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Browsing by Author "Du Preez, Ronel"

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Apparel shopping behaviour. Part 1, Towards the development of a conceptual theoretical model
(AOSIS Publishing, 2003-10) Du Preez, Ronel
Apparel shopping behaviour in a multicultural society is a complex phenomenon. The objective of this paper is to analyse various theoretical models from two disciplines, namely Consumer Behaviour and Clothing, and to develop a new conceptual theoretical model focussing on variables influencing apparel shopping behaviour in a multicultural consumer society. Variables were presented as market dominated, consumer dominated, and/or market and consumer interaction variables. Retailers, marketers, educators, researchers and students could benefit from the proposed model and recommendations are made in this regard. Part 2 reports on an empirical study based on the proposed conceptual theoretical model and discusses market segments and profiles.
Apparel shopping behaviour. Part 2, Conceptual theoretical model, market segments, profiles and implications
(AOSIS Publishing, 2003-10) Du Preez, Ronel; Visser, Elizabeth M.
This article is based on the conceptual theoretical model developed in Part 1 of this series of articles. The objective of this research is to identify female apparel consumer market segments on the basis of differentiating lifestyles, shopping orientation, cultural consciousness, store patronage and demographics. These profiles are discussed in full and the implications thereof for retailers, marketers and researchers are highlighted. A new conceptual model is proposed and recommendations are made for further research.
Apparel shopping orientation : two decades of research
(South African Association of Family Ecology and Consumer Sciences (SAAFECS), 2001) Visser, Elizabeth; Du Preez, Ronel
Shopping orientation is a complex and multidimensional concept. Defining shopping orientation is extremely difficult, due to numerous interrelated variables. Although the concept shopping orientation is described by researchers from various perspectives, certain major variables (or concepts) are repeated in the different descriptions. Stone (1954) introduced the concept shopping orientation. He referred to shopping lifestyles or shoppers’ styles that place emphasis on certain activities in particular. Other researchers added to this definition by pointing out that shopping-specific lifestyles encompass shopping activities, interests, and opinions. The definitions of shopping orientation reflect a view of shopping as a complex personal, economic, social and recreational phenomenon (Darden & Howell, 1987; Hawkins et al, 1989:641; Kwon et al, 1991; Shim & Bickle, 1994; Shim & Kotsiopulos, 1992a; Shim & Kotsiopulos, 1993; Shim & Mahoney, 1992).
Developing emotional intelligence as a key psychological resource reservoir for sustained student success
(AOSIS Publishing, 2015-07) Gorgens-Ekermans, Gina; Delport, Marthinus; Du Preez, Ronel
Orientation: The dire educational situation in South Africa has urged researchers to investigate predictors of sustained student success. - Research purpose: To investigate to what extent an Emotional Intelligence (EI) intervention impacts the level of EI, and critical psychological resources (affect balance, cognitive thought- pattern strategies as a sub-component of self-leadership, perceived stress and academic self- efficacy) necessary for student success. - Motivation for the study: Non-cognitive personal resources (such as EI) may indirectly contribute to student success. - Research design, approach and method: A controlled experimental research design was conducted to test the effect of an EI developmental intervention on affect balance, academic self-efficacy, cognitive thought-pattern strategies, and perceived stress, using a sample of first-year students (n = 114). - Main findings: Limited support of the utility of the intervention to increase EI emerged; whilst stronger support emerged that academic self-efficacy was affected by the intervention. No direct empirical support for the impact of increased EI on the other measured psychological resources was obtained, although some trends in the data could be observed. - Practical/managerial implications: Investments in EI developmental interventions, as part of student-support initiatives, should be further investigated to sufficiently justify its potential to influence sustained student success. - Contribution/value-add: The results of this study lay a foundation that suggest EI could be malleable and influence academic self-efficacy. More research is necessary regarding supplementary teaching and learning initiatives focused on non-cognitive personal resources, which are complementary to the academic offering at tertiary institutions, with the expectation of increasing the student success rates.
