bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supply Chain Management Techniques in Medium‐to‐Small Manufacturing Firms
Authors: Higginson James K. , Alam Ashraful
Published: June 2007

Discussions of supply chain management (SCM) techniques have focused on large manufacturers and retailers. Smaller firms are part of a larger supply chain(s), and also experience market uncertainties and difficulties in maintaining efficient material and information flow. This paper reports on a study of the use of SCM techniques in medium‐to‐small manufacturing (MTSM) firms. The study consisted of interviews with executives, and a mail questionnaire asking participants to indicate the extent of their firm's use of specific techniques identified in the literature as contributing to the success of SCM. The study found that the use of SCM techniques vary in extent and between industries, and that the organizational structure of MTSM firms has both helped and hindered the implementation of SCM. Greater education about the benefits, costs, and techniques of SCM is required at all levels of organization.
The Impact of Pipeline Control on Supply Chain Dynamics
Authors: Mason‐Jones Rachel , Naim Mohammed M. , Towill Denis R.
Published: June 2007

The use of pipeline feedback to ensure good control of material flow systems has been developed over the years on a pragmatic basis. More recently, the mechanism by which the improved control is achieved has been the subject of theoretical analysis. In turn, this has led to recommendations for good parameter settings which may be used with confidence when applied to a particular generic decision support system (DDS) known as the “to make” model. One consequence of utilizing pipeline feedback is the enhanced damping capability of this system. In our experience, many supply chains may be represented by the coupling together of a series of To‐Make models. In this paper, we show that the use of supply chain feedback within each echelon greatly reduces the order amplification as it proceeds upstream from the market place. Using as an example a model of the Beer Game Supply chain, it is concluded that demand amplification is readily reduced by a factor of 2:1.
Avoiding Supply Chain Management Failure: Lessons from Business Process Re‐engineering
Authors: Burgess Rachel
Published: June 2007

Business Process Re‐engineering (BPR) appears to have had its 15 minutes of fame and is now viewed by many managers as an unqualified failure. It is important that managers realize that every concept has some merit and that lessons can be learned even from a failure. This paper reviews the similarities that exist between BPR and Supply Chain Management (SCM). These similarities allow supply chain practitioners to obtain valuable lessons from the mistakes associated with BPR implementation. These lessons are reviewed and their application to SCM is explained.
The Cost‐to‐Serve Method
Authors: Braithwaite Alan , Samakh Edouard
Published: June 2007

Integrating business processes across functions is at the heart of logistics and supply chain management. The fundamentals of compressing time across the chain are well understood. There is a common expectation among logistics professionals that cost will fall out of the supply chain from such programs. The theme of supply chain management is that many businesses are not in the trade‐off zone where cost must be balanced against service, but are in the area where good supply chain practice can drive service up and cost down simultaneously.
Reconfiguring the Supply Chain to Implement Postponed Manufacturing
Authors: Van Hoek Remko I.
Published: June 2007

It is expected that, as the next step in the development of distribution channels, companies will decentralize their final manufacturing into their distribution centers. It has also been suggested that companies are increasingly beginning to customize products based on customer orders. Both the repositioning of final manufacturing into the distribution channel and the move towards customization‐on‐order are related to the implementation of postponed manufacturing. A framework for the analyses of supply chain reconfiguration patterns in the context of internationalization strategy is introduced and used in eight case studies. Results suggest that the implementation of postponed manufacturing require not only the reconfiguration of the logistics systems, but also that of other operations in the supply chain, thus creating a cross‐functional effect. In contrast to the literature different paths are found which are viable for structuring the reconfiguration process. Finally, different postponement applications have been found, suggesting that the existing framework for customization in supply chains needs extension.
Rolling Back the Frontiers: The Customs Clearance Revolution
Authors: Appeals Ton , Struye de Swielande Henry
Published: June 2007

As far as most people are concerned, customs clearance is not a term that is likely to excite enthusiasm. For some, customs clearance represents tedious border checks, irritating delays and complicated form‐filling. For others, it is one of the oldest examples of government interference and bureaucracy. Something that does little to improve its tarnished image in an era supposedly dominated by free markets and private initiative. But regardless of the ambivalence in which it is held, the fact remains that when goods are moved across borders, customs clearance is usually involved. In this paper we will argue that the low status and poor image of customs clearance has actually become outdated. Now, fundamental changes taking place in the area have worked to raise the importance of customs clearance in general. These changes have linked customs clearance to innovative technological developments, and propelled it into becoming a key area for management in cross‐border, time‐sensitive industries. We will examine the specific drivers of these changes and assess the ways in which these drivers might impact businesses involved in moving goods across borders. Finally, we will focus on what such businesses might do to respond.
Supply Chain Management: Implementation Issues and Research Opportunities
Authors: Lambert Douglas M. , Cooper Martha C. , Pagh Janus D.
Published: June 2007

