- P-ISSN1738-3110
- E-ISSN2093-7717
- SCOPUS, ESCI
ISSN : 1738-3110
Vol.23 No.8
Abstract
Purpose: Marketing channel satisfaction is a critical factor influencing the efficiency and long-term sustainability of distribution networks. However, conflicts arising from goal divergence, unbalanced dependence, and miscommunication often disrupt channel relationships, affecting overall satisfaction levels. This study examines the impact of these three conflict-inducing factors on marketing channel satisfaction, drawing insights from empirical research conducted in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector. FMCG sector is considered as the barometer of any economy because of its wide reach to both the urban and rural market. Research design, data and methodology: Using a structured survey and statistical analysis, the study identifies the extent to which goal misalignment, power imbalances, and communication breakdowns contribute to dissatisfaction among channel members. Results: The findings highlight that goal divergence leads to reduced cooperation, unbalanced dependence fosters opportunistic behaviour, and miscommunication exacerbates misunderstandings, collectively diminishing channel satisfaction. The study contributes to the literature on channel conflict management and offers practical implications for businesses seeking to enhance collaboration, trust, and efficiency in their marketing channels. Conclusions: The study explores how the marketing channel members like distributors, wholesalers and retailers can reduce distribution channel conflict and enhance marketing/distribution channel satisfaction. This is still important even though online selling and e-commerce has become the order of the day. This study is very relevant in the field of distribution science.
Abstract
Purpose: This study conducts a bibliometric analysis and systematic review of literature in the Scopus database (up to May 2025) on the relationship between technological incubation, value chains, and startup scaling. It explores how these processes affect distribution systems, logistics, and trade flows, enabling startups to access markets and accelerate growth. Research design, data and methodology: The study applies a descriptive documentary method, identifying key terms related to innovation, value generation, and business expansion. Bibliometric data exported from Scopus were analyzed using the Bibliometrix R package and VOSviewer. Results: The review identified 152 publications between 1997 and 2025. The United States (30), United Kingdom (24), Italy (12), Australia (11), and Germany (11) contributed 37% of the output. Thematic and co-occurrence analyses revealed seven research clusters, with core terms such as “value creation,” “ecosystem,” “entrepreneur,” and “distribution,” and emerging keywords like “supply chain,” and “business models” indicate a strategic shift toward studying how incubation and logistics integration enhance startup competitiveness and global value chain participation. Conclusions: Findings highlight that successful incubation requires embedding startups in networks that include logistics providers and trade actors. Strategic policy support for tech incubation and distribution capacity—seen in regions like China and Taiwan—can drive globally competitive industrial clusters.
Abstract
Purpose: This study aims to examine the factors influencing the success of traditional retail businesses in Nonthaburi and to develop a business model that enhances competitiveness and sustainability. The proposed model serves as a strategic tool to help traditional retailers adapt, survive, and grow in a competitive environment shaped by digital transformation and shifting consumer preferences. Research design, data and methodology: A quantitative approach was used by collecting data through structured questionnaires from 283 traditional retail business owners in Nonthaburi. The data were analyzed using t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and multiple regression analysis (MRA) to identify key factors and evaluate the relationships among variables. Results: The findings revealed that the 7Ps Marketing Mix significantly influenced business model innovation (p < 0.05). Entrepreneurial characteristics had the greatest impact, followed by competitive capability. Customer relationship management (CRM) was a key driver of innovation. Trust in technological innovation and consumer behavior also significantly influenced business model transformation (p < 0.05), reflecting the need for adaptability to market trends. Conclusion: Business model innovation was confirmed as a critical determinant of business success (p < 0.05), highlighting the importance of innovation, responsiveness to consumer needs, and strategic alignment for sustainable growth in the traditional retail sector.
