Você está na página 1de 65

E marketing strategies and Consumer Perception1

The Impact of Strategies used for E-marketing in Shifting the Brand Perception of
Customer The Case Study of Nike
E marketing strategies and Consumer Perception2

Acknowledgement

This paper would not have been possible without the assistance and the guidance of several
individuals who in one way or another extended their valuable assistance in the preparation and
completion of this study.

First, my utmost gratitude to my father and mother who have been my inspiration as I hurdle all
the obstacles in the completion this research work. I also want to thank my class adviser for
his/her generous and reliable support as my dissertation adviser, my friends for their patience and
steadfast encouragement to complete this study.

I am heartily thankful to my classmates, whose encouragement, guidance and support from the
initial to the final level enabled me to develop an understanding of the subject. Lastly, I offer my
regards and blessings to all of those who supported me in any respect during the completion of
the project.
E marketing strategies and Consumer Perception3

Abstract

E-marketing manages to promote the product across the globe so that required market can be
grabbed in a short interval of time. Fatayerji (2004) suggested that the strategies of E-marketing
are found to be effective as in this era; customers are more related to the technology this is why
E-marketing supports in the quick expansion of product. The study is based on the case of Nike
and its consumers, therefore the target respondents of the study included the consumers of the
brand Nike. In addition to this the marketing managers of Nike were also participants if the
research since their views were important for evaluating the online marketing strategies used by
a brand and its impact realized at the companys end. A comparison of traditional approach and
modern approach of marketing has also been presented to assess that which marketing
communication channel is appropriate for an organization and what are the benefits an
organization can acquire after the application of modern marketing approach.

Table of Contents
1. Chapter: 1 Introduction............................................................................................................7
1.1. Introduction...........................................................................................................................7
1.2. Background of the Study......................................................................................................7
1.3. Problem Statement................................................................................................................7
1.4. Research Aim........................................................................................................................8
1.5. Research Objectives..........................................................................................................8
1.6. Research Question................................................................................................................8
1.7. Scope of the Study................................................................................................................8
1.8. Motivation of the study.........................................................................................................9
1.9. Outline of the study..............................................................................................................9
1.10. Chapter Summary...........................................................................................................10
2. Chapter 2: Literature Review.................................................................................................11
2.1. Introduction.........................................................................................................................11
2.2. Concept of E-Marketing.....................................................................................................11
2.3. Traditional Marketing in contrast with E-Marketing..........................................................12
2.4. Framework of E-marketing Tools and Techniques.............................................................13
2.5. Strategies of E-Marketing...................................................................................................15
2.6. Advantages and Disadvantages of E-Marketing.................................................................16
2.7. Brand Image........................................................................................................................16
2.8. Brand Perception of Customers..........................................................................................17
2.9. E-Marketing and Brand Image Integration.........................................................................17
2.10. Benefits of E-Marketing and Brand Image Integration..................................................18
E marketing strategies and Consumer Perception4

2.11. Chapter Summary...........................................................................................................19


3. Chapter: 3 Methodology.........................................................................................................21
3.1. Introduction.........................................................................................................................21
3.2. Research Framework..........................................................................................................21
3.3. Hypothesis Generation........................................................................................................23
3.4. Pilot testing.........................................................................................................................23
3.6. Sampling and Data..............................................................................................................24
3.7. Sample Selection................................................................................................................24
3.8. Sample Size........................................................................................................................24
3.9. Description of Data.............................................................................................................24
3.10. Data Collection Instruments............................................................................................25
3.11. Techniques for Data Analysis..........................................................................................25
3.12. Ethical Consideration......................................................................................................25
3.13. Chapter Summary...........................................................................................................26
4 Chapter 4: Data Analysis........................................................................................................26
4.1 Introduction.....................................................................................................................26
4.2 Reliability test.................................................................................................................26
4.3 Descriptive Frequency Analysis......................................................................................27
4.4 Regression analysis.........................................................................................................52
4.5 Hypothesis assessment....................................................................................................54
4.6 Chapter Summary...........................................................................................................54
5 Chapter 5: Discussion.............................................................................................................56
5.1 Introduction.....................................................................................................................56
5.2 Discussion.......................................................................................................................56
5.3 Chapter Summary...........................................................................................................59
6 Chapter 6: Conclusion............................................................................................................60
6.1 Introduction.....................................................................................................................60
6.2 Findings of the Study......................................................................................................60
6.3 Area of Future Studies....................................................................................................61
6.4 Recommendations...........................................................................................................62
6.5 Limitations of the research..............................................................................................62
References..................................................................................................................................64
E marketing strategies and Consumer Perception5

List of Tables

Table 1: Reliability Test................................................................................................... 27


Table 2: Model Summary................................................................................................. 53
Table 3: Coefficient Table................................................................................................ 53
Table 4: Model Summary................................................................................................. 54
Table 5: Coefficient Table................................................................................................ 54
Table 6: Model Summary................................................................................................. 54
Table 7: Coefficient Table................................................................................................ 55

List of Figures

Figure 1: Framework of E-marketing..................................................................................16


Figure 2: Conceptual Framework....................................................................................... 23
1 Chapter: 1 Introduction
1.1. Introduction

This chapter aims to provide basic information about the study topic. It explains about
inspiration that motivated researcher to conduct study along with scope and the significance of
this research. This chapter exemplifies the aspects that supports in developing the understanding
about topic on which the study is to be conducted. In this chapter, the further implications and
the steps that is to be taken for the completion of the study.

1.2. Background of the Study

As stated by Bart, Vekatesh, Farreena and Urban (2005), in this era, the customers perception is
influenced through multiple aspects; however, customers perception is the key tool that attracts
the success for the business. In the light of the studies of Berger, Draganska and Simonson
(2007), it is stated to be the most important factor for the development and expansion of the
business. As explained by Bettman, Luce and Payne (2008), entrepreneurs apply multiple
practices that support in gaining the customers preferences; however, implication of E-marketing
strategies is the significant tool that support in attracting the customers attention. E-marketing
supports in vast and rapid promotion of the products that are been offered, this supports in the
quick sales of the product. As according to Brodie, Winklhofer, Coviello and Johnston (2007),
thee-marketing strategy refers to the electronic marketing that includes the social media, internet
E marketing strategies and Consumer Perception6

and other social modes that are used for the communication processes. E-marketing manages to
promote the product across the globe so that required market can be grabbed in a short interval of
time. Fatayerji (2004) suggested that the strategies of E-marketing are found to be effective as in
this era; customers are more related to the technology this is why E-marketing supports in the
quick expansion of product.

1.3. Problem Statement

According to Black (2009), study is related with the problem statement that forms the basis of
the research, statement of the problem plays a key role in the development of the study as it is the
issue that is to be resolved during the conduction of the study. However, assessment of impact of
strategies used for e-marketing in shifting the brand perception of customer is stated as the
problem for the current research. This is termed as the statement of problem, which supports
researcher in developing the understanding about the study.

1.4. Research Aim

The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of strategies used for e-marketing in shifting the
brand perception of customer.

1.5. Research Objectives

In order to conduct the research, it is important to create some objectives based on which the
conclusions and analysis can be made. The objectives of the research are cited below:
To study the conceptual framework of e-Marketing tools used by organizations
To highlight the use of e-Marketing by organizations to boost brand image
To analyse the impact of e-Marketing on the brand image of Nike
To present a set of recommendations to Nike on how to improve their brand image and use e-
Marketing tools

1.6. Research Question

The questions that are prepared for the research are cited below:
What e-marketing models are used by multinational corporations?
How e-marketing models are influencing brand image of organizations?
How Nike is using e-marketing strategies to increase/boost their brand image among their
target customers?
E marketing strategies and Consumer Perception7

What are the strategies that can be used by multinational corporations like Nike to strengthen
the bond with the brand?

1.7. Scope of the Study

This study supports in understanding the involvement and impact of involving technology in the
marketing procedures; the impact of such practices in the advancement of the sales of the firm is
also stated as the scope of the study. The assessment of the impact of E-marketing in shifting the
customers perception is the significant fact that further supports in understanding the importance
of advanced technologies in marketing. In this era, internet has become the basic tool that has
been used by the customers for their daily routine affairs; internet is known as basic implement
that has been expended for communication, business, shopping and other affairs (Roberts and
Kraynak, 2008). Moreover, in this study, the impact of different strategies such as emailing, text
messaging and visual messaging on the consumers brand perception is realized through this
study.

