THE INFLUENCE OF COUNTRY OF ORIGIN ON PURCHASE INTENTION WITH SPECIFIC REFERENCE TO APPAREL FITTING

A. Rashid,L. Barnes 글로벌지식마케팅경영학회 2018 Global Marketing Conference Vol.2018 No.07

Introduction: Country of origin has long been of interest to many researchers (e.g. Phao, 1993; Kalicharan, 2014; Yunus and Rashid, 2016). In part, this is because consumers evaluated the quality of a product based on where it was manufactured, and this became an important issue with the majority of fashion product production taking place in developing countries. Consequently, country of origin as a branding tool became an important factor in the fashion industry (Lee et al., 2013). Previously, numerous studies have suggested that consumers’ perception of, and association with, country of origin are influenced by different factors, such as social, environmental and political factors and the workmanship of the country in question (e.g. Insch and McBride, 2004; Jim?nez and Mart?n, 2012; Lee et al., 2013; Mostafa, 2015). For example, Rashid and Barnes (2017) identified the influence the media industry has on the perception of a country’s image, i.e. the influence of a factory collapse in Bangladesh in 2013 (Bolle, 2014). In the same vein, studies on the country of origin effect have also found the influence that the halo and summary effects have on the product evaluation. For example, if consumers were less familiar with fashion products made in Indonesia, they would naturally infer the product attributes using the general image of Indonesian-made products, and thus rate the product based on their perception of the country as a whole (see also Kotabe and Helsen, 2009). In contrast, when consumers are familiar with a country’s products (i.e. fashion designers in Paris), a summary construct model operates in which consumers develop a country’s image from its product information, which then indirectly influences product perception (Han, 1989). In other words, a product naturally receives a positive attitude because of the perception of a country’s products. Moreover, studies have also examined the impact of patriotism and ethnocentric behaviour on association with country image. More recently, authors, e.g. Rashid et al. (2016) and Barnes and Rashid (2017), have also made a contribution towards managerial perspectives and issues relating to the country of origin impact on the fashion industry. However, no research to date has examined the influence of country of origin on purchase intention with specific reference to apparel fitting. Apparel fitting: Over the past two decades, authors have shown increasing interest towards the fit of apparel (e.g. Otieno et al., 2005; Apeagyei et al., 2007; Holmlund et al., 2011). For example, Shim and Bickle (1993) examined women 55 years and older as catalogue shoppers and their differences in satisfaction with the fit of apparel purchased through catalogues and found that the satisfaction level was relatively low for the entire sample of 872 respondents. Some of the key issues identified were that garment fits did not accommodate body proportions for the older market, especially those who did not fit sizes that were tailored for petit or plus sizes. Consequently, it is evident that age is an important factor in apparel fitting. Furthermore, Alexander et al. (2007) pointed out the issue of personal judgement on how a garment looks on the body. Finally, other factors have also been raised, such as fit association with comfort, body-cathexis (feelings about one’s body) and symbolic meanings in social interactions. Adding to this, Rahman et al. (2017) has also added how consumers often evaluate the product on the basis of descriptive, inferential, informational and/or visual cues, and these can be classified as extrinsic or intrinsic cues. “Extrinsic cues” are a product’s physical structure or appearance, such as price, brand name and country of origin, whereas intrinsic cues are inherent to the physical composition of a product such as fabric, fit, colour and style. Moreover, authors have very recently also looked at apparel fitting issues in online fashion retailing (Miell et al., 2017) and technologies linked to fitting, such as 3D body scanners in a retail store (Lewis and Loker, 2016). However, the apparel fit and size association with country of origin remains an under-researched area. Research design: As this study aims to explore country of origin association from an apparel fitting perspective, a qualitative interpretivist approach is adopted (Creswell, 2007; Welch et al., 2011). This is a significant contribution to the country of origin study, as previous country of origin studies from consumer perspectives have prominently been quantitative in nature (e.g. Insch and McBride, 2004; Jim?nez and Mart?n, 2012). Participants for study will be chosen using a judgemental approach, in particular female shoppers who consider fitting an important factor when deciding on the brand from which to purchase a product. To carry out the study, the project will use face-to-face semi-structured interviews. The semi-structured interview questions derive from the country of origin literature and are influenced by theory planned behaviour model (TBP) (Azjan, 1991), taking into account both individual and social factors that may influence customer intention and attitude towards apparel fitting and its association and or perception of a country. Interviews will last between 60 and 90 minutes and will be conducted by the researchers from March 2018 to September 2018. To analyse the data, a thematic analysis approach will be utilised to develop an understanding of the meaning, as interpreted by participants. Discussion and conclusion: The data collection for this study will help address the gap regarding how consumers deem fit as one of the important factors influencing purchasing behaviour, but also their perception of how they associate a fit of a product with the country of origin of different fashion brands. The findings will make a contribution to the literature on country of origin, fashion branding and product management. The study may also introduce practical implications on how to make the service better in a fashion retail setting, where apparel fit is becoming an issue. Thus, the study may also add knowledge to the literature on service marketing.

