The main objective of the study is to investigate multichannel consumer choices between supermarkets and convenience stores when consumers buy products in the beverage category. The methodology involves both questionnaire surveys through fieldwork and purchase history data in Japan.

Due to their accessibility and 24-hr availability, convenience stores are an integral part of daily lives. Because they sell a limited number of products and have small shelf space, shelf space allocation and inventory replenishment are important considerations for inventory management that critically affect profit. In this paper, we propose five solutions for the vendor-managed inventory problem of convenience stores that maximize profit while considering stock-out-based product substitutions. The performance of the proposed solutions is evaluated via simulation to reflect the demand uncertainty and marketing activity.

Based on microbiological-chemical test results under simulated time-temperature conditions, total plate count, coliform and volatile basic nitrogen were selected as effective quality indicators for estimating probable shelf-life of Kim Pab dosirak marketed in convenience stores, and shelf-life at each storage temperature was calculated from regression equation between effective quality indicator standard limit and storage time. Estimated shelf-lives of Kim Pab Dosirak were 27, 3 and 2 hours respectively under 10℃, 20℃ and 30℃. Because shelf-life was especially affected by initial values, regression analysis between initial effective quality indicator values and storage hours was performed for the estimation of probable shelf-life of Kim Pab during storage at 10, 20 or 30℃.

Time-temperature relationship and microbiological quality were assessed and critical control points were identified through hazard analysis during the phases of production in two different packaged meals (Dosirak) manufacturing establishments (A, B:Kim Pab). Microbiological tests on foods, equipments and utensils were done according to standard procedures and included total plate count, coliforms and fecal coliforma. The results of the study are summarized as follows : time-temperature control management was needed because timetemperature abuse more than 8 hours at dangerous temperature zone (5-60℃) was observed from pre-preperation to distribution phase; Poor sanitary practices of employees were observed in hand washing and using disposable gloves; Microbiological analysis results of equipments and utensils showed possible cross-contamination risks when foods were contacted with them; Kim Pab needed thorough quality control because it included various mixed ingredients of cooked and uncooked and had many apportunities of cross-contamination either by equipments or hands through whole production processes.

This research investigates the relationship among product quality, service quality, perceived value, customer satisfaction, and behavior intentions. Validated measurements were identified from a literature review. The measurement model and the conceptual model depicting hypothesized relationships were evaluated based on responses from 220 customers using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling. The testing results show that, for the direct path, product quality has a significant, positive influence on customer satisfaction, and behavioral intentions. Also, perceived value directly influences customer satisfaction and behavioral intentions and satisfaction is an antecedent of behavioral intentions. For the indirect path, service quality has a significant, positive influence on behavioral intentions through the customer satisfaction. The major finding of this study suggest that service quality easily attract more customers, especially the young consumers. About the sale personnel, communication skills, knowledge and ways of treatment to customers are crucial to retailers to gain competitive advantage over competitors. Therefore, it should have clear and consistent processes, procedures with criteria that create the best condition for organization and individual to open this kind of retailing store. Furthermore, product quality improvement is essential; all products must have clear originality; and diversifying products and services is also the way to appeal more consumers.