Female apparel shopping behaviour within a multi-cultural consumer society : variables, market segments, profiles and implications
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2001-12) Du Preez, Ronel; Visser, E. M.; Du Toit, J. B.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Dept. of Industrial Psychology.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Female apparel shopping behaviour in a multi-cultural consumer society is a complex phenomenon. This study set out to identify the variables that influence female apparel shopping behaviour in a multi-cultural consumer society and to determine whether distinct clusters of female apparel shoppers could be identified. Three theoretical models from the two study disciplines, Consumer Behaviour and Clothing and Textiles, were investigated, i.e. the Sproles Model of Fashion Adoption, the Engel-Blackwell-Miniard Model of Consumer Decision-Process Behaviour and De Klerk's Clothing Consumer Decision-making Model. These models were synthesised and developed further into a new conceptual theoretical model of variables influencing female apparel shopping behaviour in a multi-cultural consumer society. The Macro conceptual theoretical model presented the variables under market dominated variables, market and consumer interaction variables and consumer dominated variables. The scope of the study was delimited by the choice of two primary variables under each classification, for further investigation. The variables investigated were: the place of distribution, the apparel product, shopping orientation, patronage behaviour, socio-cultural influences (family, lifestyle and culture) and demographics. An overview of the South African apparel industry was provided and future trends in retailing were highlighted. Literature on shopping orientation as a variable was extensively studied, resulting in a proposed new classification system. Lifestyle and cultural consciousness, i.e. the individualist and collectivist orientation, and the impact thereof on female apparel shopping behaviour were investigated. Data for this exploratory study were generated by means of a store-intercept research method. A questionnaire was developed and trained fieldworkers undertook in-store interviews with approximately eight hundred female apparel shoppers representative of three population groups, African/black, coloured and white. The data analysis yielded acceptable questionnaire reliability and multivariate statistics showed shopping orientation and lifestyle to be multi-dimensional constructs with three components each. The three shopping orientation components were labelled shopping selfconfidence and enjoyment; credit-prone, brand-conscious and fashion innovator and local store patronage. A Yuppie lifestyle, apparel-orientated lifestyle and a traditional lifestyle were the three labels ascribed to the lifestyle components. Three clusters of female apparel shoppers were formed by means of cluster analysis, according to the three components of lifestyle and shopping orientation respectively, the two cultural consciousness scales and eleven patronage behaviour items. A demographic profile of each cluster completed the typology of the three female apparel shopper groups. Group one was the largest (49%) and was labelled Actualisers. Group two (28%) was labelled Strugglers and group three (22%) Aspirationals. The female apparel shopper could therefore be successfully segmented into distinct market segments with statistically significant differences in profiles. The profiles showed similarities to international and South African typology research. The results are presented in a conceptual model. The following main implications for manufacturers, marketers, retailers, researchers, educators and students can be stated: .:. Knowledge regarding consumers will be of paramount importance for survival in the competitive and more globally orientated 21st century . •:. The female apparel market is not homogeneous. Different groups of consumers require different types of products and will evaluate them differently. Modern technology such as CAD, EDI, QR and CIM should be implemented to assist stakeholders in this regard. Fashion changes rapidly and if the window of opportunity is not seized, it is lost . •:. Different advertising and marketing strategies are necessary to reach the various female apparel shopper groups. Special attention should be given to advertising approaches and media vehicles that will gain the attention of the various groups . •:. Electronic retailing and marketing will form a large part of future retailing and marketing activities. Stakeholders should be geared towards seizing these opportunities for growth. .:. Researchers, educators and students will benefit from the application of the Conceptual Theoretical Model - a Macro perspective. It could provide a conceptual framework for curriculum development, be used as an evaluation tool and assist in the understanding of the complexities of variables impacting on female apparel shopping behaviour in a multi-cultural consumer society. Recommendations for future research were made in order to encourage researchers to research the complex nature of female apparel shopping behaviour in a multi-cultural consumer society scientifically.
Implementing efficient and effective learnerships in the construction industry
(AOSIS Publishing, 2010-11) Mummenthey, Claudia; Du Preez, Ronel
Orientation: Overcoming skills deficits has been a major concern in South Africa since the advent of democracy in 1994. - Research purpose: This study investigated the current state of the learnership system in the construction sector and identified the major obstacles. - Motivation for the study: The study was an attempt to illustrate why it is necessary to implement efficient and effective learnerships in the construction industry. - Research design, approach and method: A learnership evaluation framework was developed and indicated the critical factors for efficient and effective learnership implementation as well as the roles of the various key stakeholders. The sample included respondents from building and civil companies (n = 90), learners (n = 135), accredited training providers (n = 14) and Construction Education and Training Authority and industry-related bodies (n = 10). - Main findings: It was found that descriptive statistics, non-parametric tests and a content analysis of the Western Cape data indicated that, despite low satisfaction with the system in the workplace and among institutional providers, the learnership system was nevertheless regarded as an appropriate means to develop artisans. - Practical/managerial implications: Companies were motivated to offer learnerships but felt inadequately prepared for actual implementation. Learnerships were felt to demonstrate effectiveness in terms of employability and skills enhancement. - Contribution/value-add: This research provides a theoretical framework to understand, describe and assess the implementation of efficient and effective learnerships in the construction industry.
