Marketing Commons^™

Still Sparkling The Phenomenon Of Bottled Water—An Irish Context, Hayley Collins, Angela Wright

Dept. of Organisation & Professional Development Publications

Why choose to buy one brand of bottled water over another, when, as consumers, we are effectively just buying water — H2O — a colourless, odourless product? This study investigates the power of branding in the bottle water market—a billion euro industry that has been created to sell a product with little or no distinguishable features. Sales of bottled water continue to increase year on year globally, and in Ireland. Ballygowan and Volvic have the largest market share of the water market in Ireland, and, interestingly, they also invest the most in their marketing. One of the aims of this …

An Investigation Into The Marketing, Advertising And Labelling Of Processed Food In Ireland And Its Influences On Consumer Choice And Subsequent Health Issues, Jane Healy

Theses

Ireland has experienced much economic and social change in recent years, and as a result of this, many new food choices and commodities are on offer to the consumer. The simple diet of fresh, unprocessed foods that existed in Ireland in the past has for many consumers been replaced by processed, convenience food products. The purpose of this study is to examine the effects which the marketing, advertising and labelling of processed food in Ireland has on consumers, and how these strategies influence their choice of food. The advertising claims and the labelling of these processed foods is of interest …

The Role Of Social Marketing In Salt Reduction, Michael Barry

Theses

More people die from cardiovascular disease than any other cause in Ireland (Department of Health, 2013). A direct correlation exists between high salt intake and high blood pressure and ensuing cardiovascular diseases (He and MacGregor, 2010). This thesis focuses on the use of social marketing to educate people on the dangers of high salt intake with the eventual aim of making recommendations to aid in the reduction of high blood pressure. In-depth interviews were conducted with twelve leading personnel from salt reduction and social marketing fields. All interviewees reached similar conclusions suggesting that salt reduction as a health issue needs …

The Proliferation Of Augmented Reality Applications: Exploring Consumer Adoption And Marketing Applications, Stephen O'Mahony

Theses

In the contemporary landscape, human behaviour is characterised by digitally mediated interactions. Computing power has simultaneously enhanced and miniaturised to the extent that contemporary consumer devices demonstrate power equivalent to or greater than that of personal computers of recent memory. At the same time, network connectivity has proliferated to ubiquitous levels. In this landscape, the concept of augmented reality (AR) has emerged as a way to visualise the pervasive virtual information woven into the physical environment as a result of ubiquitous connectivity, facilitated by ever-increasing device sophistication. However, research on the phenomenon has remained predominantly technical in nature; outside of …

The Significance Of Social Media And Website Use In The Promotion Of Regional Festivals, Áine B. Organ

Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to demonstrate the significance of social media and the use of website in the planning of an event. In any industry, communication is vital to the development process. This communication is especially important in the event planning industry. Communication with suppliers, civil servants, clients and general publics is an element of every event. Promotion falls under the communication process. This promotion can be done via: press releases; fliers; posters; word of mouth; traditional media and social media. Social media is a growing importance in relation to the promoting of events.

Those who have worked …

An Investigation Into The Importance Of Organisational Public Relations For Live Music Festivals In Ireland, Paying Particular Attention To Organisational Identity, Image And Reputation, David Mahy

Theses

This research is concerned with Image and Reputation creation and management within the entertainment sector, specifically with regard to live music festivals and how a Public Relations campaign can successfully create a favourable image with its main target demographics and maintain a positive reputation and corporate identity.

The literature on the subjects of reputation, identity and event management revealed that relationship building and image management with primary groups of stakeholders can be very significant contributors to the success of live music festivals. Successful two way engagement with customers and perspective attendees of the festival can ensure the continued existence of …

Analysis Of The Current Public Relations Practices Within The Irish Luxury Hotel Sector And The Importance Of These Practices To The Industry., Aoife Ducatta Lohse

Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the current knowledge, importance and application of public relations within Irish Luxury Hotels. Another aim was to find out how the public relations theories of relationship management, strategic management and communications are used in the sector.

