February 2022 round-up

Some days get imprinted in your mind such that, many years later, you can recall, exactly, the moment when you realised that the world after that moment would bear very little resemblance to the one before it. It was like that with the attack on the Twin Towers on 9/11; the attack on the Tube … Continue reading February 2022 round-up

Saying no

I was talking with a friend, recently, who was feeling very overwhelmed by the many responsibilities on her plate. This friend was feeling conflicted because people kept asking her to do more (often presented as a great opportunity), and she really felt that she couldn't take on any more responsibilities. However, she also didn't want … Continue reading Saying no

Customers love our technology (Or… do they?)

The BBC reported, recently, that several major supermarket chains are trialling the use of automated technology to scan a customer’s face and verify their age, when they are buying alcohol. The reason for using this technology for age verification (as opposed to relying on cashiers to do so, in line with legal requirements) is, according … Continue reading Customers love our technology (Or… do they?)

January 2022 round-up

On a personal level, January was really trying. If I tell you that child 2 breaking his wrist was the least stressful part of January, you can get an idea. Anyway, I will spare you the details, and focus on the professional side, instead. On the writing front, I worked on major revisions to a … Continue reading January 2022 round-up

New paper: The Pandemic-Induced Personal Data Explosion

Back in June 2020, I came across a special collection of papers about COVID-19, in the Journal of Public Policy & Marketing. Within that collection, the paper “Consumer Privacy During (and After) the COVID-19 Pandemic”, by Aaron R. Brough and Kelly D. Martin caught my attention. That paper reflected on the implications of the increased … Continue reading New paper: The Pandemic-Induced Personal Data Explosion

Tales of developing an AI-powered chatbot

Chatbots are computer programmes designed to conduct conversations with humans about specific topics, through text, voice or touch. Because they can run 24/7, chatbots are becoming increasingly popular in situations where there are frequently asked questions which can be resolved from a limited pool of answers. Examples include accepting an order, updating the status of … Continue reading Tales of developing an AI-powered chatbot

More than a party – A consumer behaviour look at the impact of government sleaze on public health

Trust in politicians in the UK has taken a tumble, recently. The IPPR revealed that, as of the end of last year, the British Public’s distrust in politicians was at an all-time high: Image source Moreover, according to YouGov numbers, as of last week, almost 2/3 of all UK adults disapproved of the Government’s record … Continue reading More than a party – A consumer behaviour look at the impact of government sleaze on public health

Blockchain: definition, applications in marketing, and issues emerging

There is a lot of talk about blockchain technology these days. This technology has come a long way since it was primarily associated with crime (for instance, crypto currency, which is based on blockchain technology, was the main means of exchange in the now defunct, online black-market, Silk Road). It is now being touted as … Continue reading Blockchain: definition, applications in marketing, and issues emerging

Guest talk: Jacob Thundil, MBE; Founder & MD Cocofina

The style and appearance of the space where the service is delivered (including online space) is highly consequential for: Facilitating the service encounter and enhancing productivitySignalling quality, and positioning the brandReinforcing the value proposition, andShaping customers’ (and employees’) feelings and behaviours in the space For instance, warm colours are energising, while cool colours are calming. … Continue reading Guest talk: Jacob Thundil, MBE; Founder & MD Cocofina