bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EMPOWERMENT: HOLY GRAIL OR A BLINDING CASE OF THE OBVIOUS?
Authors: Edmonstone John , Havergal Maggie
Published: May 2006

Suggests that the route to “excellence” is through the
empowerment of workers, but argues that this might become problematic
within the health care sector. Examines the development of empowerment
as a concept. Points out four different types of worker ‐the rebel, the
mainstay, the high performer and the miserable sod, and their possible
reactions to empowerment. Proposes ways of adapting the negative
characteristics of these workers in implementing empowerment. Concludes
that future action should be based on the introduction of empowerment
rather than its discussion.
TAKE FORTH YOUR HUMAN RESOURCE AGENDA – MANAGE
PERFORMANCE AND REWARD
Authors: Brierley Susanne J.
Published: May 2006

Suggests that managing performance should not just be a once‐a‐year
appraisal of people, but should be a dynamic process integrating the
various aspects of organizational and human resource management,
including staff appraisal and development, as well as quality,
standards, targets and outcomes, etc. Points out that the best route to
organizational success is through people, and that service industries
particularly are highly dependent on people to achieve the business
goal. States that managing performance is achieved by managing change
and communication, motivating and developing, and equipping the
organization with the skills needed to move forward successfully.
Integrating into the overall strategy, performance links inextricably
with reward, job design, workforce profiling, competences and
development. To be a learning company needs commitment to employee
development ‐ this, in turn, means commitment to managing human
resources effectively, therefore managing reward and performance.
Air Pollution and Health: Economic and Epidemiological
Aspects
Authors: Shechter Mordechai , Epstein Leon , Cohen Ayala
Published: May 2006

Examines three inter‐related facets of environmental pollution: the
physiological facet, namely the effect of exposure on health
(specifically, morbidity), which has revealed a significant relationship
between qualitatively‐defined ambient pollution levels in either
respondent′s place of residence or workplace and self‐reported
respiratory symptoms and diseases; a behavioural facet,
manifested in seeking health care and in restricting normal activity,
which has shown significant relationships between mean sulphur dioxide
concentrations during a two‐week period preceding the interview and
utilization of medical services or restricted activity days over the
same period; and an economic facet, which translated these
behavioural responses into economic costs, in terms of the value of lost
output and additional health‐care resources, and elicited direct
estimates of these economic costs in terms of the willingness to pay of
households to avoid the health consequences of exposure to pollution.
Findings indicate a high degree of consistency among three alternative
methods for eliciting willingness to pay, but a sizeable discrepancy
between the two approaches to valuing the economic cost. Explains the
discrepancy by the different methodological basis of the two approaches.
Historical Pollution: A European Prospective
Authors: Warren Martin H.
Published: May 2006

Examines the development of UK and European environmental law. The
Treaty of Rome has been amended to provide for assessment of new EC laws
in terms of environmental impact. The draft Directive on Civil Liability
for Waste threatens a strict liability approach for pollution. The
inadequate state of UK common law is reviewed together with the
proactive powers of waste regulation authorities and the establishment
of contaminated land registers. The conclusion is that liability for
pollution is widening and adverse publicity is more likely with greater
public access to information.
Water Quality in Pipe Distribution Systems
Authors: Sangodoyin A.Y.
Published: May 2006

Examines pollution risks in Ibadan′s (Nigeria) water distribution
system. Attributes the observed reduction in water quality to
urbanization pressure, age of piping, differences in pipe materials and
distance from the treatment plant. The turbidity of some of the samples
indicates the entry of foreign materials into the system and thus health
hazards. Suggests some measures to ameliorate the situation.
New Developments in Project Scheduling
Authors: Egger Fritz P. , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: May 2006

Examines project scheduling advances in a job‐shop or order‐driven
environment. Scheduling is an important part of the project management
process. Some antiquated ideas remain, but many dramatic advances have
been made, primarily due to computer‐based solutions. Today′s scheduler
can take advantage of both personal computer‐based and larger
system‐based software. Describes “Timeline”, a program for
common personal computers, and “Jobscope”, a package for
mid‐size machines.
Implementing Advanced Manufacturing Technology: Factors
Critical to Success
Authors: Sohal Amrik S. , Singh Mohini
Published: May 2006

Advanced Manufacturing Technologies (AMTs) present a major
challenge for managers; that is, the successful adoption and
implementation of AMT and the translating of technical benefits into
business benefits in the marketplace. There are many factors that are
critical to achieving this success. The authors discuss the key success
factors and highlight some of the common problems experienced by firms
during the planning and implementation of AMT.
The Changing Role of Supply Chain Operations Managers
Authors: Armistead Colin , Mapes John
Published: May 2006

