The study identifies the qualitative and quantitative variables that influence a consumers’ pharmacy store selection within a hypercompetitive market. The market studied is also characterized by the hyperlocation of multiple store brands in a relatively close distance. In addition, the study investigates the average distance a consumer walks from their point of origin to the store. Qualitative results indicate that emotional and rational influences differ by age group; however, all groups expect high quality service. Quantitative results indicate store selection is influenced by the perception of lowest prices, service, product assortment and frequent buyer discounts. Loyalty was found to be linked to age of the customer. Finally, consumers willing to compare prices are more likely to walk longer distances. Loyalty reduces such distances by approximately twenty percent.

Purpose: This study experimentally aims to determine the degree of influence that mindfulness training exerts on learning capacity at the university level and contrasts it with previous observational or relational studies that have shown contradictory results. Design/methodology/approach: A quasi-experiment was carried out to measure the variation of six academic learning abilities – a) self-efficacy, b) organization of and attention to studies, c) stress control due to time pressure and the environment, d) involvement with college activity, e) emotional satisfaction, and f) class communication – which together comprise the research questionnaire called the college learning effectiveness inventory (CLEI). The CLEI questionnaire was administered before and after the participants were trained in the mindfulness technique. The study was conducted in Ecuador, and the participants were se...

Innovation plays a key role in the economic growth of companies, sectors and countries. Even though there is great interest in researching innovation, there is little evidence on the influence of innovation on the performance of exporting firms in emerging economies. This study aims to analyze the effects of non-technological innovations (organizational and marketing innovations) on the market performance of exporting firms. We collected data from firms in fast growing South American emerging economies: Colombia, Peru and Chile, with a final sample of 299 completed surveys. Hypotheses were tested with Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Our results show that organizational innovations (new or improved organizational methods) have more influence on market performance than marketing innovations. Findings confirm the importance of innovative performance as a mediator between organizational ...