenter le degré d’attention qu’on y porte ainsi que sa visibilité perçue. Cela est important car l’efficacité d’un avertissement repose en partie sur ses deux critères. Aucun effet d’interaction significatif des variables manipulées n’est à signaler dans cette étude
This critical social marketing research tackles the effectiveness of advertising regulation that is a health measure recommended to reduce alcohol consumption. It studies how alcohol advertising content restrictions (e.g., the French Evin law mandates ads since 1991 to convey only factual information and objective qualities of alcohol products and thus be product-oriented: PO ads) versus non-regulated advertising affect youth individuals’ perceptions of alcohol products, attitude towards the ad, desire to consume and noticeability of health warning displayed in ads (depending on format prominence). This research identified and investigated the luxury codes and iconography appropriation by alcohol brands as a new type of advertising content, through a monitoring phase. To understand the potential persuasion mechanism at stake, this study relied on assumptions in terms of persuasion and public health based on a literature review. It helped to explain luxury symbolism as a potential response to youth drinking motives on the basis of self-growth theories and suggest possible effect on consumers’ responses to alcohol advertising especially when infused with luxury perceptions (e.g., art infusion theory and tobacco packs infused with luxury codes). To test those assumptions, we implemented an exploratory qualitative study and two experimental studies. Using (26) in-depth interviews, the qualitative phase helped understand the nature and influence of advertising content (luxury versus PO) on cognitive, affective responses, behavioral intentions and warnings’ noticeability. The findings helped operationalize advertising content and warnings’ noticeability concepts, develop hypotheses, fine-tune stimuli selection and modification, and finally select methods and (verbal and non-verbal) measurements for the testing phase. Based on a between-subject design, the experimentation (eye-tracking study = 174 individuals; online study = 696 individuals) tested on samples of young people a total of 12 advertising stimuli [3 (brands) x 2 (content: luxury versus PO) x 2 (warning format: LP versus MP)]. Our results showed the relevancy of alcohol advertising content restrictions such as the French Evin law (1991). They indicated that advertising content does influence attitude towards the ad, alcohol products’ perceptions and desire to consume. While PO ads reduce the alcohol advertising attractiveness, luxury ads enhanced the participants’ positive product perceptions, perceived alcohol consumption benefits and intention to purchase and drink. They also reported the ineffectiveness of health warnings in terms of noticeability, perceived credibility and risks. Findings suggest that modifying the current warning format prominence can help increase its attentional processing and perceived noticeability, which is a first step in improving generally warnings’ effectiveness. However our results revealed no significant interaction effect of both manipulated factors in this study

Magistro darbe atskleidžiama ikimokyklinės įstaigos administracijos funkcijų pasiskirstymo reglamentavimo situacija ir galimybės. Naudojant apklausos raštu metodą analizuojamas ikimokyklinių įstaigų valdymo struktūros, administracijos sudėties, darbo krūvio ir faktinio funkcijų pasiskirstymo vertinimas, nuostatos į funkcijų atlikimą, vadovavimo priemones ir stilius. Tyrimo rezultatai atskleidė, kad ikimokyklinių įstaigų valdymo struktūra, administracijos funkcijų pasiskirstymo reglamentavimo situacija vertinama nevienareikšmiškai. Todėl, atsižvelgiant į kiekvienos įstaigos specifiką ir kitas aplinkybes, reikėtų ieškoti galimybių administracijos funkcijų pasiskirstymo tobulinimui ir optimizavimui. 2010 m. balandžio 22 d. šio darbo autorė dalyvavo 10-oje studentų mokslinių darbų konferencijoje ,,Ekonomikos ir vadybos aktualijos‘‘ ŠU Socialinių mokslų fakultete ir skaitė pranešimą tema: ,,Ikimokyklinės įstaigos administracijos funkcijų pasiskirstymo reglamentavimas: situacija ir galimybės‘‘.
In the master’s thesis the article reveals administration function distribution regulation situation and opportunities in pre-school institutions. In this context analyzing pre-school institutions administrative staff governance structures and administration composition, workload and the actual distribution functions of assessment, the provisions in the performance of the functions, leadership tools and styles. The study results showed that the controversial pre-school institutions assessed management structure, the distribution functions of the regulatory situation. Therefore, taking into account the specificities of each institution and other factors, should look for opportunities to improve and more optimize the administrative functions of distribution. The author of the thesis attended a tenth scientific works, named ,,The Topicality of Economies and Management’’ in the faculty of Social science of Šiauliai University on 22th of April in 2010. She presented the paper, named ,, Pre-school institutions administrative functions of distribution regulation: situation and opportunities’’ there.

Vartojimo kreditavimas yra įprastas namų ūkių poreikių finansavimo šaltinis, neišvengiamas daugeliui jų. Kreditavimo rinkos pokyčiai, atsiradę ekonomikos sunkmečio laikotarpiu 2008-2009 metais, lemia ypatingai didelį šios tematikos mokslinių tyrimų aktualumą. Tradicines bankų ar kredito unijų teikiamas vartojimo paskolas papildė nauji skolinimo instrumentai, tarp kurių populiarūs ir žinomi – mažieji vartojimo kreditai, pasižymintys aukšta palūkanų norma ir lengvu prieinamumu. Dėl mažųjų vartojimo kreditų populiarumo tarp socialiai pažeidžiamų asmenų ir augimo, šie sandoriai tapo reguliavimo objektu. Reguliuotojui čia kyla sudėtingas uždavinys subalansuoti reguliavimo objekto – mažojo vartojimo kreditavimo sandorio šalių (skolininko ir kreditoriaus) interesus šio sandorio proceso metu. Baltijos šalyse, įskaitant ir Lietuvoje, mažojo vartojimo kreditavimo sandoriai ir jų reguliavimas yra visiškai mokslininkų netyrinėtas reiškinys.Mokslinės literatūros analizė parodė, kad tyrėjai nesutaria ar visumoj mažieji vartojimo kreditai labiau padeda vartotojams, ar yra jiems labiau žalingi. Dažnai moksliniai tyrimai neatsako į klausimą - kaip reguliuoti mažojo vartojimo kreditavimo sandorius, kad būtų užtikrintas kredito prieinamumas ir subalansuota skolininko bei kreditorių interesų apsauga. Mokslinėje literatūroje nėra pasiūlyto mažojo vartojimo kreditavimo sandorių reguliavimo modelio, nėra nusistovėjusio požiūrio į priešingų skolininko ir kreditorių interesų balansavimą ar mažojo... [toliau žr. visą tekstą]
Consumer credit has become a common source of finance for households, inevitable for the majority of them. Developments of credit markets that emerged as a result of economic hardship in 2008-2009, leads to the high relevance of the scientific researches on the topic. Traditional consumer loans provided by banks or credit unions are supplemented by the new debt instruments. The most popular and well known ones are payday loans (small amount, short term and high cost loans), having the high credit price (in APR terms) and are easily accessible. Because of such rapid growth and popularity of payday loans among socially vulnerable borrowers, these transactions became the object of regulation. The regulator here faces a very complex task - to balance the interests of the payday loan transaction parties (borrower and lender) throughout the process of the transaction. In the Baltic States, including Lithuania, payday lending transactions and their regulation is a well underexplored field of scientific research. Analysis of the scientific literature has revealed that there is a general disagreement on whether payday loans benefit or harm borrowers? Usually studies does not provide complete answer on how to regulate payday lending transactions in order to ensure access to credit and balance the interests of creditors and debtors. No one has offered a model of payday lending transactions regulation yet. Moreover, there is no generally established view on the balance of borrowers’ and... [to full text]

In 2005, the House of Commons (HoC) Health Committee produced a report on The Influence of the Pharmaceutical Industry – the first of its kind since 1914. The inquiry concluded that there were ‘over-riding concerns about the volume, extent and intensity of the industry’s influence, not only on clinical medicine and research but also on patients, regulators, the media, civil servants and politicians’, and stressed the need ‘to examine critically the industry’s impact on health to guard against excessive and damaging dependencies’ (HoC 2005, p. 97). It also noted that it is important to comprehensively analyse pharmaceutical regulation in order to ascertain whether there are systemic problems: In some circumstances, one particular item of influence may be of relatively little importance. Only when it is viewed as part of a larger package of influences is the true effect of the company’s activity recognised and the potential for distortion seen. The possibility that certain components of any such campaign are covert and their source undeclared is particularly worrying. (HoC 2005, p. 97) This study addresses this recommendation and was primarily conducted to examine whether recognised concerns are merely ad hoc or as a result of systemic flaws in the current system of pharmaceutical regulation. The work addresses a gap in the academic literature by drawing on the fragmented criticisms of the pharmaceutical industry in order to produce a model to illustrate how various stakeholders collaborate with drug companies to promote licensed products, and to explore the nature of the relationships between these elite stakeholders. The thesis begins with a literature review which determines who is involved in pharmaceutical regulation; how the regulatory system works; and explores the key role of communication in this process (Chapters 1 to 3). The recurrent theme is the neglect or exclusion of the patient/consumer, which leads to the development a model of intra-elite communication in drug regulation called Pharmaffiliation (Chapter 3). The thesis then looks for evidence to support or refute this model, using multiple methods (Chapter 4). Four case studies (with specific selection criteria) are chosen to test the model’s constructs and indicators (Chapters 5 to 8). The research uncovers systemic problems in the current system of pharmaceutical regulation which can ultimately harm the patient/consumer, and the implications of these findings are discussed (Chapter 9). Solutions on a micro-level include consumer involvement in decision making processes, which can be enhanced through public education and awareness campaigns and the instigation of public inquiries whenever drugs are withdrawn from the market (HoC 2005, p. 105). On a macro-level, however, this will involve critically exploring neoliberal capitalism and the empowerment of the citizenry (Street 2001).