Describes how the increasing emphasis on customer service‐based
performance measures changes the way in which we need to manage
operations along the total supply chain from raw materials to end user.
Senior managers at Caterpillar, General Motors, ICL, Philips and Rank
Xerox were interviewed about the steps that they have taken to achieve
greater supply chain integration and the problems to be overcome before
further progress can be achieved. Describes the changes that have been
necessary to achieve greater supply chain integration and discusses the
likely impact of these changes on the future role of the operations
manager.
Retail Supply Chain Electronic Data Interchange: The
Distribution Contractor′s Role
Authors: McKinnon Alan C.
Published: May 2006

Electronic data interchange (EDI) can bring many benefits. It
allows orders, invoices and other commercial information to be relayed
directly between different firms′ computer networks. Distribution
contractors must, like the suppliers, become integrated into these EDI
networks.
New Developments in Inventory and Materials Management
Authors: Hsieh Pei‐Jung , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: May 2006

Describes the main characteristics of materials requirement
planning and just‐in‐time inventory and outlines how it is possible to
achieve zero inventory by a careful linking of the two systems.
Electronic Data Interchange in International Trade
Authors: Cuyvers Ludo , Janssens Gerrit K.
Published: May 2006

Standardization and simplification of trade procedures constitute
an urgent need to line up the document flow with the goods flow in
international trade. Electronic data interchange (EDI) is a co‐operative
inter‐organizational information system providing electronic exchange of
messages agreed between trade partners. Outlines a possible
implementation procedure for EDI. A first part consists of a six‐step
feasibility study. If this study ends with a positive recommendation the
implementation procedure can start. Discussions of this process concern
several requirements: completely understand about EDI; agree on
standards with business partners; modify existing systems; translate
data: prepare communications; and management and audit of the whole
process. Concerning the cost‐benefit analysis for the EDI application
– a step which is mandatory in the feasibility study – gives
further details on different types of cost (recurring and non‐recurring,
direct and indirect) and on both quantifiable and non‐quantifiable
benefits.
The Open Systems Revolution: Opportunities for the
Logistics Industry
Authors: Martin Nigel , Hough Deborah
Published: May 2006

Discusses the implications of the advent of open systems, and the
effect which they are having on the logistics industry. Examines the
reasons why open systems are appropriate today and the various
motivations for moving to them. Describes the effects that open systems
will have on the structure of the computing industry through the
increased competition they are creating: how they will affect computing
architectures; and points to consider in the implementation of open
systems.
Pricing Errors in the Supermarket: Who Pays?
Authors: Garland Ron
Published: May 2006

Electronic scanning check‐out systems now operate in most New
Zealand supermarkets, and three‐quarters of all grocery products bought
by New Zealand households are optically scanned. With the introduction
of optical scanning technology at point‐of‐sale comes the debate on
price accuracy. Based on a sample of 18.129 products bought in 86 New
Zealand supermarkets, the level of pricing errors and the monetary value
of pricing errors are examined. Previous research in the USA has
suggested that consumers suspect pricing errors may disadvantage them
rather than the retailer. However, the monetary consequences of price
inaccuracy resulted in a net average undercharge to the consumer of 31
cents in every NZ$100 spent; half of this net average undercharge
resulted from uncharged goods, that is, goods free to the consumer.
Price inaccuracy in the New Zealand supermarket industry is
disadvantaging the supermarket retailer. Extrapolation of the results of
this research shows that this industry could be losing nearly
NZ$18 million per annum from pricing errors. Recommends detection
of pricing errors and greater emphasis on staff training and supervision
for check‐out operators and for those responsible for price changes.
Environmental Management Systems: Developing an IT Strategy
Authors: Bagnall Roger
Published: May 2006

The sources of pressure on an organization to improve the
management of its environmental performance are many and increasing.
They all demand increasing amounts and types of information from the
organization. Information technology (IT) provides the means to address
both these demands and the data needs which are internal to the
organization. A methodical approach is required to determine how IT can
best be used. By examining the business processes used to manage
environmental performance, the types of data to be handled and the
outputs and reports required, the organization can prioritize IT
investments. These may be in specialized information systems, but are
just as likely to be in general data manipulation tools and
communication network enhancements.
Chief Information Officers: Organizational Control and
Company Characteristics
Authors: Karake Zeinab A.
Published: May 2006

Using a sample of 198 Fortune 500 companies, explores the
differential effects of a number of characteristics, grounded in a broad
agency theory framework, on the decision to create a chief information
office (CIO) position, where the CIO acts as an informational
control agent. Companies were more likely to create a top CIO
position if: (1) top management′s equity were large; (2) the company had
a large number of outside directors on the board; (3) the company′s
technological level was advanced. Examines the role of the CIO as
managing information technology as it pertains to enhancing the control
function of management.
Time‐based Performance Measurement: A Model to Aid
Competitive Restructuring
Authors: Barker R.C.
Published: May 2006

