bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Manufacturing managers: their quality of working life
Authors: Gilgeous Vic
Published: July 2002

A postal survey to manufacturing managers in five different industry sectors was conducted to ascertain how manufacturing managers perceived their quality of working life. Questions asked centred on how motivated, rewarded, valued, empowered, career developed, satisfied with their job and their company the manufacturing managers considered themselves to be. Their views were contrasted with those expressed in the current literature and it was concluded that currently manufacturing managers believe themselves to be adequately valued, remunerated and motivated by their employing organisations. However their levels of esteem and job satisfaction, although satisfactory, could be improved through greater empowerment.
Flexibility and responsiveness of machining environments
Authors: Gindy Nabil N. , Saad Sameh M.
Published: July 2002

In this paper manufacturing responsiveness is related to the ability of manufacturing systems to utilise its existing resources to make a rapid and balanced response to the predictable and unpredictable changes. Better understanding of the inherent (hidden) flexibility that exists within a manufacturing system can therefore lead to significant improvement in system performance and responsiveness. In the reported research a conceptual framework for representing the capabilities of machine tools and machining facilities using generic capabilities units termed “resource elements” is presented as well as a mathematical basis of calculating the manufacturing system flexibility using the resource elements. Simulations are used to examine manufacturing system performance and compare resource element‐based scheduling with conventional machine‐based approaches. The results show that significant improvements in system performance and the system’s ability to cope with disturbances can be achieved if manufacturing facilities are represented and scheduled based on the resource elements concept.
Manufacturing and product development in the USA, in particular in the Los Angeles Basin and the strategic training and implementation of high manufacturing technology
Authors: Grote Karl‐H. , Walo Michael L. , Miller Jeffrey L.
Published: July 2002

“The battle is won in the strategy room, not on the battlefield.” These words by Sun Tzu are certainly very important for the implementation of new technologies, such as solid freeform manufacturing (SFM). Experiences of strategies to incorporate these systems to the “manufacturing battlefield” will be discussed and suggestions given for the efficient use by employees. Looks, for example, at IPPD training strategy at McDonnell Douglas Aerospace and outlines the eight modules involved in their training. Focuses also on training in rapid prototyping outlining the various elements involved.
Justification of just‐in‐time manufacturing systems for Indian industries
Authors: Chandra S. , Kodali Rambabu
Published: July 2002

Just‐in‐time (JIT) manufacturing systems have attracted the attention of industries all over the world. The perceptible impact of JIT lies in attaining the far‐reaching productivity and quality standards. Attempts have been made to examine JIT, its benefits and elements for their feasibility in Indian industries. Despite the profound interest of prospective managers and researchers, the extent of JIT implementation in Indian industries so far is not satisfactory. The real challenge before Indian managers is to establish priorities among potential JIT techniques to achieve best possible advantage of JIT implementation in Indian industries. This paper attempts to evaluate the relative importance of decision attributes in the hierarchy for a case situation given herein. The present work describes a multi‐attribute decision model using analytical hierarchy process for the justification of JIT for Indian industries.
A novel tabu search approach to find the best placement sequence and magazine assignment in dynamic robotics assembly
Authors: Su Chao‐Ton , Ho Li‐Hsing , Fu Hsin‐Pin
Published: July 2002

Notes that, until now, to route robotics travel, most investigations have utilized the fixed coordinate of placement points and magazine of the traveling salesman problem (TSP) method to sequence the placement points after the magazine has been arbitrarily assigned. Points out that, in fact, robotics travel routing should be based on a relative coordinate because the robotics, board and magazine simultaneously move at different speeds during assembly. Consequently, the coordinates of placement point and magazine are constantly changing. In this study, a novel tabu search (TS) based approach is presented. The proposed approach can arrange the placement sequence and assign the magazine slots to yield a performance better than the conventional one. Results presented herein also demonstrate that the larger the number of placement points and/or part numbers, the better the performance.
The role of technology in manufacturing strategy: experiences from the Australian wine industry
Authors: Orr Stuart
Published: July 2002

Recent research has focused on identifying the role of technology in strategic manufacturing decision making in a particular industry, in this case the Australian wine industry. This industry was chosen because it has a major focus on the use of advanced process technology as part of its manufacturing competitive positioning. In particular, technology is used to maximise product quality and reduce production costs. Technology was identified as the most important area of manufacturing process decision making, followed by quality assurance and control. It was also found that quality is the most important competitive priority for wine producers, followed by product cost. Both of these were found to be directly influenced by process technology. The competitive priority of rate of innovation, although also likely to be influenced by technology, was found to be much less important. Integration of technology with the process was also identified as being a much less important decision area. An ANOVA determined that there were 32 categories of wine producers for which there were significant differences in the importance of technology.
A requirement management database system for product definition
Authors: Jiao Jianxin , Tseng Mitchell M.
Published: July 2002