The research methodology in this study used a mixed method approach. Quantitative research was used in the form of an online questionnaire and qualitative research was used in the form of semi-structured interviews. The online questionnaire was distributed to all luxury four star and five star properties with an online presence in Ireland with an aim …

Amateurism In An Age Of Professionalism: An Empirical Examination Of An Irish Sporting Culture: The Gaa, Ian Keller, Angela Wright

Dept. of Organisation & Professional Development Publications

The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) has been synonymous with the sporting tradition of Ireland since 1884, and the links it has developed with the parishes and communities of Ireland have been based on the organization’s ethos of volunteerism and amateurism in Gaelic games. Modern Ireland has brought with it many challenges for the GAA, especially in relation to internal and external issues. The dynamic of sport in Ireland has changed with the introduction of professionalism in soccer and rugby, and this has caused the validity of the amateur status of the Gaelic Athletic Association to be questioned. The development of …

Critical Success Factors In The Promotion Of Sustainable Rural Tourism By Destination Marketing Organisations: A Study Of Ballyhoura Fáilte, Louise Nugent, Siobhán Lynch

Irish Business Journal

With the Irish tourism industry maturing, destination marketing organisations (DMOs) must meet tourists’ changing expectations. For rural tourism destinations, the challenge lies in ensuring that they obtain a position of sustainability in the Irish tourism industry (Department of Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht, 2011). Due to the highly volatile nature of the Irish rural tourism industry, treating rural tourism like any other product does not comply with the new approach to destination marketing management, which considers the resources available, the environment, the tourist, and the residents themselves (Buhalis, 2000; Pike, 2008). The aim of this study is to carry out a …

The Use Of Fear Appeals To Communicate Public Health Messages, Katie Mcsweeney, Simon Stephens

Irish Business Journal

This paper provides an insight into the use of fear appeals to communicate a public health message. A fear appeal is a means of persuasion that threatens the audience with a negative, physical, psychological, and/or social consequence that is likely to occur if they engage in a particular behaviour. This paper explores: the effectiveness of fear appeals; the impact gender and age have on the effectiveness of a fear appeals; and ethical concerns relating to fear appeal advertising. This study comprises a two stage data collection process: focus groups and depth interviews. Firstly, two focus groups were conducted. The participants …

Skin Cancer - Education And Prevention: The Role Of Social Marketing, Tim Crowley

Theses

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Ireland and worldwide. Skin cancer rates have been steadily rising in recent times. The high use of sunbeds in both Ireland and the UK is quite worrisome. Skin cancer is caused by over exposure to UV rays or through the use of sunbeds and as a result it is actually a highly preventable disease. It is estimated that 90-95% of all skin cancers are preventable. This thesis focuses on the use of social marketing in order to educate people on the dangers of skin cancer with the eventual aim of making recommendations …

How Is Social Media Changing The Public Relations Industry In Ireland: A Case Study Approach, Linda Wright

Theses

This thesis explores how the evolution of social media technologies are impacting on the Public Relations (PR) Industry in Ireland. It attempts to identify if social media has changed the landscape in which PR Practitioners work and if they believe it has changed the PR Industry in Ireland.

This study attempts to fill the gap in Public Relations research and literature and to merge the social media technologies with the existing Public Relations communication tools.

PR Practitioners recognise the need to embrace social media. However a clear gap exists in the PR industry in Ireland. While some have embraced the …

The Use Of Celebrity Endorsements As A Public Relation, Kate Power

Theses

A huge part of public relations in todays world is based around celebrity and their endorsements of brands, products, services and causes. The use of celebrity endorsement has become such a vital and trusted public relation tactic by so many PR practitioners to create a communication vessel between brand and consumer. This type of engagement between brands and their target audiences has become increasingly important to the Public Relations world for building long lasting and enduring relationships with these consumers and targeted audiences.

The aim of this research is to discover if celebrity endorsement makes an impact within public relations …

How Minority Sporting Organisations In Ireland Are Promoting And Growing Their Sports Using Social Media: A Public Relations Perspective., Peter Lucey

Theses

The aim of this research study was to explore how minority sports organisations in Ireland are using social media to effectively grow and promote their sport. The researcher has analysed how these organisations are currently making use of social media and how it has benefited them in their operations. Relevant secondary literature was studied in depth along with the primary research methods that were used for this study. The research methodology used by the researcher constituted elements of both quantitative and qualitative analyses. Interviews and questionnaires made up the main research tools in addition to an action research approach as …

How The Use Of Social Media As A Public Relations Tactic Has Aided Animal Rescue Organisations In Raising Awareness Of Their Cause, Carole Hennessy

Theses

This study aims to contribute to the understanding of the non-profit sector, in particular animal welfare organisations and how social media can be used as a Public Relations tactic which in turn enables them to raise awareness of their cause.

A qualitative research design was deemed the most suitable by the researcher. Semi-structured interviews and a content analysis in the form of a netnographic analysis of the chosen non-profit organisations Facebook pages were used to collect the primary data. Interviewees were chosen on the basis they had knowledge, experience and exposure in their area.