Manufacturing organizations are now being exposed to world class
value‐adding standards; therefore restructuring frameworks are required
that identify weakness and guide investment. A time‐based functional
model has been developed which is capable of analysing the supply chain
and all internal value‐adding operations concerned with total
input/output conversion. This model can guide investment and
restructuring actions to reduce total throughput time and thus total
manufacturing costs. Application in a just‐in‐time environment in the
electrical switchgear industry in the UK is currently underway to
develop the framework further. Discusses details of reductions in
throughput time and stock holding.
A Review of Modern Office Technology
Authors: Kim Ike , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: May 2006

The single most significant advance in office technology is the
development and proliferation of the personal computer (PC). The reason
why the PC is so significant and different from other milestones in
office technology is because of its versatility and adaptability. While
other innovations like adding machines, copiers and fax machines are
significant, they are special purpose tools. The personal computer is
limited only by man′s imagination, and the state of computer technology.
Enumerates the current uses of the PC, then the potential uses currently
under development, and finally the technological advances which have
allowed and will allow those uses. Follows with a brief discussion of
the core reasons for developing and using PCs and managerial
considerations.
Traceability – Problem or Opportunity?
Authors: Florence Duncan , Queree Christopher
Published: May 2006

Changes in legislation, congestion problems and the continuing
drive to improve supply chain profitability are being addressed by new
technologies. The part of the logistics cycle that is now the focus of
attention is supply chain traceability, particularly the tracking and
traceability of transport, personnel and goods. The new technologies
that are being brought to bear on supply chain traceability include,
Mobile Data, Automatic Vehicle Identification (AVL), Global Positioning
Systems (GPS), consignment tracking, etc. These technologies have now
reached maturity in their technical development and are being
effectively incorporated into business processes. Provides an overview
of the technical status and future prospects of these technological
developments and argues the business case for and against traceability.
Also assesses the key market sectors in which these technologies will
have an impact and suggests that a “building bricks”
approach is taken to incorporating the technologies into re‐engineered
business processes.
Dynamic Supply Chain Performance: Assessing the Impact of
Information Systems
Authors: Evans G.N. , Naim M.M. , Towill D.R.
Published: May 2006

Outlines cost benefits for information system implementation using
electronic data interchange as the enabling tool. Highlights rarely
cited on‐cost benefits through the examination of supply chain dynamics,
and their relative reductions created through increased stability.
Examines two business re‐design strategies, namely lead time reduction
via information systems implementation and information integration in
the form of actual customer demand fed forward to all supply chain
members. Highlights global integrated logistics information systems and
describes their role in overall supply chain system optimization.
Changes in Accounting Rules
Authors: Ryland David S.
Published: May 2006

Analyses recent and proposed changes to accountancy practice.
Includes: treatment of off‐balance sheet loans, joint ventures, options,
securitization, convertible bonds, stepped coupon bonds, non‐equity
capital, preference shares, restructuring costs, goodwill and reporting
statements. Concludes that the changes should lead to clearer and more
informative accounts.
The Influence of Property in the Brent Walker Situation
Authors: Temple Peter
Published: May 2006

Examines the characteristics of some of Brent Walker′s major
projects and the role of property in both its development and downfall.
Draws out seven lessons to be learnt, including: leisure‐related
property, pre‐emption rights, refinancing with overseas banks, gearing
and new accounting standards.
Property Leasing in Germany
Authors: Gasteyer Thomas , Marlow Jennifer
Published: May 2006

Describes the leasing market in Germany. Discusses the legalities,
terms and conditions, Taxation and accounting treatment. Argues that the
uncertainty of ownership in the former German Democratic Republic,
coupled with special tax incentives, makes leasing an attractive
investment.
Structuring Joint Ventures in Property: The Tax
Implications
Authors: Beer C.E.
Published: May 2006

Looks at some essential issues of a joint venture – whether
it is of a trading or investment nature and the capital gains
implications. Discusses the main joint venture vehicles, including the
joint company, corporate partnership, funded developments and others.
Examines the involvement of foreign participants.
The Potential of Capital Allowances in Purchased Property
Authors: Blakeley Paul
Published: May 2006

Confirms that capital gains are claimable on plant and machinery.
Offers a definition of machinery. Indicates how plant might be defined.
Discusses the qualifications and basis for claim. Illustrates by flow
charts. Discusses apportionment and value. Concludes that a good
relationship with the Tax Inspector is paramount, so long as you are
firm.
Managing Currency Exposures Associated with Foreign
Acquisitions
Authors: Mitchell Chris
Published: May 2006

Discusses hedging currency exposures that arise from foreign
acquisitions. Particular emphasis is placed on the use of currency swaps
and their derivatives. Argues that hedging opportunities are now so
varied that a strategy of not hedging exposures can be taken as
speculative in itself.
Bridging Finance
Authors: Freed Neville
Published: May 2006

Reviews the wider applications of bridging. Considers the various
types of bridging finance available. Discusses their costs and
limitations. Concludes that although bridging is more costly, its
flexibility and speed of access make it indispensable.
Housing Associations Stock Issues
Authors: Gubbins Jennie , Carter Adrien
Published: May 2006

