Sol-Gel Processed ZrO2 Based Forming-Free Resistive Switching Memory Devices

In this work, we fabricated ZrO2 based resistive random access memory by sol-gel spin coating technique and investigated its structural, optical and resistive switching properties. The X-ray diffraction pattern revealed that 400 °C annealed ZrO2 thin film has tetragonal structure. The optical band gap value of ZrO2 thin film obtained was 5.51 eV. The resistive switching behaviour of W/ZrO2/ITO capacitor like structure was studied. It was found that no initial electroforming process required for the device. The fabricated devices show a self-compliance bipolar resistive switching behaviour and have high on off ratio (>102). Our result suggests that solution processed ZrO2 has great potential to develop transparent and flexible resistive random access memory devices.

Hybrid Transshipment Policy and Ordering Model for Multiple Periods with Customer Switching Behaviour

The interaction of a hybrid transshipment policy and customer switching behaviour will exacerbate the complexity of the structure of a hybrid transshipment policy. To cope with this problem, a discrete-time dynamic programming model framework with customer switching behaviour is developed. Based on this framework, we demonstrate that the retailer can obtain more profits with a hybrid transshipment than without one. Next, the existence of a reactive and preventive transshipment policy is shown, respectively. We further analyse the structural property of the holdback policy of reactive transshipment and give the threshold of customer switching rate when always rejecting the request. Meanwhile, a dominant preventive transshipment policy is formulated by which the retailer can control the inventory regardless of the influence of the preventive transshipment policy of the other as long as the inventory is observed by developing an easy-to-implement optimal hybrid transshipment strategy. In addition, the existence of an ordering Nash equilibrium of two retailers is proven. Then, we also illustrate the existence of a transshipment area and analyse the impact of the transshipment cost and switching rate on ordering, the hybrid transshipment policy, and profit by using numerical examples. Finally, we find that the retailer is more willing to adjust inventory by ordering when there is a lower transshipment price and adjust inventory by hybrid transshipment when there is a higher transshipment price.

Switching behaviour in activity-based working environments: an exploration of the reasons and influencing factors

Purpose A tendency that employees do not frequently switch between different activity settings was reported in previous studies, which are opposed to underlying assumptions of activity-based working (ABW) offices. Although ABW is increasingly becoming a standard office concept, employees’ switching behaviour has not been studied in depth. This study aims to understand employees’ switching behaviour by identifying reasons (not) to switch and various influencing factors of switching behaviour. Design/methodology/approach An online survey was conducted across Switzerland and Belgium, and 124 respondents participated in the questionnaire. The mismatch model was developed to examine whether the misfit between either activity or preference and work environment leads to switching to another place in the office. Findings Results show that most of the respondents switch multiple times a day, which runs counter to the previous studies. Furthermore, this study presented clear evidence that mandatory switching frequency is independent of various factors presented in the study, indicating that the distinction between mandatory and voluntary switching is valid. Besides, results identified privacy, acoustics, distraction, proximity to team/colleagues as reasons to switch and as reasons not to switch, place preference/attachment, proximity to the team were determined. Originality/value This study contributed to better understanding switching behaviour by defining, distinguishing switching behaviour, identifying reasons (not) to switch and influencing factors of switching frequency. In addition, this study compared the misfit between activity and environment and the misfit between preference and environment as push factors leading to switching behaviour. These findings can provide more knowledge of switching behaviour to workplace or facility management practitioners.

PLUMMETING CONSUMERS' BRAND SWITCHING BEHAVIOUR USING A HOLISTIC PRODUCT STRATEGY IN THE ZIMBABWEAN COLA INDUSTRY

The study was driven by the need to elevate consumers’ switching costs so as to minimise consumer churning behaviour. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of the product strategy on consumers’ brand switching intention behaviour. A marketing orientation of managing a product from a holistic approach was adopted and that was informed by previous theoretical modelling. The study followed a quantitative approach in the cola industry in Zimbabwe. Data was collected using questionnaires from a sample size of 432 respondents. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) - Amos Graphics was used to analyse data. The study confirmed that a holistic approach to product strategy is statistically significant in minimising churning behaviour of customers. Product availability and product quality were inversely influencing behavioural intention to switch brands whilst product price recorded a significant positive impact. Product range had an insignificant association with consumer attrition. The study concluded that consumers’ switching behaviour can be managed through a well implemented product strategy. To plummet brand switching behaviour, the study recommends effective product pricing, effective product distribution and improvements in product quality.

Customer Switching Intentions in Commercial Banks: A case of selected commercial banks in Dar es Salaam

The negative consequences of customer switching behaviour in the banking industry cannot be underestimated. Since there are limited studies addressing customer switching intentions and actual switching behaviour in the banking sector of Tanzania, this study intended to bridge the knowledge gap by addressing factors influencing customer switching intentions in the context of Tanzanian commercial banks. The study followed a positivism research paradigm out of which a deductive research approach was adopted. In the same line, an explanatory research design was used. The study was conducted in the city of Dar es Salaam with 400 respondents who were customers from NMB Bank Plc, TPB Bank Plc and NBC Bank Ltd. Multi-stage sampling method was used to generate sample size for this study. Multiple linear regression was employed to analyze the collected data. The findings of Thé study indicated that subjective norms were insignificant in influencing customer switching intentions in commercial banks. These findings suggested that commercial banks customers in the city of Dar es Salaam are not under robust social pressure that requires a vital social group to approve their switching intentions. Further findings revealed that perceived control of bank charges, attitude toward service quality and convenience significantly influenced customer switching intentions in commercial banks.