Masters thesis will provide insight into specifics of marketing of tobacco products which is heavily influenced by tobacco advertising regulation. The newest adopted regulation on the European Union level is Tobacco Product Directive 2014/40/EU which comes into force July 2016. The directive will substantiously influence current marketing of tobacco products. Masters thesis will also introduce legal changes covered by the directive, research its possible impacts on the tobacco market and propose new solutions for relevant parts of tobacco marketing mix.

Há crescentes evidências do papel da divulgação publicitária de alimentos e bebidas na promoção e consolidação de padrões de alimentação potencialmente prejudiciais à saúde da população. Críticas de diversos atores sociais em vários países ao conteúdo de propagandas de alimentos e bebidas sugerem necessidade de regulação pelo setor público ou setor privado. No Brasil, o Código Brasileiro de Autorregulamentação Publicitária constitui padrão normativo relacionado aos aspectos éticos estipulados para propagandas; sendo descumprimento das normas estabelecidas passível de penalidade estabelecida pelo Conselho Nacional de Autorregulamentação Publicitária (CONAR). O objetivo do presente estudo é analisar tendência das denúncias quanto ao descumprimento de normas éticas em propagandas de alimentos e bebidas no Brasil, julgadas pelo CONAR entre 1999 e 2015, segundo grupos de alimentos e bebidas, assim como perfil das penalidades atribuídas, dentro do contexto da investigação científica sobre regulação da propaganda de alimentos e bebidas no país. O estudo baseou-se em duas estratégias de pesquisa: revisão sistemática de literatura e análise de banco de dados de propagandas de alimentos denunciadas ao CONAR no período de 1999 até 2015. Bebidas alcoólicas (44,4%), refrigerantes e bebidas adoçadas (13,5%) e bolos e doces em geral (8,5%) foram setores da indústria de alimentos e bebidas responsáveis pela maioria das transgressões éticas denunciadas em propagandas no Brasil. Ou seja, verificou-se expressivo volume de denúncias de propagandas dos setores da indústria de alimentos associados com graves problemas de saúde pública, como abuso de álcool e obesidade. Vários estudos apontam influência das propagandas de alimentos no processo de escolhas do consumidor, gerando impactos na evolução dos padrões alimentares populacionais. A baixa frequência de punições rigorosas possivelmente reduz efeitos restritivos do monitoramento de propagandas de alimentos e bebidas, que tem sido conduzido por autorregulação no Brasil.
There are increasing evidences regarding the role of publicity of foods and beverages in promoting and consolidating consumption patterns potentially prejudicial to populations\' health. Critics of diverse social actors in numerous countries referring to the contents of advertisement of foods and beverages suggest the need for regulation by public or private sector. In Brazil, the Brazilian Code for Marketing Self-Regulation is the normative standard related to ethical aspects established for advertisement; and noncompliance to the norms are subject to investigation and penalties by the National Council for Marketing Self-Regulation (CONAR). The objective of the present study is to analyze the complaints of noncompliance of ethical norms in foods and beverages advertisements in Brazil, adjudicated by CONAR between 1999 and 2015, according to groups of foods and beverages, and the patterns of penalties attributed to the responsible parties, in the context of the scientific research on the regulation of foods and beverages in the country. The investigation was based on two research strategies: literature review and analysis of database of complaints on foods and beverages advertisements adjudicated by CONAR from 1999 until 2015. Alcoholic beverages (44.4%), sweetened beverages and sodas (13.5%) and cookies and candies (8.5%) were sectors of food and beverage industry with highest number of complaints of ethical transgressions in advertisement in Brazil. That is, there was significant amount of complaints of advertisements distributed by sectors of foods and beverages associated with high prevalent public health, as alcoholism and obesity. Diverse studies point to the influence of foods and beverages advertisements on consumers\' choices, resulting in impacts on trends of food consumption patterns among populations. Low occurrence of rigorous penalties imposed by CONAR possibly reduces the restrictive effects of food and beverage advertisement monitoring conducted by self-regulation in Brazil.

Inledning: Det har blivit allt svårare att skydda personuppgifter på grund av den snabbt växande tekniska utvecklingen. Personuppgifter flödar mellan länder i stor utsträckning vilket ställer krav på ett mer sammanhängande dataskydd inom Europeiska unionen. Den 25 maj 2018 kommer en ny EU-förordning att träda i kraft. Förordningen kommer att gälla i alla EU:s medlemsländer och heter GDPR som står för General Data Protection Regulation. Lagändringen kommer att bidra till en striktare hantering och behandling av personuppgifter och därav stärka den enskilda personens integritet. Hur lagändringen kommer att påverka företags arbete med marknadsföring är en fråga som har växt fram. Syfte : Syftet med kandidatuppsatsen är att få kunskap om hur företagen anpassar sig efter den förändring som GDPR medför och om förändringar behöver göras i företagens marknadsföringsarbete på grund av GDPR. Metod : Uppsatsens angreppssätt är induktivt och det empiriska materialet är insamlat med hjälp av kvalitativa intervjuer. Totalt har nio intervjuer utförts, tre mailintervjuer och sex telefonintervjuer. Företagen som har medverkat i den här studien arbetar med marknadsföring och hanterar personuppgifter. Resultat : De intervjuade företagen tror inte att deras marknadsföring kommer att påverkas avsevärt. Några företag har och kommer att ändra vissa delar i kommunikationen till kunden, som till exempel ändra medlemsvillkor, rensa personuppgifter samt förändringar i utskick och nyhetsbrev. För att förbereda sig inför lagändringen har de flesta företagen arbetat med att utbilda anställda samt rensa i sina register.
Introduction : It has become increasingly difficult to protect personal data due to the rapidly evolving technological development. Personal data flow between countries to a large extent, which requires more coherent data protection within the European Union. In May 25th 2018, a new EU regulation will come into force. The regulation will apply in all EU member states and is called GDPR, the General Data Protection Regulation. The regulation will contribute to an increasingly rigorous handling and processing of personal data and hence strengthen the individual's integrity. How the change of law will affect business's marketing efforts is a matter that has emerged. Purpose: The purpose of this bachelor thesis is to gain knowledge of how companies adapt to the change that GDPR entails and whether changes need to be made in corporate marketing efforts due to GDPR. Method: The bachelor thesis is inductive and the empirical material is collected using qualitative interviews. A total of nine interviews have been conducted, three mail interviews and six telephone interviews. The companies that have participated in this study works with marketing and handles personal data. Results: The interviewed companies in the study do not believe that their marketing will be significantly affected. Some companies have and will change certain parts of the communication to the customer, such as changing member terms, clearing personal information, and changes in email and newsletters. In order to get GDPR compliant, most companies educate their employees and clean and enhance their registers.

Elizabeth Bath Inc. is one of the biggest spa facilities in the Czech Republic. The target of the graduation theses is the analyses, evaluation and proposal of reformative arrangements in connection with the marketing of Elizabeth Bath, especially with the focus on communication in marketing. Within the instrument of the marketing mix is the detailed focus orientated on advertising and its importance for the Elizabeth Bath. The end of the graduation theses is composed of a chapter related to the advertising of the Elizabeth Bath including the company's marketing plan and the medial plan for the year 2011. There is a possibility to meet with the new products, prepared events or the communication resources of the company in the year 2011.

This research explores the link between a gravity model and welfare frameworks and then applies the quantitative model system to analyze how trade and welfare is affected by the Minimum Required Performance Limits (MRPL) in the shrimp importing market of European Union. The quantitative model system consists of two parts: first, this study uses the “phi-ness” gravity model to investigate the trade effects of MRPL on EU shrimp market. The “phi-ness” gravity model partitions the standard variables to avoid biased estimation caused by the correlation between time and country fixed effects and policy variables. The Poisson Pseudo Maximum Likelihood (PPML) method is incorporated into the estimation in order to control for the zero valued observations. Second, based on the theoretic foundation of the gravity model, this research sets up the specific nested Constant Elasticity of Substitution (CES) model of consumers’ utility and further explores the linkage between these two models. The nested CES model incorporates the effects of MRPL on consumers’ confidence in domestic food as well as foreign food imported from developed and developing countries. The empirical results confirm a consistent fact with previous empirical studies: stricter MRPL has significant and negative effects on trade integration between EU and trading partners with lower level of food safety standards. The welfare analysis shows that the zero tolerance policy of MRPL standard would dramatically enhance consumers’ demand for domestic shrimps and foreign shrimps imported from developed countries but reduce the quantity of shrimp supplied from developing countries. It is also indicated that the increased level of MRPL lead to an increase in welfare of domestic consumers, suppliers in developing countries, and in total international trade, as well as a decrease in the welfare of domestic suppliers and foreign suppliers from developed countries. The empirical results also indicate that the combination of GM and Welfare Approach can also be applied to research on other standards or other industries.