Disruptive Factors and Customer Satisfaction at Chain Stores in Karachi, Pakistan

Aamir RASHID(Aamir RASHID ),Rizwana RASHEED(Rizwana RASHEED ),Noor Aina AMIRAH(Noor Aina AMIRAH ),Asyraf AFTHANORHAN(Asyraf AFTHANORHAN ) 한국유통과학회 2022 유통과학연구 Vol.20 No.10

Purpose: This study aims to determine the relationship between disruptive factors and customer satisfaction at chain stores. Survey-based questionnaires were designed in the distribution technique to measure the findings in this study. Research design, data, and methodology: In terms of the sampling technique, the researchers adopted the simple random sampling technique with a total of 200 sample sizes. For the statistical method, the researchers applied multiple linear regression analysis to determine the potential factors that affect customer satisfaction at chain stores. The analysis of this study measured how product quality, pricing policies of chain stores, design and layout, responsiveness, and location of chain stores impart their roles in customer satisfaction. Results: This study found a significant relationship between the product quality and location of chain stores on customer satisfaction. In addition, the responsiveness, pricing policy, and physical design of chain stores impart an insignificant role in customer satisfaction. However, it is proven that the location of chain stores and product quality positively impact customer satisfaction. Conclusions: The study is geographically limited to the region of Karachi, Pakistan. Therefore, the findings may differ in the context of study implications in the other areas.

A Decision Approach for Analysing the Role of Modern Methods, Project Management and Integrated Approaches in Environmentally Sustainable Construction Projects

Rashid Maqbool,Moneesh Bhuvaneswaran,Yahya Rashid,Ayman Altuwaim,Saleha Ashfaq 대한토목학회 2023 KSCE Journal of Civil Engineering Vol.27 No.8

A global concern for a transition to a sustainable construction approach is imminent and highly important. This research aims to identify a justifiable strategy to improve sustainable constructionsuccess. To enhance the success rate of sustainability, important factors contributing to the cause such as project management, integrated approaches, and modern methods of construction (MMC) are studied. The core ideology is to understand the relational attributes of these factors, their significance, and the mediating effect of modern methods of construction (MMC) in sustainable project success. A deductive research approach is undertaken, by performing a web-based self-administered quantitative questionnaire survey with 5-point Likert scale. The survey adopts the snowball purposive sampling technique to collect data from construction professionals like project managers, architects, contractors, researchers, etc. The survey recorded a total of 149 responses, majorly from the UK, forming the base for several statistical data analysis techniques, supporting the formulation of research findings. Structural equation modeling is the cardinal analysis approach carried out to draw relational values between the principal research factors. The findings of the research highlight that both project management and integrated approaches display a significant positive relationship with sustainable construction project success. It is observed that project management and integrated approaches have positive impact on sustainable construction success with R = 0.208 and R = 0.569 respectively, at a significance value <0.05. Moreover, incorporating modern methods of construction as the mediating factor further enhances the project success rate. Thus, it can be depicted that in order to gain a maximum output from project management and integrated approaches to build the sustainable construction the role of modern methods of construction is critical. The research will help to bridge the gap between available extensive knowledge on sustainable construction and scant information on its successful implementation.

7Effects on Thermal and Ablative Properties of Phenolic Resin (Novolac) Blended Acrylonitrile Butadiene Rubber

Rashid Nawaz,Naghmana Rashid,Zulfiqar Ali,Asad U. Khan,M. Shahid Nazir,Noaman Ul-Haq 한국섬유공학회 2018 Fibers and polymers Vol.19 No.6

In this work we investigated the ablative response and thermal properties of phenolic resin (PR) blended acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) composites. PR was added to NBR in the proportion of 0, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 phr by means of two-roll laboratory mill. PR remarkably improved ablation resistance and thermal properties of NBR/PR composite. The linear and mass ablation rates reduced to 21.3 % and 26.1 % respectively. The char content deposition increased from 0.19 to 26.8 %. Char layer produced by PR, obviously reduced the erosion rate of the NBR/PR composite relative to neat NBR (without PR). Detailed morphological studies of the composite and post-test (ablation) microstructure of char revealed that higher loading of PR in the rubber composite produced dense char layer firmly intact to the substrate. Furthermore, thermal stability of the composite improved by 22-23 ºC, however, thermal conductivity of the composite slightly increased by 0.115 W/mK for 50 Phr of PR loading as compared to the neat.