1.8. Motivation of the study

As stated by Fatayerji (2004), e-marketing is found to be vastly practiced across the globe as it
supports the entrepreneurs to increase the sales and generate more profit, the advancement in the
profit and expansion in the business are the aspects that motivated the researcher to conduct this
study. E-marketing sustains considerable importance in promoting and selling the products; it
holds an important impact over the position of the firm. The fact that motivated the researcher to
conduct the study on this topic is the impact that e-marketing sustains over the customers
perception about brand. This study motivates the entrepreneurs and marketers to practice e-
marketing strategies for the promotion of their products.

1.9. Outline of the study

As stated by Black (2009), outline is stated as the format that is to be followed for the
completion of the study; it is stated to be essential for the researchers to prepare the outline for
the study in order to fulfill all the requirements of the study. Current study is divided into
following five chapters:
E marketing strategies and Consumer Perception8

Chapter One: Introduction This chapter provides the detail of the topic along with the outline
that supports in understanding the further steps that are to be taken for the complete conduction
of the study.

Chapter Two: Literature Review This chapter aims to provide the in-depth detail about the
topic, it supports the study with the theories, approaches, models and practices of the past
scholars.

Chapter Three: Research Methodology This chapter support in understanding the method and
the ways that are to be followed for collection of data for the study, the sources of data,
techniques and sampling are significant facts that are discussed in this chapter.

Chapter Four: Data Analysis and Findings This chapter supports in analyzing the data that
has been gathered for the study, data is analyzed through statistical software like SPSS and excel
software.

Chapter Five: Conclusion This chapter aims to provide the findings of the study along with
the limitations and future implications which supports in the development of understanding about
the overall results of study.

1.10. Chapter Summary

In summarizing the above chapter, it has been stated that this chapter supports in understanding
the basic details about the study. The above discussion explore that e-marketing is an important
aspects that supports in the development and expansion the study, it is stated to be effective to
study the impact of e-marketing in shifting the brand perception of the customers as this supports
in the advancement of the business. The summary suggests that this study is crucial to be
conducted so that the entrepreneurs and the marketers get motivated for the implementation of
the e-marketing strategies for the promotion of their products.

2. Chapter 2: Literature Review

2.1. Introduction

Literature review is the most significant element for conducting any research. Literature review
establishes parameters under which the research is conducted. The major content of literature
E marketing strategies and Consumer Perception9

review contains views and opinions of multiple researchers and authors related to the positive
and negative aspect of core elements of research report. In other words, it can be stated that the
literature review elaborates the concepts and framework of core elements which is required for
conducting research. Major content of the literature review is related to the concepts, framework,
tools and strategies of e-marketing and its impact on developing brand image of an organization.
A comparison of traditional approach and modern approach of marketing has also been presented
to assess that which marketing communication channel is appropriate for an organization and
what are the benefits an organization can acquire after the application of modern marketing
approach.

2.2. Concept of E-Marketing

According to Kalyanam and Mclntyre (2002), marketing is known as one of the operational
activities of an organization. These operational activities are conducted in an organization for the
development of customer pool, which assists management in the achievement of organizational
goals and objectives. The core objective of this activity as stated by Kalyanam and Mclntyre
(2002) is to build a bridge of relationship between the customer and the organization and through
which the organization is able to satisfy demands of its customers. The development in e-
marketing activities and integration of e-marketing activities with the environmental
developments has introduced a unique concept of marketing activity, which has overcome the
traditional concepts and framework of marketing.

The unique concept is known as e-marketing. This new concept is based on two elements, the
first element is related to operational activity of the organization and the second element is
related to the environmental development. The integration of these two elements has evolved and
sketched new parameters through which an organization can develop a better understanding of its
customers. In other words, it can be determined that e-marketing is related to conducting
marketing activities of the organization through the channel of information and communication
technology (Failte Ireland, 2012).

According to Bart, Vekatesh, Farreena and Urban (2005), the concept of e-marketing reflects the
utilization of different channels to conduct e-marketing activities. The advancement in
information and communication technology has shifted the social standards upward developing
E marketing strategies and Consumer Perception10

different mediums of sharing information. This development has changed the life style of people
associated with a society and this development has also introduced multiple alternatives of
conducting marketing activities. These multiple medium of sharing information includes social
media websites, blogging, email and other mediums (Koubaa, 2007).

2.3. Traditional Marketing in contrast with E-Marketing

According to Jedha (2011), the major difference between traditional marketing and e-marketing
is the productivity and output. Organization extracts and evaluates the result, which is received
after conducting marketing activities. In traditional marketing, the promotional methodologies
through media channel reflect a large area and population coverage inclusive of targeted and non
targeted population.

The traditional marketing strategies do not deliver the required results as stated by studio72
(2014) because the organization is applying its marketing approach to non-targeted population.
This reflects increased wastage of resources, which ultimately decreases the percentage of
productivity. In contrast to this, Emarketing solutions (2014) states that the e-marketing
communication channel filters the targeted population and assists the organization in delivering
the message to the appropriate target market. This delivers the organization effective results and
the deliverance of result through two perspectives. Both of these perspectives increase the level
of productivity and effectiveness.

Another difference is also highlighted after the assessment of traditional marketing concepts,
which is related to the cost incurred on e-marketing activities. The element of cost is an
influential factor for organizations to adopt e-marketing techniques as the cost incurred in
traditional marketing techniques is comparatively higher than that of e-marketing techniques.
According to Studio72 (2014), organizations always prefers alternative which require less input
and produces output at an increased level. Due to rapid changes in the external environmental
forces of the organization and evolution in the business environment, organization has to adopt
modern concepts and techniques of marketing to conduct operational activities in an effective
manner. This scenario has forced the organization to change the technique of conducting
marketing activities from traditional to modern e-marketing techniques.
E marketing strategies and Consumer Perception11

In order to conduct marketing activities in an effective manner, management of the organization


has to adopt unique e-marketing approach (Chaffey, Smith and Smith, 2013). In other words, it
can be expressed that the organization has to change their marketing methodologies from
traditional to unique developed modern concepts of e-marketing. There are multiple differences
for which an organization changes their marketing methodologies and tools (Jedha, 2011). The
major difference, which motivates the organization to adopt e-marketing communication channel
is the effective utilization of resources to acquire the desired output at an increased level.

2.4. Framework of E-marketing Tools and Techniques

The figure presented below illustrates the framework through which an organization applies
techniques of e-marketing. It is a continuous procedure as marketing is not a onetime process.
The core purpose of this process is to inform and pursue the targeted audience to satisfy their
needs and wants (RocketX1, 2013). The framework presented below reflects tools and
techniques through which an organization executes e-marketing approach. The framework of e-
marketing is dependent upon certain elements and these elements are presented in the figure 1.

Figure 1: Framework of E-marketing

(Source: RocketX1, 2013)


E marketing strategies and Consumer Perception12

These elements are categorized according to their area of performance and functionality. These
e-marketing elements include foundational elements which include keywords, search engine
optimization and content strategy. The second element is known as core structural elements
which contain branding, website and copy writing (RocketX1, 2013). The third element is known
as reach elements which cover the aspects of blogging, newsletters, social media, E books and
press releases

The fourth element is related to lead generation elements, which contain the aspects of lead and
lead nurturing. The fifth element or the last element of this framework is related to measurement.
Each element has its own significance and the integration of these elements determine the
successful application of e-marketing approach (RocketX1, 2013). The first element is related to
foundational element which is the ground base and initial steps of this approach and in this
element the organization designs their content and the method through which the content will be
presented

The second element is the core structural element which determines the structure through which
the organization will present their content to the targeted audience. The third element is known as
reach element which determines that how organization will approach their targeted audience and
channel of e-marketing will the organization utilize to deliver their message. The fourth element
is the lead generation element which is one of the most significant elements. If an organization is
not generating leads through their e-marketing framework then it means there is something
missing which needs to be supervised and altered according to the situation. The fifth element is
related to measurement in which the organization measures the level of effectiveness of the
framework applied (RocketX1, 2013).

2.5. Strategies of E-Marketing

E-marketing is one of the multiple alternatives, which assists in the achievement of


organizational goals and objectives. The utilization of these e-marketing strategies depends upon
the situation. It means that an organization has to assess the current scenario and environmental
conditions of the market and then according to the assessment, modify their marketing strategies.
Certain of these e-marketing strategies include content marketing, social media marketing, and e-
E marketing strategies and Consumer Perception13

mail marketing and search engine optimization. Certain of these e-marketing techniques produce
effective results if utilized in an appropriate manner (Gommans, Krishnan and Scheffold, 2001).

E mail based marketing approach is one of these e-marketing methodologies which provides the
organization an increased responses. There is a slight difference in formulating the e mail and
that formulation can either increase the responses or decrease the responses. Content based
marketing is also one of an effective e-marketing approach in which the organization provides
precious information to its associates and targeted audience (Constantinides, 2006).