This thesis analyses the pricing policies used by operators when they establish broadband tariffs. The studies draw on datasets that combine broadband plans’ characteristics and tariffs with other sources of data at country level to reflect the market structure and regulation activity. The pricing models in this dissertation share the common thread of using three groups of variables to explain the level of broadband prices: 1- the characteristics of the broadband service, 2- the operators’ commercial strategies, and 3- the market structure and regulatory policies implemented. The pricing models are estimated using the following econometric techniques: pooled ordinary least squares (OLS) with country and time fixed effects, and two stage least squares (2SLS, instrumental variable techniques). The level of broadband prices concerns both national governments and international organisations, and this dissertation contributes to provide some guidance to regulators and competition authorities, helping them in the implementation of policies so as to foster competition in the market and ultimately stimulate the diffusion of broadband services. The first thesis chapter analyses the determinants of broadband Internet access prices in a group of 15 EU countries between 2008 and 2011. Using a rich panel data set of broadband plans, it is shown how downstream speed (Mbps) increases prices, and that the price per Mbps of cable modem and fibre technologies is lower than that of xDSL. Operators’ marketing strategies are also analysed as it is shown how much prices rise when the broadband service is offered in a bundle with voice telephony and/or television, and how much they fall when download volume caps are included. The most insightful results of this study are provided by a group of metrics that represent the situation of competition and entry patterns in the broadband market. It is found that consumer segmentation positively affects prices. Moreover, broadband prices are higher in countries where entrants make greater use of bitstream access and lower in countries where there is an intensive use of direct access (local loop unbundling). However, there is not a significant impact of inter-platform competition on prices. The second chapter analyses the strategies adopted by mobile operators when they set the prices of broadband plans. It is explained that operators design multi-tier price schemes in order to segment consumers according to their preferences. Operators usually offer only a few unlimited usage contracts and three-part tariffs for data limited plans. In the later case, the tariff includes an access fee, a usage allowance (the number of GB that consumers can use for free), and a penalty system for the case in which consumers exceed the contracted allowance. The empirical model shows that the prices of usage based contracts are lower than those of unlimited contracts, and that the monthly price depends on the type of penalty included in the plan. The prices also depend on other characteristics of the service such as the provided technology, the download speed and the telephone call allowances. It is also explained that most plans bundle mobile broadband plans with smartphones. This type of plans last longer and might be more expensive than the plans that only include the SIM card. Specifically, it is shown that the monthly price of the broadband service is more expensive when the plan includes an iPhone or a Samsung. Moreover, it is found that the monthly prices are higher when the plan includes a discount for the acquisition of the smarthphone. Finally, this chapter also studies the effects of market structure and entry regulation on prices and shows that mobile virtual operators have helped to reduce prices. The third chapter studies the mobile broadband market in Spain. The mobile broadband service has experienced a strong expansion in Spain, reaching a penetration of over 70% of the population at the beginning of 2014. This growth can be explained by the benefits that offer the third and the fourth generation of mobile technology, and by the continuous price reductions. In spite of this, prices in Spain are still higher than the European average. This chapter explains the process of technological innovation that has allowed the emergence of mobile broadband, and its launch in Spain. New commercial strategies used by mobile operators, such as bundling and plans that include fixed and mobile services are examined. The analysis shows that the presence of mobile virtual network operators and bundling have been effective in fostering competition and reducing prices. It is also discussed how technological convergence between fixed and mobile services has promoted restructuring and market concentration.

Rampant violations of the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes were reported. Evidence showed that the infant formula industry keeps on finding ways to promote their products aggressively. This project proposes to review marketing practice of infant formula industry and marketing regulations in regions with various degrees of the code implementation. Relevant electronic reports published by the Hong Kong government were searched. A literature search of the PubMed and Google Scholar were performed. Research papers given by local baby formula industry were obtained from the corresponding websites. Local Chinese newspapers were also used in this project. The Hong Kong Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes should never only rely on self-disciplines of infant formula industry. Also, strict enforcement of the regulatory provisions and compliance monitoring or reporting systems, accompanied by training and systematic education are the essential elements for tackling the marketing malpractice of infant formula industry. Furthermore, a continuing constructive and responsible cooperation between the Hong Kong government and different stakeholders is also a critical factor to protect infants and parents from the marketing malpractice.
published_or_final_version
Public Health
Master
Master of Public Health

Au cours de la première moitié du XIXe siècle, les consommateurs, pour choisir leurs eaux-de-vie, s'appuyaient sur les réputations individuelles des distributeurs. Les produits étaient principalement commercialisés sous les marques des détaillants ou sous des marques collectives. Dans ce contexte, l'horizon commercial des négociants charentais ne dépassait pas le lien direct avec lequel ils étaient en contact dans la chaîne de distribution. Leurs réputations n’étaient pas connues, sauf exceptions, par les consommateurs. Le contexte institutionnel n'offrait pas la possibilité aux négociants charentais de pouvoir poursuivre en justice les grossistes et les détaillants qui fraudaient sur la marque. Il laissait toute liberté d'action aux intermédiaires de distribution, en grande partie parce que la réputation, la marque, n'était pas reconnue comme un actif faisant partie de la catégorie des droits de propriété. Cela ne signifiait pas que les réputations des producteurs n'arrivaient pas jusqu’aux consommateurs finaux. La mise en avant du nom des producteurs ne dépendait jamais de ces derniers, mais du bon vouloir des intermédiaires de distribution.Progressivement, au cours de la seconde moitié du XIXe siècle, une nouvelle forme de coordination apparait, beaucoup moins individualisée, fondée sur une forme impersonnelle : les marques. Les consommateurs ne placent plus seulement l'objet de leur confiance dans la réputation individuelle d'un détaillant mais font désormais confiance en une entité qu'ils ne connaissent pas personnellement. Les producteurs sont en mesure de prendre en main une partie du travail de commercialisation et de distribution. L'espace institutionnel, qui offrait autrefois une liberté d'action quasi totale aux distributeurs, limite de plus en plus le travail de ces intermédiaires. qui sont tenus comme les principaux responsables des conflits portant sur la qualité des produits et des cas de concurrence déloyale.La reconnaissance des droits de propriété intellectuelle dans l'arène marchande n'est pas hasardeuse. Elles est la conséquence d'un nouveau contexte commercial désigné traditionnellement comme la « première mondialisation ». Ce nouveau contexte requiert de nouvelles règles du jeu, de nouvelles institutions, de nouvelles formes de régulation. La question de la qualité des produits et celle des marques firent toutes deux l'objet d'attentions accrues et de régulations massives au cours du dernier tiers du XIXe siècle. Elles offrirent la possibilité aux producteurs de pouvoir adopter des stratégies de marque
During the first half of the nineteenth century, consumers, in order to choose their brandies, relied on the individual reputations of retailers. Products were mainly marketed under the brands of retailers or under collective brands. In this context, the commercial horizon of the Cognac brandy producers did not go beyond the direct link with which they were in contact in the supply chain. Their reputations were not known, with some exceptions, by consumers. The institutional context did not provide the opportunity for Cognac brandy producers to sue wholesalers and retailers who defrauded the brand. Distribution intermediaries were free to act, largely because reputation and brand, were not recognized as an asset within the category of property rights. This did not mean that the reputations of the producers did not reach consumers. The promotion of producers’ names never depended on their own commercial strategies, but on the willingness of distribution intermediaries.Progressively, during the second half of the nineteenth century, a new form of coordination appeared, much less individualized, based on an impersonal form: producers’ brands. Consumers no longer trusted retailers’ reputations, but trusted an entity they did not know personally. Producers were able to take over marketing and distribution work that were formerly of distributors’ responsabilities. The institutional space, which once provided distributors with almost total freedom of action, increasingly limited the freedom of intermediaries who were considered as the main responsible for conflicts on product quality and unfair competition.The recognition of intellectual property rights in the mercantile arena is not hazardous. It is the consequence of a new business environment traditionally described as the « first globalization ». This new context required new rules of the game, new institutions, new forms of regulation. Quality of products and brands were subject of increased attention and massive regulation during the last third of the nineteenth century. They provided the opportunity for producers to adopt brand strategies

The compromise of defending, advancing and embracing new opportunities in marketing communications creativity and new knowledge from neuromarketing, whilst maintaining integrity in law and protecting consumers is a challenging equilibrium. The fine line between leading and misleading consumers is increasingly blurred. Consumer expectations and repetitive behavioural familiarity warms the buying brain to being conveniently led to hone in on products in order to expedite shopping. Such behaviour can lead to confusing and misleading marketing communications to bypass consumer rationality. Similarly, the emotional excitement and expectation of fun driven luxury shopping can entice consumers to bypass misleading marketing clues. Information overload can lead to impulsive buying decisions, followed by post rationalisation with degrees of impaired freedom of choice. A dichotomy exists between consumer behaviour models used by legislators and real human consumer behaviour. This filters into the regulatory adjudicative process. Opening up insightful discoveries of consumer buying behaviour in relation to the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations (2008) exposing a fallible process. Using deep rich ethnographic tools of organic inductive data driven expert narrative, this research uncovers answers to question whether or not subconscious marketing techniques can go under the radar of consumer regulations. Multidisciplinary deep narrative findings reveal evidence that expert definitions and consumer perceptions can differ vastly. Average consumers and rational consumers are a myth built on false premises. Expert findings concluded that it was not possible to fully legislate against subconscious marketing techniques. In light of these findings, the research recommends new models, which are presented to re-evaluate methods through better frameworks, which can be devised along with a new subconscious neuro-marketing mix paradigm based on the new study area of subconsciology.

We investigated race and gender differences in regulatory focus, which distinguishes between two modes of motivational regulation: promotion and prevention focus. Item response theory was used to examine measurement equivalence/invariance and mean differences across groups were examined. Several items functioned differently across groups, but differences cancelled out at the test-level. Analyses using an undergraduate student sample (N = 1,845) revealed that females were significantly more promotion and prevention focused than males and African Americans were significantly more promotion and prevention focused than Caucasians. Interestingly, both gender and racial minority groups scored higher on regulatory focus indicators than the majority groups. Arguably, unlike minority group members, majority group members would have less of a necessity to prevent failure or to promote their own success. Implications for these motivation regulation differences can be applied to workforce settings in which managers seek to provide equal opportunities for both genders and racial groups.