In 1998, the Council of Logistics Management modified its definition of logistics to indicate that logistics is a subset of supply chain management and that the two terms are not synonymous. Now that this difference has been recognized by the premier logistics professional organization, the challenge is to determine how to successfully implement supply chain management. This paper concentrates on operationalizing the supply chain management framework suggested in a 1997 article. Case studies conducted at several companies and involving multiple members of supply chains are used to illustrate the concepts described.
An Empirical Comparison of Anticipatory and Response‐Based Supply Chain Strategies
Authors: Closs David J. , Roath Anthony S. , Goldsby Thomas J. , Eckert James A. , Swartz Stephen M.
Published: June 2007

This paper reports simulation research that empirically investigates and compares supply chain performance under varying conditions of information exchange and demand uncertainty. Specifically, the research objective is to quantitatively document the characteristics and performance impact of information exchange among supply chain entities. The findings suggest that the response‐based supply chain model consistently outperforms the anticipatory model in terms of customer service delivered under conditions of both low and high demand variation. Comparisons of inventory holdings across supply chain models demonstrate that the retailers' inventory burden is significantly lower in the response‐based scenario. The inventory savings enjoyed by retailers in the response‐based model are substantial enough to lower system‐wide inventories. In sum, the study supports the feasibility of achieving both improved service and lower inventories as a result of information sharing.
Logistics Service Management: Opportunities for Differentiation
Authors: van der Veeken Daniëlle J.M. , Rutten Werner G.M.M.
Published: June 2007

In this article a model is described, which enables differentiation of the logistics service that a company offers to its customers. Differentiating this service is essential for businesses with a large variation within their customer and/or products portfolio. The model consists of four phases: cost structuring, profiling, evaluating and differentiating. The application of the model results in a number of customer order profiles that group customers according to their ordering behavior. Each customer order profile can be drawn up for an appropriate logistics service arrangement, in order to balance service and costs. The model helps to transform logistics service from a cost generator to a powerful marketing tool.
The Selection of Distribution Control Techniques
Authors: de Leeuw Sander , van Goor Ad R. , Ploos van Amstel Rien
Published: June 2007

Due to changes in the company and its environment, distribution control requirements will change. Knowledge of the criteria influencing the successful application of distribution control techniques is needed in order to make these changes. This article investigates these criteria. After a description of redesign of distribution systems, a framework of control decisions is introduced and explained. It is then shown how each of the decisions depends on the characteristics of the products distributed, the markets served and the processes used.
Marketing/Logistics Integration and Firm Performance
Authors: Stank Theodore P. , Daugherty Patricia J. , Ellinger Alexander E.
Published: June 2007

Functional areas within a firm must effectively interact and work together to plan, coordinate, and implement strategic initiatives. Interfunctional integration is believed to be directly related to a firm's competitiveness and profitability. The current research was undertaken to gain a greater understanding of the association between interdepartmental integration and performance. Results of a recent survey examining the marketing/logistics interface are reported. Analysis provided support for positive associations between the frequency of collaborative integration between marketing and logistics departments and logistics managers' perceptions of the effectiveness of the relationship between departments, as well as, departmental performance relative to competitors.
Measurement and Analysis of Demand Amplification Across the Supply Chain
Authors: Taylor David H.
Published: June 2007

The Demand Amplification Effect has been well described in the literature over many years, yet it is clear that the effect is still prevalent in many supply chains. In this paper, a practical approach is described for identifying and measuring demand amplification. The approach was applied within the upstream automotive component supply chain in the U.K. The causes of demand amplification within this scenario are analyzed and compared to those identified in previous work. The work described is the first part of a wider project, the aim of which is to develop a comprehensive approach to enable management to counteract the problem of demand amplification.
Taking the manufacturing order out of manufacturing
Authors: Wilkinson Joe
Published: June 2007