The provision of content is conducted through newsletter, blogs and other channels of marketing.
Next to content, there is another method, which is known as search engine optimization. The
advancement and development has developed search engine through which the user gains the
relevant information. Organizations optimize the search engine in such a manner that in the
presented search results, the name of the organization or the offering flashes in the front of
targeted audience (Constantinides, 2006).

Social media is the most prominent alternative through which organization conducts their
marketing activities. According to a survey conducted on the influential factor of social media it
has been assessed that social media based marketing produces result which is comparatively
much more effective rather than any other marketing technique (Constantinides, 2006).

2.6. Advantages and Disadvantages of E-Marketing

Every marketing approach either traditional or modern has certain advantages and disadvantages.
These advantages and disadvantages determine its dependency and necessity of adoption in an
organization. The advantages of e-marketing include traceability, targeted, cost effective,
personalization, relationship building and reducing distance (Fatayerji, 2004).

When it comes to advantage, the biggest advantage is its traceability, which means that
organizations are able to assess and evaluate the results and trace that what amount of results are
being produced after the application of e-marketing. On the other hand, the disadvantages of e-
marketing include competition, internet usage, evolution and personal interaction (Fatayerji,
2004).
E marketing strategies and Consumer Perception14

Among these disadvantages, the biggest disadvantage of its usage that the organization has to
make continuous improvements and modifications in their marketing techniques due to rapid
changes in information and communication technology and environmental conditions. The
combined assessment and evaluation of advantages and disadvantages determine its dependency
in an organization and its effectiveness (Fatayerji, 2004).

2.7. Brand Image

A brand is known as a distinguished image of a product in the mind of customer. The


distinguished image is the result of satisfaction, which a customer has received after its
consumption. If a product satisfies the needs and wants of a customer then that product creates a
distinguished image in the mind of customer. In other words, it can be stated that value and
benefits derived from a product after its consumption by a customer expresses the distinguished
image of that brand (Koubaa, 2007).

Brand image assists the organization in multiple aspects and organization conducts their
marketing activities through different channels to create a distinguish image. Modification in the
e-marketing are also made to achieve their target in an effective manner. An image is known as
the build of characteristics and features of product, which a customer has consumed. When a
positive image of a brand is created in the mind of customer then the customer prefers that
product among multiple products (Miyasaki, Grewal, and Goodstein, 2005).

Even other products deliver the same level of satisfaction but still that same product is preferred
by that customer. The core reason on the basis of which the concept of brand image exists is the
psychological aspect. The level of satisfaction of a customer is derived from its psychology
which means that if the satisfaction level of a customer is achieved by a product then the product
is automatically converted into a brand and a positive image of that brand is created in the mind
of customer (Thakor, and Lavack, 2003).

An additional advantage of brand image is that the customer prefers that brand to its associates
and surroundings of the society. This marketing methodology is known as word of mouth
communication which has its influence at an increased level. This is because on comparative
basis a customer gives privilege to recommendation of its associate rather than trusting on its
customer (Steenkamp, Jan-Benedict, Rajeev and Dana, 2003).
E marketing strategies and Consumer Perception15

2.8. Brand Perception of Customers

Brand perception of customer means that what a customer perceives after the consumption of a
brand. The perception maybe positive or negative depending upon the value and benefit derived
from that consumption. Development of positive perception and image in the mind of customer
results in repeated purchase of that brand and also its preference to its associates and
surroundings. On the other hand, development of negative image in the mind of customer results
in fall or decrease in the value of the product which is being consumed (Scott and Keith, 2005).

In actual, there are two aspects of the perception of customers. The first aspect is the
development of perception before the consumption of product and the second aspect after the
consumption of product. If the perception sketched by the customer is equivalent to the level of
satisfaction derived after the consumption of the customer then the image created in the mind of
customer will be at an increased level. This increased level of satisfaction may lead the customer
to brand loyalty in which the customer does not switch its brand (Samiee, Shimp and Sharma,
2005).

2.9. E-Marketing and Brand Image Integration

According to the discussion conducted above which has expressed the concept, techniques and
advantages of e-marketing and brand image, the integration of brand image with e-marketing
determines the increase in business activities. Multiple organizations develop brand image in the
mind of customers through conducting multiple e-marketing techniques and methods. The core
element of organization for the utilization of e-marketing techniques is to create a distinguished
image in the mind of customer (Xiang and Gretzel, 2010).

This distinguished image creation in the mind of customer of the brand results in an increased
profitability and revenue generation. The main purpose of organization to utilize e-marketing is
to achieve another objective besides image creation. Organization can also create a distinguished
image of brand in the mind of customer, but the negative elements of traditional marketing are
increase cost, wastage of resources and delay in responses (Weiss, Lurie, and Macinnis, 2008).

As explained above that traditional marketing contains multiple disadvantages, which include
increased cost of operations, more wastage of resources in conducting operational activities and
E marketing strategies and Consumer Perception16

the responses which organization receives takes more time. On the other hand, e-marketing
approach contains multiple advantages and benefits which motivate the organization in adopting
of e-marketing communication channel. The application of this approach assists the organization
in achievement of goals and objectives in an effective manner (Weinberg, 2009; Mathur,
Moschis, and Lee, 2003).

The integration of development of brand image and e-marketing methodologies assists the
organization in creating a positive and distinguished image in the mind of customer. This
distinguished image creation results in building and increasing brand loyalty. The additive
benefit of e-marketing in the development of brand image is that since the results of e-marketing
can be traced so the organization can change their approach if the applied communication
channel does not provide equivalent results or results according to the requirements of the
organization (Watson, Leyland, Berthon and Zinkham, 2002).

In an overall perspective, the integration of e-marketing and development of brand image assists
the organization in increasing their operational activities (Steinman, Hawkins, 2010).

2.10. Benefits of E-Marketing and Brand Image Integration

The core benefit of this integration, for an organization, is the increase of business environment
and profitability of the organization. Understanding the psyche of customer and developing the
product according to the demand of the customer results in an increased business and
profitability. The second benefit, which an organization receives through this integration, is the
modification in products and services which an organization conducts according to the needs and
wants of the customer. Modification also assists the organization in increasing their customer
pool (Xiang and Gretzel, 2010).

Not every segment is targeted through a single product and single methodology. It depends upon
the market segment and the feature of the product and these two elements determine which
methodology is adopted (Weiss, Lurie, and Macinnis, 2008). If, an organization makes
modification in the core features and benefits of a product then, the organization does not only
satisfy the modified demand of the customers but it also increases their business environment
through the addition of new segment of the market (Steinman, Hawkins, 2010).
E marketing strategies and Consumer Perception17

The e-marketing and brand image integration also delivers another benefit which is unable to
achieve in traditional marketing. The benefit is related to geographical that when it comes to
internet based marketing then the boundaries are removed and the organizational increases their
area of performing business activities. The responses organization receives assists in
development, alteration and modification according to the demands of customer and the
changing conditions of market (Watson, Leyland, Berthon and Zinkham, 2002).

In traditional marketing, an organization has to make changes in a developed marketing strategy


which increases their cost incurred in projects. On the other hand, the cost incurred in conducting
the e-marketing communication channel is still able to manage in e-marketing due to two
reasons. The first reason is that the modification is easy to be made as the methodology is
developed in such a manner which can be adjusted. The second reason is that this alternative is
comparatively cost effective rather than traditional marketing approach (Weiss, Lurie, and
Macinnis, 2008).

2.11. Chapter Summary

It has been concluded that e-marketing methodologies reflect effectiveness in performing


operational activities rather than adopting traditional marketing methodologies. There are
multiple advantages of adopting e-marketing methodologies, which overcomes the drawbacks of
traditional marketing methodologies. The above literature reflects that the utilization of e-
marketing approach to create brand image assists the organization in the achievement of goals
and objectives in an effective and efficient manner. Brand image development is one of the most
significant elements for an organization because the building of positive brand image in the mind
of customer results in preference of product among multiple products. In addition to preference
of product, the second advantage is that the customer spreads word of mouth which is an
effective e-marketing strategy.

3. Chapter: 3 Methodology

3.1. Introduction

As stated by Black (2009), methodology is the significant chapter because it aims to deliver
information about the method and technique that are to be followed by the researcher for the
E marketing strategies and Consumer Perception18

collection of the data. The sampling techniques, sample size, sampling tools and data collection
tools are discussed in this chapter so that researcher can understand the method that is to be
applied for the completion of the study. This chapter, as well supports in observing the type of
study and also the approaches that are to be implemented for the collection of the data.