This research describes and compares different approaches of the Better Regulation implementation in Danish Ministry of Industry & Trade and Lithuanian Ministry of Economics. These two ministries have been facing many common management problems relatively at the same time period, along with the ever-changing economic challenges and EU requirements. While the Danish ministry is being one of the most effectively restructured and de-burocratized into a project organization in EU, the Lithuanian Ministry of Economics remains at quite a low level of reformation. Even though both of these ministries had common goals, their reform purposes were completely different: the Danish reform was about to increase the Ministry’s capacity in developing new policy initiatives, to increase flexibility in resource allocation, and to make the organization an attractive working place for future graduates from universities; while the purposes of Lithuanian reform are still more about general compatibility with EU requirements.

Background: Canadian youth obesity, and comorbidities, have paralleled trends in consuming nutrient-poor foods marketed by the food industry. In Canada, food marketing is largely self-regulated by the food industry under the Canadian Children’s Food and Beverage Advertising Initiative (CAI). Methods: Public television programming records benchmarked the volume of food advertising targeted to preschoolers, children, adolescents, and adults on Canadian television. Food advertising rates and frequencies were compared by age group, television station, month, food category, and company, using regression modelling, chi-square tests and principal component analysis. Results: Food advertising rates significantly differed by all independent variables. Fast food companies dominated advertising during adolescent-programming while food and beverage manufacturers dominated advertising during programming to all other age groups. CAI signatories contributed more advertising during children’s programming than non-signatories. Conclusion: Failings of self-regulation in limiting food advertising to Canadian youth demonstrate the need for statutory restrictions to rectify youth’s obesogenic media environments and their far-reaching health effects.

The new South Africa has an amazing economic growth that creates a significant opportunity for international companies to start their businesses in South Africa. For those companies which are interested in the South African market, it is very important for them to understand the factors that influence their entry-mode selection. The objective of this study is to determine the main factors that have an impact on the decision of a foreign business to enter South Africa. To achieve this objective, the researcher used an integrated study method, as follows: {u10007A} A systematic review of the popular entry-modes and the main factors influencing the entry-mode selection, sourced from the relevant literature. In addition, South African business was also introduced. {u10007A} Based on the factors related in the literature, an empirical survey was completed by those foreign companies who had already successfully entered into South Africa, in order to figure out the rank importance of these factors. With an integrated study of literature and empirical research, the rank importance of factors that have an impact on the foreign business entry-mode selection in South Africa is as follows: 1. Firm’s product 2. Control level of entry-mode 3. Ownership of entry 4. Resource commitment of entry-mode 5. Political factor 6. Firm’s objective 7. Technological factors 8. Economic factors 9. Firm’s experience in international marketing 10. Firm’s size 11. Dissemination risk of entry-mode 12. Socio-cultural factors 13. Flexibility of entry-mode Key terms: International market entry-mode South African business environment.

Genom digitalisering av samhället och teknologins utveckling har marknadsföringsstrategier progressivt reformerats, från att uppmärksamma produkter mot konsumenten till att istället sätta konsumenten i fokus. Genom avancerade algoritmer, Business Intelligence och digitala DNA spår har det blivit möjligt att individualisera och rikta marknadsföring mot konsumentens intressen och även förutse individens konsumentbeteende. Samtidigt uttrycker individer ett stort värde för anonymitet och integritet online. Trots detta fortsätter konsumenter att frivilligt att lämna sin persondata, främst via olika kundklubbar, internet och sociala medier. Detta beteende påvisar en så kallad “privacy paradox”. Privacy paradox syftar på medvetenhet och oro kring utgivandet av persondata samtidigt som man agerar annorlunda. Avsikten med denna studie var att utforska om fenomenet privacy paradox existerar inom svenska konsumenters handlingar och konsumentens medvetenhet kring användning av personlig data för riktad marknadsföring online. Det empiriska materialet i denna studie består av semi-strukturerade intervjuer med sju olika respondenter gällande deras medvetenhet, tillit och integritet online. Resultatet analyserades med hjälp av den tematiska strategin för att lättare identifiera beetendemönster som respondenterna utgav. Slutligen besvaras fenomenet privacy paradox hos svenska konsumenter genom tre forskningsfrågor 1.​“Hur medvetna är svenska konsumenter om den information som de delar med sig av, i synnerhet inom riktad marknadsföring?” 2.​“Hur mycket värnar svenska konsumenter om sin integritet?” ​3.​“ Påvisar svenska konsumenter privacy paradox och varför?”. Majoriteten av respondenterna var medvetna om personliga uppgifter online, dock varierade medvetenheten om vad för information som fanns tillgänglig både för privata användare och verksamheter. Man sa sig även värna om sin integritet men ens handlingar stödde inte detta till fullo. Med hjälp av denna studie fann man att fenomenet privacy paradox existerar hos de svenska konsumenter som deltog under denna studie. Anledningar till dessa var bland annat att man inte vill bli exkluderad från samhället och det kognitiva förtroendet till verksamheter. Man litar på att de gör rätt för sig. Värnande om integritet visades då genom att man minskade mängden personinformation som andra privatpersoner kunde komma åt. En annan anledning som uppkom var svårigheten i att bryta vanor och beteendemönster. Därför fortsätter man agera på samma sätt som tidigare, trots ny kunskap samt GDPR. Respondenter hade olika nivåer av förståelse riktad marknadsföring. Det majoriteten inte var medvetna om var mängden av lagrad information samt hur den samlas in t.ex. genom cookies.
Through digitalisation of the society and the technological development, the marketing strategies has progressively been reformed. From mainly giving attention to the product towards the consumers to instead place the consumer in the center of attention. Subsequently advanced algorithms, Business Intelligence and digital DNA tracing has enabled individualisation and target marketing, for the interest of the consumer, this also gave access to predict consumer behaviour. Meanwhile individuals put a big value on anonymity and integrity online. Despite this consumers keep sharing their data voluntary, primarily through customer clubs, the internet and social media. This behaviour demonstrates a so called “privacy paradox”. Privacy paradox refers consumers awareness and concern about sharing personal data, while still sharing their information. The purpose of this study was to examine whether the phenomenon of privacy paradox exists in Swedish consumers actions and the consumer’s awareness of the use of personal data for targeted online marketing. The empirical material in this study exists of semi-structured interviews with 7 different respondents regarding their consciousness, trust and integrity online. The results were analyzed through the thematic strategy to easily identify behavioural patterns that the respondents showed. Lastly, the phenomenon of privacy paradox in Swedish consumers is answered through three research questions 1. ​“How aware are Swedish consumers regarding the information they share, particularly in target marketing? ​2. ​“How much does the Swedish consumer care about their integrity?” ​3. ​“Does the Swedish consumer show privacy paradox and why?”. The majority of the respondents were aware that personal information exists online. The awareness regarding what kind of information that is available for both private users and organisations varied. While respondents mentioned that they want to protect their privacy, their actions proved otherwise. With the help of this study, we could conclude that the phenomenon named privacy paradox exists through the information gathered from the swedish consumers that participated in this study. Reasons being the willingness to not be excluded from society and the cognitive trust towards organizations. You trust that they do the right thing. Respondents protected privacy by reducing the amount of personal information other individuals could access. Another reason that was brought up was the difficulty in changing habits and behaviour. Therefore respondents continued doing the same things as before, despite new knowledge and GDPR. Respondents showed different levels of understanding regarding targeted marketing. However the majority was not aware of the amount of stored information and how it is collected, for example through cookies.

The thesis focuses on new marketing communication techniques. Their appearance is triggered mainly by technological progress and consumers' immunity to existing methods. Despite business ethics being part of commercial activities of majority of companies and business activities, not seldom do these upcoming and non-standard methods cross the boundaries of law and ethics. This business ethics has institutionalized itself into ethics codes. The thesis provides insight into the issue of the system of legal regulations of advertising in the Czech Republic. The regulation of ethics is executed by "Rada pro reklamu" as so-called self-regulation. The bodies of "RPR", its activity and also the "Code" and its practical application are detailed. The regulation of ethics concerning Public Relations is also involved. Trends are illustrated by many examples from real life.

For a small state such as New Zealand, trade and economic partnerships are extremely important for economic survival. However, the tyranny of distance complicates this somewhat. Historically, New Zealand has always been dependent on exporting agricultural products. There are examples in New Zealand’s history of innovative ideas being utilised to New Zealand’s economic advantage, such as the advent of refrigerated shipping to the United Kingdom. An important economic partner for New Zealand is the European Union. The European Union is the world’s largest trade power, a formidable partner for a small state, such as New Zealand, to contend with in trade related matters. The agricultural protectionist policies of the European Union are an issue for New Zealand to work around. However, the European Union is also a welcoming market for high quality products that New Zealand should supply. New Zealand’s small size means that the country has to focus on producing high quality products rather than mass production. This thesis proposes to make recommendations for the types of products New Zealand should export to the European Union, in what quantities, and by which methods. This is important for New Zealand producers and exporters to take into account if New Zealand is to expand its exports to the European Union.

Diploma thesis is focused on specifications in pharmaceutical business. It is based on knowledge of pharmacy and economy and their synthesis is describing the most significant differences in pharmacy business and other markets. Overall goal of diploma thesis was to create overview about pharmaceutical industry, its progress, trends and behavior of companies to this high risk and volatile market with keeping the rules and norms of Czech and European authorities. Target was also to form group of recommendations for companies participated in this market. To keep this target I described in the first part of diploma thesis basic terminology and theoretical knowledge about pharmaceutical market including research and development, marketing and sales and pharmakovigilance. Practical part was based on case studies specifying the most common and difficult problems and steps leading to their solutions. My personal contribution in diploma thesis is based on detailed and professional handling of the topic and in the choice of parametres which influence the most timing and capital demands of R&D projects in pharmacy and mitigation of their negative aspects.