Abstract
Purpose: As digital transformation reshapes global manufacturing, understanding how digital supply chain practices drive firm performance is critical. This study investigates the influence of supply chain digitalization, supply chain agility, innovation capability, digital transformation, and smart technologies on firm performance within Thailand’s manufacturing sector. Research design, data, and methodology: A structured questionnaire was distributed to 415 mid-to-senior managers in supply chain, operations, innovation, and digital transformation roles using purposive, convenience, and snowball sampling techniques. Respondents were primarily from medium to large enterprises. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) were employed to test six hypothesized relationships among digitalization, agility, innovation, smart technologies, and firm performance. Results: Findings reveal that supply chain digitalization significantly impacts both supply chain agility (β=0.217, p<0.05) and innovation capability (β=0.643, p<0.05). Digital transformation positively affects smart technologies (β=0.516, p<0.05). In turn, agility (β=0.137), innovation capability (β=0.454), and smart technologies (β=0.494) significantly enhance firm performance. Conclusions: This study confirms the strategic role of digital transformation and innovation in boosting firm performance. The results offer practical insights for manufacturing leaders and policymakers aiming to leverage digital supply chain capabilities for sustained competitive advantage in Thailand’s industrial landscape.
Abstract
Purpose: The retail sector, a vital component of Ho Chi Minh City’s service industry, plays a crucial role in driving local economic growth. However, the city's retail development continues to face limitations in adapting to modern retail trends and the demands of globalization. This study aims to improve retail productivity by leveraging technology and adopting a customer-centric omnichannel approach to enhance consumer experience. Research design, data and methodology: This study employs a qualitative research method using document analysis to synthesize successful lessons from the global retail industry and derive insights for the development of the retail sector in Ho Chi Minh City. Results: The study finds that using advance technologies along with creating smooth shopping experiences across different channels, can greatly boost customer satisfaction and improve how businesses operate. These enhancements fulfill evolving consumer expectations and strengthen the competitiveness of Ho Chi Minh City's retail sector in the international arena. Conclusions: The study recommends that local policymakers and business leaders prioritize investments in innovative retail technologies and adopt customer-focused models to drive sustainable growth. Additionally, further research should explore the practical implementation and impact of specific digital tools within the city’s retail businesses to guide effective policy and strategic planning.
Abstract
Purpose: This study examines the utilization of the Vietnam-Korea Free Trade Agreement (VKFTA) among Vietnamese small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and proposes policy measures to enhance its effectiveness. Research design, data and methodology: Despite the VKFTA’s contributions to expanding export markets and boosting bilateral trade, the utilization rate (i.e., the percentage of enterprises that actively apply tariff preferences offered by the VKFTA when exporting) among Vietnamese SMEs remains low, ranging from approximately 28% to 35% across sectors. Key barriers include limited internal capacity (such as lack of qualified personnel and poor understanding of rules of origin), high compliance costs, complex procedures, and inadequate institutional support. Results: To address these challenges, the study proposes a comprehensive policy package focusing on institutional coordination, the development of sector-specific support tools, simplification of administrative procedures, capacity-building programs, and enhanced market connectivity with Korea. These recommendations emphasize the shared responsibilities of government agencies, industry associations, and trade promotion bodies in improving SME access to and engagement with the VKFTA. Conclusions: Given that SMEs represent a substantial portion of Vietnam’s enterprise landscape, their enhanced participation in the agreement is critical to ensuring more inclusive and sustainable trade benefits from VKFTA implementation.
Abstract
Purpose: Port competition has received increasing academic attention over the past four decades, especially regarding connectivity and competitiveness. Although numerous studies have examined the impact of port connectivity, the underlying mechanisms through which both hinterland and maritime connectivity affect port competitiveness remain insufficiently explored. This study develops and tests a model to evaluate the influence of port connectivity on port competitiveness in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC). Research Design, Data, and Methodology: This study employs a mixed-methods approach, integrating both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies in a flexible and complementary manner. Data were collected through a non-probability snowball sampling technique, involving 370 respondents. A 5-point Likert scale was used, and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was employed to validate the proposed hypotheses. Results: Results reveal five key factors affecting connectivity: Locational advantage, seaport service quality, Information technology integration, Port infrastructure quality, and port authorities. Both hinterland and maritime connectivity were found to play significant roles in enhancing port competitiveness. Conclusion: The findings provide practical implications for port managers and policymakers, while also contributing to the academic literature by offering a clearer understanding of port connectivity’s role in emerging markets like Ho Chi Minh City, particularly in the context of sustainable development.