This paper presents a database system developed to provide a computerized environment for requirement management during the product definition phase. The scope of this database system is to facilitate and demonstrate a methodology for product definition by recognizing and adopting functional requirement patterns from previous product designs so as to address a broad spectrum of domain‐specific customer requirements and organize requirement information for product specifications. The database system improves the product definition process during design and redesign efforts by integrating customer and design information all together and by reusing this information. A prototype requirement management database system is implemented on a PC platform using Microsoft Access.
Reducing manufacturing process variability using experimental design technique: a case study
Authors: Antony Jiju , Hughes Michael , Kaye Mike
Published: July 2002

Experimental design is a powerful technique for understanding a process, studying the impact of potential variables affecting a process and providing spontaneous insight for continuous quality improvement possibilities. It has proved to be very effective for improving the process yield, process performance and reducing process variability. A number of successful applications of the experimental design technique for process optimisation have been reported by both US and European manufacturers over the last ten years. This paper illustrates an application of Taguchi methods (TM) in an industrial setting for identifying the critical factors affecting a certain process and subsequently reducing process variability. Both the analysis of variance (ANOVA) on mean response and the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) have been carried out for determining the optimal condition of the process. A significant improvement in the process performance was observed in terms of variation reduction.
Highly constrained multi‐facility warehouse management system using a GIS platform
Authors: Johnston David A. , Don Taylor G. , Visweswaramurthy Ganesh
Published: July 2002

In this paper, the authors describe a geographical information system (GIS)‐based software system for managing and integrating multi‐facility warehousing and production systems that are distributed within a relatively large geographical area. The development of the software system is motivated by a unique warehousing environment at the Pine Bluff Arsenal in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. The arsenal scenario is characterized by a novel set of highly limiting warehouse constraints. Although motivated by this unique problem, the software system has been designed to maximize technology transfer capability into diverse general warehouse settings. The paper presents motivation, describes features, and demonstrates the efficacy of operations using the software system. The system is verified and validated in a case study setting. It is demonstrated that the GIS platform offers unique capabilities that enhance problem solutions. In conclusion, the paper offers a contribution to the literature by presenting the use of GIS as an integration strategy in an exciting new area of application.
Site‐based decision‐making leadership in American public schools
Authors: Ida Ortiz Flora , Ogawa Rodney T.
Published: July 2002

This paper explores the increased complexity that school‐based management introduces between schools and their external environments, and considers how principals respond. The two cases reported here reveal that principals rely on different sources of legitimacy in making two kinds of decisions. Factual decisions legitimize principals’ use of legal and bureaucratic control without requiring the investment of much social capital. Values‐based decisions are legitimized by the use of social capital without the benefit of much legal and bureaucratic control.
Singing the same tune
Authors: Petersen George J.
Published: July 2002

Understanding the multifaceted roles and responsibilities of the district superintendent as an instructional leader has proved to be a long‐standing and sometimes elusive endeavor. In spite of the consistency of research findings, instructional leadership remains one of the more controversial characteristics associated with the examination of the district superintendent. The findings reported here are part of a larger study on the role and responsibilities of the superintendent as an instructional leader. Specifically, this investigation examined the covariance between school principals’ and school board members’ views of the instructional leadership of the district superintendent. Results from this correlational and regression analysis empirically illustrate a statistically significant relationship between superintendent vision and the factors of organizational mission, program and personnel evaluation, principal decision‐making and school board/community involvement. The findings also suggest that involvement of professional educators and members of the community in formulating instructional programs significantly affects the success of the district leader.
Computing Markowitz Efficient Frontiers Using a Spreadsheet Optimizer
Authors: Byrne Peter , Lee Stephen
Published: July 2002

Markowitz showed that assets can be combined to produce an
“efficient” portfolio that will give the highest level of portfolio return
for any level of portfolio risk, as measured by variance or standard
deviation. These portfolios can then be connected to generate what is
termed an “efficient frontier” (EF). Discusses the calculation of the
efficient frontier for combinations of assets, again using the
spreadsheet optimizer. To illustrate the derivation of the efficient
frontier, uses the data from the Investment Property Databank Long Term
Index of Investment Returns for the period 1971 to 1993. Many investors
might require a certain specific level of holding or a restriction on
holdings in at least some of the assets. Such additional constraints may
be readily incorporated into the model to generate a constrained EF with
upper and/or lower bounds. This can then be compared with the
unconstrained EF to see whether the reduction in return is acceptable.
To see the effect that these additional constraints may have, adopts a
fairly typical pension fund profile, with no more than 20 per cent of
the total held in property. Shows that it is now relatively easy to use
the optimizer available in at least one spreadsheet (EXCEL) to calculate
efficient portfolios for various levels of risk and return, both
constrained and unconstrained, so as to be able to generate any number
of efficient frontiers.
Leisure property: a question of profit?
Authors: Sayce Sarah L.
Published: July 2002

Outlines the context within which the need for valuations of
leisure property is developing. Arguing that the profits method, usually
adopted for the valuation of leisure assets, is little understood on a
research‐based theoretical level, introduces the initial findings of
research into practitioner understanding of the method, in particular
the capitalization rates adopted. Also suggests that the time is right
to critically re‐examine the methods used in practice and sets out
suggested pre‐requisites for the development of a sustainable and
defensible approach to the valuation of commercial leisure property.
Authorized property unit trusts and the Canadian experience
Authors: Ellingham Ian
Published: July 2002