Modern manufacturing systems enable manufacturing management to
plan, control and record manufacturing activities. However,
manufacturers have been found to adopt practices and incur overheads to
deride the benefits arising in other operational areas of their
activities from the implementation of traditional systems. Current
manufacturing practices are burdened by the legacy of these traditional
systems, especially by the manufacturing order (MO). Looks at how modern
manufacturing systems can operate without the controlling element of the
MO through the use of new technology. Highlights the process involved.
Re‐engineering knowledge logistics
Authors: Wills Gordon , Wills Mathew
Published: June 2007

Describes the key elements of total logistics systems and their cycle times for requisite service levels at least cost. Shows how these constructs originally emerged from military necessity but have more recently been driven for commercial and manufacturing advantage. Analyses the traditional logistics cycle in academic and professional publishing and then demonstrates how the application of a total logistics system approach with the emerging capabilities of electronics totally transforms the performance of the system, reducing cycle time by 75 per cent. Significantly re‐engineers the five key elements of logistics systems ‐ facilities, unitization, communications, inventory and transportation ‐ and rewrites the cost/benefit equation of service levels. Explores the opportunities for backward and forward integration by traditional librarians and publishers respectively in the re‐engineered total system.
Leadership as a subversive activity
Authors: MacBeath John
Published: June 2007

Purpose

Leadership is as widely used as it is misused and misunderstood. This paper seeks to argue that in an educational context it is important not only to revisit and reframe conceptions of leadership but also to see it as having an essentially subversive purpose. The paper aims to dicuss subversion in an intellectual, moral and political sense, as a sacred mission to confront the “noble lies” of politicians, the superficiality of the designer culture and the line of least resistance opted for by overworked and demoralised teachers.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical base for this paper is a seven‐country three‐years study entitled Leadership for Learning which brought together staff from 24 schools in seven countries to explore the connections between learning and leadership and to arrive at some common understanding which could be tested in practice across national and linguistic boundaries.

Findings

While recognising the unique contexts and differing cultural traditions as diverse as those of Australia and Austria, the USA and Greece, engaging in an international discourse through face‐to‐face workshops, virtual conferencing and exchange visits led one to five key principles held in common.

Originality/value

The paper offers intriguing and insightful discussion into the subject of leadership as a subversive activity.
Towards an integration of intuitive and systematic decision making in education
Authors: Klein Joseph , Weiss Itzhak
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The literature advocates educational decision‐making processes that are either intuitive or systematic. While the two approaches seem to be incompatible, each has its merits. Intuitive thinking is considered to be holistic and creative, whereas the systematic approach has the advantages of a theoretical foundation and accuracy in data processing. The purpose of this paper is to investigate a procedure that integrates both approaches.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 383 academic teachers were asked to resolve a complex educational dilemma by means of three different decision‐making procedures: intuition; a precise systematic procedure utilizing DSS software; and the Simplified Decision Process (SDP) that integrates the intuitive and systematic techniques by breaking the dilemma down into simple secondary problems that can be processed intuitively without computer assistance.

Findings

The paper finds that 52 percent of the participants utilizing SDP arrived at decisions similar to the DSS‐mediated conclusions.

Originality/value

The paper sheds light on the differential thinking patterns of decision makers, and on the cognitive potential demonstrated when SDP is employed for simplification of complex educational decisions without the pitfalls of inexact and biased judgments.
Reframing metaphors in business and education teams
Authors: Marcellino Patricia Ann
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to conduct an action‐research study of metaphors and metaphoric fragments composed by graduate students in 17 teams in two business (MBA) and three educational administration courses taught by the same instructor and action‐researcher.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology of the paper was action‐research conducted directly by the instructor and indirectly by the business and education graduate students who participated in the study. Participants (74) were aspiring leaders in business and educational leadership programs at a private university in New York. The instructor and action‐researcher utilized participants' metaphors or metaphoric fragments (i.e. glimpses of a metaphor) as an instructional technique to compare and further understand the team process in both disciplines.

Findings

The findings in the paper indicated that an analysis of metaphors or metaphoric fragments enabled the instructor to develop a multiple perspective of various team stages and revise an action‐plan (or syllabus) that would expand the use of metaphors as a diagnostic tool for team development.

Originality/value

The originality of the paper is that it is cross‐disciplinary, and compares metaphors from aspiring leaders within the disciplines of business and education. The value of the study is that it may influence the development of other action‐research team studies on the university level.
Service climate in New Zealand English language centres
Authors: Walker John
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to report on the findings of a study into staff perceptions of service climate in New Zealand English language centres (ELCs) offering ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) courses.