Abstract
Purpose: This study explores how mall image dimensions of atmosphere, design, and employee interaction affect customer experience in Malaysian retail malls. It also examines the role of shopping motivation as a mediator in these relationships, framed within Cognitive Appraisal Theory (CAT) and Self-Determination Theory (SDT). Research Design, Data, and Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 269 shoppers in Klang Valley, Malaysia, using a structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) via SPSS and SmartPLS to assess the relationships between mall image dimensions, shopping motivation, and customer experience. Results: The study found that mall atmosphere and design did not significantly affect customer experience. However, employee interaction had a significant and positive impact, particularly for shoppers with higher intrinsic motivation. Shopping motivation also mediated the relationship between employee interaction and customer experience. Conclusions: The findings emphasize that employee interaction plays a crucial role in shaping customer experience, outweighing the influence of physical mall attributes. Retail managers should prioritize staff training and engagement strategies, especially for motivated shoppers, to enhance customer satisfaction. This research contributes to the literature by integrating emotional and motivational factors into the understanding of customer experience, offering valuable insights for retail strategies in an increasingly competitive online market.
Abstract
Purpose: This study investigates the effects of recovery strategies and entrepreneurial orientation on business performance, with network relations acting as both a mediator and moderator, in the context of small- and medium-sized enterprise (SME) hotels in Jakarta. The research is motivated by the urgent need to understand how internal resilience and external relational capital interact to sustain business continuity in the disrupted hospitality supply chain during post-crisis recovery. Research design, data, and methodology: A cross-sectional design was employed, using survey data collected from 235 owners and managers of 1-star, 2-star, and unrated hotels operating within local distribution networks. The data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling to assess both measurement and structural models. Results: Recovery strategies enhance business performance, while entrepreneurial orientation alone does not exert a direct effect unless strengthened by network relations. Moreover, network relations mediate and moderate the relationship between internal strategies and performance, highlighting their pivotal role in the distribution ecosystem. Conclusions: Business recovery in the hospitality sector is not solely driven by internal capabilities but requires external connectivity through collaborative supply chains. Integrating strategic agility with relational resources is essential for ensuring SME hotel resilience and long-term performance sustainability.
Abstract
Purpose: As the distribution environment has recently changed, many traditional wholesale and retail businesses pursue various earning management strategies. Thus, these businesses should develop management strategies to attain efficiency and effectiveness advantages. Specifically, the demand characteristics sensitive to seasonal and external variables in addition to the performance-oriented environment could intensify the pressure on the businesses’ short-term performance based on sales records. These businesses’ structural characteristics provide environments where earning management strategies are actively used according to the managers’ overconfidence. Against this background, we attempted to examine the effects of overconfidence on earning management strategies in the businesses. Research design, data and methodology: Data were collected from 2,917 corporate years of traditional wholesale and retail businesses listed on the securities market from 2018 to 2022. We conducted regression analyses to analyze the data. Results: We found that these businesses had a higher level of real activity earning management strategy than firms in other industries. In addition, we confirmed that the higher the manager's overconfidence tendency in the businesses, the greater the level of earning management using abnormal operating cash flows. Conclusions: We suggested that a traditional wholesale and retail business’s industrial structure and the manager's tendency work in combination to affect the earning management strategy based on real activities.
Abstract
Purpose: This study addresses a research gap by providing a comprehensive analysis of the acceptance and use of wearable sports devices among active seniors, linked through an integrative theoretical framework. Based on the identification of the research gap in the current literature review, this study investigates the association between technology readiness, the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), acceptance intention, and use behavior among active seniors using sports wearable devices in South Korea. Research design, data and methodology: The study targeted adults in their 50s and 60s with experience using smartwatches or smart bands. A purposive sampling method was used, and data was collected via online surveys administered through smartphones. A total of 44-item questionnaire was developed using validated scales. Items were measured using a 5-point Likert scale. Results: The study confirmed that positive technology readiness significantly impacts all four UTAUT factors, while negative readiness does not. Among the UTAUT components, only performance expectancy and facilitating conditions influenced acceptance intention. Conclusions: The study gives evidence-based reasons why wearable devices can be used in health monitoring, promoting physical exercise, and improving the quality of life of older adults, thus showing that the integration of wearable technology into healthcare and wellness programs can be effective for seniors.