Abstract:

This study investigates the transformative impact of digital service offers on consumer practices, utilizing the Theory of Social Practice (TSP) as a theoretical framework. Focusing on the use of public transportation and short-term car rental (“carsharing”) services, it explores how digital innovations reshape consumer behaviors and interactions. Through an empirical analysis of commuter practices, the research identifies how consumers use digital service offers from providers to create and adapt new practices. Key findings include the emergence of distinctive commuting behaviors, such as the use of fully electric rental cars in bus lanes during rush hours, contrasted with the use of non-electric rental cars in regular traffic lanes during off-peak times. These observations underscore a dynamic shift from established consumer practices, revealing a process where consumers actively innovate and redefine their daily routines in response to digital service offerings. The study not only highlights the fluidity of consumer practices but also suggests a research strategy focused on understanding these emerging patterns rather than on studying predefined practice modalities.

Abstract:

Monitoring the reputation of Higher Education Institutions is a key challenge. Despite decades of research and theory in Higher Education marketing addressing this issue, a definitive method for capturing and monitoring reputation of such institutions has yet to emerge. This paper argues that research into a theoretically sound method for capturing and monitoring the reputation of Higher Education Institutions has stalled due to three significant obstacles: (a) the complexity of defining the construct of reputation itself, (b) ongoing disputes regarding the appropriate methods of measurement for the constructs of reputation, (c) insufficient tailoring of the construct of reputation to the distinctive nature of Higher Education Institutions.

Abstract:

Emotions are the effect but also the cause of eating behaviors, including the purchase and consumption of snacks. As snacks become an increasingly prevalent segment of the food industry, their consumption has been linked to rising rates of overweight, obesity, and diet-related diseases. Understanding how emotional valence influences consumer attitudes and behaviors toward snacks is therefore crucial. This study explores the relationship between emotional eating and the propensity to consume unhealthy snacks, both sweet and salty. A survey of 707 representative participants revealed distinct emotional patterns in snack consumption, with choices significantly influenced by consumers’ emotional states and personal preferences. Furthermore, individuals who frequently opted for unhealthy snacks typically exhibited poorer health and financial profiles.

Abstract:

The use of new technologies should create new value for all stakeholders in the healthcare system. This article explores the transformative impact of new technologies in e-health, focusing on enhancing patient empowerment and healthcare delivery. It underscores how artificial intelligence (AI) and other innovative technologies may redefine service standards, expand functionalities, boost clinician knowledge and competencies, and relieve clinicians’ workload, thereby enabling broader and more specialized healthcare services. Through a comparative analysis of technology applications in various medical sectors, the study proposes a new, original classification of new e-health technologies according to benefits to the main healthcare stakeholders – patients, clinicians, and the healthcare system itself. The methodology includes bibliographic research and a study of selected cases of technology implementations, discussing both theoretical and practical implications for medical organizations. The classification of new e-health technologies that we propose herein a clear framework for understanding the various ways in which these innovations can be implemented to maximize their benefits across different sectors of the healthcare industry.

Abstract:

As global competition in research continues to grow, universities are becoming key centres of innovation and knowledge generation. One of the most important factors attracting research institutions to a university is its brand. This article examines how universities can collaboratively establish and achieve research goals with research institutes, using a case study of Coventry University’s partnership with the Lukasiewicz Research Network – Institute for Sustainable Technologies (Lukasiewicz–ITEE). The analysis highlights the significance of a strong brand in fostering sustainable relationships with other academic, research, and industrial partners. The practical implementation of Coventry University’s strategies, including promoting research achievements and investing in relationship development, is explored. The study demonstrates that a university’s reputation significantly enhances its appeal to potential research partners, thereby facilitating joint research projects and the commercialization of research outcomes.

Abstract:

This study conducts a bibliometric analysis to explore the relationship between consumer emotions and purchase preferences within a Virtual Reality (VR) environment. Utilizing data from the Web of Science and Scopus databases, the research employs a structured literature review (SLR) approach to identify and analyze relevant academic literature. Custom queries were used to extract data on specific keywords, titles, and abstracts, which were then processed using VOSviewer software to generate bibliometric maps. The findings highlight significant but fragmented coverage of the intersection between VR and consumer emotions, underscoring a gap in integrated studies within this domain. The study identifies distinct research clusters in VR applications, including user experience and cognitive load, and emphasizes the need for further interdisciplinary research to enhance understanding and practical application of VR in influencing consumer behavior and emotions. This analysis provides valuable insights for academics and practitioners aiming to leverage VR for improved consumer engagement and decision-making.