Implementing efficient and effective learnerships in the construction industry
(AOSIS OpenJournals, 2010-03) Mummenthey, Claudia; Du Preez, Ronel
Orientation: Overcoming skills deficits has been a major concern in South Africa since the advent of democracy in 1994. Research purpose: This study investigated the current state of the learnership system in the construction sector and identified the major obstacles. Motivation for the study: The study was an attempt to illustrate why it is necessary to implement efficient and effective learnerships in the construction industry Research design, approach and method: A learnership evaluation framework was developed and indicated the critical factors for efficient and effective learnership implementation as well as the roles of the various key stakeholders. The sample included respondents from building and civil companies (n = 90), learners (n = 135), accredited training providers (n = 14) and Construction Education and Training Authority and industry-related bodies (n = 10). Main findings: It was found that descriptive statistics, non-parametric tests and a content analysis of the Western Cape data indicated that, despite low satisfaction with the system in the workplace and among institutional providers, the learnership system was nevertheless regarded as an appropriate means to develop artisans. Practical/managerial implications: Companies were motivated to offer learnerships but felt inadequately prepared for actual implementation. Learnerships were felt to demonstrate effectiveness in terms of employability and skills enhancement. Contribution/value-add: This research provides a theoretical framework to understand, describe and assess the implementation of efficient and effective learnerships in the construction industry.
Importance of apparel store image attributes : perceptions of female consumers
(AOSIS Publishing, 2006-04) Visser, Elizabeth; Du Preez, Ronel; Janse Van Noordwyk, Hester
This qualitative research focused on identifying those store image attributes perceived as important by a selected group of female apparel consumers. In addition, their perception of Lindquist’s proposed dimensions of store image attributes was examined. Data were collected by means of eight focus groups. The non-verbal quali-quantive Schutte Visual Scale was employed to quantify responses. Results indicated that Merchandise and Clientele were perceived as the most important dimensions, followed by Service. The dimension Physical facilities was perceived as the least important. Differences between age and population groups were investigated. The store image attribute dimensions generated by the respondents differed slightly from those proposed by Lindquist. Implications for retailers and for further research were formulated.
Improvisational theatre as team development intervention for climate for work group innovation
(AOSIS Publishing, 2010-11) Kirsten, Burgert; Du Preez, Ronel
Orientation: Changes in business environments have resulted in a need for the development of innovative teams. Improvisational theatre as a technique could contribute to the understanding of how individuals can work together and be innovative. - Research purpose and motivation: This study evaluates the influence of a team development intervention utilising improvisational theatre exercises on innovative work group climate. - Research design, approach and method: A quasi-experimental non-equivalent control group design was employed with an experimental group and a control group from a healthcare managerial division. - Main findings: Repeated-measures ANOVA results indicated that for innovative work group climate as a whole, as well as for three of its factors, namely participative safety, vision, and task orientation, the experimental group’s scores improved significantly (p < 0.05). Support for innovation did not show significant differences. - Practical/Managerial implications: This research has shown that improvisational theatre is a team development tool that can be used to assist work teams in creating a climate for innovation. - Contribution/value-add: This study extends the body of knowledge in the field of team building and highlights the contribution that improvisational theatre can make toward the development of work teams.