Design/methodology/approach

A 71‐item questionnaire based on a Likert scale was used to survey non‐management teaching and administrative staff about their perceptions of the climate quality in their institutions.

Findings

The paper finds that staff in New Zealand ELCs demonstrated a positive perception of the service climate quality in their institutions. Service orientation was viewed as the most positive aspect of ELC service climate. Management aspects were not so positively perceived. The least positively‐perceived aspect of the service climate was resourcing. Significant differences in climate perceptions were identified among staff sub‐groups, and between staff in different ELC types.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of convenience samples are acknowledged. Further research is advocated into management and administrative aspects of ELCs operating in the private sector, as well as into the operation of other educational institutions in a commercial environment.

Practical implications

The paper shows that ELCs are doing well in terms of “soft” service management areas, e.g. service orientation and client focus, but need to pay more attention to the “hard” areas such as resourcing and basic management competencies.

Originality/value

ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) administration and management is a highly under‐researched area. This is one of the few pieces of empirical research in this sector, and thus represents a unique contribution to the literature. The findings will be of interest to anyone working and/or researching in the area of ELC/ESOL management, or in the area of private education provision.
Consumer characteristics and demand for store brands
Authors: Baltas George , Argouslidis Paraskevas C.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

Store brands represent an important part of the consumer goods market and a prominent research area. The purpose of this paper is to address a well‐defined problem of store brand research and is concerned with individual characteristics that explain heterogeneous preferences for store brands. Understanding how preferences vary with consumer factors is a key element in developing successful marketing strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey is designed and implemented to a large random sample of consumers, using computer‐assisted telephone interviewing.

Findings

Specific consumer characteristics are associated with interpersonal differences in store brand demand. Store brand preferences derive from a broader evaluation process, in which quality has the most significant role. The results also demonstrate the changing image of store brands, the endorsement of such products by consumers of higher socio‐economic status, and lead to important implications for both retailers and manufacturers of consumer products.

Originality/value

The paper introduces random sampling and telephone interviewing to store brand research and provides new insights for managers and researchers.
Comparing distributors' judgements to buyers' preferences
Authors: Matsatsinis N.F. , Grigoroudis E. , Samaras A.P.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This paper attempts to determine effective push‐pull marketing strategies concerning olive oil in Greece, based on the analysis of consumers' and distributors' values and the comparison of importance that each group gives to different product characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, multicriteria analysis is used in order to identify olive oil market segments and the factors that affect the purchase behaviour of olive oil consumers. Consumers' preferences, attitudes and perceptions with regard to special characteristics of olive oil such as quality, packaging, image, odour, colour, etc. are explored. In addition, description and analysis of the marketing channels of olive oil in Greece is presented. Finally, consumers' preferences are compared to the judgments of distributors in order to identify useful similarities‐dissimilarities in their perceptions and attitudes, concerning the attributes of the product.

Findings

The study of the olive oil market in Greece shows the importance of the product for the Greek market. Findings also suggest that the olive oil market in Greece is very complex. The qualitative analysis shows that perceived quality is the only attribute of the product that is considered very important for both consumers and distributors. In addition, perceptual maps can be a useful tool for the comparative analysis of preferences between consumers and distributors.

Originality/value

The paper identifies key factors that influence the behaviour of Greek consumers and distributors regarding olive oil purchases. These factors and the comparison between the two groups have a great influence on the marketing decisions of agricultural products and food industry in general.
Patrons of home centers and hardware chains: a comparison
Authors: Burns David J. , Duganne David , Terry Deiderick E.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to compare the patrons of chain home centers and patrons of small hardware stores.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was administered to individuals residing in two adjacent metropolitan areas located in the US Midwest. Respondents were contacted via telephone and were asked to respond to questions addressing their hardware store/home center preferences and shopping activity.

Findings

Respondents' assessments of the importance of eight attributes relating to shopping experience were not able to differentiate between patrons of small hardware stores and patrons of large home centers. Furthermore, the type of hardware retailer that individuals most commonly patronize does not appear to affect their assessments of various types of hardware retailers stores nor the amount of time respondents spent during a typical visit to their most patronized home center/hardware store. Finally, the only demographic difference noted involved income – respondents who shopped most often at large home centers were found to have a significantly higher income than those who shopped most often at small hardware stores.

Practical implications

The results of this study indicate that, at least for the issues examined, there appears to be relatively little difference between the individuals who patronize chain home centers and those who patronize small hardware stores. Consequently, individuals' choices of hardware retailer to patronize appears to be more complex than anticipated.