3.2. Research Framework

As stated by Burns and Bush (2006), research framework is the graphical illustration that
exemplifies the whole study; however, the framework for this study is exemplified below:

Dependent Variables

Customers
brand Perception

As stated by
Mathur, Moschis and
Lee (2003), the customers brand perception is
the significant factor that supports in advancing the
position and the effectiveness of the firms; it is
stated as the simplest technique that supports in the expansion of
the

Figure 2: Conceptual Framework

business. Customers positive perception is the tools that help the entrepreneurs to generate more
profit.

Independent Variables

E-marketing Strategies

Kalyanam and Mclntyre (2002) stated that e-marketing refers to the marketing through the
internet; this is the most effective technique that has been utilized by the marketers for the
promotion of their products. This is observed to sustain a significant impact over the buying and
consuming behavior of the customers, because it is an operative technique for attracting
customers and providing them relevant information about the product.
E marketing strategies and Consumer Perception19

Email technique

According to Nelson (2004), the technique that involves the emails for the attraction of the
customers attention towards the product is the most effective strategy as it is the cheap but
fastest way of communicating and promoting the product.

Visual illustration of text message

According to Nelson (2004), visuals estimations of the emails and other messages that includes
the graphics and images that elaborates the details about product is highly influencing because it
attracts the customers and motivates them to consume the products.

Means for social sharing

According to Nelson (2004), promotion of the products through social sharing websites is the
fastest cheapest but the effective techniques as this grabs the market with a very short interval of
time. More potential customers are attracted through this strategy because of the quick services.

3.3. Hypothesis Generation

According to Black (2009), hypothesis statements are highlighted because they are to be
discussed for the completion of the study; they are incorporated and assessed throughout the
study so that the topic can be understood easily.
H 1: The email technique has a significant impact on shifting the customers brand perception
H 2: The visual illustration of the text message sustains a significant impact is shifting the
customers brand perception
H 3: The means for the social sharing as well influence the customers brand perception.

3.4. Pilot testing

Pilot testing is a technique that advances the reliability and the effectiveness of the study; this
strategy supports in understanding the generality of the topic which further motivates the
researcher to complete the study. Pilot testing refers to a sample test that supports in analyzing
that whether the process of conducting data is effective or not. However, in the study, pilot
testing is conducted to assess the validity of the study, the questionnaire is provided to 5 people
E marketing strategies and Consumer Perception20

and their responses are assessed about the e-marketing strategies; this helps in understanding the
reliability of the questions of the questionnaire.

3.5. The Variables and Measurements

The variables of the study forms the base of the study through which the research is conducted
because they are considered as the important part of the study. Variables are of two types, i.e.
independent variables and dependent variables. However, this study sustains following
dependent and independent variables:

Dependent Variable

Consumers brand perception

Independent Variable

E-marketing strategy

Email technique
Visual illustration of the text message
Means for the social sharing

3.6. Sampling and Data

The selection of particular individuals as the respondents of the study refers to the sampling, the
responses of such respondents is assessed for the conduction of the study. However, a huge
population is observed that are regular consumers of Nike, this is why the sample selection is
easy for the study. The customers and employees of Nike are selected as the sample for the
current study and their responses are evaluated and considered as data for the study.

3.7. Sample Selection

According to Black (2009), the selection of the sample is the most important aspects of this
chapter as this supports in understanding the reliability and the validity of the research. However,
convenience sampling technique is used, this supports in evaluating the perception of the
customers about e-marketing strategies.
E marketing strategies and Consumer Perception21

3.8. Sample Size

Sample size refers to the number of respondents that are to be considered for the study, the
sample size for this study sustains 300 respondents out of which 100 respondents are the
employees of Nike and 200 respondents are the customers of Nike.

3.9. Description of Data

According to Black (2009), data for the research is the significant fact as the whole study is
based on the analysis of data that has been collected through different techniques and methods;
data is differentiated into two types, i.e. qualitative data and quantitative data. Qualitative data
refers to the characterization, observation and approximation, whereas; quantitative data refers to
the numerals and measureable data. However, in this study both types of data are considered for
the evaluation of the complete study because the impact of e-marketing is to be assessed in
shifting the brand perception of the customers.

3.10. Data Collection Instruments

The data collecting instruments are used for gathering data for the study, different techniques and
tools are utilized for the collection of the data (Black, 2009). In this study, questionnaire survey
is utilized for the collection of the data. The questionnaire is provided to the selected sample and
their responses are analyzed for the estimation of the possible results of the study.

3.11. Techniques for Data Analysis

Different techniques are utilized for analysis of the data that has been gathered for the study, the
gathered data for the current study is assessed through statistical software SPSS. The simple
linear regression method is used for the calculation of results for current study; this method is to
be utilized for the estimation of responses of sample respondents about the e-marketing strategies
that are involved for the promotion of products of Nike.

3.12. Ethical Consideration

This is the most significant part of the chapter because it suggests about the ethical
considerations that are to be considered by researcher during the conduction of the study. Ethical
issues are the significant components of study as it supports in understanding the reliability and
E marketing strategies and Consumer Perception22

the generality of the study. Three ethical issues are crucial for the study that should be considered
by the researcher for the completion of the study, they are stated as follows:

Confidentialitythis refers to the privacy of the data that has been gathered, the data collected
should not be disclosed to anyone.

Autonomy----- The data should be collected through illegal means only, the respondents should
feel free to share their views about the e-marketing.

Anonymity----The privacy of the personal data and information should be practiced so that the
respondent can share their views easily.

3.13. Chapter Summary

The summary of the above chapter supports in understanding the method that the researcher
follows for the complete conduction of the study. The questionnaire is to be distributed among
100 employees of Nike and 200 customers of Nike for assessing their views about the e-
marketing strategies. The data collected is assessed through simple linear regression method and
the SPSS software is used. The summary supports in understanding the data collection method
along with the sample that is selected for the study.

2 Chapter 4: Data Analysis

2.1 Introduction

This is the fourth chapter of the dissertation. In this chapter the researcher analyzes the data
collected from the target respondents through the data collection methods and techniques which
were mentioned in the previous chapter. The analysis presented in this chapter support the
researcher in determining the required conclusion for the study. The study was based on
investigating the effectiveness of online marketing strategies in changing the brand perception
specifically taking the brand of Nike as a case example for this research. In order to inquire
about this impact the target respondents selected comprised of the consumers of the brand Nike
and the marketing managers of Nike.
E marketing strategies and Consumer Perception23

2.2 Reliability test

Table 1: Reliability Test

The reliability test run for this research signified a Cronbach Alpha value of 0.602 which points
towards the conclusion that the data set included in this research study was reliable enough to
incorporate its findings as part of this research, and form a concluding viewpoint on the basis of
it.

2.3 Descriptive Frequency Analysis

Question 1

Gender

Cumulative
Frequency Percent Valid Percent Percent

Valid Male 180 60.0 60.0 60.0

Female 120 40.0 40.0 100.0

Total 300 100.0 100.0


E marketing strategies and Consumer Perception24

Question 2

Age

Cumulative
Frequency Percent Valid Percent Percent

Valid 21 to 30 120 40.0 40.0 40.0

31 to 40 60 20.0 20.0 60.0

41 to 50 60 20.0 20.0 80.0

51 and above 60 20.0 20.0 100.0

Total 300 100.0 100.0


E marketing strategies and Consumer Perception25

It can be seen that 40% of the respondents belong to the age group of 21-30 while 20% were
falling in the interval of 31-40. Similarly, age category 41-50 contains 20% of the respondents
and rest 20% belongs to the age interval of 51 and above.

Question 3

Education

Cumulative
Frequency Percent Valid Percent Percent

Valid None 63 21.0 21.0 21.0

Primary level 4 1.3 1.3 22.3

Secondary Level 173 57.7 57.7 80.0

Tertiary level 60 20.0 20.0 100.0

Total 300 100.0 100.0


E marketing strategies and Consumer Perception26

As far as the educational level of the employees is concerned, 21% of the customers were not
educated whereas very few of the customers were belonging to the primary level of education
that makes up around 1%. Approximately 58% of the customers were in the secondary level of
education and rest 20% of the respondents were falling in the educational level of tertiary level.

Question 4

Work Experience

Cumulative
Frequency Percent Valid Percent Percent

Valid 5-10 years 127 42.3 42.3 42.3

10-15 years 115 38.3 38.3 80.7

15-20 years 58 19.3 19.3 100.0

Total 300 100.0 100.0


E marketing strategies and Consumer Perception27

The aforementioned graph clearly illustrates the work experience of the customers, who were
surveyed by the researcher. 42% of the customers fit in the category of 5-10 years of experience,
38% of the respondents have 10-15 years of experience and only 19% of the customers were
having 15-20 years of experience.
E marketing strategies and Consumer Perception28

Question 5

I consume the products of Nike because it is easy to get notified about the
products.

