Hauser,
John R., and Kenneth J. Wisniewski (1982), "Application Predictive
Test, and Strategy Implications of a Dynamic Model of Consumer
Response," Marketing Science, Vol. 1, No. 2, (Spring),
143-179.
This paper
describes and evaluates the application of a dynamic stochastic
model of consumer response. The model describes, then forecasts,
how consumers respond to a new transportation service and to
the marketing strategies used during its introduction. The model
is estimated on survey data during the first 11 weeks of service.
Forecasts over the next 19 weeks are then compared to actual
ridership as measured by dispatch records.
The model
is simple. At any point in time, consumers are described by
a set of 'behavioral states', indicating (1) whether they are
aware of the new service (DART) and (2) what mode of transportation
was used for their last trip. Behavior is described by movement
among behavioral states. E.G., If a car user tries DART, he
makes a transition from 'car used for last trip' to 'DART used
for last trip'. The transition probabilities and the rate of
transition are dependent on marketing strategies (direct mail,
publicity), word of mouth, consumer perceptions, availability
of a mode, and budget allocation to transportation.
The advantages
and disadvantages of the model and the measurements are discussed
with respect to predictive ability and managerial utility.