Considers the legal status of the typical housing association.
Discusses the role of The Housing Corporation in monitoring housing
associations. Describes the funding requirements of housing associations
and how those requirements are met by the private sector. Examines the
issues arising where a housing association raises private finance by way
of debenture stock issue. Concludes that although the issue of stock is
still an unfamiliar concept for many housing associations, it is
becoming better known and will become increasingly commonplace.
The 1985‐1995 Property Cycle, the Finances in Olympia and
York, and Property Investment Criteria
Authors: Pugh Cedric
Published: May 2006

Discusses the nature of the property cycle. Charts the course of
financial success and failure of Olympia and York. Discusses the
restructuring of over‐indebted property finance. Reviews the state of
investment appraisal in literature and in some spheres of practice.
Argues the cause and reason for widening reforms in property finance and
property investment appraisal. Stresses that the paper is applicable
only to developed countries, not developing countries or the
transforming socialist countries. Claims a primary significance for
those holding and owning commercial offices as an investment.
The Credit Risk of Non‐Agency Mortgage Securities:
Definition, Measurement and Diversification
Authors: Youngblood
Published: May 2006

Seeks to define, measure and diversify house price change for the
advantage of lenders and investors in the non‐agency mortgage market.
Comments that the Daiwa average has been calculated for all states and
the variable trend can be used to predict future trends. Indicates that
the greatest risk of default arises where the property is vulnerable to
price changes but inflation and amortization have not built up. Suggests
that lenders and investors can use the Daiwa composite average sales
prices to compose advantageous portfolios.
Monte Carlo Analysis: A Practical Application to
Development Appraisal
Authors: Evans Alec H.
Published: May 2006

Discusses the shortcomings of the so‐called conventional method of
appraising development sites at the pre‐purchase stage. Demonstrates how
multiple‐outcome simulations, Monte Carlo analysis in particular, can
overcome many disadvantages. Illustrates by means of a practical
example. Uses the simpler residual valuation, rather than cashflow
appraisal. Concludes that the Monte Carlo method gives a much more
graphical impression than a deterministic method, and is well worth the
effort to appreciate.
THE ROLE OF THE BUYER IN UK MULTIPLE RETAILING
Authors: Swindley David G.
Published: May 2006

Retail buying is an under‐researched activity which is of crucial
importance to retailers. Conducts a survey of buyers in large UK
retailers to investigate the range of activities in which buyers are
involved and explore the interface between the buying function and other
functional areas. Demonstrates the breadth and challenging nature of the
buyer′s role and explores the qualities needed by individuals wishing to
make a success of retail buying. Finally, suggests that buyers carry the
main responsibility for implementing a company′s marketing activities
and suggests areas for further research.
THE TWO WAYS IN WHICH RETAILERS CAN BE BRANDS
Authors: Davies Gary
Published: May 2006

Retailers, it is said, are behaving as brands. Tests whether
retailers can be considered to be brands by comparing the current
practices of British retailers against four criteria for a brand which
are developed from the existing literature on branding. The four
criteria are that the brand should: differentiate; be capable of a
separate existence; command a premium price and; offer the customer some
psychic value. Concludes that retail brands not only exist but also
exist in two forms: the more obvious merchandise brands, commonly known
as own‐brand that are now marketed as more than generic commodities; and
the less obvious process brand that represents the experience that
retailers provide. Argues that the process brand is purchased with the
shoppers′ time rather than with their money. The process brand has value
to the retailer as it generates customer flow, customer loyalty and
higher expenditure.
ELECTRICAL RETAILING IN THE 1990S: TOWARDS A NEW RETAIL
FORMULA
Authors: Brownlie D.T. , Lemond K.A.
Published: May 2006

Reflects on developments in the mid to late 1980s, which saw
booming trading conditions for the retailing sector, and none more so
than electrical goods retailing which underwent many changes both to the
structure of the industry and the way it went about its business.
Describes the circumstances that led to these developments and the
results that were achieved. Sets out to consider what might be learnt
from the experience of electrical goods retailing in the 1980s that
might be of value in the 1990s.
SATISFYING INSTALLER NEEDS IN THE UK PARTS MARKET: CAN
MARKET SEGMENTATION HELP?
Authors: Dibb Sally
Published: May 2006

Reports on research which uses secondary information and an
extensive telephone survey to consider whether existing approaches to
segmenting installers (garages) reflect current customer needs and
buying patterns. Examines alternative ways of segmenting the market,
along with ramifications for applying segmentation in industrial
markets. Manufacturers of car parts are concerned that customer needs
are satisfactorily met through the variety of UK installer types. In
this, as in other industries, market segmentation is seen as important
to ensure that customers receive an appropriate mix of product and
service benefits.
A Review of Sales Forecasting Models Most Commonly Applied in Retail Site Evaluation
Authors: Rogers David
Published: May 2006