Cumulative
Frequency Percent Valid Percent Percent

Valid StronglyAgree 59 19.7 19.7 19.7

Agree 175 58.3 58.3 78.0

Neutral 66 22.0 22.0 100.0

Total 300 100.0 100.0

The usage of internet has brought revolution in the industry that consists of competitors
competing with one another in order to gain customers. This revolution enabled many companies
to serve their customers by sending mails and by designing a website that would result in
E marketing strategies and Consumer Perception29

convenient shopping (Koubaa, 2007). The consumer response towards their preference of
shopping through internet indicates that 40% of the customers agreed to this act that they do
prefer shopping via internet and rest hold moderate views that makes up around 60% of the
respondents. The results showed that none of the customers were disagreed with regard to online
shopping.

Question 6

I like getting notifications about the new products of Nike through mails

Cumulative
Frequency Percent Valid Percent Percent

Valid StronglyAgree 112 37.3 37.3 37.3

Agree 7 2.3 2.3 39.7

Neutral 73 24.3 24.3 64.0

Disagree 108 36.0 36.0 100.0

Total 300 100.0 100.0


E marketing strategies and Consumer Perception30

When the respondents of the study were inquired that they like getting notifications about the
new products of Nike through mails, according to the results approximately 40% of the
customers were towards the agreement side that they do like getting notifications about Nike
products through mails. Similarly, 24% of the customers were neutral that to some extent they
like getting notifications about the Nike products. With regard to the disagreement side, 36% of
the customers were disagreed which indicates that they do not like getting notifications about the
new products through mails. The reason behind this can be that they might feel irritated by
continuous notifications. According to Ganesh, (2004) consumers want themselves to be aware
about every single product that has been launched by the brand they prefer either by mails or by
any mean.
E marketing strategies and Consumer Perception31

Question 7

I get information about the products of Nike through internet

Cumulative
Frequency Percent Valid Percent Percent

Valid StronglyAgree 120 40.0 40.0 40.0

Agree 60 20.0 20.0 60.0

Neutral 120 40.0 40.0 100.0

Total 300 100.0 100.0

When the researcher approached the respondents about the information that they get related to
the Nike products, approximately 60% of the customers were agreed that they do get the
E marketing strategies and Consumer Perception32

information about the Nike products through mail whereas, 40% of the respondents hold
moderate views and none of the respondents were disagreed which indicates that every customer
receives more or less information about the Nike products through internet. According to Haque,
Osman and Ismail (2009), companies place their information on the internet sites in order to
make their customers responsive towards the products that they offer.

Question 8

I think the mailing and texting strategies about the product are effective

Cumulative
Frequency Percent Valid Percent Percent

Valid StronglyAgree 68 22.7 22.7 22.7

Agree 58 19.3 19.3 42.0

Neutral 119 39.7 39.7 81.7

Disagree 55 18.3 18.3 100.0

Total 300 100.0 100.0


E marketing strategies and Consumer Perception33

The aforementioned graph illustrates the effectiveness of customers regarding mailing and
texting strategies, the responses of the customers indicates that about 42% of the customers were
agreed that mailing and texting strategies about the products are effective way of making them
aware about the products. Moreover, 40% of the customers were moderate towards the fact that
mailing and texting strategies about the products are effective to some extent. 18% of the
customers were also disagreed that they do not think that mailing and texting strategies are
effective in making them aware about the products. According to Nysveen, Methlie and Pedersen
(2002) many of the companies prefer text messages and mails to convey the offers or information
about the new products to their targeted customers. This helps them to reach more customers in a
shorter span of time.
E marketing strategies and Consumer Perception34

Question 9

I mostly get information through emails about products of Nike

Cumulative
Frequency Percent Valid Percent Percent

Valid StronglyAgree 15 5.0 5.0 5.0

Agree 72 24.0 24.0 29.0

Neutral 158 52.7 52.7 81.7

Disagree 50 16.7 16.7 98.3

Strongly Disagree 5 1.7 1.7 100.0

Total 300 100.0 100.0


E marketing strategies and Consumer Perception35

The usage of Email technique help the companies to build a positive image about their products
in the eyes of consumers which will make them satisfied by the services provide to them and also
that they are being valued. The respondents were presented with the statement that they mostly
get information through mails about products of Nike, the responses indicates that majority of
the employees were having moderate view regarding this fact that constitutes about 53% of the
total respondents while 17% of the customers were disagreed with that they do not get most of
the information through mails but the agreement side was heavier than disagreement side which
includes 29% of the respondents.
E marketing strategies and Consumer Perception36

Question 10

It is good to have emails about products of Nike

Cumulative
Frequency Percent Valid Percent Percent

Valid StronglyAgree 64 21.3 21.3 21.3

Agree 70 23.3 23.3 44.7

Neutral 110 36.7 36.7 81.3

Disagree 56 18.7 18.7 100.0

Total 300 100.0 100.0


E marketing strategies and Consumer Perception37

The above mentioned graph describes the responses that it is good to have mails about the
products of Nike; about 44% of the customers were agreed that it is good to have emails about
the products of Nike which indicates that information conveyed through email makes them
approachable towards the product for which they have received a mail. Similarly, 19% of the
respondents were inclined towards moderate side of the fact. As explained by the researcher
Veliyath and Fitzgerald, (2000) the use of emails is an efficient way of delivering the product
information towards the consumers and also a receptive way of catering customers.

Question 11

The emails merely get my attention far quicker than commercials

Cumulative
Frequency Percent Valid Percent Percent

Valid StronglyAgree 26 8.7 8.7 8.7

Agree 144 48.0 48.0 56.7

Neutral 77 25.7 25.7 82.3

Disagree 53 17.7 17.7 100.0

Total 300 100.0 100.0


E marketing strategies and Consumer Perception38

Modes that are used in conveying the information to the customers must be faster so that
companies can coordinate and communicate their product related issues (Carr, 2010). The
responses gathered by the researcher indicates that approximately 57% of the total respondents
were in favor that emails get far quicker attention than the commercials whereas 18% of the
respondents were disagreed that emails do not get quicker attention than advertisements.
E marketing strategies and Consumer Perception39

Question 12

Email with visual graphics support in understanding the product

Cumulative
Frequency Percent Valid Percent Percent

Valid StronglyAgree 11 3.7 3.7 3.7

Agree 146 48.7 48.7 52.3

Neutral 128 42.7 42.7 95.0

Disagree 15 5.0 5.0 100.0

Total 300 100.0 100.0

Humans are visual learners. Visual aids help them reinforce their memories. The firms can take
advantage of this fact and can attract customers by sending emails (Lee and Lin, 2005). The
E marketing strategies and Consumer Perception40

above mentioned results indicate that 53% of the respondents were agreeing to the fact that email
with visual graphics supports in understanding the products. Similarly, 42% of the respondents
were having moderate views regarding this fact which showed that visual graphics via email
provides a proper understanding of the product being advertised.

Question 13

Visual illustration support in choosing the product

Cumulative
Frequency Percent Valid Percent Percent

Valid StronglyAgree 7 2.3 2.3 2.3

Agree 142 47.3 47.3 49.7

Neutral 98 32.7 32.7 82.3

Disagree 53 17.7 17.7 100.0

Total 300 100.0 100.0


E marketing strategies and Consumer Perception41

The visual illustration in an email makes a customer feel more important as the information
being provided in the email is personalized that is specially sent to him by the brand. This also
brings in the feeling of belonging to the consumer with the brand. An ultimate outcome of both
the points results into capturing the attention of the customers (Chan-Olmsted, 2002). When the
target respondents of the research were inquired if the visuals present in the email are able to
captivate their attraction, 39.66% of the respondents agreed with the highlighted point. In
contrast to this 18.67% of the respondents disagreed with the notion whereas 41.67% of the
respondents did not have any significant opinion about the statement.
E marketing strategies and Consumer Perception42

Question 14

Visual illustration in the email attracts the attention due to detailed and
personalized information it holds

Cumulative
Frequency Percent Valid Percent Percent

Valid StronglyAgree 52 17.3 17.3 17.3

Agree 67 22.3 22.3 39.7

Neutral 125 41.7 41.7 81.3

Disagree 56 18.7 18.7 100.0

Total 300 100.0 100.0


E marketing strategies and Consumer Perception43

Promoting products through supporting visual aids help a consumer in the process of decision
making (Diamond, 2013). When the respondents were inquired if the support their product
choice received was from the visual illustrations embedded in the email, the participants of the
research study answered in great level of agreement with the statement. This pin points the fact
customers find it helping to get informed through the visual representation and depictions within
the email regarding the product or service.

