Recent Trends in Data Mining and Business Forecasting

A Study on the Impact of Retail Service Quality Dimensions on Customer Satisfaction in Sri Lankan Supermarkets

L. H. T. De. S. Wickramasuriya, W. M. H. C. Wijayarathne — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The supermarket sector in Sri Lanka has been expanding and growing rapidly over the past few years, thereby increasing the competition and rivalry within the industry. The success of a supermarket greatly depends on the service quality and the quality of the products it sells and it is seen as a crucial dimension of customer satisfaction. This study was carried out to identify the impact of retail service quality dimensions on customer satisfaction and to identify the most impactful factors affecting customer satisfaction. Based on past literature, the service quality dimensions were determined using the RSQS framework and five dimensions, physical aspects, reliability, personal interaction, problem-solving and policy were identified along with a new dimension, technology adoption which is an important factor in the modern retailing environment. The data collection was done through a web-based questionnaire (google form) that consisted of thirty-six questions including thirty Likert scale questions. A total of 130 responses were used for the data analysis process. Data analysis was done using the IBM SPSS software where the hypotheses were tested using multiple regression analysis. The research findings showed that all retail service quality dimensions except reliability had a positive effect on customer satisfaction. Technology adoption is reported to have the most significant influence on customer satisfaction thereby, showing the importance of this dimension suggesting that supermarkets focus more on improving their cashless payment methods and online purchases. Finally, this study provides new and useful insights into the importance of service quality and how to improve the retail service quality in supermarkets which would lead to increased customer satisfaction.

Exploring the Growth of E-commerce in the Agricultural Products Sector: A Case Study of India

G. Kanagavalli, U. Arumugam, B. Jarinaa, M. Manida — Thu, 16 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This paper investigates the burgeoning growth of e-commerce within the agricultural products sector in India. As one of the world's largest agricultural economies, India presents a unique landscape for examining the intersection of technology and traditional farming practices. The study employs a case study approach to analyze the evolution, challenges, and opportunities arising from the adoption of e-commerce platforms in connecting agricultural producers with consumers and markets. The research delves into the factors driving the expansion of e-commerce in the farming sector, including increased internet penetration, smartphone adoption, government initiatives, and changing consumer preferences. It explores how digital platforms transform the supply chain by enabling direct farmer-to-consumer transactions, reducing intermediaries, and improving market access for small-scale farmers.

Moreover, the paper addresses the challenges e-commerce platforms face in the agricultural domain, such as logistics constraints, quality assurance, payment mechanisms, and trust issues. It examines the role of technology in overcoming these challenges, including the use of data analytics, blockchain, and IoT devices to enhance transparency, traceability, and efficiency in agricultural transactions. Furthermore, the study assesses the socioeconomic impacts of e-commerce adoption on various stakeholders, including farmers, consumers, traders, and policymakers. It discusses the potential benefits, such as increased farmer incomes, price transparency, and broader market reach, as well as the implications for traditional market structures and rural livelihoods. Overall, this research contributes to understanding the dynamics of e-commerce growth in the agricultural products sector in India and provides insights for policymakers, businesses, and development practitioners aiming to leverage digital technologies for inclusive and sustainable agricultural development.

Women in Peacebuilding in Northeast Nigeria: Roles, Challenges and Prospects

Fredrick Wilson, Jude Melea Moses, Zharkahyel Yasinda, Damilola Osamika — Tue, 27 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Each violent conflict possesses its distinct characteristics. The prolonged ISWAP/Boko-Haram conflict, spanning over a decade, has seen a significant number of women and children becoming victims of the ongoing insurgent assaults. The road to safety and security through building peace in Northeast Nigeria has relegated women as key actors in peacebuilding. This study examines the roles, challenges, and prospects of women in peacebuilding in northeast Nigeria. Using a desk research method, this study revealed that women in the Northeast play pivotal roles in peacebuilding during the Boko Haram insurgency such as security providers (vigilantes), mediators and negotiators both in local and grassroots organisations. This study further revealed that attacks on women by insurgents, limited access to education, political marginalisation, negative sociocultural norms and intergenerational gaps are some of the challenges that affect women in peacebuilding in Northeast Nigeria. Based on this, the study recommends education and skills training for women in Northeast Nigeria, awareness and sensitisation on negative cultural norms and stereotypes that hinder women’s participation in peacebuilding and monitoring and evaluation of the impact of peacebuilding programmes on women's involvement in peacebuilding in the Northeast.