Research findings indicate that social media …

How Has Social Media Impacted The Relationship Between Public Relations And Marketing Functions In Small Businesses., Lorraine Sheehan

Theses

This study is concerned with investigating the impact of social media on the relationship between public relations and marketing functions in small businesses in Ireland. The relationship between public relations and marketing has been debated in the literature and in organisations for many decades. Social media has an influence on the channels of communication which in turn influences public relations and marketing functions.

Both primary and secondary research methods on gathering findings of social media, public relations and marketing functions were carried out. Areas of conflict and tension between public relations and marketing were highlighted. The impact of social media …

How Social Media Networking Is Supporting Customer Engagement And Brand Awareness: A Pr Perspective In An Irish Context., Miriam O'Regan

Theses

The primary purpose of this thesis is to investigate the phenomenon of social media networking in the Irish organisational context. The study examines how Irish organisations are utilising social media networking as a communication platform. The research assesses the aspects of phenomenon that provide organisational advantages in Public Relations. Therefore, aim of the study is to identify how social media networking is influencing customer engagement and brand awareness.

The first research phase comprises of an extensive literature review of key academic sources of secondary research including reports, articles and publications. This review cultivates a range of sources with insight into …

Comparative Study: The Impact Of The Sw3 Armband And Physical Activity Logbook In Promoting Physical Activity Adherence, Bernie Cunningham, Suzanne Kennedy, Joseph English, Humphrey Murphy

Irish Business Journal

The purpose of this study is to compare the impact of portable body sensing technology (SW3 Armband) to a traditional approach, a Physical Activity Logbook (PAL) in promoting physical activity adherence. Participant’s physical activity adherence levels were recorded over a six month period. The primary research involved a six month physical activity programme that commenced in October 2010 and finished in April 2011. Females (n=30) were recruited through a local newspaper and a radio advertisement. Participants were randomised to an Intervention Group (n=15) or a Control Group (n=15). To be eligible to participate in the study the following criteria applied: …

Fair Trade, Marketing And Consumer Behaviour, Brigit Derler, Vicky O'Rourke, Simon Stephens

Irish Business Journal

This paper examines different aspects of fair trade marketing. Firstly, secondary research examines the development, advantages and challenges of fair trade. Secondly, primary research explores consumer buying behaviour in Ireland and Austria in the fast moving consumer goods (FMCGs) market. Thirdly, the attitudes of consumers towards mainstreaming and clean-washing are explored. Phase one of the data collection involved one hundred and twenty consumer surveys. In phase two exploratory research using mixed modes collected data from nine suppliers of fair trade FMCGs. The findings suggest that the effects of mainstreaming are perceived to be predominantly positive. The research findings also suggest …

Advertising The Thin Ideal-The Effect On Women, Christine Murphy

Irish Business Journal

Debate on the thin ideal has been prevalent for many decades, however given the substantial increase in eating disorders and the omnipresent influence of the media the time is now ripe for decisive action in the area of women in advertising. Most research in this area has focused on the psychological impact of the thin ideal. The new research presented in this paper is important as it explores the marketing implications of the portrayal of women in the fashion and cosmetic industry. The success of this industry depends entirely on how receptive consumers are to the images portrayed. This paper …

Diy Pr: How Independent Music Artists Use Online Social Networks For Public Relations Purposes, Martina Lawless

Theses

Significance of the study: Independent musicians are a huge part of the Irish music industry and yet they are the part that do not have the backing of a record label. This means independent musicians need to look at cheap or even free ways to promote themselves to existing fans and potential new fans. With the emergence of social networks musicians both signed and independent have the tools necessary to engage in a new form DIY PR. The purpose of this study is to look at the different ways that social networks have helped musicians in recent years, but also …

Assessing The Impact Of Celebrity Ambassadors On The Pr Strategies Of Non-Profit Organisations: A Public Relations Perspective, Allison Kelleher

Theses

There has been increased interest from academics, public relations professionals and industry professionals regarding the impact of celebrity ambassadors on the PR strategies of non-profit organisations. This study aims to contribute to the understanding of the non-profit PR sector and the impact of celebrity ambassadors on this section of the PR industry. A qualitative research design was deemed most suitable by the researcher, and semi- structured interviews were used to collect the necessary primary research data. The researcher interviews two PR professionals and three non-profit organisation representatives regarding this particular study. Interviewees were chosen due to their knowledge, experience and …

Consumer Values And Value Change As Influencing Factors Of Future Purchase Decisions In The Automotive Industry, Marc Uhl