Question 15

Social websites are effective in advertising and promoting the product.

Cumulative
Frequency Percent Valid Percent Percent

Valid StronglyAgree 10 3.3 3.3 3.3

Agree 109 36.3 36.3 39.7

Neutral 126 42.0 42.0 81.7

Disagree 55 18.3 18.3 100.0

Total 300 100.0 100.0


E marketing strategies and Consumer Perception44

According to the researcher the Cugelman (2010) reaching to the customers through social media
websites and forums have made it much easier for the marketers to reach to their customers. The
target respondents of the research were asked to give their opinion on the statement that social
websites are effective in promoting the product. 39.66% of the respondents proposed their
favorable opinion about the aforementioned statement and signified the fact that with the
increaes in the usage of and time soent on the social media websites it has helped the marketers
to reach to the target audience more conveniently.

Question 16
E marketing strategies and Consumer Perception45

Social network supports in the promotion of the product.

Cumulative
Frequency Percent Valid Percent Percent

Valid StronglyAgree 11 3.7 3.7 3.7

Agree 67 22.3 22.3 26.0

Neutral 167 55.7 55.7 81.7

Disagree 55 18.3 18.3 100.0

Total 300 100.0 100.0

When the respondents were asked to state their level of agreement or disagreement with the
statement that social media networks support marketers in the process of promotion of their
products, majority of the respondents of the research highlighted the notion that social networks
and forums are the medium through which marketers not only get to promote their product but
E marketing strategies and Consumer Perception46

also acquire feedback directly from their customers. These findings have not been achieved for
the first time, the researcher Stelzner, (2012) affirmed the point that in order to gain market
intelligence marketers have increased the utilization of social media networks.
E marketing strategies and Consumer Perception47

Question 17

Social websites are more attractive as compared to T.V commercials promoting the
products.

Cumulative
Frequency Percent Valid Percent Percent

Valid StronglyAgree 2 .7 .7 .7

Agree 67 22.3 22.3 23.0

Neutral 174 58.0 58.0 81.0

Disagree 57 19.0 19.0 100.0

Total 300 100.0 100.0


E marketing strategies and Consumer Perception48

When the respondents were asked to make a comparison between TV ad and social media
promotion for the effectiveness in terms of being attractive, the respondents took side of the
social media and indicated it to be more attractive than TV commercials. This response leads to
the conclusion that in recent times the target respondents of almost all the consumer brands
spend more time on social media than TV since social media can easily be accessed from
anywhere unlike TV. This fact has also been reinforced by the author Antonini (2013) who
mentioned in his research study that consumers have switched their patterns of spending time.

2.4 Regression analysis

Table 2: Model Summary

The model summary represents a R square value of 0.023 for the relationship between email
technique and consumer preference. The score indicated that there exists a relationship between
the two elements.
E marketing strategies and Consumer Perception49

Table 3: Coefficient Table

The coefficient table for the variable of email technique showed the significant value of 0.008
which points towards the acceptance of the alternate hypothesis.

Table 4: Model Summary

The R square value for the variable of visual illustration that was 0.928 showed a very high
strength of the relationship that it has with the consumer preference.

Table 5: Coefficient Table

The alternate hypothesis for the visual illustration had also been accepted as depicted by the
significant value of 0.000.
E marketing strategies and Consumer Perception50

Table 6: Model Summary

Means for sharing also had a relationship with the variable of consumer preferences as
represented by the model summary table.

Table 7: Coefficient Table

The alternate hypothesis for the variable of means for social sharing also got accepted as
mentioned by the significant value of the table.

2.5 Hypothesis assessment

Significance
S/No. Hypothesis Status
Value

The email technique has a significant impact on shifting the


1 0.000 Accepted
customers brand perception

The visual illustration of the text message sustains a significant


2 0.000 Accepted
impact is shifting the customers brand perception

The means for the social sharing as well influence the


3 0.000 Accepted
customers brand perception.
E marketing strategies and Consumer Perception51

2.6 Chapter Summary

The chapter gets ended with the completion of the analysis. This chapter had incorporated the data
analysis of the data collected from the respondents. In the analysis the raw data collected is
interpreted in order to give meaning to the findings. This dissertation was about the efficacy of the
online marketing strategies of different consumer brands. For this purpose Nike was taken as the
brand to be evaluated and its consumers were taken as respondents of the study to gather insights
about how a brand implements its online marketing strategies and what impact does it have on the
consumers of that brand for changing their perception.
E marketing strategies and Consumer Perception52

3 Chapter 5: Discussion

3.1 Introduction
This is the fifth section of this research. This section would elaborate upon the findings if the
research study that were present in the former chapter. This chapter basically serves the aim to
enhance the understanding of the researcher in order to interpret the results appropriately. The
chapter provides a discussion of the summarized findings of the dissertation as suggested by the
name. The establishment of views on the outcomes of the data collection is taken in this chapter
in such a way that the interpretations answer the objectives set prior conducting this research
study. This research is designed for the purpose of studying the impact of strategies used for E-
marketing in order to shift the brand perception of customers. The study was specified to the case
of Nike so that more specific results could be studied.

3.2 Discussion
The purpose of conducting this research is to investigate the impact of the strategies used to
market and promote brands online. For this purpose the researcher gathered 300 respondents in
total. Out of these 300 respondents 200 were the customers of the brand Nike and 100 of them
were the marketing managers of the brands. The respondents mostly belonged to the age group
commonly known as youngsters, who had an educational background up to the secondary level
and were employed having an experience of around five years.
When the respondents were inquired about their preference for the brand Nike due to the timely
information and notification regarding the latest products, approximately 78% of the customers
agreed that they do consume Nike products as they are easily notified. This response indicates
towards the notion that consumers prefer brands that keep them aware of the latest updates. As
Kivetz and Simonson (2002) explained that consumer preference towards the brands depends
upon the announcement or the notification that has been delivered by the company to the
consumers. Either by using advanced technology like internet or by the traditional modes which
might be via magazine. The usage of internet has brought revolution in the industry that consists
of competitors competing with one another in order to gain customers.
E marketing strategies and Consumer Perception53

This revolution enabled many companies to serve their customers by sending mails and by
designing a website that would result in convenient shopping (Koubaa, 2007). When the
consumers were asked about their brand preference of shopping through internet the results
signified that 40% of the customers agreed to this fact that they do prefer shopping via internet
and rest hold moderate views that makes up around 60% of the respondents. This outcome pin
points that very insignificant amount of people are not in favor if the online shopping. Moving
forward the researchers also indicated that they appreciate the efforts of the brand Nike for
keeping them informed through various electronic methods such as e mail, website and texting.

Consumers indicated that the strategies adopted by the brand to promote its products, creating
awareness and spreading information about the latest changes being made in the product
offering. As per the analysis of Nysveen, Methlie and Pedersen (2002) many of the companies
prefer text messages and mails to convey the offers or information about the new products to
their targeted customers. These findings signified the achievement of the first objective that
intended towards conceptual framework of tools implemented for marketing online. To extract
from the respondents if the email technique help the companies to build a positive image about
their products in the eyes of consumers the respondents were presented with the statement that
they mostly get information through mails about products of Nike.

The responses indicated that majority of the employees were having moderate view regarding
this fact that constitutes about 53% of the total respondents while 17% of the customers were
disagreed with that they do not get most of the information through mails but the agreement side
was heavier than disagreement side which includes 29% of the respondents. As explained by the
researcher Veliyath and Fitzgerald, (2000) the use of emails is an efficient way of delivering the
product information towards the consumers and also a receptive way of catering customers. In
addition to this, it needs to be realized that as per the proposition of Carr, (2010) models that are
used in conveying the information to the customers must be faster so that companies can
coordinate and communicate their product related issues. To which the respondents stated more
than half of them were in favor that emails get far quicker attention than the commercials
whereas 18% of the respondents were disagreed that emails do not get quicker attention than
advertisements.
E marketing strategies and Consumer Perception54

It has been evidenced through several studies that humans are visual learners. Visual aids help
them reinforce their memories. The firms can take advantage of this fact and can attract
customers by sending emails (Lee and Lin, 2005). When the respondents were questioned about
the impact of visual aids on their purchase decision. Results indicated that around 53% of the
respondents agreed to the statement that email with visual graphics supports in understanding the
products. The aforementioned interpretation of the data gathered points towards the
accomplishment of both second and third objective of evaluating the impact of e marketing on
boosting a brands image. Furthermore the respondents were asked if the detailing of material
provided through the online promotional tools matters to them or not, to which most of the
respondents answered on agreement. This highlights the notion that brands should put into
sufficient amount of detail related to a product when going online, as it aids the customers to
make better purchase decisions and not only this it also increases the trust of customers in the
brand. According to Kaufman (2006) the elaboration related to a product is one of the most
important things the customers look for when they make their purchase decisions.