Magistro baigiamajame darbe analizuojama šiuolaikinė Lietuvos alkoholio kontrolės politika. Stengdamasi atskleisti ir įvertinti Lietuvos alkoholio kontrolės politikos problemas, autorė atliko viešosios nuomonės tyrimą-apklausą, mokslinės literatūros analizę bei naudojo kitus mokslinius metodus. Darbe ne tik atskleidžiamas nepakankamas alkoholio kontrolės įgyvendinimas Lietuvoje, bet ir pateikiamos rekomendacijos, kaip jį pagerinti taikant efektyvias mokslu pagrįstas bei pasaulyje naudojamas alkoholio kontrolės priemones. Lietuvos gyventojai (apklausos rezultatų duomenimis) ir alkoholio kontrolės srities ekspertai alkoholio politiką šalyje vertina vidutiniškai. Daugelis Lietuvos gyventojų bei ekspertų pritartų griežtesnei alkoholio kontrolės politikai. Vienas iš didžiausių trukdžių įrodymais grįstai alkoholio politikai vystyti – aktyvi alkoholio pramonės įtaka šalyje.
Master's thesis analyzes the contemporary Alcohol Control Policy of Lithuania. Author of the work conducted a public opinion survey-interview, used the analysis of scientific literature and other methods of research to disclose and evaluate the issues of the Lithuanian Alcohol Control Policy. The paper not only reveals the lack of implementation of alcohol control in Lithuania, but also provides guidance on how to improve it with/adapting the effective science-based and used globally alcohol control measures. Lithuanian residents (survey data) and alcohol-control experts have an average view of this policy. Many of them support the stronger alcohol control policy. One of the major constraints on evidence-based alcohol policy development – strong influence of the alcohol industry in the country.

This thesis deals with the financial market intermediation and distribution on the financial market. By using situational analysis reveals connections and principles of the functioning of financial intermediation and focuses on the role of financial market regulation and commission fees. Thesis is analyzing the effects of changes in commission system and impact to different distribution models.

Inadequate resources, poor market strategy, competition, contract regulation, and disparate performance outcomes are issues small business owners face while competing for government contracts. The purpose of this correlational study was to examine the market orientation-business performance relationship and the influence of market factors among veteran-owned small businesses competing for government contracts in the United States. A survey with adapted MARKOR and Government Regulation Lassez-Faire scales was administered to 203 veteran-owned small business owners. Resource-advantage theory served as the theoretical foundation for this study. The results of the multiple linear regression were significant, suggesting that market orientation relates to firm performance and total contract revenue. However, the regression models had a poor fit, with R² values ranging from .019 to .094, suggesting that significant results of this study lacked the power to conclude predictive accuracy. Market orientation did not significantly relate to contract bid to win rate and number of years in the government market. The PROCESS moderation analysis provided mixed results for market factors’ influence on the market orientation relationship with business performance outcomes. Study participants were market-oriented, with few seeing corresponding success. The introduction of new variables is necessary to make future models useful. Implications for positive social change include guidance for better-fitting models, ones that will inform the efforts to improve the survivability of small businesses in the B2G market. Veteran-owned small business owners should not waste resources on market orientation as a sole strategic focus for capturing and winning government contracts.

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UNIEDU - Programa de Bolsas Universitárias de Santa Catarina
FUMDES - Fundo de Apoio à Manutenção e ao Desenvolvimento da Educação Superior
As modificações estruturais no modo de produção capitalista têm provocado mudanças na área social, em especial no campo da educação. Novas formas de construir políticas educacionais valorizam a relação público-privada como pressuposto da materialização da ação estatal. Nesta tese, toma-se como tema a relação público-privada na educação e define-se o objeto de estudo: as parcerias efetivadas entre o setor público e o privado no campo educativo, em municípios catarinenses. Constitui-se objetivo geral analisar os elementos que sustentam a construção das parcerias entre a administração pública e o setor privado, no campo da educação, nos municípios pesquisados. A partir do objetivo, apontam-se razões que possam orientar a construção de políticas educacionais, de modo a não naturalizar o ideal privado/mercadológico na educação pública, mas, ao contrário, a construir projetos educacionais pautados na educação enquanto atividade da práxis. O enfoque metodológico é qualitativo, documentos e entrevistas semiestruturadas - formam o conjunto de instrumentos que possibilitaram a construção de seus elementos empíricos. O materialismo histórico-dialético como dimensão teórico-conceitual da pesquisa constitui a base teórica, por meio da qual as análises foram construídas. A delimitação do campo empírico tem como base uma pesquisa exploratória, com o propósito de identificar os municípios catarinenses que mantêm parcerias e, a partir deles, três municípios da mesorregião Oeste Catarinense foram selecionados, a saber, Chapecó, Xanxerê e Lindóia do Sul. A tese está organizada em três partes denominadas dimensões: política, pedagógica e legal, a partir das quais definem-se os capítulos da tese. As conclusões apontam que a construção das parcerias público-privadas no campo da educação, nos municípios pesquisados, ocorre a partir da inter-relação de três aspectos − políticos, pedagógicos e legais −, resultado do nexo do projeto formativo do setor privado com a materialização de políticas educacionais advindas dos parceiros em direção à educação pública. Professores e alunos são elencados como principais articuladores das reformas. Assim, o contexto Estado/capital se coloca favorável à efetivação de políticas educacionais que valorizam a relação público-privada; os argumentos em favor de um tipo específico de qualidade na educação representam o discurso hegemônico dos aliados do Estado no desenvolvimento da educação pública; o arcabouço legal legitima e institucionaliza as parcerias. Dizendo de outro modo, na relação público-privada na educação dos municípios pesquisados, os elementos constitutivos das parcerias formam uma unidade coesa, a qual une o momento histórico de valorização dos ideais do mercado, o Estado financiador e marcado pela governança, e a fragilidade da qualidade educacional que precisa ser superada por modernas práticas e concepções educacionais, ambas construídas por sujeitos externos à escola. Entendemos que, nos elementos que colaboram para a construção da relação público-privada, o que está em jogo, em última instância, é a manutenção da ordem capitalista e a diminuição do embate entre capital e trabalho. E isso anula a possibilidade de construção de projetos pedagógicos cuja finalidade coincida com o processo de formação humana na perspectiva da práxis.
Structural changes in the capitalist mode of production have led to changes in the social sphere, especially in education. New ways of constructing educational policies value the public-private relationship as a presupposition of the materialization of state action. This doctoral dissertation focuses on the public-private relationship in education and examines the partnerships between the public and private sectors in education, in the municipalities of Santa Catarina state, Brazil. The term private is understood in the context of social organizations (third sector/non-state public) and private for-profit enterprises. The study’s general objective is to analyze the elements that support the construction of partnerships between public administration and the private sector in the educational field in such municipalities. It points out reasons that may guide the construction of educational policies, so as to, rather than naturalize the private/marketing ideal in public education, construct educational projects based on education as praxis. The methodological approach is qualitative, and documents and semi-structured interviews have enabled the construction of the empirical elements of the research. Historical dialectical materialism is the theoretical-conceptual basis of the analysis. The empirical field was based on an exploratory research aimed at identifying the municipalities of Santa Catarina state that have partnerships, after which three municipalities of the West Santa Catarina mesoregion were selected: Chapecó, Xanxerê and Lindóia do Sul. The dissertation is organized in political, educational and legal dimensions, based on which its chapters have been defined. Conclusions point out that the construction of public-private partnerships in the field of education, in the municipalities studied, is based on the interrelation of political, educational and legal aspects, which results from the nexus of the formative project of the private sector and the materialization of educational policies coming from the partners towards public education. Teachers and students are the main actors of the reforms. Thus, the state/capital context favors the implementation of educational policies that value the public-private relationship; the arguments in favor of a specific type of quality in education represent the hegemonic discourse of the allies of the state in the development of public education; the current legal framework legitimizes and institutionalizes partnerships. In other words, in the public-private relationship in the education of the municipalities studied, the elements of the partnerships form a cohesive unit, which brings together the historical moment of valorization of the market ideals, the funding state marked by governance, and the fragility of the educational quality that needs to be overcome by modern educational practices and conceptions constructed by subjects outside the school. Ultimately, what is at stake in the elements that contribute to the construction of the public-private relationship is the maintenance of the capitalist order and the reduction of the struggle between capital and labor. And this nullifies the possibility of building pedagogical projects whose purpose coincides with those of human education from the perspective of praxis.

This thesis examines the self-regulatory nature of the United Kingdom banking industry in relation to its effectiveness at promoting financial inclusion. This exploration is conducted through an examination of the changing culture of the banking industry from the 1600's to the present day whilst considering the effect banking regulation has played on financial exclusion and exploring the expectation gap between bank delivery and customer expectation. The thesis also examines in detail the characteristics of financial exclusion within the United Kingdom in relation to the self-regulatory mechanism, which regulates the industry, namely the Banking Code. Furthermore the thesis questions whether banks have a social responsibility towards customers who experience financial exclusion or difficulties. This thesis uses template analysis in order to analyse data collected through interviews and surveys.Through template analysis the researcher hasproduced two main templates which can be used to illustrate the process of the development of financial exclusion and its relationship with banking regulation. Stemming from these templates the thqsis puts forward four recommendations which could be adopted by the banking industry to help promote financial inclusion within the United Kingdom. The thesis makes two essential contributions to knowledge. The first is that financial exclusion has been explored using a novel methodology, namely, template analysis and a greater understanding of this social phenomenon has been uncovered. The second contribution to knowledge is that the research has shown there is an expectation gap between customer and banker which has arisen from the cultural evolution of the banking industry and in turn this has helped promulgate financial exclusion. Financial exclusion is therefore a complex and diverse problem. The findings in this thesis could be used for further research encompassing an international dimension as well as looking at other areas of the United Kingdom's financial service providers such as insurance. Therefore this piece of research can be used and adapted to examine further avenues of financial exclusion of a cross industry sector and global scale.