Theses

The intense competition in the automotive industry and thus the pressure to correctly evaluate future consumer demands for successful product development provides the context for this thesis. Previous studies have drawn attention towards a potential change of automobile related personal values among younger consumers, yet failed to present a clear picture of this subject. Building on this background, this thesis investigates the automobile related personal value system of a younger and an older respondent group in order to determine the progression of values between both groups. For the first time, a qualitative approach was applied in this context in order …

What Is The Effectiveness Of Public Relations Tactics Being Utilized By High Street Fashion Brands To Encourage Consumer Knowledge Of Their Brand Identity?, Lynn Ferrari

Theses

This thesis looks to discover if high street fashion brands are utilizing effective public relations. It attempts to identify if the PR tools being utilized by high street fashion brands are evident to the consumer and if they contribute to purchasing power, the model of communication that is being employed by high street fashion brands and if age contributes to the knowledge and effectiveness of public relation tactics and communication tools. Approach: The research involved a two-stage study with the first phase focusing on an extensive literature review of the key sources of secondary research including reports, articles and publications. …

Relationships In Fast Moving Consumer Goods Markets: The Consumers’ Perspective, Rose Leahy

Dept. of Marketing & International Business Publications

Purpose: This study explores relationship marketing and the existence of relationships in mass consumer markets from the consumers’ perspective, with the focus on the Fast Moving Consumer Good (FMCG) sector.

Methodology Approach: A total of 10 focus groups were conducted with consumers from a broad range of demographic and socio-economic backgrounds to enable in-depth exploration of the research issue.

Findings: The study highlights the dominant negative attitudes that exist among consumers to relationship marketing as it is operationalised in FMCG markets. It is found that from the consumers’ perspective relationships do not and cannot exist in these markets and that …

A Study Of The Pr & Marketing Tactics Used In The Gaming Industry., David Hurley

Theses

The gaming industry in Ireland has changed greatly in the last 20 years. The way in which we communicate has also changed greatly in this time due to technological advancements. This advanced technology has greatly changed the way in which the gaming industry works, as there has been a massive increase in popularity in recent years thanks to the advent of online gaming.

This study aims to examine and gain an understanding of the public relations and marketing tactics being promoted by both game developers and the organisations that supply them. It also assesses the overall impact the gaming industry …

Increasing Organ Donation In Ireland : Social Marketing And Infrastructural Improvements., Ronan O'Sullivan

Theses

There were over 600 patients on the organ waiting list in Ireland in November 2010. This is a substantial increase on the 414 patients on the waiting list in 2008. Ireland also witnessed a dramatic decline in the number of donors from 90 donors in 2009 to 58 donors in 2010. This thesis focuses on investigating the current state of organ donation in the Republic of Ireland, with the eventual goal of recommending alterations to improve the system. In depth- interviews were conducted with eleven leading personnel from the fields of organ donation and social marketing in Ireland as well …

An Examination Of Irish Females Attitudes Towards Nanotechnology Claims Used In Advertising Appeals By The Cosmetics Industry, Deirdre Kelleher

Theses

Cosmetics advertising exert an image of hope and belief to consumers in that these products will dramatically make them look younger and change their lives. Much criticism has been drawn to cosmetic claims based on nanotechnology. Do they work? Are they safe? Do the cosmetic companies use false claims?

Today, the media is saturated with advertisements that promote cosmetic products. The cosmetics industry is becoming more and more advanced due to the use of nanotechnology. Cosmetic advertisements are so common that it is difficult to distinguish one from the other. Celebrity endorsers are being utilised by cosmetic companies to promote …

Does Marketing Have An Image Problem? An Empirical Study In To The Opinion Of Marketing From The Perspective Of Business And Consumers., Tony Ferguson

Theses

In the 50 year period since the marketing concept was first introduced to business strategy, we have witnessed a shift from the post-World War 2 austerity of supply shortages, to a modern day consumerist society, where maturing markets and an excess supply of goods and services pose serious challenges, in a highly competitive business environment. As competition has intensified, businesses have endeavoured to differentiate themselves from their competitors. Billions of dollars have been invested in research to gain an insight in to what motivates a highly sophisticated and increasingly cynical consumer. These challenges have been exacerbated since 2008, by the …

The Impact Of Celebrity Endorsement On Public Relations And The Consumer, Berenice Geraghty

Theses

Celebrity culture and endorsement has become a huge part of public relations today. Therefore it has become a core tactic within public relations campaigns and is becoming increasingly important as a method for building a long standing relationship with the consumer. The aim of this research study is to discover if celebrity endorsement makes an impact within public relations campaigns - why it is selected as a public relations tactic and how companies select celebrities to go with particular campaigns. The study also aims to discover how celebrity endorsement affects the consumer.

A qualitative research design was chosen as there …