When the respondents were inquired about the effectiveness of the social websites for promoting
the products, the respondents showed high degree of agreement with the fact that these website
are highly effectual when it comes to promote the products. As per the author Wahlster (2007),
digital marketing is now the latest way to market the products and reach to the customers. This is
the only way a brand can interact with its audience directly as consumers provide their honest
feedback about their product related experience on these forums. In order to dig deeper the
respondents were asked to compare the effectiveness of TV ads with the social media marketing.
80% of the participants of the research pointed towards the effectiveness of social media to be
more impressive than TV. Since social websites are easy to access anywhere people are more
prone to the usage of social websites and hence are able to capture more attention of the
customers than any other medium (Kroner et al., 2009). This affirms the previous statement as
well that today people spend more time on social media websites than on TV.
E marketing strategies and Consumer Perception55

3.3 Chapter Summary


The chapter five of this research study comes to an end with the end of the discussion. The
analysis conducted in the previous chapter has been discussed in the following chapter, objective
by objective so that the researcher can form a conclusion point and propose recommendation in
the basis of the conclusion. The research was aimed at investigating the impact of online
marketing strategies on the brand perception of consumers. The dissertation had been associated
with the e marketing strategies used by Nike and its impact on its consumers. The discussion
concluded that there is a high impact of online marketing strategies on the consumers provided it
is done according to the interests and inclinations of the consumers.
E marketing strategies and Consumer Perception56

4 Chapter 6: Conclusion

4.1 Introduction
The beginning of the sixth chapter of the dissertation that is the conclusion signifies that the
research study is now at the point of making a final conclusion on the basis of the entire analysis
of collected data. The conclusion of the study is justified by discussing the summarized findings
of the research which provides sufficient evidence on which the mentioned ending note has been
made. This research study aimed at identifying the significance of the e marketing strategies in
transforming the brand perception of the consumers. The study was based on the case of Nike
and its consumers, therefore the target respondents of the study included the consumers of the
brand Nike. In addition to this the marketing managers of Nike were also participants if the
research since their views were important for evaluating the online marketing strategies used by
a brand and its impact realized at the companys end.

4.2 Findings of the Study


The research was based on the objective of identifying the effectiveness of e marketing strategies
in terms of shifting consumer brand preferences. The research undertook the case of Nike for
evaluating the online marketing strategies of a brand and also its consumers who served as the
respondents of this study. The increased usage of internet has brought revolution in the industry
that comprises of competitors battling with one another to capture customers. Many companies
took opportunity of this trend to serve their customers by sending mails and by designing a
website that would result in convenient shopping (Koubaa, 2007). According to the author
Kivetz and Simonson (2002) consumer preference towards the brands depends upon the
awareness created through by the company for the consumers. Considering the mentioned
statement by the author, the respondents were asked about their preference for the brand Nike
due to the timely information and notification regarding the latest products, to which just about
78% of the customers agreed that they do consume Nike products as they are easily notified. This
response indicates towards the notion that consumers prefer brands that keep them aware of the
latest information.

According to the researchers Nysveen, Methlie and Pedersen (2002) most of the companies
prefer informing their customers about the new products through text messages and mails. This
E marketing strategies and Consumer Perception57

helps them to reach more customers in a lesser time. Taking this forward the respondents were
presented with the statement that they mostly get information through mails about products of
Nike, the responses indicates that majority of the employees were having moderate view
regarding this fact that constitutes about 53% of the total respondents. Moving ahead, the
respondents were questioned about the impact of visual aids on their purchase decision.
Responses indicated that around more than half of the respondents agreed to the statement that
email with visual graphics supports in choosing the products more appropriately. Visual aids help
them reinforce their memories. The firms can take advantage of this fact and can attract
customers by sending emails (Lee and Lin, 2005).

The respondents were inquired about the extent to which social media networks support process
of promotion of their products to which majority of the participants of the research highlighted
the notion that social networks and forums are the medium through which marketers not only get
to promote their product but also acquire feedback directly from their customers. This was
backed up by the researcher Stelzner, (2012) who affirmed the point that in order to gain market
intelligence marketers have increased the utilization of social media networks to promote their
products in a better way.

Comparing the impact of social media and TV commercial for promoting the products of a brand
respondents were asked to pin point as to which medium has done the job efficiently. The
respondents took side of the social media and indicated it to be more attractive than TV
commercials. In line with this the respondents stated campaigns on social media which include
innovative competitions and gaming applications are much more interesting for a customer than
a conventional ad on TV. According to the researcher Antonini (2013) who mentioned in his
research study that consumers have switched their patterns of spending time. This indicates that
the leisure time once spent on TV is now dedicated to the social forums that can expediently be
accessed anytime anywhere.

4.3 Area of Future Studies


Findings of every research that takes place leave some questions and arguments that need further
research in order to attain answers for those queries. The areas of future studies that have arrived
from this dissertation include the opportunity for the students who could take the findings of this
research study as the initial point and continue further research over the aspect of the content to
E marketing strategies and Consumer Perception58

be floated on the internet for targeting the right respondents. In addition to this the similar
research study could be replicated on a different industry of goods or country. The research
analyst could also investigate upon the factors that have led to the shift in consumer preferences
from conventional mediums. The researcher analysts could also study the future trends in the
online marketing along with the techniques of using social media effectively.

4.4 Recommendations
The analysis of the data gathered from the target respondents of the research study, enabled the
researcher to derive a conclusion which was such that there is a great scope of online marketing
for specifically the consumer brands. The marketers hence need to grab the opportunity and
amend the marketing strategies accordingly. Following are some more suggestions that have
been provided based on this conclusion:

Since the research findings suggested that there is an impressive affect of the online
marketing on the consumers, the brand Nike should improve its online branding
strategies.
Brands should implement innovative tools and techniques for creating awareness of their
products and keeping the customers informed, as it was evident in the findings that
customers appreciate the brands that keep them updated on the latest arrivals.
Considering the increased time spent on the internet by the consumers of the brands,
marketers should put in effort to create interesting brand website that customers feel like
visiting over and over.
Nike and similar consumer brands can launch web applications for its consumers which
could inform the consumers about the latest fashion trends
Consumer brands should work on increasing their activities for consumers on the social
forums where there would get their required audience gathered at a place.
As it can be observed from the research findings that email marketing is the new trend to
market specifically to target customers, marketers should utilize illustrative
representation of information regarding brands in email marketing technique

4.5 Limitations of the research


Conducting a research study is not a piece of cake, it requires huge amount of effort which
further bring along hindrances and obstacle sin the way of the researcher. Like every research
study this research also had to face certain limitations. Since the research was conducted on the
E marketing strategies and Consumer Perception59

online marketing strategies of Nike, it was difficult to gather target respondents that have been
notified through online sources about the products of the brand. Next, contacting the marketing
managers of Nike was highly cumbersome. The respondents of the research had trust issues and
felt uncomfortable in sharing their personal information including pattern of their web surfing. In
addition this, the study also had time constraints which limited the research to include further
aspects of the e marketing. Despite of these impediments the researcher managed to extract
meaningful insights.
E marketing strategies and Consumer Perception60