Improvisational theatre as team development intervention for climate for work group innovation
(AOSIS OpenJournals, 2010-03) Kirsten, Burgert; Du Preez, Ronel
Orientation: Changes in business environments have resulted in a need for the development of innovative teams. Improvisational theatre as a technique could contribute to the understanding of how individuals can work together and be innovative. Research purpose and motivation: This study evaluates the influence of a team development intervention utilising improvisational theatre exercises on innovative work group climate. Research design, approach and method: A quasi-experimental non-equivalent control group design was employed with an experimental group and a control group from a healthcare managerial division. Main findings: Repeated-measures ANOVA results indicated that for innovative work group climate as a whole, as well as for three of its factors, namely participative safety, vision, and task orientation, the experimental group’s scores improved significantly (p < 0.05). Support for innovation did not show significant differences. Practical/Managerial implications: This research has shown that improvisational theatre is a team development tool that can be used to assist work teams in creating a climate for innovation. Contribution/value-add: This study extends the body of knowledge in the field of team building and highlights the contribution that improvisational theatre can make toward the development of work teams
Intention to quit amongst generation Y academics in higher education
(AOSIS Publishing, 2013-11) Robyn, Anecia; Du Preez, Ronel
Orientation: For a higher education institution (HEI) to maintain a long-term trajectory of excellence, a strong focus on retaining a younger generation of skilled academics is needed. - Research purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate intention to quit amongst Generation Y academics in HEIs. - Motivation for the study: Higher education institutions are more dependent on the abilities and commitment of their staff than most other organisations. More than 4000 academics will retire and need to be replaced by 2018, providing justification for the study of intention to quit of academics. - Research design, approach and method: An ex post facto quantitative research design was followed. Academics at six HEIs in South Africa were sampled. Measurement instruments included abridged versions of the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale, Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire, Arnold and Feldman Intention to Quit Scale, Job Descriptive Scale and Chew’s reward scale. - Main findings: Employee engagement, job satisfaction, remuneration, reward, recognition and transformational leadership were significantly related to intention to quit. In the partial model, three of these variables explained 45% of the variance in intention to quit. Partial least square path modelling revealed that employee engagement and job satisfaction have significant negative impacts on intention to quit. - Practical/managerial implications: The findings serve as input for the development of efficacious strategies to retain Generation Y academics at HEIs in South Africa. - Contribution/value-add: This study contributes to our knowledge of intention to quit amongst Generation Y academics. It provides evidence of the complexity and inter-relatedness of variables in the phenomenological network of intention to quit.
An investigation into a peer module mentoring programme in economic and management sciences
(Clute Institute, 2013-10) Du Preez, Ronel; Steenkamp, Leon P.; Baard, Roelof S.
All South African universities face the challenges of student success and retention - a challenge compounded by under-prepared students from diverse backgrounds. This article explores peer module mentoring as a possible approach to facilitate student success in Economic and Management Sciences. An ex post facto quantitative research methodology, with a web-based questionnaire, was implemented. Perspectives of both mentors and mentees who participated in the faculty module mentoring programme during 2012 were investigated regarding their motivation for participation and evaluation of the programme. The module mentoring programme was experienced as being beneficial by both the mentors and mentees. Altruistic, cognitive, social, personal growth and financial benefits were derived from the programme. The findings provide a strong argument in favour of the expanding and continuation of module mentoring programmes in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. The findings are not generalisable beyond the scope of the particular faculty and institution, but provide input and guidance for decision-making related to student support initiatives. The continuance of the module mentoring programme entails investments in terms of both money and time. This article considers the benefits derived from these investments in a faculty-wide module mentoring programme at a South African university.
The mature female clothing shopper : profiles and shopping behaviour
(AOSIS Publishing, 1996-06) Visser, Elizabeth M.; Du Preez, Ronel; Du Toit, J. B.
This study was designed to profile the mature female clothing shopper. More specifically certain variables that could be attributed to differences in consumer behaviour were investigated. Mature female clothing shoppers were segmented as clothing moderates, clothing enthusiasts and the clothing unconcerned . These three cluster groups significantly differed regarding clothing involvement, clothing orientation, activities, interests, opinions, family orientation, needs and media usage. No significant differences were found among the three groups regarding evaluative criteria for clothing and clothing store attributes. Profiles of the clusters were developed, along with applicable marketing implications. Recommendations for further research are made.
Measuring the impact of branded alcohol advertising and price on brand versus segment consumption
(The Clute Institute, 2014-12) Terblanche-Smit, Marlize; Du Preez, Ronel; Van Der Spuy, Tiaan; Industrial Psychology
Branded advertising, a foundation of brand-building efforts, seek to persuade consumers to select a specific brand over a competitor brand. The objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness of branded advertising in the alcoholic beverage industry of South Africa, particularly with regard to the relationship between alcohol advertising, price effects and alcohol consumption (brand and segment). A causal research design was used, which included secondary data analysis (SDA) and quantitative time series data analysis spanning a 32 months period. Variables included brand advertising expenditure; -sales volume; -market share; -retail selling price (RSP); and segment volume. Tests for stationarity, co-integration and regression were applied to assess associations between constructs. The findings indicate that branded alcohol advertising had little or no effect on brand- and segment consumption, or brand market share whereas price effects were significant. Limitations include the scope of the time series of data and the exclusion of below-the-line advertising expenditure. Notwithstanding, this paper provides evidence to support the imperative of the integrated marketing mix and optimal combination of marketing mix elements.