Reviews the three sales forecasting models most commonly applied in
retail site evaluation: multiple regression analysis; multiple
discriminant analysis; gravity models. Discusses the important issues
involved in the development and application of these methods –
including their respective strengths and weaknesses. Key points are that
there is no “black box” method and that in the real world of
retailing the methods reduce, but do not remove, the need for practical,
subjective analysis.
Estimating Shopping Centre Turnover: A Review of Survey Methods
Authors: Guy Clifford M.
Published: May 2006

Reviews methods of estimating shopping centre turnover in the
absence of published census information. Discusses use of market area
analysis and reviews the experience of surveying retailers themselves in
order to measure turnover. Reports a case study of small towns in mid
Wales which found that about 70 per cent of the retailers approached
were willing to be surveyed, and of these about 70 per cent were willing
to provide information on turnover. Examines the use of surrogate
measures such as retail employment and concludes that, while such
surveys are worthwhile in present circumstances, reinstatement of a
centrally organized compulsory census is essential in the longer term.
Tesco and Marks & Spencer: Some Findings on Trading from a Shared Site
Authors: Hallsworth Alan G. , Wakeman Joanne
Published: May 2006

Discusses some of the implications of a policy such as that of
Marks & Spencer to augment its high street floorspace with a limited
selection of out‐of‐town developments. One such proposal was the plan to
develop sites jointly with Tesco. Examines the experience of one such
joint venture: the Brookfield Centre at Cheshunt.
Improving the Quality and Efficiency of Fast Food Operations
Authors: Yasin Mahmoud M. , Yavas Ugur
Published: May 2006

Describes the implementation of a total quality assurance system in
a fast food restaurant. The operations of the restaurant were analysed
to identify ways to improve the quality and efficiency of the production
and service delivery systems. A total quality assurance system combining
statistical quality control procedures and computer technology was
successfully installed. The system resulted in improved service quality,
efficient operations and increased profitability.
COMPETITIVE STRATEGIES AND BUSINESS PERFORMANCE WITHIN THE
RETAILING INDUSTRY
Authors: Helms Marilyn M. , Haynes Paula J. , Cappel Sam D.
Published: May 2006

Investigates the relationship between competitive strategies and
business performance in the retailing industry and provides an empirical
investigation of strategic approaches to competitive success adopted by
various groups of retailers. In the past, examinations of this
relationship have focused on samples from the industrial sector and have
not investigated samples in the retail sector. Findings indicate that,
both in terms of financial performance and operating performance, the
group of retailers employing a combination of low‐cost/ differentiation
strategy to attain competitive advantage outperform those using a
singular strategic approach.
WEST GERMAN RETAILING GOES EAST
Authors: Clarke‐Hill C.M. , Robinson T.M. , Foot R.
Published: May 2006

Explores the activities of former West German retailers in the five
new Lander of the former German Democratic Republic. Tracks the
developments to date of 18 major German retailers in the former East in
terms of their statements of intent towards this new market, the actual
activity reported to date, the mechanisms of expansion and policies on
sourcing and staff development up to March 1992. Suggests that
developments have been limited to particular sectors of retailing and
that the pace of development has slowed down from the initial euphoria.
Concludes that much of this expansion is predicated by the underlying
economic factors facing the new Länder and the widening
gap between East and West Germany.
RETAILING IN POLAND
Authors: Werwicki Andrzej
Published: May 2006

Discusses the changes in the structure of Polish retailing since
1982. Reference is made to the failure of the economic reform programme
attempted by the socialist regime in Poland and the importance, since
1989, of the changed political system to the transformation of retailing
in Poland. Discusses the significance of the demonopolization and
removal of state control to the restructuring and privatization of
retailing. Highlights the new forms of retailing which have accompanied
the privatization process. In particular, the number of retail stores
and the types of selling points have changed profoundly although
significant regional differences remain in the progress of the
privatization movement and, in consequence, the number and type of
retail outlets.
RETAILING IN EAST GERMANY
Authors: Woldt Fritz
Published: May 2006

Describes the basic conditions created by monetary union of the two
German states in mid‐1990 for Western retail companies to establish
businesses in former East Germany. Major obstacles include uncertainty
about the ownership of property, the poor market economy knowledge of
the locally employed staff and the low density of the telecommunications
network. The lack of large surface stores led to the construction of
superstore tents. Non‐German retail companies are not yet big players in
East Germany. At first local brands were abandoned by consumers in the
East but are now being relaunched.
PLASTIC CARDS AND CONSUMER CREDIT
Authors: Worthington Steve
Published: May 2006

Only a small proportion of consumer borrowing is provided by bank and
retailer credit cards. Discusses how recent changes in credit card terms and
societal attitudes may further reduce that borrowing. Suggests debit cards
will become increasingly important as a means of payment in the UK –
plastic cards in general will be used more as paper transactions decline. In
Europe there may be convergence of plastic card usage with eventual reduction
in the number of credit card issuers.
BASKET ANALYSIS: A NEW WAY OF ANALYSING SCANNER DATA
Authors: Julander Claes‐Robert
Published: May 2006

