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Article
Empirical Study utilizing QFD to Develop an International Marketing Strategy
Sustainability
  • Cassandra C. Elrod, Missouri University of Science and Technology
  • Sarah M. Stanley, Missouri University of Science and Technology
  • Elizabeth A. Cudney, Missouri University of Science and Technology
  • Caroline Fisher, Missouri University of Science and Technology
Abstract

Customer expectations can be extremely nebulous. This research identifies the demographic segmentations and their respective expectations for the spa market. Interviews were conducted and a subsequent questionnaire was employed to gather the voice of the customer and assess the expectations of spa clientele. All of the data was collected from luxury spas in Hawaii, and consisted of respondents from all over the world. Results of the survey suggest that while men want more tangible benefits of a spa, women prefer the experiential qualities of peace and rejuvenation. Additionally, those of lower to middle income focus on the atmosphere more than wealthier clients, who are looking for more long term spa benefits, such as a more youthful appearance.

Department(s)
Business and Information Technology
Second Department
Engineering Management and Systems Engineering
Keywords and Phrases
  • Demographic method,
  • International tourism,
  • Marketing,
  • Questionnaire survey,
  • Segmentation,
  • Sustainability,
  • Hawaii [United States],
  • United States,
  • Customer satisfaction,
  • Demographic segmentation,
  • Marketing strategy,
  • Spa,
  • Tourism
Document Type
Article - Journal
Document Version
Final Version
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2015 The Author(s), All rights reserved.
Creative Commons Licensing
Creative Commons Attribution 4.0
Publication Date
8-1-2015
Publication Date
01 Aug 2015
Citation Information
Cassandra C. Elrod, Sarah M. Stanley, Elizabeth A. Cudney and Caroline Fisher. "Empirical Study utilizing QFD to Develop an International Marketing Strategy" Sustainability Vol. 7 Iss. 8 (2015) p. 10756 - 10769 ISSN: 2071-1050
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/cassie-elrod/19/