A sample survey of computer-based training with reference to success criteria and remedial procedures
(AOSIS Publishing, 2000-06) Du Preez, Ronel; McElligott, D.
The aim of the study is to conduct an investigation into the status-quo of computer-based training (CBT) at one of the leading Life Assurance companies in South Africa. The investigation comprises the development of a generic theoretical taxonomy of successful CBT which identi¢es the theoretical macro and micro criteria for successful CBTand its implementation. Core di¡erences between the ideal and actual CBT in practice are identi¢ed. Results indicate that the CBTat the company satis¢es the majority of the micro and macro success criteria. A few inadequacies are identi¢ed. Recommendations are made with regards to various remedial procedures.The incorporation of the theoretical taxonomy and the remedial procedures would serve to increase the success of companies CBTand could result in a highly e⁄cient and e¡ective CBT programme.
Store image : scale development. Part 2
(AOSIS Publishing, 2008-10) Du Preez, Ronel; Visser, Elizabeth; Janse Van Noordwyk, Hester
The aims of this article (the second in a three-part series) are threefold, namely to (1) develop a scale for the measurement of the perceived importance of store image dimensions , (2) purify the developed scale to illustrate acceptable reliability and (3) develop and refine this scale for practical implementation in the apparel retail environment. A four-phase approach was documented for scale development. The provisional scale was purified and tested by means of two pilot studies and the data was subjected to Cronbach alpha and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). A revised model of apparel store image was proposed. Model fit results indicated that fit can still be improved. Results culminated in a 55-item Apparel Store Image Scale that showed good reliability.
Store image : scale implementation Part 3
(AOSIS Publishing, 2008-10) Du Preez, Ronel; Visser, Elizabeth; Janse Van Noordwyk, Hester
This paper is the final in the three-part series regarding store image. The purposes of this article are to (1) implement the developed scale to assess whether it illustrates acceptable psychometric properties of reliability and validity, (2) assess the model fit of the developed scale and (3) formulate recommendations for future research. Results indicated that the Apparel Store Image Scale (ASIS) shows acceptable reliability and model fit. A refined definition of store image together with a final model of apparel store image is proposed. Recommendations for future research are made.
Store image : scale implementation. Part 3
(AOSIS OpenJournals, 2008-11) Du Preez, Ronel; Visser, Elizabeth; Janse van Noordwyk, Hester
This paper is the final in the three-part series regarding store image. The purposes of this article are to (1) implement the developed scale to assess whether it illustrates acceptable psychometric properties of reliability and validity, (2) assess the model fit of the developed scale and (3) formulate recommendations for future research. Results indicated that the Apparel Store Image Scale (ASIS) show acceptable reliability and model fit. A refined definition of store image was proposed together with a Final Model of Apparel Store Image. Recommendations for future research are made.
Store image : toward a conceptual model. Part 1
(AOSIS Publishing, 2008-10) Du Preez, Ronel; Visser, Elizabeth; Janse Van Noordwyk, Hester
The lack of a universal definition and conceptual model of store image guided the aims for this research, namely to 1) delineate the underlying structure of the store image construct; 2) formulate a definition of store image; and 3) develop a model of the underlying theoretical structure of store image. An in-depth literature review was done to specify the domain and to delineate the underlying structure of this construct. The knowledge gained was incorporated into the model of apparel store image that served as point of departure for the development of a scale to measure the importance of apparel store image dimensions.
Store image : toward a conceptual model. Part 1
(AOSIS OpenJournals, 2008-11) Du Preez, Ronel; Visser, Elizabeth; Janse van Noordwyk, Hester
The lack of a universal definition and conceptual model of store image guided the aims for this research, namely to 1) delineate the underlying structure of the store image construct; 2) formulate a definition of store image; and 3) develop a model of the underlying theoretical structure of store image. An in-depth literature review was done to specify the domain and to delineate the underlying structure of this construct. The knowledge gained was incorporated into the model of apparel store image that served as point of departure for the development of a scale to measure the importance of apparel store image dimensions.

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