Explores the usefulness of capturing information about the shopper basket
from computerized scanners, instead of only using data based on article
numbers. Shopper baskets, as reflected by the receipt, are more akin to the
consumer′s shopping problem and can be used to study shopping behaviour on a
per shopper level. In this way individual shopper behaviour can be studied
regarding short‐term effects of marketing share of shoppers instead of share
of market in monetary units, the combination of items that shoppers put it
their baskets, etc. The arguments for basket analysis are backed up by the
empirical examples.
EMPLOYMENT IN RETAILING: UNSOCIABLE HOURS AND SUNDAY TRADING
Authors: Kirby David A.
Published: May 2006

Examines the likely implications for retail employees of a change in the
law governing retail trading hours in Britian. Based on a survey conducted in
August 1991 of 483 female employees in six retail organizations, the findings
reveal that while only 15 per cent of the sample were not prepared to work on
a Saturday and 25 per cent non‐standard hours (evenings), some 51 per cent
said they were unprepared to work on Sundays and a further 21 per cent only
seldomly. Only a small minority believed that working unsociable hours would
improve their relationships with their children, partner and family, and for a
significant proportion, the possibility of working such hours was believed to
be harmful. Concludes that any change in retail trading hours would have
considerable implications for the lives of those whom the Act was introduced
to protect.
CUSTOMER SERVICE IN SINGAPORE: LUXURY OR NECESSITY?
Authors: Chong‐Wee Keng Neo Lynda
Published: May 2006

In this fiercely competitive local retailing environment filled
with countless identical retail offerings, the use of good customer
service can help retailers gain competitive edge over the others.
Customer service is often overlooked as a strategic tool when compared
to the other retail operational variables which have direct impact on
sales. However, the time has come when shoppers, because of their
increasing sophistication and affluence, are demanding better customer
service. Factors leading to the increasing importance of customer
service in the Singapore context include maintaining a regular clientele
through goodwill, increased expectation of shoppers, impact of customer
service on purchase decision at the shopfloor and as a differentiation
tool. Adopts a case study approach on a leading clothes retailer named
Giordano Originals (Singapore) Private Limited to illustrate the use of
customer service as a major retailing tool.
EUROPEAN NEW ENTRY INTO UK GROCERY RETAILING
Authors: Colin Duke Robert
Published: May 2006

A number of competitive forces seem set to re‐shape the UK grocery
retail market during the 1990s, such as superstore saturation,
information technology, and the emergence of a dominant “Big
Three” group of retailers. A factor likely to be of major
significance is the entry of European retailers, such as Aldi and Netto.
The UK market is particularly attractive to European limited line
discounters because of its wide net margins, and because its price
competitive low end is vulnerable, having been largely abondoned during
the 1980s as many UK incumbents moved “up market”. These
European discounters possess the specific skills and assets necessary to
penetrate the UK market′s three main barriers to entry. European new
entry is partly responsible for a renewal of interest in discount
grocery retailing among UK incumbents, which, in combination with other
competitive forces, will produce a more complex and subtle structure to
the UK grocery retail market.
SUPERMARKET SHOPPING LISTS: THEIR EFFECT ON CONSUMER
EXPENDITURE
Authors: Thomas Art , Garland Ron
Published: May 2006

The presence of a written shopping list on a major grocery buying
trip to the supermarket is tangible evidence of out‐of‐store planning by
the shopper. This pre‐planning may influence both time spent in store
and grocery expenditure, two factors of importance to supermarket
retailers. Set in a New Zealand city, examines the extent to which a
written grocery shopping list affects these two factors by comparing the
behaviour of two matched samples, one with lists and one without. The
findings are conclusive: written shopping lists significantly reduce
average expenditure; the presence of children accompanying the shopper
significantly increases expenditure and time spent in store. While
supermarket retailers cannot dissuade customers from bringing a written
shopping list to the store, they can encourage customers to spend more
time in‐store, and to shop with someone else, thereby increasing average
expenditure.
IS RETAILING WHAT THE DICTIONARIES SAY IT IS?
Authors: Davies Gary
Published: May 2006

Dictionary definitions of “retail” and
“retailing” emphasize the activity of selling in small
quantities. Challenges such a concept of retailing as a description of
both the commercial activity and the academic topic which the word now
represents. Investigates the historical evolution of the concept of
retailing and proposes a new definition, one which is nearer to the
current concept of supply chain management.
AN ATTRIBUTE‐ANCHORED CONJOINT APPROACH TO MEASURING STORE
IMAGE
Authors: Amirani Shahrzad , Gates Roger
Published: May 2006

Store image has long been recognized as a determinant of business
success and has been used as a positioning and differentiation tool.
Over the years, the retail image research stream has witnessed numerous
conceptual and operational definitions, However, despite the long‐term
fascination of researchers with this construct, substantial
“noise” is evident in store image research. Provides an
overview of the store image literature and illustrates the usefulness of
an attribute‐anchored conjoint methodology for operationalizing this
construct.
DEPARTMENT STORE ORGANIZATION: FUNCTIONAL DIVISIONS AND
OPERATING SYSTEMS
Authors: Lowry James R. , Wahlers Russel G.
Published: May 2006