Originality/value

The growth of chains in hardware retailing has not received the same degree of attention as chain stores in other areas of retailing.
Customer preferred channel attributes in multi‐channel electronic banking
Authors: Laukkanen Tommi
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to increase the understanding of the diverse retail channel preferences of online bank customers by examining their channel attribute preferences in electronic bill paying. Two different groups of online customers were examined: those who pay their bills over the internet and those who, in addition, have experience of using a mobile phone for this service.

Design/methodology/approach

A large internet survey was implemented and conjoint analysis was used in order to identify the utilities of the attribute levels and relative importance of the different attributes. Moreover, cluster analysis was used to group the individuals into homogenous attribute preference segments.

Findings

The empirical findings indicate that internet users and mobile users differ in their channel attribute preferences. The results suggest coherent customer preference segments in both groups. In addition, the study identifies a group of potential mobile banking users among those who have never used a mobile phone for banking actions.

Research limitations/implications

An internet survey design exposes the study to some limitations. All the respondents were online users of one bank, which implies problems with generalising the results to the whole population. Moreover, the questionnaire was open only for a limited time period, exposing the study to a potential bias.

Originality/value

The study provides new insights for decision makers in the electronic retail sector and especially in banking. The results contribute information for banks' marketing actions and provide indications to device producers of the need for a more diversified supply of devices for diverse consumer groups.
A commentary on social and experiential (e‐)retailing and (e‐)shopping deserts
Authors: Dennis Charles , Jayawardhena Chanaka , Tiu Wright Len , King Tamira
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The last ten years have seen a gradual withdrawal of retail facilities from many local areas and the consequent growth of “shopping deserts” resulting in social and health disbenefits. The purpose of this paper is to examine the potential for e‐shopping to fill the vacuum and to assist disadvantaged shoppers.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses prior published research to comment on the extent to which e‐retailing may be the shopping solution of the future?

Findings

The internet has limited potential to compensate for shopping deserts, as consumers who do not have a good range of physical shops within walking distance also tend to lack access to the internet.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is based solely on prior research. The authors recommend action research that may hopefully help excluded shoppers to become more included by addressing the problems of access to e‐shopping.

Practical implications

Government, service providers and e‐retailers may consider interventions such as subsidised internet access, training and the provision of e‐cash.

Originality/value

The paper links research from diverse fields relating to shopping deserts, the digital divide, health, wellbeing, social and experiential aspects of (e‐)shopping.
Planning for health: generation, regeneration and food in Sandwell
Authors: Kyle Rosemary , Blair Angela
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine a case study for increasing supply of, and demand for, healthier food in the metropolitan Borough of Sandwell, West Midlands, UK. Sandwell has a declining and ageing population. Levels of cancer, coronary heart disease, diabetes and obesity are all high. These diseases should not just be regarded as medical problems with medical solutions. By considering both the built environment and the population's health the paper aims to demonstrate how local action is driving strategic food policy.

Design/methodology/approach

Food mapping and children's food/obesity prevalence research provided the evidence base for a locally appropriate approach. From ongoing work generated by this evidence base, Sandwell's food policy has been developed to provide a focus and framework for action. This strategic approach has led to the development of neighbourhood renewal funded work “Eatwell in Sandwell”.

Findings

By working in partnership with the private sector, i.e. retail businesses and specialist consultants, it is shown that bridges can be built between public health and the private sector to the benefit of both. For some people living in neighbourhoods with poor or non‐existent fresh produce provision, the Eatwell shops have brought about the regeneration of not just the shops, but also of the shopping habits that were previously difficult or impossible. It is suggested that food must regain its centrality to people's daily lives, not only to improve health, but also to ensure sustainable communities for the next generation.

Originality/value

This paper is a useful source for researchers/students with interests in the topics of food poverty, public health and food retail access
The shopping experience of female fashion leaders
Authors: Michon Richard , Yu Hong , Smith Donna , Chebat Jean‐Charles
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how the shopping mall environment impacts on hedonic and utilitarian shopping experiences, and approach behaviour of fashion leaders and followers.

Design/methodology/approach

Fashion shoppers' response and behaviour has been modelled in an invariant multigroup latent structural path analysis. Paths were initially constrained and then released as required. More than 300 usable questionnaires were acquired from a mall intercept in a regional urban middleclass shopping centre. Participants were probed on their attitude about fashion, perception of the shopping mall, present mood, shopping value and approach behaviour toward the mall.

