University students’ online food delivery (OFD) usage intention: Investigating the role of sensory marketing and perceived benefits

Authors

  • Kong Shun Han Faculty of Fisheries & Food Science, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21300 Terengganu, Malaysia.
  • Abdul Rais Abdul Rahman Faculty of Fisheries & Food Science, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21300 Terengganu, Malaysia.
  • Chemah Tamby Chik Faculty of Hotel & Tourism Management, UiTM Selangor, Puncak Alam Campus, 42300 Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia.
  • Siti Nur’afifah Jaafar Faculty of Fisheries & Food Science, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21300 Terengganu, Malaysia.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol9iss2pp297-317

Abstract

Background and Purpose: The rising use of mobile phones in Malaysia has contributed significantly to the growing habit of purchasing food through online food delivery (OFD) service platforms. Sensory marketing, a strategic approach that appeals to the five human senses, is commonly employed through social media promotions using visually appealing advertisements and images to attract customers. This study investigates the role of sensory marketing (sight and touch) and perceived benefits (convenience and product variety) in predicting university students’ intentions to use OFD services.

Methodology: Structural equation modeling (SEM) was utilized to achieve the study’s objectives. Data were collected through a survey of 400 university students via the Google Form platform.

Findings: The results indicate that sensory marketing and perceived benefits significantly influence university students’ intentions to use OFD services. Among the factors, the "touch" element of sensory marketing emerged as the strongest predictor, followed by convenience (perceived benefits), product variety (perceived benefits), and sight (sensory marketing).

Contributions: This study enhances the existing literature on OFD usage intentions by providing insights into the influence of sensory marketing and perceived benefits. The findings offer practical implications for food service providers, highlighting areas for continuous improvement to meet consumer demands effectively.

Keywords: Sensory marketing, perceived benefits, online food delivery app.

Author Biographies

  • Kong Shun Han, Faculty of Fisheries & Food Science, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21300 Terengganu, Malaysia.

    Kong Shun Han, a graduate of Bachelor of Food Science (Food Service and Nutrition) from Universiti Malaysia Terengganu. Her final year project involves investigating the role of sensory marketing and perceived benefit towards usage intention of online food delivery application. She currently works at TDCX Malaysia as a Customer Service Specialist.

    Prior to that, she has experience working as a marketing executive at Modelez International.

  • Abdul Rais Abdul Rahman, Faculty of Fisheries & Food Science, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21300 Terengganu, Malaysia.

    Dr. Abdul Rais Abdul Rahman is a senior lecturer specializing in Foodservice at the Faculty of Fisheries and Food Science, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu. His research interest include foodservice consumer behavior, utilization of digital technologies in foodservice operation as well as healthy foodservice initiatives. Prior to working in Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, he worked as a Catering Officer at Hospital Queen Elizabeth, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

  • Chemah Tamby Chik, Faculty of Hotel & Tourism Management, UiTM Selangor, Puncak Alam Campus, 42300 Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia.

    Professor Dr. Chemah Tamby Chik holds a Bachelor of Science in Food: Technology and Management from Michigan State University. She also has a Master's in Education and a PhD in Food Science. Her research interests include Food Quality, Food Product Innovation, and Sensory Marketing. Currently, she leads the Research Interest Group: Food Service Quality, which offers training and consultation in Foodservice Management focusing on food hygiene and quality.

  • Siti Nur’afifah Jaafar, Faculty of Fisheries & Food Science, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21300 Terengganu, Malaysia.

    Dr. Siti Nur’afifah Jaafar, a senior lecturer at the Faculty of Fisheries and Food Science, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, researches consumer behavior in food businesses. Recently, she has focused on food safety, examining the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of food consumers and handlers, and how these influence purchasing intentions.

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Published

2024-07-31

How to Cite

University students’ online food delivery (OFD) usage intention: Investigating the role of sensory marketing and perceived benefits. (2024). Journal of Nusantara Studies (JONUS), 9(2), 297-317. https://doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol9iss2pp297-317