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This research explores consumer reactions following green product failures, identifying a novel benefit for companies selling environmentally friendly products. Across an empirical field analysis and eight controlled experiments, the authors show that consumers react less negatively to the failure of green products than conventional ones, which is referred to as the greenguard effect. The findings suggest that by not reacting negatively to green product failures, consumers believe they are being more prosocial, as their negative reaction may harm the success of a product that otherwise benefits the environment and society. This research contributes to the literature on green products by highlighting a novel benefit of green product attributes and demonstrating how prosocial motives influence consumer reactions to green product failures, and offers valuable insights for marketers on green product marketing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The problem of large amounts of carbon emissions causes wide concern across the world, and it has become a serious threat to the sustainable development of the manufacturing industry. The intensive research into technologies and methodologies for green product design has significant theoretical meaning and practical value in reducing the emissions of the manufacturing industry. Therefore, a low carbon-oriented product reliability optimal design model is proposed in this paper: (1) The related expert evaluation information was prepared in interval numbers; (2) An improved product failure analysis considering the uncertain carbon emissions of the subsystem was performed to obtain the subsystem weight taking the carbon emissions into consideration. The interval grey correlation analysis was conducted to obtain the subsystem weight taking the uncertain correlations inside the product into consideration. Using the above two kinds of subsystem weights and different caution indicators of the decision maker, a series of product reliability design schemes is available; (3) The interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy sets (IVIFSs) were employed to select the optimal reliability and optimal design scheme based on three attributes, namely, low carbon, correlation and functions, and economic cost. The case study of a vertical CNC lathe proves the superiority and rationality of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose -- The purpose of this paper is to examine product failures in the consumer technology products industry to explain why some firms experience more aesthetic-related failures than others. Design/methodology/approach -- The study uses a unique data set of failed high technology consumer products identified by expert product reviewers of 75 online magazines during 2000-2010. The variables are constructed using two coders as well as using an automated content analysis process based on the information provided in the online product reviews. The study tests a hypothesis using multilevel logistic regression techniques on a sample of 606 product reviews of 323 products associated with 171 firms. Findings -- The study demonstrates that older firms are much more susceptible than younger firms to suffer from aesthetic-related product failures when they pursue product innovations that are new for them. Likewise, older firms suffer fewer aesthetics-related product failures than younger firms when they exploit products that well known to them. Originality/value -- The study is highly novel in its research setting and empirical approach, and brings valuable insights for researchers and managers regarding challenges associated with aesthetic innovations for young and old firms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computer professionals know that calls to computer hardware and software technical support lines must be made early in the day, but not before 9:00 am or after 3:00 pm or during lunch (11:30 am to 1:30 pm), and that the call will likely try the patience of the caller. A case study is presented of a call to a technical support line when a US Robotics HST modem developed a glitch. The number was referenced in the index, the caller was on hold for only two minutes and received immediate attention. The problem was resolved quickly and amicably, although the unit had to be shipped back. Seven days later the modem was returned via second-day air, the same way it was sent. US Robotics is commended for its exemplary technical support.