Findings

The mall environment directly influences fashion leaders' hedonic shopping experience and approach behaviour. Fashion followers' hedonic shopping experience may be mood driven, while that of fashion leaders' is triggered by higher involvement cognitive processing.

Research limitations/implications

This study was carried out in one fashion‐oriented urban mall in Montreal, and should be replicated to other locations and markets. A larger sample would allow the inclusion of additional constructs.

Practical implications

Mall owners and developers might appeal to fashion leaders through offering services that will speed up their shopping trip, using high‐tech methods to convey fashion information and by branding the mall. Fashion followers and laggards are likely to respond to experience‐oriented strategies that make their shopping trip more pleasurable.

Originality/value

Although fashion consumer groups have been studied from various perspectives, no research was found that investigates the integrated shopping experience of fashion shoppers in a shopping mall setting. This study fills the void.
Hedonic usage of product virtualization technologies in online apparel shopping
Authors: Kim Jiyeon , Forsythe Sandra
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether online apparel shoppers' adoption of product virtualization technologies is facilitated more by hedonic motivations than functional motivations due to the hedonic nature of the product virtualization technologies.

Design/methodology/approach

In addition to the focus group interview, two separate online surveys with links to a stimulus web site containing one of the two product virtualization technologies was conducted to a national online shopper sample. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling by comparing the structural coefficients of hedonic and functional motivations on the attitude toward using the product virtualization technologies. The linear combination of functional and hedonic roles of each technology was examined using discriminant function analysis to see if the results were consistent.

Findings

The results showed that the hedonic motivation had a stronger positive relationship than functional motivations with the attitude toward using product virtualization technologies. The empirical findings of this study confirm our proposition that perceived entertainment value is a stronger determinant of attitude toward using product virtualization technologies than perceived usefulness.

Originality/value

The findings of the paper support the idea that the direction of technology acceptance model related research should be drawn by the (functional or hedonic) purpose of the technology/system. Based on the current findings, it seems likely that the predictive importance of the hedonic or functional benefits on attitude toward using a particular technology/system will depend, to a large extent, on the primary purpose of the system/technology.
Specialty retail center's impact on downtown shopping, dining, and entertainment
Authors: Maronick Thomas J.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

To examine the impact of Baltimore, Maryland USA festival market called Harbor Place on area residents' shopping, dining, and entertainment behavior over a 23‐year period.

Design/methodology/approach

A longitudinal study utilizing a telephone survey of a random sample of Baltimore area residents in 1982, 1992, and 2005.

Findings

A significant decline in shopping for non‐food items at Harbor Place and the Inner Harbor after the initial excitement following the opening of Harbor Place in 1980. A substantial and stable percentage of area residents visited the Inner Harbor and Harbor Place in each wave of the study for dining and entertainment purposes.

Practical implications

The festival market attracts the recreational shopper/shopper tourist but is likely to attract the convenience shopper as more residential development occurs in areas adjacent to the Inner Harbor. The area is likely to continue attracting area residents for dining and entertainment.

Originality/value

The paper compares and discusses data about Baltimore's festival market areas for the past 23 years and shows that Baltimore area residents, like those in most cities, are more likely to patronize their suburban shopping malls and power centers, rather than downtown market places.
Personal privacy as a positive experience of shopping
Authors: de Kervenoael Ronan , Soopramanien Didier , Hallsworth Alan , Elms Jonathan
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to demonstrate the need for an improved understanding of the opportunities offered by privacy online. This is contextualized in the case of supermarket purchases of food in particular, often described as an intimate and personal choice. In the case of grocery shopping, the “intimacy” may be at the household level between members or/and between e‐grocers' food offerings, and their other “non‐food” related services

Design/methodology/approach

This paper draws upon social practice theory research, retailing and consumer behaviour in order to develop a conceptual framework for understanding the value of positive privacy. The research uses 39 in‐depth interviews of e‐grocery shoppers in the area of Portsmouth (UK).

Findings

This paper suggests a framework for embedded elements of positive privacy into retailing strategy as a driver for growth in the e‐grocery sector. Three meta‐themes requiring different approaches to privacy are uncovered. Positive privacy is dynamic and contextual at the consumer/household levels as well as for product/e‐grocery brands.

Research limitations/implications

This paper advocates the building of long‐term sustainable relationship through sharing, offering, and exchange of information rather than pure technological chasing of data.

