Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description

Consumer Behaviour

Main Study Course Information

Course Code
SZF_224
Branch of Science
Economics and Business
ECTS
3.00
Target Audience
Business Management; Management Science; Marketing and Advertising
LQF
Level 6
Study Type And Form
Full-Time

Study Course Implementer

Course Supervisor
Structure Unit Manager
Structural Unit
Faculty of Social Sciences
Contacts

Kuldīgas street 9c, Rīga, szf@rsu.lv

About Study Course

Objective

To develop in-depth understanding of the concept of consumer behavior, its influencing factors and aspects. The course introduces the basics of consumer behavior and theoretical approaches, while emphasizing the importance of sustainability in shaping consumption habits, business strategies, and market development.

Preliminary Knowledge

Microeconomics, Macroeconomics.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

1.Explain the concept of consumer behavior and the main theoretical approaches.

2.Analyze the psychological, social, cultural and economic aspects that shape consumer behavior in different market segments.

3.Explain the importance of sustainability in shaping consumption habits and business strategies.

Skills

1.Ability to analyse consumer behaviour trends and integrate them into the company’s marketing activities.

2.Able to analyse the decision-making process of the purchase and the factors affecting it.

3.Ability to predict consumers’ response to marketing activities.

Competences

1.Make informed decisions based on data analysis and sustainability principles.

2.To operate in an interdisciplinary environment, addressing the challenges of consumption and sustainability.

3.Integrate consumer behavior analysis into a company's strategic planning.

Assessment

Individual work

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Individual work

-
-
Participation in lectures and seminars, individual research work - integrated in the presentation of group workL Lecture theses/essays related to the topic of each lecture. Preparation for seminar classes, analysis of scientific literature, consumer behavior, analysis of influencing factors and research into the purchase decision making process. Independent work development on current topics of consumer behavior (e.g. Euromonitor research). In order to evaluate the quality of the study course as a whole, the student must fill out the study course evaluation questionnaire on the Student Portal.

Examination

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Examination

-
10 points

Seminar classes (5 assessments) 30%;

Definition of the concept of consumer behaviour;

PU trends 2026;

Integration of climate change content;

Seminar task: the impact of certification on consumer behaviour in the FMCG sector;

Sustainable consumer behaviour;

Group work: consumer habits of different countries 30%

exam: 40% accumulated grade and exam.

Study Course Theme Plan

FULL-TIME
Part 1
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

The essence and history of the concept of consumer behaviour. Consumer behaviour factors – economic, social, cultural, personal, psychological, etc. Research and analysis of consumer behaviour factors.
Description

The course introduces the concept of consumer behavior and its historical development, explaining how consumption habits and approaches to their research have changed over time. The factors of consumer behavior – economic, social, cultural, personal and psychological – that influence decision-making and consumption behavior will be analyzed. Students will learn methods of researching and analyzing consumer behavior factors in order to understand their importance in creating marketing strategies and promoting sustainable consumption.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

The essence and history of the concept of consumer behaviour. Consumer behaviour factors – economic, social, cultural, personal, psychological, etc. Research and analysis of consumer behaviour factors.
Description

The course introduces the concept of consumer behavior and its historical development, explaining how consumption habits and approaches to their research have changed over time. The factors of consumer behavior – economic, social, cultural, personal and psychological – that influence decision-making and consumption behavior will be analyzed. Students will learn methods of researching and analyzing consumer behavior factors in order to understand their importance in creating marketing strategies and promoting sustainable consumption.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Analysis of a scientific article (related to consumer behaviour and factors affecting it).
Description

The lesson is dedicated to the analysis of a scientific article related to consumer behavior and its influencing factors. Students will learn how to critically evaluate academic literature, identify the purpose of the study, methodology, main conclusions and their practical significance in the marketing context. Special attention will be paid to sustainability aspects of consumer behavior, analyzing how research reflects green consumption trends and socially responsible behavior.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Making a purchasing decision as a consumer issue. Types of decision-making processes: extended problem solving and limited problem solving, initial and repeat purchases, specific customer behaviour patterns.
Description

The course focuses on purchasing decision-making as a consumer problem, analyzing how individuals identify needs and select solutions. Types of decision-making processes will be discussed – extended problem solving, limited problem solving, initial and repeat purchases – as well as specific buyer behavior models. Students will learn how various factors (psychological, social, economic) influence the dynamics of decision-making and how to use this knowledge in developing marketing strategies, including aspects of sustainable consumption.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Researching the purchasing decision process.
Description

The lesson is dedicated to the study of the purchasing decision-making process, analyzing the stages from need recognition to purchase evaluation. Students will learn about various decision-making models and factors that influence each stage, including psychological, social, and economic aspects. Methods for studying consumer behavior in the context of decision-making using qualitative and quantitative data will be discussed. Special attention will be paid to the impact of sustainable consumption on purchasing decisions and business strategies.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Steps to make a purchase decision: identifying the need, searching information, and assessing alternatives before the purchase. The marketing factors that affect them.
Description