Consumers have begun to take a more proactive approach to their healthcare by accessing pharmaceutical companies Websites to obtain health and drug information, support groups, rebates, coupons, as well as free drug trials. In exchange for these benefits, companies require consumers to voluntarily disclose information. However, research has shown that consumers continue to be concerned about how their information is managed, used, and distributed by companies, especially if accessed via the Web. To date, there has been limited empirical research to examine the actual online practices of companies when it comes to privacy, especially those of pharmaceutical companies. Using Delphi expert panel process, the components of a benchmarking index were identified to examine the documented and actual online practices of 100 Website registrations with pharmaceutical companies. The evolution for the development of an index to measure the personal information privacy violations of pharmaceutical companies is presented. Second, empirical evidence is provided regarding the magnitude of voluntary adherence to the Fair Information Practices (FIPs) by pharmaceutical companies based upon the personal information privacy violations. The results revealed that companies with headquarters in Europe had fewer personal information privacy violations than those in Asia, UK, and the US. Moreover, the results indicate that fewer personal information privacy violations occur for chronic conditions than for non-chronic conditions, as well as fewer violations occur with Website registrations for updates than for discounts. Finally, both Europe and UK demonstrated more overall adherence to FIPs than the US and Asia. This suggests that self-regulation may not be sufficient, while more enforcement may be necessary to decrease personal information privacy violations.

Thesis (MComm)--Stellenbosch University, 2002.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: One of the phenomena's in the marketing industry of the past decade is the increased use of database marketing. Database marketing involves the collection, processing and dissemination of vast amounts of consumer information in order to compile detailed consumer databases. The increasing popularity of database marketing can be attributed to various factors. Consumer information can now be obtained easier, cheaper and faster due to the availability of information technology. It has become easier to segment consumer markets and it is possible to identify consumer trends. It is possible to make predictions of consumer behaviour or buying patterns because consumer databases provide a more complete consumer profile with information ranging from demographics, psycho graphics to life-style information. Database technology improves the efficiency and effectiveness of marketing campaigns because marketers can analyse the available information and select the most appropriate marketing strategies and tactics, while concentrating efforts on the most profitable consumer. Marketers therefore waste less effort, money, and other resources by not promoting to individuals who are unlikely to react upon such offers. Widespread databases assist marketers in offering products that are more reasonably priced and more precisely tailored for smaller, more homogeneous market segments. Improved product and service offerings as well as the availability of a wider variety of products and services will likely result in higher consumer satisfaction and could build consumer loyalty. Therefore, marketers use consumer information to improve the overall marketing strategy and individual customer service. Consumers are concerned about database marketing practices because consumers believe some data practices invade personal privacy. The need for privacy has always been inherent to human nature and the concept of privacy dates back to early mankind. One should however differentiate between an individual's basic need for privacy from a general perspective and privacy within a consumer-marketer context. Privacy from a general perspective refers to one's territoriality and need for physical seclusion, whereas consumer privacy mainly relate to the privacy of personal information. Bennett, as well as Stone and Stone proposed that a state of privacy exist when a consumer can control social interaction, unwanted external stimuli, and the dissemination of personal information as well as being able to make independent decisions without outside interference. Consumers' need for privacy is however, in conflict with the need for social interaction and the need to participate in commercial exchange relationships. The more a person interacts with other members of society, the more the person could expect to compromise some privacy. This implies that when consumers participate in a business transaction, or where an exchange relationship exists between the database marketer and consumer, consumers could expect that a degree of privacy will be lost. Consumer groups however, argue that some marketing practices invade the reasonable amount of privacy consumers should be able to expect. The raising consumer concern for privacy is attributable to several reasons. The primary driver of consumer concern is the general lack of knowledge on data collection and use. Other reasons for the raising privacy concern include the type of information collected and the amount of control consumers have over subsequent use of data; the use of personal information to identify specific individuals; collection and use of sensitive information, such as medical and financial data; the volume of information collected and used; secondary information use; the use and dissemination of inaccurate databases; the collection and use of children's data; the lack of tangible benefits received in exchange for information provided; and the use of consumer information for financial gain. Consumers have also expressed concern about electronic database marketing practices because of the secrecy in data collection and use. However, privacy concerns may vary depending on consumers' cultural orientation, age, perception on what constitutes good marketing ethics or the specific methods employed to obtain consumer data. One could distinguish between several consumer clusters when considering consumers" attitudes on database marketing practices and personal privacy. In this regard the typical South African consumer is classified as a "pragmatist". Pragmatists are concerned with privacy to the extent they are exposed to database marketing activities. The South African database marketing industry is still in its infancy phase and as the industry progress, and consumers become more knowledgeable, privacy concerns are likely to increase. It is important to address the issues that raise consumer privacy concerns and to find solutions for ensuring sustainable database marketing practice in future. Marketers' information needs and consumers' privacy needs should somehow be balanced in order to withhold government intervention. Compromises from both sides are necessary to reach a more balanced relationship between the two parties. The successful outcome of the privacy debate will depend on marketers' understanding of consumer privacy issues and by addressing these accordingly.Several approaches exist for regulating database marketing practices that invade consumer privacy: the implementation of information technology, self-regulation and government intervention. Self-regulation is preferred for regulating database marketing practices, whereas privacy-enhancing information technology is recommended as a supplemental tool for protecting consumer privacy. Government regulating seems to be the last resort because of unnecessary restrictions that might be imposed on database marketing activities. Recommended models for regulating database marketing activities and for protecting consumer privacy in South Africa are the Registration Model, together with elements of the Data Commissioner Model. These models were proposed after careful consideration of characteristics, unique to the South African database marketing industry. The models place the responsibility for data protection with the database marketer and the South African government, rather than with the consumer. The Registration Model and the Data Commissioner Model seems a viable combination for implementation in South Africa because these models acknowledge the fact that South African pragmatic consumers are not well educated and informed enough on privacy invading database marketing practices. This combination rarely involves any consumer participation and therefore suits the typical apathetic nature of South African consumers. The Registration Model acts like a notice system where an agency, currently the Direct Marketing Association of South Africa, develops principles of fair information practices to which registered marketers need to comply with. A commission, an element of the Data Commissioner Model, has power to investigate consumer complaints, constrain development of databases, review data practices and advise on improvements on data collectors' systems. The commission could also monitor advancements in information technology that may enhance consumer privacy. The only problem with these models seems to be that the agency and or the commission have no authoritative power to enforce compliance with principles and codes of conduct. Industry self-regulation in conjunction with some governmental control and the application of information technology seems to be useful in providing adequate levels of consumer privacy and data protection. Such a combination might strike a balance between South African consumers' need for privacy and South African marketers' need for consumer information.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Een van die verskynsels in die bemarkingsindustrie oor die afgelope dekade is die toenemende gebruik van databasisbemarking. Databasisbemarking behels die insameling, prosessering en verspreiding van groot hoeveelhede verbruikersinligting met die doelom gedetailleerde verbruikersdatabasisse saam te stel. Die toenemende gewildheid van databasisbemarking kan toegeskryf word aan verskeie faktore. Inligtingstegnologie maak dit baie makliker, goedkoper en vinniger om verbruikersinligting te bekom. Dit raak al hoe makliker om verbruikersmarkte te segmenteer en dit is moontlik om verbruikers tendense te identifiseer. Voorspellings kan ook gemaak word ten opsigte van verbruikersgedrag en aankooppatrone omdat die omvang van inligting in verbruikersdatabasisse strek vanaf demografiese, psigografiese tot lewenstylinligting en daarom 'n baie meer volledige verbruikersprofiel bied. Databasistegnologie verbeter die doeltreffendheid en effektiwiteit van bemarkingsveldtogte omdat bemarkers beskikbare inligting kan analiseer en die mees gepaste bemarkingstrategieë en taktieke kan selekteer, terwyl programme gerig kan word op die mees winsgewinde verbruiker. Bemarkers sal dus minder moeite, geld en ander hulpbronne vermors deurdat bemarkingsprogramme nie gerig word op individue wat heel waarskynlik nie op sulke aanbiedinge sal reageer nie. Omvangryke databasisse help bemarkers om goedkoper produkte te bied wat meer presies ontwerp is op kleiner, meer homogene marksegmente te dien. Verbeterde produk en diens aanbiedinge tesame met die beskikbaarheid van 'n wyer verskeidenheid van produkte en dienste, sal heel waarskynlik hoër verbruikersatisfaksie tot gevolg hê en kan verbruikerslojaliteit bewerkstellig. Dus, bemarkers gebruik verbruikersinligting om die algehele bemarkingstrategie en individuele diens aan verbruikers te verbeter. Verbruikers het belang by databasis bemarkingspraktyke omdat verbruikers glo dat sommige data praktyke inbreuk maak op persoonlike privaatheid. Die behoefte aan privaatheid was nog altyd inherent aan die menslike natuur en die konsep van privaatheid dateer terug tot vroeë beskawings. Daar behoort egter 'n onderskeid getref te word tussen 'n individu se basiese behoefte aan privaatheid vanuit 'n algemene perspektief en privaatheid vanaf 'n verbruiker-bemarker konteks. Privaatheid, vanaf 'n algemene perspektief, verwys na 'n individu se persoonlike ruimte en die behoefte aan fisiese afsondering, teenoor verbruikersprivaatheid wat hoofsaaklik verband hou met die privaatheid van persoonlike inligting. Bennett, sowel as Stone en Stone het voorgestel dat 'n mate van privaatheid heers wanneer 'n verbruiker beheer het oor sosiale interaksies, ongewenste eksterne prikkels, die verspreiding van persoonlike inligting, sowel as om in staat te wees om onafhanklike besluite te neem sonder invloed van buite. Verbruikers se behoefte aan privaatheid is egter in konflik met die behoefte aan sosiale interaksie en die behoefte om deel te neem aan kommersiële transaksies. Hoe meer 'n persoon in wisselwerking tree met ander lede van die gemeenskap, hoe meer kan die persoon verwag om 'n mate van privaatheid op te offer. Dit impliseer dat wanneer verbruikers deelneem in 'n besigheidstransaksie of waar 'n ruilverhouding bestaan tussen die databasisbemarker en verbruiker, kan verbruikers verwag dat 'n mate van privaatheid verlore sal gaan. Verbruikers kan 'n redelike mate van privaatheid verwag, maar verbruikersgroepe argumenteer dat sommige bemarkingspraktyke inbreuk maak op hierdie redelike verwagting van privaatheid. Die toenemende verbruikersbelang by privaatheid is toeskryfbaar aan verskeie redes. Die primêre dryfkrag agter verbruikers se belang is die algemene gebrek aan kennis oor data insameling en gebruik. Ander redes wat bydrae tot die toenemende belang by privaatheid sluit in die tipe inligting ingesamel en die hoeveelheid beheer verbruikers het oor die daaropeenvolgende gebruik van data; die gebruik van persoonlike inligting om spesifieke individue te identifiseer; die insameling en gebruik van sensitiewe inligting, soos byvoorbeeld mediese en finansiële data; die hoeveelheid inligting wat ingesamel en gebruik word; sekondêre gebruik van inligting; die gebruik en verspreiding van onakkurate databasisse; en die insameling en gebruik van verbruikersinligting om finansieël voordeel daaruit te trek. Verbruikers het ook belang getoon teenoor elektroniese databasis bemarkingspraktyke as gevolg van die geheimhouding oor data insameling en gebruik. Die belang by privaatheid mag egter varieër afhangende van verbruikers se kulturele oriëntasie, ouderdom, persepsie van wat goeie bemarkingsetiek behels of die spesifieke metodes gebruik om data aangaande verbruikers te bekom. Daar kan onderskei word tussen verskeie verbruikersgroepe wanneer verbruikershoudings teenoor databasis bemarkingspraktyke en persoonlike privaatheid oorweeg word. In hierdie verband kan die tipiese Suid-Afrikaanse verbruiker geklassifiseer word as 'n pragmatis. Pragmatiste is besorg oor privaatheid tot die mate waartoe hulle blootgestel is aan databasisbemarkingsaktiwiteite. Die Suid-Afrikaanse databasis industrie is nog in die beginfase en soos die industrie groei en verbruikers meer ingelig raak, sal besorgdheid oor privaatheid heelwaarskynlik ook toeneem. Dit is belangrik om die kwessies wat besorgdheid oor verbruikersprivaatheid veroorsaak aan te spreek en om oplossings te vind om volhoubare databasisbemarkingspraktyke in die toekoms te verseker. Daar moet gepoog word om bemarkers se behoefte aan inligting en verbruikers se behoefte aan privaatheid in ewewig te bring om sodoende owerheidsinmenging te voorkom. Opofferings van beide partye is nodig om 'n meer gebalanseerde verhouding tussen die twee partye te bewerkstellig. Die suksesvolle uitkoms van die privaatheidsdebat sal afhang van bemarkers se begrip vir verbruikersprivaatheidskwessies en om dit dienooreenkomstig aan te spreek. Die regulering van databasisbemarkingspraktyke wat inbreuk maak op verbruikersprivaatheid kan verskillend benader word: die implementering van inligtingstegnologie, self-regulering en owerheids-inmenging. Self-regulering word verkies as basis om databasisbemarkingspraktyke te reguleer, terwyl privaatheids-bevorderende inligtingstegnologie aanbeveel word as bykomende gereedskap om verbruikersprivaatheid te beskerm. Owerheidsregulering word gesien as die laaste uitweg as gevolg van onnodige beperkinge wat dit mag plaas op databasisbemarkingsaktiwitei te. Die voorgestelde modelle vir die regulering van databasis bemarkingsaktiwiteite en vir die beskerming van verbruikersprivaatheid in Suid Afrika, is die Registrasie Model, tesame met elemente van die Data Kommissaris Model. Hierdie modelle is voorgestel nadat eienskappe, uniek aan die Suid Afrikaanse databasisbemarkingsindustrie, deeglik oorweeg IS. Die modelle plaas die verantwoordelikheid van data beskerming in die hande van die databasisbemarker en die Suid-Afrikaanse owerheid, eerder as by die verbruiker. Die Registrasie Model en die Data Kommissaris Model blyk 'n uitvoerbare kombinasie vir implementering in Suid Afrika te wees, omdat hierdie modelle die feit inagneem dat Suid Afrikaanse pragmatiese verbruikers nie goed genoeg opgevoed en ingelig is oor die databasisbemarkingsaktiwiteite wat inbreuk maak op privaatheid nie. Hierdie kombinasie behels selde verbruikersdeelname en is daarom gepas by die tipiese apatiese aard van Suid Afrikaanse verbruikers. Die Registrasie Model dien as 'n kennisgee-stelsel waar 'n agentskap, tans die Direkte Bemarkings Assosiasie van Suid Afrika, beginsels vir regverdige inligtingspraktyke ontwikkel waaraan geregistreerde databasisbemarkers moet voldoen. 'n Kommissie, 'n element van die Data Kommissaris Model, het mag om verbruikersklagtes te ondersoek, die ontwikkelling van databasisse aan bande te lê en om datapraktyke te hersien en advies te gee oor verbeteringe in die stelsels van data-insamelaars. Die kommissie kan ook ontwikkelinge in inligtingstegnologie wat verbruikersprivaatheid bevorder, monitor. Die enigste probleem met hierdie modelle blyk te wees dat die agenstkap en die kommissie geen gesag het om te verseker dat beginsels en kodes van goeie gedrag afgedwing word nie. Industrie self-regulering, tesame met 'n mate van owerheidsbeheer en die implementering van inligtingstegnologie blyk nuttig te wees om voldoende vlakke van verbruikers-privaatheid en data beskerming te verseker. Dié kombinasie kan moontlik 'n balans vind tussen Suid Afrikaanse verbruikers se behoefte aan privaatheid en Suid Afrikaanse bemarkers se behoefte aan verbruikersinligting.