Elimination of solidification shrinkage defects in the casting of aluminum alloy

Rashid Ali,Muhammad Zafar,Tareq Manzoor,Woo-Young Kim,Muhammad Usman Rashid,Syed Zameer Abbas,Behzad Ahmed Zai,Muddassir Ali 대한기계학회 2022 JOURNAL OF MECHANICAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Vol.36 No.5

In this study, the analysis is carried out to optimize in-gate position and size of riser for casting mold. The baseline size of riser for the casting of boat propeller is based on geometric modulus and thermal analysis. The riser size is analyzed with thermal-volumetric numerical calculations to predict critical fraction solid (CFS) time and temperature gradient in casting. Simulation predictions are compared with inspection results of actual castings and found good qualitative agreement. The riser reached CFS temperature well before the castings’ cross-sectional transition regions. In feeding the molten metal, the in-gate is placed where the section modulus of casting is higher. However, the tongue of sand at in-gate increases the local cooling rate, resulting in early solidification and blockage of feeding path. The increase in riser size and in-gate position results in elimination of shrinkage cavities. An optical microscopy of the casting critical region is carried out to investigate the effect of numerical measures on internal closed microporosity and microstructure morphology.

NUMERICAL THERMAL ANALYSIS OF REGENERATIVE TYPE SINGLE RADIANT TUBE BURNER

Rashid Ali khan,Kashif Rashid,Sang Keun Dong 한국신재생에너지학회 2015 AFORE Vol.2015 No.11

SYSTEM DESIGN AND NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF ANODE SUPPORTED FLAT TUBULAR SOFC 1kW STACK PART-1

Kashif Rashid,Dr. Sang Keun Dong,Rashid Ali Khan 한국신재생에너지학회 2015 AFORE Vol.2015 No.11

Fuzzy logic model for the prediction of concrete compressive strength by incorporating green foundry sand

Khuram Rashid,Tabasam Rashid 사단법인 한국계산역학회 2017 Computers and Concrete, An International Journal Vol.19 No.6

This work is conducted with the aim of using waste material to reserve the natural resources. The objective is accomplished by conducting experimentation and verify by modeling based on fuzzy logic. In experimentation, concrete is casted by using natural/river sand as fine aggregate and termed as control specimen. Natural sand is conserved by replacing it with used foundry sand (UFS) by an amount of 10, 20 and 30% by weight. Fresh and hardened properties of concrete are investigated at different ages. It is observed that compressive strength and modulus of elasticity reduced with the increase in amount of UFS. Furthermore, concrete compressive strength is predicted by using fuzzy logic model and verified at different replacement ratio and age with experimental observations.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation: Its role and place in the development of Eurasia

Rashid Alimov 한양대학교 아태지역연구센터 2018 Journal of Eurasian Studies Vol.9 No.2

This article analyses the role and place of the SCO in the development of interstate interaction in the Eurasian space, as well as the condition of and prospects for the main areas of multifaceted cooperation within the Organisation. The author further analyses the characteristics of the SCO partnership system as amodel of interstate interaction that can provide an institutional platform for broad regional economic cooperation within the context of the new realities of Eurasian development, the implementation of member states’ national development strategies, the linking of efforts to align integration processes within the EAEU, and the implementation of China’s One Belt, One Road initiative with the potential to form an overarching partnership between countries of Eurasia and the Asia-Pacific region.

Enhanced reutilization value of shrimp-shell waste via fed-batch biodegradation with higher production of reducing sugar, antioxidant, and DNA protective compounds

Rashid, Harun Ar,Jung, Hyun Yi,Kim, Joong Kyun The Korean Society of Fisheries and Aquatic Scienc 2018 Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Vol.21 No.10

As a process for commercial application, production of reducing sugar, antioxidant, and DNA protective compounds from shrimp-shell powder was investigated in a fed-batch biodegradation using Bacillus cereus EW5. The fed-batch biodegradation was operated in a 5-L bioreactor for 96 h according to three times pulse-feeding strategy. On the basis of the equal working volume (3 L), the fed-batch biodegradation showed a better production of the target compounds than the batch biodegradation, with higher cell density and shortened biodegradation period. The maximum values of the target compounds were 0.297 mg/mL of reducing sugar, 92.35% DPPH radical scavenging activity, 98.16% ABTS radical scavenging activity, and 1.55 reducing power at $A_{700}$, which were approximately 12.1, 3.4, 5.2, and 8.4% enhanced, respectively, compared with those obtained from the batch biodegradation. The fed-batch culture supernatant also showed the enhanced DNA damage inhibition activity than the batch culture supernatant. As a result, the fed-batch biodegradation accompanied by high cell density could produce more useful compounds, enabling an increase in the reutilization value of shrimp-shell waste.