Examines the influence of several size‐related factors on retail
management′s choice of the organization′s functional division structure
and multiunit operating system based on data collected from a sample of
retail department store personnel managers in the United States.
Suggests that the retail organization′s size and the number of
functional divisions employed are directly related. After nearly
two‐thirds of a century, department stores continue to use the basic
functional‐division organization developed by Paul Mazur which has been
modified into a model that includes: merchandising, publicity and
promotion, store operations, finance and control, and personnel. The
study further reveals a link between the organization′s size and retail
management′s choice of a multiunit operating system. Implications are
provided to assist management in evaluating the appropriateness of the
firm′s functional division structure and operating system in response to
several key factors.
LEGAL AND SOCIAL CHANGES AFFECTING UK RETAILERS′ RESPONSE
TO CONSUMER THEFT
Authors: Leaver David
Published: May 2006

In difficult retail trading conditions, and as price‐led strategies
become more common, cost control is a very high priority for retailers.
The problem faced by UK retailers is that many of the factors
influencing the rising trend of consumer theft are outside their
control. Identifies some of the social and political factors involved.
Based on interviews with retailers a general security strategy of
containing consumer theft and actively driving down other
“unaccounted” stock losses emerged. However, within this
general strategy each retailer adapted it to their particular needs and
capabilities.
Stockout Costs in Distribution Systems for Spare Parts
Authors: Jensen Arne
Published: May 2006

Details an empirical study of the measurement of stockout costs in
a distribution system and examines the incidence of stockouts in the
supply of spare parts to the motor trade. Comprehensive studies were
conducted in three major car workshops in Sweden and cost data collected
from a variety of sources, including structured observation,
quasi‐experiments, interviews and secondary data from internal
information systems. On the basis of this research, a typology of
stockout cost situations has been constructed and central concepts and
measurement models developed. Results reveal that stockout costs are
measurable in the system under review; information about stockout costs
can have a significant impact on managerial decision making.
Global Logistics Partnership Negotiation
Authors: Rinehart Lloyd M.
Published: May 2006

Uses negotiation concepts as a basis to investigate issues
concerning the development of logistics partnerships for international
and global operations. Presents a negotiation model as an investigative
structure to illustrate the global issues that logistics managers face
in creating partnership arrangements. The model includes environmental
constraints, objectives for negotiation, negotiation strategy, and the
outcome of the negotiation. Develops several hypotheses that suggest
potential conceptual relationships between the elements of the model
and, from these relationships, introduces managerial implications for
consideration of strategy development and implementation.
Profiling International Freight Forwarders: A Benchmark
Authors: Murphy Paul R. , Daley James M. , Dalenberg Douglas R.
Published: May 2006

Presents a contemporary baseline study of US‐based international
freight forwarders. Provides much needed information on industry
characteristics, which should reduce the occurrences of managers making
important distribution decisions based only on conjecture, subjective
perceptions and commonly held assumptions. Addresses three research
questions, focusing on the selected demographic characteristics of
US‐based forwarders; the differences between “pure”
forwarders (those concentrating primarily on consolidating shipments for
international water transport) and “diversified” forwarders
(those providing other intermediary services, those deriving a
noticeable portion of revenues from air shipments); and the forwarders′
views as to the primary reason for shippers using their companies.
Describes methodology and analyses, results and implications.
Selection of Software: The Analytic Hierarchy Process
Authors: Min Hokey
Published: May 2006

With increasingly complex logistics information technology and
dynamic logistics operations in a global setting, today′s logistics
managers confront an overwhelming number of decision alternatives.
Perhaps the most effective way of evaluating such a large number of
alternatives is to utilize advanced information technologies. These
technologies encompass decision support systems (DSS), artificial
intelligence (AI), expert systems (ES), electronic data interchange
(EDI), and barcoding. Since the performance of these technologies is
greatly influenced by their supporting software, their success often
hinges on the selection of proper software packages. In selecting proper
logistics software, an analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is proposed
which can effectively deal with both qualitative and quantitative
factors in multiple‐criteria decision environments.
Military Logistics: Insights for Business Logistics
Authors: McGinnis Michael A.
Published: May 2006

During the last 30 years the environments faced by the business
logistics manager have dramatically increased in complexity. The
integration of logistics processes with organizational strategy,
increasing complexities of partnership/channel relationships, and the
increasingly international scope of business logistics processes are
examples of these complexities. The military logistics literature
addresses complex issues of integrating logistics with strategy and
tactics; co‐ordinating world wide supply operations; co‐ordinating an
industrial base with military needs; and managing cycles of
mobilization, warfare, and demobilization. Summarizes the development of
business logistics thought, reviews the military logistics literature,
and develops insights from the said literature that appear relevant to
business logistics thought.
“Just‐in‐Time” Production and the European Automotive Components Industry
Authors: Hudson Ray , Sadler David
Published: May 2006