Thesis is dedicated to characteristics of marketing and communication mix, to analysis and evaluation of marketing and communication tools and processes of Czech branch of Philip Morris company and to possible advices. Thesis is divided into three parts. The first part is a theoretical one, dedicated to general marketing definitions. The second one deals with the specific of tobacco market and with extend and impacts of existing regulation. The last one describe the company this thesis is dedicated to, its tools and processes and also include the evaluation and some advices to improvement.

In the light of a market that showcases increased hesitation and skepticism over green marketing and environmental communication, is the necessity of a well executed corporate communication greater than ever. What can be seen on the market is corporations that are unintentionally using motive greenwashing as a tool for attracting and persuading consumers to favour the corporations image. Prior research within green marketing has put a large focus on greenwashing in product context and the effects of it on consumer behaviour. In this study greenwashing is examined in a communication context and its effect on different aspects of consumer behaviour and attitude.

Obesity is one of the major public health issues in the United States, often regarded as part of a global crisis. Companies invest billions of dollars each year towards television advertising campaigns aimed at convincing audiences how their ground-breaking discovery 'battles the bulge' or somehow offers an increased health benefit. This study examined how advertisers presented health-related claims, including health and nutrient-content claims, in U.S. adult-targeted television food commercials. The claims were compared to FTC, FDA, and USDA laws, regulations, and recommendations. A content analysis of food advertising was conducted of commercials from major and cable network programs broadcast during prime-time in the first quarter of 2009. The majority of claims match current regulations when compared to Federal references. The results show that Nutrient and Wellness claims were the most frequently cited. The type of benefit, Healthy Eating, emerged almost 3 times more than any other benefit type. This is also similar to those results which suggest advertisers' intentions were to promote overall wellness in their content delivery. As such, the Wellness Approach was identified and conceptualized, leading towards full development of a Wellness Effect theory. Implications and future research opportunities are discussed on both a theoretical and practical level.
M.A.
Nicholson School of Communication
Sciences
Communication MA