References
Antonini, A., Vignaroli, L., Schifanella, C., Pensa, R. and Sapino, M. (2013). MeSoOnTV: A
media and social-driven ontology-based tv knowledge management system. pp.208--213.
Bart, Y., Vekatesh, S., Farreena, S. and Urban, G. L. (2005), Are the Drivers and Role of Online
Trust the Same for All Websites and Consumers? A Large Scale Exploratory Emperical
Study. Journal of Interactive Marketing, 69, 133-152.
Berger, J., Draganska, M. and Simonson, I. (2007), The Influence of Product Variety on Brand
Perception and Choice, Journal of Marketing Science, 26(4); 460 -472
Bettman, J. R., Luce, M. F. and Payne. J. W. (2008), Constructive consumer choice processes.
Journal of Consumer Responses, 25(3); 187217.
Black, T. R. (2009), Doing quantitative research in the social sciences 1st Edition. London:
SAGE
Brodie, R. J., Winklhofer, H., Coviello, N. E., and Johnston, W. J. (2007), Is E-Marketing
Coming of Age? An Examination of the Penetratin of E-Marketing and Firm
Performance. Journal of Interactive Marketing, 21(1).
Burns, A. C. and Bush, R. F. (2006), Marketing Research (5th Ed.). Pearson Education Inc.
Chaffey, D., Smith, P. R. and Paul Russell Smith P. R. (2013). Emarketing Excellence: Planning
and Optimizing Your Digital Marketing (4th Ed). New York, Routledge
Chan-Olmsted, S. (2002). Branding and Internet marketing in the age of digital media. Journal of
Broadcasting \& Electronic Media, 46(4), pp.641--645.
Constantinides, E. (2006). The e-marketing Revisited: Towards the 21st Century Marketing,
Journal of Marketing Management 22 407-438
Diamond, S. (2013). The visual marketing revolution. 1st ed. Indianapolis, Ind.: Que.
E-marketing Solutions. (2014). What Is Emarketing Factsheet [Online] Available at
<http://www.emarketingsolution.co.uk/factsheets/what-is-emarketing.html> [Accessed on
8th Aug.14]
Failte Ireland. (2012). Overview of Internet Marketing, National Tourism Development Authority
Publications, Failte Ireland
Fatayerji, N. C. (2004), Electronic Marketing Advantages and Disadvantages, Journal of
Business Administration and Marketing, 2(4)
Flanagan, W. (2010). Social Media Marketing. p.98.
Ganesh, J. (2004). Managing customer preferences in a multi-channel environment using web
services. International Journal of Retail \& Distribution Management, 32(3), pp.140--
146.
Gerasimchuk, E., Palekhova, L. and Shvets, O. (2013). SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING.
Gommans, M., Krishnan, K. S. and Scheffold, K. B. (2001). From Brand Loyalty to E-Loyalty:
A Conceptual Framework, Journal of Economic and Social Research 3(1) 43 58
E marketing strategies and Consumer Perception61

Haque, A., Osman, J. and Ismail, A. (2009). Factor influences selection of Islamic banking: a
study on Malaysian customer preferences. American Journal of Applied Sciences, 6(5),
p.922.
Heymann-Reder, D. (2011). Social Media Marketing. Erfolgreiche Strategien f\"ur Sie und Ihr
Unternehmen, Munchen.
Hoffman, D. and Fodor, M. (2010). Can you measure the ROI of your social media marketing?.
Sloan Management Review, 52(1).
Jedha. (2011). E-marketing vs. traditional marketing [Online] Available at
<http://internetexpressions.com.au/356/emarketing-vs-traditional-marketing/> [Accessed
on 8th Aug.14]
Kalyanam, K. and Mclntyre, S. (2002), The E-Marketing Mix: A Contribution of the E-tailing
Wars. Journal of the Academy of Marketing Sciences, 30(4); 487-499.
Kaufman, R. (2006) Well-Informed Customer is a [Online], available at:
<http://ezinearticles.com/?A-Well-Informed-Customer-is-a&id=319361>. [Accessed on
2nd October, 2014]
Kivetz, R. and Simonson, I. (2002). Earning the right to indulge: effort as a determinant of
customer preferences toward frequency program rewards. Journal of Marketing
Research, 39(2), pp.155--170.
Koubaa, Y. (2007). Country of origin, brand image perception, and brand image structure, Asia
pacific Journal of Marketing, 20 (2) 139-155
Kroner, A., Gebhard, P., Spassova, L., Kahl, G. and Schmitz, M. (2009). Informing Customers by
Means of Digital Product Memories. pp.21--26.
Kroner, A., Gebhard, P., Spassova, L., Kahl, G. and Schmitz, M. (2009). Informing Customers by
Means of Digital Product Memories. pp.21--26.
Mathur, A., Moschis, E., and Lee (2003), Life Event and Brand Preference. Journal of Consumer
Behaviour, 3(2); 129-141.
Miyasaki, A.D., Grewal, D. and Goodstein, R.C. (2005), Re-inquiries: the effect on multiple
extrinsic cues on quality perceptions: a matter of consistency, Journal of Consumer
Research, 32 (1), 146-53
Nelson, P. (2004), Advertising as information, Journal of Political Economic. 8179754.
Nysveen, H., Methlie, L. and Pedersen, P. (2002). Tourism web sites and value-added services:
The gap between customer preferences and web sites offerings. Information
Technology \& Tourism, 5(3), pp.165--174.
Roberts, R. R. and Kraynak, J. (2008). Walk like a giant, sell like a madman (1st Ed), Hoboken,
NJ: Wiley and Sons Inc.
E marketing strategies and Consumer Perception62

RocketX1. (2013). Introducing The Rocket X1 Internet Marketing Pyramid [Online] Available at
<http://www.rocketx1.com/content-marketing/introducing-the-rocket-x1-internet-
marketing-pyramid-part-1/> [Accessed on 8th Aug.14]
Samiee, S., Shimp, T. A. and Sharma, S. (2005), Brand origin recognition accuracy: its
antecedents and consumers cognitive limitations, Journal of International Business
Studies, 36 379-397
Scott, S. L. and Keith, F. J. (2005), the automatic country of origin effects on brand judgment,
Journal of Advertising, 34, 87-98
Steenkamp, E.M., Jan-Benedict., Rajeev, B. and Dana, L.A (2003), How perceived brand
globalization creates brand value, Journal of International Business Studies, Vol. 34 (1),
53-66
Steinman, M.L., Hawkins, M. (2010). When marketing through social media, legal risks can go
viral, Intellectual Property & Technology Law Journal, 22 (8), 1-9
Stelzner, M. (2012). SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING INDUSTRY REPORT; How Marketers
Are Using Social Media to Grow Their Businesses. Social Media Examiner.
Studio72. (2014). traditional Marketing vs. E-Marketing [Online] Available at
<http://www.studio72.com.au/marketing/traditional-marketing-vs-e-marketing/>
[Accessed on 8th Aug.14]
Thakor, M.V. and Lavack, M.A. (2003), Effect of perceived brand origin associations on
consumer perceptions of quality, The Journal of Product and Brand Management, 12 (6-
7), 394.
Wahlster, W. (2007), Digital Product Memory: Embedded Systems Keep a Diary, Harting tec.
News 15, pp. 79.
Watson, R.P., Leyland, F.P., Berthon, P. and Zinkham, G. (2002). U-commerce: expanding the
universe of marketing, Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, 30 (4), 333-47.
Weinberg, T. (2009). The new community rules: Marketing on the social Web (1st Ed) Sebastopol,
CA, O Reilly Media Inc.
Weiss, A.M., Lurie, N.H. & Macinnis, d. J. (2008). Listening to strangers: whose responses are
valuable, how valuable are they, and why? , Journal of Marketing Research, 45(4), 425
436.
Xiang, Z., and Gretzel, U. (2010). Role of social media in online travel information search,
Journal of Tourism Management 31179188.
E marketing strategies and Consumer Perception63

Appendices

Questionnaire

The questionnaire has been designed to know the opinion of the customers about the e-marketing
strategies. It will be utilize for the academic purposes. The topic of the research is to analyze the
impact of the strategies of e-marketing strategies in shifting the brand perception of the
customers: A case of Nike. Your kind support is crucial for the successful completion of this
research project. Your responses will be anonymous; data will be combined and analyzed as a
whole. Please attempt to answer all the questions and tick one appropriate box that best suits
your perspective for each statement. Thank you very much for your time and assistance

Respondents: Consumers of Nike

Part 1: Demographic analysis


Please tick the one which represents you (kindly put one tick for every question only),
Gender:

Female
Male

Age:

Age 20 and below


Age 21 to 30
Age 31 to 40
Age 41 to 50
Age 51 and above

Education:

None
Primary level
Secondary Level
Tertiary level

Work Experience:

None
5-10 years
10-15 years
E marketing strategies and Consumer Perception64

15-20 years

Consumer Preferences

Strongl Agre Neutra Disagre Strongly


y Agree e l e Disagree

I consume the products of Nike because it


is easy to get notified about the products.

I prefer shopping through internet.

I like getting notifications about the new


products of Nike through mails

I get information about the products of


Nike through internet

I think the mailing and texting strategies


about the product are effective

Email technique

Strongl Agre Neutra Disagre Strongly


y Agree e l e Disagree

I mostly get information through emails


about products of Nike

It is good to have emails about products of


Nike

The emails merely get my attention far


quicker than commercials
E marketing strategies and Consumer Perception65

Visual illustration of text message

Strongl Agre Neutra Disagre Strongly


y Agree e l e Disagree

Email with visual graphics support in


understanding the product

Visual illustration support in choosing the


product

Visual illustration in the email attracts the


attention due to detailed and personalized
information it holds

Means for social sharing

Strongl Agre Neutra Disagre Strongly


y Agree e l e Disagree

Social websites are effective in advertising


and promoting the product.

Social network supports in the promotion


of the product.

Social websites are more attractive as


compared to T.V commercials promoting
the products.

Você também pode gostar