Originality/value

A consumer centred bottom‐up approach is employed demonstrating the value of two‐way dialogues with consumers on sensitive issues. E‐grocery is used as an illustration that involves regular re‐purchase of a basket of staple goods over a long period of time where privacy becomes a latent long‐term concern.
Commemorating the life and work of Professor Ross Davies, 1940‐2005
Authors: Reynolds Jonathan , Lowe Michelle
Published: June 2007

Purpose

To introduce a commemorative collection of articles by colleagues and former students of the late Professor Ross Davies, a leading UK academic in the field of retail management.

Design/methodology/approach

Outlines the development of Ross Davies' career and enumerates his particular contributions to the development of academic studies of retailing. Summarises the objectives of each paper in the collection.

Findings

The paper identifies the link between the authors of papers and Professor Davies' work.

Originality/value

Demonstrates the ways in which an academic was able to relate sound scholarship to the practical needs of retailers, service companies and public sector agencies.
The role of quarters in large city centres: a Mancunian case study
Authors: Bennison David , Warnaby Gary , Medway Dominic
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to evaluate the development, role and management of quarters in UK cities.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study based on Manchester's Northern Quarter, using secondary documentary materials and semi‐structured interviews with urban managers and residents of the Quarter.

Findings

The emergence of the Northern Quarter is a relatively recent phenomenon, with small scale cultural industries and artists moving into take advantage of cheap property following the collapse of the area's economic base in the 1970s. Its branding was a development of the 1990s, set within the wider context of the marketing of the city as a whole. The area has regenerated, but its idiosyncratic character is continuously under pressure from developers and the demands of corporate retailing/leisure, from which it needs to be protected as far as possible. It is not an appropriate area for a business improvement district, but rather needs treating as an eco‐system and allowed to develop under its own momentum.

Research limitations/implications

This is a single case study, which would merit duplication in other cities.

Practical implications

The paper suggests that “real” quarters are essentially organic in their origins, and cannot be planned or managed in a top‐down way. The serial replication of artificial quarters will not assist the differentiation of localities in increasingly competitive place markets.

Originality/value

The paper will be of interest to students and practitioners of urban place management.
Issues and recommendations in evaluating and managing the benefits of public sector IS/IT outsourcing
Authors: Lin Chad , Pervan Graham , McDermid Donald
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The main purpose of this paper is threefold: to understand public‐sector outsourcing in Australia; to examine the linkage between IS/IT outsourcing and the use of evaluation methodologies; and to identify issues that are critical in evaluating and managing IS/IT outsourcing contracts in public‐sector organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey of the top 500 Australian organizations and two in‐depth case studies of two Australian public‐sector organizations were conducted.

Findings

Several key issues for IS/IT outsourcing were identified – problems in evaluating outsourcing contracts, embedded contract mentality, ability to manage contracts, and staff transition management.

Practical implications

Outsourcing organizations need to implement changes carefully and assess their in‐house capabilities. They also need to fully understand and apply the IS/IT investment evaluation and benefits realization processes. In order to reach the magnitude of improvements ascribed to IS/IT outsourcing organizations need to undertake proper risk assessment and effectively manage outsourcing relationships. These all have to be done before and during the vendor/technology selection assessment and contract negotiation process.

Originality/value

IS/IT outsourcing in the public sector is particularly under‐studied. This study identifies several key issues for organizations undertaking IS/IT outsourcing. Recommendations are provided to assist outsourcing organizations in dealing with these issues.
Hotel general manager profile in China: a case of Guangdong Province
Authors: Li Lan , Ching‐Yick Tse Eliza , Xie Lishan
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to investigate general managers' (GM) demographic characteristics and career paths in China's indigenous economy and budget hotels.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was chosen as the most appropriate means of obtaining information from 104 general managers in Guangdong Province, China.

Findings

The data from this study indicate that the majority of general managers are between ages of 31‐51, predominantly males with three‐year vocational college educations, and trained in either a hospitality/business‐related major or totally non‐business‐related major. The career paths of younger general managers show more similarities with their counterparts on the international market. However, some unique differences are identified. General managers in China have more years of non‐hotel experiences and pursue more diversified experiences. Experience in marketing and sales and human resources are considered particularly important in qualifying them for the GM position.

Research limitations/implications

Non‐random sampling was used, and it only focused on GMs in one region of China.

Practical implications

The study shed some light on the demographic characteristics of GMs and the change of career paths over the past 20 years in China. The knowledge obtained from this study will help foreign hotels operating in China effectively select the right leaders and partners. Most importantly, the results will offer useful information to the Chinese hospitality industry as it expands its role in China.