The market and political conditions facing Japanese investment in
automobile assembly in Western Europe are wholly different from those in
North America. Argues in consequence that a distinctive set of questions
is necessary in order to evaluate the likely consequences of such
investment for the components sector. Within Western Europe, the
“indigenous” automotive components industry has begun a
process of restructuring, enabling it to face new demands of production
and delivery characterized as “Just‐in‐Time”. Rather than
relocate close to new vehicle assembly plants, creating
spatially‐clustered production complexes, as some have suggested, a
favoured solution has instead typically involved changes to logistical
operations, enabling JIT delivery from existing Europe‐wide production
systems. Outlines the reasons for this response and assesses some of its
implications.
Characteristics of Transport Managers Which Influence Haulier Selection
Authors: Whyte James L.
Published: May 2006

The UK market for freight transport services used to be
characterized by buyer inertia and high levels of source loyalty. For
the last decade, suppliers of freight transport services have been
operating in competitive markets in which supply has exceeded demand.
Simultaneously attitudes to distribution management have been changing.
Although transport costs account for a large percentage of total
distribution costs, little is known of the effect of these changed
attitudes on this function and on the nature of the relationships
between buyers and suppliers. Using the Interaction Model of the IMP
Group as a conceptual framework for the research, reports the results of
a survey of transport managers conducted in Scotland, a coherent
geographical region within the United Kingdom. Contains tables showing
the distributions of ages and years of experience of transport buyers,
their qualifications, the annual sum spent on transport and the
contribution of the cost of haulage to the final cost of the major
product transported, the frequency with which transport cost information
goes to senior management and transport managers′ assessments of their
firm′s senior management′s attitudes to distribution. Shows that
transport managers have a higher status in their organizations than
before and greater independence of decision making. Provides profiles of
the transport manager′s job in companies with an “advanced”
and “traditional” approach to distribution. These changes in
the characteristics of transport managers and in the organizational
factors which influence their behaviour are important to hauliers, as
they affect both the nature and the duration of the relationship between
buyer and supplier and the determinants of haulier selection.
Simulating the Financial Impact of Marketing and Logistics Decisions
Authors: Harrington Thomas C. , Lambert Douglas M. , Sterling Jay U.
Published: May 2006

Presents a fourth generation language computer simulation model
which was developed for a major US manufacturing company. Suggests that
marketing and logistics managers can benefit from business planning
models that simulate the financial impact of their decisions. To be
effective, models must have the ability to evaluate the impact of
changes in the marketing mix on product and customer profitability.
Sound business decisions follow from knowledge of the behaviour of
expenses, especially those associated with logistics and for assets
employed.
Increased Weight Limits and Transloading: The Impact of Higher Truck Weight Limits on the Inland Movement of Ocean Containers in the US
Authors: Rao Kant , Young Richard R.
Published: May 2006

Examines the impact of increased truck weight limits on the inland
movement of ocean containers in the US. Considers six major inland
lanes, 12 combinations of cargo density and shipment size, and eight
transport options. Shows that transloading from ocean containers to
either domestic containers or dry vans becomes economically more
attractive if truck weight limits are increased in accordance with a
proposed bridge weight formula. Gross savings to shippers from
transloading range from 5 to 44 per cent depending on the lane and
commodity type involved.
Reverse Logistics in Plastics Recycling
Authors: Pohlen Terrance L. , Theodore Farris M.
Published: May 2006

Recycling has experienced rapid growth as a technique to reduce the
solid waste stream volume. Despite the public appeal and acceptance of
recycling, the reverse logistics channels used in recycling have
received minimal attention. However, the reverse channels′ membership
and capabilities have a significant impact on the efficiency of
processing recyclable material for remanufacture into recycled products.
Differing product characteristics, extensive handling, and low density
shipments pose considerable obstacles to establishing an efficient
reverse channel for recyclable commodities. A framework, based on
interviews and current literature, describes the reverse logistics
channel structure, membership and functions, and provides a foundation
for identifying the issues affecting efficiency and marketability, and
possible future directions for improving efficiency within the reverse
channel structure.
EDI‐induced Redesign of Co‐ordination in Logistics
Authors: Sheombar Haydee S.
Published: May 2006

Argues that, in order to use electronic data interchange (EDI)
optimally, the current ways of working need to be redesigned. Here the
subject‐matter for redesign is the boundary‐crossing logistical
processes in the value‐adding partnerships of two organizations. The
business redesigner needs, among other things, an understanding of the
basic capabilities of EDI and of the concept of interorganizational
co‐ordination. From the analysis of co‐ordination a classification of
the information needed by logistical organizations results. Together
with three basic co‐ordination mechanisms and a classification of
messages, the classification provides a sound basis of understanding for
the business redesigner.