This dissertation develops and tests a new theory of private branding, a business practice under which manufacturers' products are sold to consumers under retailers' brands. The theory first argues that consumers' satisfaction with a product depends on both the performance of the manufacturer...

This dissertation synthesizes previous research from consumer research, psychology and applied economics to develop a conceptual model explaining the effects of perceived price and perceived brand on consumers' pre-purchase service expectations. This research also addresses the extent consumers'...

This dissertation research examines consumer skepticism and the possible mitigating effect of credibility on consumers' behavior in the marketplace. Of particular interest to this research is the interaction between the credibility of a set of information and consumers' skepticism toward a...

The objective of this study is to determine how US franchisors in the food service, hotels/motels, and business services industries choose between owning the wholesaler or contracting with an independent wholesaler to distribute their franchise system in host countries. US franchisors own the...

The purpose of this study was to determine the incentives of companies in either sponsoring or not sponsoring professional sports teams. The review of literature regarding the identification of incentives to sponsor professional sports teams revealed a lack of attention to this aspect....

The purpose of this study is to determine what factors could influence an economic agents' decision to travel or vacation in Florida. This study measures this decision by analyzing the state Division of Tourism estimates for visitors in light of changes in; national gross domestic product,...