Originality/value

While an updated career development research of hotel GMs is needed, the findings have an incremental contribution to the body of knowledge on career development and a better understanding of hotel GMs in China.
The development of the modern UK public house
Authors: Pratten J.D.
Published: June 2007

Purpose – This article aims to outline the main physical characteristics of the British pub, its products and facilities, clientele and licensee at around the end of the Second World War. Design/methodology/approach – There has been a heavy use of secondary sources drawn from the whole of the period studied. This has been augmented by discussions with licensees, retired licensees and older pub customers, to collect their reflections on the industry. Findings – The public house of 60 years ago had a largely male, working class beer‐drinking clientele. Women were becoming more frequent visitors, but their custom was restricted by traditional attitudes and poor facilities. Research limitations/implications – The paper examines the state of the industry. Further work could examine this more carefully, and could include regional studies for comparison purposes. Practical implications – The paper sets the scene for an illustration of the extent of change that has taken place since then. Originality/value – There have been other attempts to examine the history of the public house. This is the most detailed, and as such could be of interest to the general reader as well as practitioners and students of the hospitality industry.
Small establishments present challenge for Australian food safety code
Authors: Morrison Paul , Caffin Nola , Wallace Robert
Published: June 2007

The increasing incidence of food‐borne diseases emphasises the importance of improving and maintaining a high standard of food safety in food service establishments. Currently, a proposal to develop an Australian national food hygiene standard based on the HACCP principles, is being discussed by major stakeholders with a view to improving the standard of food safety. This article reports on the diverse standards of hygiene found in a cross‐section of food service establishments in south‐east Queensland, Australia. Hygiene standards were found to be satisfactory in only ten of the 19 sites surveyed. It is important for the success of the national food safety strategy that any legal framework, codes of conduct and auditing of standards, complement the existing workplace practices and culture of food service establishments.
Evaluating the efficiency of trucking operations with weekend freight leveling
Authors: Humphrey Anthony S. , Don Taylor G. , Usher John S. , Whicker Gary L.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether or not driver life, carrier performance, and customer service can be improved as a result of the use of a technique called yard‐stacking in the truckload trucking industry. The technique seeks to find ways to provide level freight availability during normal weekly cycles in an effort to seek improvement relative to all constituencies.

Design/methodology/approach

Simulation is used to examine the use of yard‐stacking on Fridays to provide additional freight on weekends, which is generally much less available than on weekdays. In this technique, before being dispatched on Friday for a long‐haul, a driver initially picks up a load to make a short “dray” move from the customer site to the carrier's closest terminal yard. During the weekend, another driver picks up the drayed load. In this research, we evaluate the potential of weekend yard‐stacking under a variety of scenarios.

Findings

The paper shows that a carrier's adaptation of weekend freight leveling can be beneficial to both trucking companies and their customers, while remaining relatively neutral to drivers.

Research limitations/implications

Carriers may be able to utilize Friday yard‐stacking to improve their cost efficiency, driver satisfaction and customer performance.

Originality/value

This research extends the knowledge base of truckload freight imbalance problems. It was industrially motivated by J.B. Hunt Transport, Inc., one of the world's largest truckload carriers, who provided freight data and conceptual guidance.
Natural disaster management planning
Authors: Perry Marcia
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The paper aims to discuss the findings of a humanitarian logistics manager field study on response activity concerning the 2004 tsunami disaster in terms of what should have occurred and to present a comprehensive hindsight‐analysis case for a model placing natural disaster response activity clearly within the context of local‐nation‐led, holistic and inclusive natural disaster planning.

Design/methodology/approach

The qualitative testing of a conceptual framework of natural‐disaster response requirements through interviews with tsunami‐response logistics managers, the analysis of the findings in the light of tsunami‐hindsight “effective disaster management” themes of recent academic literature and multi‐agency reports and the development of the holistic, inclusive planning model.

Findings

That natural disaster response activity needs to be viewed holistically in the context of a disaster management planning continuum that ideally starts well before the response action is required and of which locally‐led inclusiveness is a crucial component.

Research limitations/implications

The model needs to be tested for its applicability as a planning instrument and guide for response activity in the context of future natural disasters.

Practical implications

The holistic/inclusive planning model has been developed to guide natural disaster planners as well as add to academic discourse in the search for natural disaster management solutions.

Originality/value

The study is original with its field‐based qualitative research foundation and reflective hindsight analysis.