The course is dedicated to exploring the stages of the purchasing decision process – need recognition, information search and evaluation of alternatives before purchase. It will analyze how these stages are influenced by various marketing factors, such as advertising, pricing, brand reputation, digital channels and sustainable value communication. Students will learn how companies use marketing tools to influence consumer choices and how sustainability aspects become an important factor in the decision-making process.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Stages of purchase decision making: purchase of a product, consumption of the product, evaluation of alternatives after purchase, disposal of the product, its packaging, residues. The marketing factors that affect them.
Description

The activity examines the final stages of a purchase decision – product acquisition, consumption, post-purchase evaluation of alternatives, and disposal of the product, its packaging, and residues. It will examine how these stages are influenced by marketing factors such as post-purchase communication, loyalty programs, sustainable packaging strategies, and responsible waste management initiatives. Students will learn how companies can build long-term relationships with consumers, taking into account both economic and sustainability aspects.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

International Consumer Day.
Description

The lesson introduces the history, significance and objectives of World Consumer Rights Day, emphasizing consumer protection and responsible consumption in a global context. The principles of consumer rights, their impact on business strategies and societal development, as well as sustainability aspects in the implementation of consumer rights will be analyzed. Students will discuss current issues, such as green consumption, digital security and social responsibility, and evaluate how these issues are addressed at the international level.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Individual differences of consumers as determinants of behaviour and their research in marketing: consumer resources, consumer knowledge, motivation, attitudes, individuality and lifestyle.
Description

The activity is dedicated to the analysis of individual differences in consumers as determinants of behavior. The main elements that shape consumer behavior will be discussed - resources, knowledge, motivation, attitude, individuality and lifestyle. Students will learn how these factors influence purchasing decisions and how to study them in a marketing context, using qualitative and quantitative methods. Special attention will be paid to the impact of sustainable lifestyles and values ​​on consumption habits.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Consumer habits and differences therein between countries (analysis of national consumption patterns).
Description

The lesson is dedicated to the analysis of consumer habits and their differences in different countries. Students will learn how cultural, social, economic and value factors influence consumption behavior in a global context. A comparative analysis of consumption habits of specific countries will be carried out, emphasizing sustainable consumption trends and their impact on marketing strategies. The lesson will help to understand how companies adapt communication and product offerings to different markets, taking into account local traditions and global sustainability requirements.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Consumer habits and differences therein between countries (analysis of national consumption patterns).
Description

The lesson is dedicated to the analysis of consumer habits and their differences in different countries. Students will learn how cultural, social, economic and value factors influence consumption behavior in a global context. A comparative analysis of consumption habits of specific countries will be carried out, emphasizing sustainable consumption trends and their impact on marketing strategies. The lesson will help to understand how companies adapt communication and product offerings to different markets, taking into account local traditions and global sustainability requirements.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Environment as a set of determinants of consumer behaviour and investigation thereof in marketing: social class, culture, personal influence, family and household, situational factors.
Description

The course is devoted to the analysis of environmental factors as a set of determinants of consumer behavior. The main elements – social class, culture, personal influence, family and household, as well as situational factors – that influence consumer decision-making and consumption habits will be examined. Students will learn how to study these factors in a marketing context using qualitative and quantitative methods, and how companies adapt strategies to take into account social and cultural differences, including sustainable values.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study trip
2

Topics

Sustainable consumer behavior
Description

Overcoming consumer barriers in the context of sustainable consumption.

Objective: To understand and identify barriers that hinder sustainable consumption and develop effective solutions to promote sustainable lifestyles through social media communication.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Presentations of individual (group) work.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Presentations of individual (group) work.
  1. Test

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Exam
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
30 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam (Written)

Bibliography

Required Reading

1.

Solomon, M. R. (2018). Consumer Behavior: Buying, Having, and Being (12th ed., Global Edition). Pearson.

2.

Jia Zhao, Fei Xue, Shahnawaz Khan, Saleh F.A. Khatib. Consumer behaviour analysis for business development. 2021.

3.

Akhunjonov, U., Obrenovic, B. Explaining the Consumer Decision-Making Process: Critical Literature. Review. Journal of International Business Research and Marketing. Vol. 2, Issue 6. 2017.

Additional Reading

1.

Schmitt B. The consumer psychology of brands. Journal of Consumer Psychology 22. 2012. 7 – 17.

2.

Stankevich A. Explaining the Consumer Decision-Making Process: Critical Literature Review. Journal of International Business Research and Marketing. Volume 2, Issue 6, 2017.

3.

Andrew T. Stephen. The role of digital and social media marketing in consumer behavior: Current Opinion in Psychology special issue on consumer behavior. 2015.

4.

Remesovschia N. Consumer behaviour approach under the aspect of concept evolution. Journal Economica 2018

5.

Qazzafi, S. Factors Affecting Consumer Buying Behavior: A Conceptual Study. International Journal for Scientific Research & Development. Vol. 8. 2020.

Other Information Sources

1.

Journal of Consumer Psychology

2.

Euromonitor International. 2023. Top Five Digital Consumer Trends in 2023.

3.

Blumfelde-Rutka, K. "European Green Deal: The Transformation of Consumer Behaviour and Business Marketing Communication as Opportunities to Increase Consumer Involvement in the Sorting of Waste in Latvia". Studia Europejskie – Studies in European Affairs, 1-2023, pp. 163-176. DOI: 10.33067/SE.1.2023.8. 2023.