Valor de marca para instituições de ensino superior de natureza privada com base no consumidor

Abstract

The study developed a brand equity model for private higher education institutions from a consumer perspective. Furthermore, through theory, it defined the set of dimensions, history and consequences of higher education institutions brand equity, as well as sought to clarify the deployment of these factors in the proposed model. Finally, an analysis of the University Experience, Controlled Communication, e-WOM, Co-Creation, Brand Awareness, Brand Association and Overall Brand Equity relational model was conducted, aiming towards the validation of the theoretical model developed in this thesis. In order to achieve this, a deductive reasoning approach was applied, and the research, from a methodology standpoint, was divided into three phases: exploratory, descriptive and analytic. The exploratory phase focused on clarifying the topic´s concepts, defining the research problem, elaborating the theoretical model, and developing the instrument to be used for data collection. During the descriptive phase, a survey questionnaire pre-test was conducted, scales were adjusted, the sample size was defined and data collection procedures were detailed. The probability sampling process was not employed, either intentionally or by judgment, and individuals were selected using criteria established by the researcher. The sample size of 1156 Business Administration students was used, and data was collected from university institutes and privately run universities located in the Brazilian states of Rio Grande do Norte and Pará, ranked 3 or higher according to the country´s Course Ranking Index. Data analysis was conducted using a multivariate quantitative approach, including exploratory factor and confirmatory analysis, and structural equation modeling. Data analyses confirm that the variables scale is representative of the object to be measured, and demonstrate both content and statistical validity. It is worth highlighting confirmation of the hypothesis of positive correlation between eWOM and Brand Association, as well as Co-Creation and Brand Awareness. Empirical modeling also confirmed the validity of the higher education institutions brand equity measurement model, based on consumer perspective.