Thesis (MBA (Business Management))--Stellenbosch University, 2008.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The veterinary industry is operating in a highly regulated environment. Up till now these regulations prevented veterinarians to freely market veterinary services, especially professional services. Every business person in the biggest part of the world is subject to free-market economic pressures. However in the case of the professional, who is also a business person, these economic market-pressures could become very intense and unbalanced, and lead to what is called the “professional dilemma” (Du Preez, 2003: 8). Professional persons are governed by their respective codes of conduct. Those professionals who practice as entrepreneurs therefore need to be more business skilled and creative to successfully manage their businesses as they do not have the luxury of utilising the normal business strategies and options. The state of professionalism within the veterinary profession in South Africa in terms of entrepreneurship has been addressed in the past, but there is still a major gap in terms of providing business tools to managers in the veterinary industry. The biggest challenge in terms of the general business functions faced by veterinarians is the marketing function, thus the reason for this study. It is necessary that the highly regulated environments of professionals being understood. Therefore the research has been conducted by highlighting these environments. The researcher then continues to analyse the internal and external environment, client needs and customer profile in order to identify ways of optimising marketing opportunities.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die veeartseny industrie word bedryf in ‘n hoogs gereguleerde omgewing. Hierdie regulasies het veeartse tot nou toe verhoed om dienste, veral professionele dienste, vrylik te bemark. Besigheidspersone regoor die wêreld verkeer onder vryemark ekonomiese druk. In die geval van die professionele persoon, wat ook ‘n besigheidspersoon is, kan die ekonomiese druk baie intens en ongebalansseerd word. Daar word verwys na die “professionele dilemma” (Du Preez, 2003: 8). Professionele persone word gereguleer deur hul onderskeie kodes. Daardie professionele persone wat praktiseer as entrepreneurs moet dus oor meer besigheids- en kreatiewe vaardighede beskik om hul besigheid suksesvol te bestuur. Hulle het nie die luuksheid om die algemene strategiee te benut nie. Die stand van professionalisme in die veeartsenyprofessie in Suid- Afrika in terme van entrepeneurskap is al voorheen aangespreek, maar daar is nog steeds gapings ten opsigte van die beskikbaarstelling van besigheidsvaardighede aan bestuurders in die bedryf. Die grootste uitdaging in terme van besigheidsfunksies wat veeartse in die gesig staar, is die bemarkingsfunksie. Dit is dus die rede vir hierdie studieprojek. Dit is belangrik dat die hoogs gereguleerde omgewing van professionele persone verstaan word. Die studie begin dus deur hierdie verskillende omgewings te skets. Die studie skenk verder aandag aan die ontleding van die interne en eksterne omgewings, klientebehoeftes en –profiel om maniere te vind om bemarkingsgeleenthede binne regulasies ten volle te kan benut.

Les informations négatives sur les produits et les entreprises auxquelles les consommateurs ont accès ne sont pas toujours fiables et claires. Cette thèse étudie comment l'orientation régulatrice des consommateurs influe sur leur réaction par rapport aux informations négatives comme une fonction de l'ambiguïté des informations. Nous suggérons que lorsque les informations négatives sont ambigües, les consommateurs avec une orientation prévention, par rapport à ceux avec une orientation promotion, seront beaucoup plus influencés par les informations et susceptibles de changer en conséquence vers le bas leur attitude envers la marque. En revanche, lorsque les informations négatives sont claires, à la fois les consommateurs orientés promotion et ceux orientés prévention seront très influencés et susceptibles de revoir leur attitude à la baisse par rapport à la marque en question. De plus, nous alléguons que la diagnosticité perçue des informations exerce un rôle médiateur sur les effets proposés. Plus particulièrement, en présence des informations négatives ambiguës, l'orientation prévention (par rapport à l'orientation promotion) a tendance à amplifier la diagnosticité perçue des informations qui, en retour, accentue les effets que les informations négatives auront sur la révision de l'attitude. Quatre études expérimentales ont testé et confirmé ces hypothèses à travers trois scénarios ambigus différents : (1) quand les informations négatives proviennent d'une source dont la crédibilité est incertaine (étude 1), (2) quand la raison pour laquelle un produit défectueux est ambiguë (étude 2) et (3) quand les évaluations de produit sont très contradictoires (études 3a et 3b)
Negative information about products or companies that consumers encounter in the marketplace is not always certain and clear-cut. This dissertation explores how consumers' regulatory focus orientation affects their response to negative information as a function of information ambiguity. We propose that under the situations where ambiguity is present in the negative information, prevention-focused compared to promotion-focused consumers will be more strongly persuaded and exhibit a large downward revision of their attitude toward the brand. In contrast, under the situations where the negative information is unambiguous, both promotion and prevention-focused consumers will be strongly persuaded and revise accordingly their attitude toward the brand. Moreover, we argue that perceived diagnosticity of the information mediates the proposed effect. Specifically, in the presence of ambiguity in negative information, a prevention focus (vs. a promotion focus) leads to an inflated perceived information diagnosticity, which, in turn, accentuates the impact of negative information on judgment revision. Four experimental studies tested and confirmed these propositions in three different ambiguous scenarios: (1) when negative product information comes from a source with uncertain credibility(Study 1); (2) when the cause of a reported product failure is ambiguous(Study2), and (3) when product reviews are highly conflicting (Study 3a and Study 3b)

Baigiamojo darbo tikslas yra pateikti vystymąsi palaikančio konteksto organizacijose formavimo sprendimus remiantis coworking'o fenomenu bei pokyčiais vykstančiais ekonominėje sistemoje. Teorinėje darbo dalyje analizuojami pokyčiai ekonominėje sistemoje, organizacijose, bei individualiame lygmenyje, lėmę naujo fenomeno – coworking‘o – atsiradimą. Gilinamasi į individo vystymosi šių pokyčių akivaizdoje problematiką. Analitinėje baigiamojo darbo dalyje buvo pasitelktas K.Lewin jėgų lauko analizės modelis, leidęs coworking‘o centre užčiuopti jėgas skatinančias ir varžančias individų bendradarbiavimą – vystymosi katalizatorių. Projektinėje darbo dalyje pateikiami samprotavimai apie neišnaudotą individų potencialą, kuris yra suvaržytas išorinių reguliavimų. Išorinių reguliavimų mažinimas įvardijamas kaip vystymo suponavimo šaltinis ir siūlomas laikyti siekiamybe sociokultūrinėse sistemose.
The main aim of this master thesis is to give ground to coworking phenomenon as a suitable place for individual development and to give advice to organizations that are keen to correspond to today’s tendencies. The work consists of three parts: The theoretical part deals with topic of ongoing changes in economic system as well in organizations and in individual level, in order to gain understanding what has caused the appearing of the new phenomenon - coworking. Furthermore, author is reasoning about individual development issues in a presence of changes. The analytical part of the final work puts in practice K.Lewins’ forcefield analysis tool in order to obtain driving and restraining forces influencing cooperation level at the coworking center. In the designed part of work author is reasoning about unused individual potential, which is limited by extrinsic regulations. Reduction of the extrinsic regulations is regarded to be source of individual development.

The diploma thesis is focused on marketing strategy plan of a private pharmacy using service blueprint as a marketing tool. At the beginning the thesis deals with characteristics of specifics and state regulations of pharmacy marketing. Then the thesis analyses Czech pharmacy market in particular with regard to the expansion of pharmacy chains and also puts emphasis on current pharmacy trends that influence management and marketing of private pharmacies. The main goal is firstly to describe the components of marketing mix that pharmacies might legally use as a part of their marketing strategy. Secondly the theoretical knowledge is applied to case study of Pötting's Pharmacy. The marketing strategy plan is based on situation analysis, service blueprint and questionnaire survey.

Although mostly associated with the harmful consequences of alcohol abuse over the public health, the industry of distilled spirits represents a very important and substantial part of the economy. Nowadays, the spirits industry does not only consist of alcoholic beverages; but it is part of many cultures, creates a certain image, and provides additional incomes for the economy in the form of taxes and excises, as well as job creation. The main aim for writing this paper on this topic was to analyze the Macedonian spirits market and to suggest a marketing strategy through making parallel comparisons between specifics in different spirits markets in the world and the spirits industry in Macedonia. Working in the spirits market industry requires careful execution of the company's strategies and policies, while respecting all the legislation procedures. That is why when entering the spirits market; a good and essential analysis is necessary.

In regulated markets companies must comply with various rules, standards, and approval protocols to avoid expensive lack-of-compliance costs. Such regulations often limit the ability of companies to advertise and thereby reach out to consumers. This paper uses a qualitative multiple case-study approach to explore, from an industry perspective, how three different companies (a whisky producer, a microbrewery, and an alcohol importer) use digital advertising to raise brand awareness on the Swedish alcohol market. The firms are relatively similar in their approaches, unanimously preferring the use of social media advertising and conducting all activities through the lens of the regulations. However, the degree to which the firms are willing to take risks and find innovative solutions to the unique problems inherent to the regulated market in question differs. Although the study is context-specific, previous research has suggested that features and market practices in one regulated market can influence another. This thesis contributes to the literature on the broader topic of advertising on regulated markets, where research is primarily written from a public health perspective.

This thesis applies a sociological framework to the North American celebrity career of Canadian pianist and broadcaster Glenn Gould (1932-1982) to account for Gould's iconic status as an artist in modern musical culture. Despite the persistent cultural fascination with Gould, as evidenced in the seemingly endless supply of biographies, films, novels, and fan texts which narrate and celebrate his life and work, modern Gould scholarship has consistently neglected issues relating to his artistic reception. This thesis proposes that the modern Gould phenomenon is productively analysed in terms of the contexts of its historical production in North America, where it first originated. Focusing on the circumstances of Gould's career during his lifetime, it identifies three areas of overlapping conceptual interest that provide the basis for an explanatory account of his modern mythology: i) Gould's relationship to the culture of his time, particularly in Canada; ii) Gould's relationship to the mass media; iii) Gould's relationship to his own artistic identity. This approach is refined through the application of Stuart Hall's 'Circuit of Culture' model, which yields an understanding of Gould's celebrity in terms of the processes of its representation, production, regulation, and consumption. Against this theoretical backdrop, and consistent with the premise of my thesis, I ask some key questions: what was Gould's relationship to Canadian cultural nationalism and, specifically, a nationalist discourse of public broadcasting? How did media institutions brand his image, and for what commercial purposes? How did Gould mobilise understandings of his genius and Canadian identity through his artistic discourse and experimental media self-representations as a 'Northerner' and a technologist? Based on this analysis, the thesis concludes that Gould continues to fascinate because of the unique ideological work performed by his cultural identities, and because of the highly mediated nature of his celebrity. The ubiquity of his image on video-sharing websites and social media platforms is a vindication of his radical belief in the validity of a musical career pursued primarily through the electronic media.