The first authorized property unit trusts in the UK were created in
September 1991, and have operated unspectacularly since then, as the
current property climate has not, in general, been encouraging. Similar
Canadian investment vehicles first appeared in the early 1980s, and
experienced significant growth through the property boom of the
mid‐1980s. Since then, with decreasing property values many of these
funds have been forced to reorganize. Yet, the structure of the Canadian
funds would have complied with the most significant aspects of the UK
regulations. The consideration of the nature of the manifold
difficulties of the Canadian funds suggests that the regulations
established in the UK may not prevent similar problems. Accordingly, the
specifics of the Canadian funds and the manner in which their structure
added further levels of risk to that inherent in their underlying assets
should be considered relative to the possible future performance of
similar vehicles in the UK.
The financial aspects of property management: the case of Kiev City
Authors: Deakin Mark
Published: July 2002

Outlines the attempts made over the past few years to develop the financial services required by Kiev City Council to function as a privatization authority. Looks at the privatization programme, the authority responsible for the transfer of ownership and the role the property management division of Kiev City plays in the economic reform and liberalization of Ukraine. Examines the financial aspects of property management, real estate registration, evaluation, land taxation, leasing agreements and the use of receipts from the transfer of ownership. Presents discussions which aim to reflect the developments currently taking place in Kiev City to transform the property management division into a structure that allows it to function as a privatization authority.
Perceptions of risk in the Private Finance Initiative
Authors: Gallimore Paul , Williams Will , Woodward David
Published: July 2002

The UK Government’s Private Finance Initiative introduces new arrangements for the provision of buildings from which public services are delivered. These arrangements require the private sector to take on new forms of risk. Discusses the progress of the Initiative and focuses on a study to determine whether differences exist in the weighting given by different “players” to these risks. Argues that the existence of such differences would present an additional barrier to the PFI’s implementation. The findings reveal that one form of risk, namely that associated with revenue from occupancy under PFI, is viewed as both of greater importance and more uncertain than other risks. Generally, however, finds that perceptions of risk are not significantly different between the four groups examined in the study (surveyors, financiers, contractors and purchasers).
Retailing in rural Finland and the challenge of nearby cities
Authors: Marjanen Heli
Published: July 2002

Reviews the trends in Finland towards greater concentration and more hypermarkets, power centres and out‐of‐town centres. Provides the background for a mail survey of 857 householders residing in rural areas surrounding the small municipality of Aura. These residents are subject to the attractions of two nearby shopping developments and three cities. The results revealed that not only the disadvantaged but also affluent, mobile, middle‐aged people very often use the retail facilities located in their home areas. Aura has the greatest market share among the alternative shopping destinations, especially when grocery shopping is involved. The market shares of two nearby shopping developments, but also the market share of Turku CBD, were smaller than expected. Shopping preferences for the nearby developments and cities are greatest for products such as clothes and shoes.
A consumer model for channel switching behavior
Authors: Reardon James , McCorkle Denny E.
Published: July 2002

With the phenomenal growth of direct order marketing with the Internet and catalogs as alternative channels, customers increasingly face more choices of where to purchase goods and services. This paper develops a formal consumer model to explain channel switching behavior. Becker’s theory of time allocation is expanded to consumer decision making between distribution channels. The final model suggests that consumers face a tradeoff when deciding where to buy goods and services. From this tradeoff an indifference curve is developed where the consumer chooses between alternative distribution channels on the basis of the relative opportunity costs of time, costs of goods, pleasure derived from shopping, perceived value of goods, and relative risk of each channel. Strategies for direct and multi‐channel marketers are developed using this model.
Implementation hurdles of ECR partnerships – the German food sector as an ECR case study
Authors: Borchert Stefan
Published: July 2002

In consumer goods distribution, cooperative strategies are increasingly being used with respect to logistics and marketing within the context of efficient consumer response (ECR) between manufacturers and retailing organisations. In practice, with the aid of an explorative factor analysis four barriers to implementation arise, which impact mainly on small and medium‐sized companies, so that an industry‐wide implementation of such cooperative strategies is not possible. A detailed empirical study, which spans the entire value chain of the German food distribution, reveals implementation problems and reasons for abandoning attempts at ECR partnerships. These factors exert a different impact on small and medium‐sized companies as compared to the major food companies.
The New Food Discounters:
Authors: Hogarth‐Scott Sandra , Rice Steven P.
Published: July 2002

Rapid change in UK food retailing, in particular the entry of European
discounters such as Aldi and Netto, has provoked speculation about the
effect of these entrants on the major multiples. The discount sector is
growing and the major multiples are trying to appear more price
competitive. Reviews the emerging discount sector – its development and
growth. A case study of one of the majors examines the effect of the
discounters on turnover, and provides evidence that the turnover losses
to the majors from discounter competition is minimal, and that the
significant threat remains other multiples. The multiples still have
more to fear from each other than they do from the discounters. However,
the majors do now appear to be taking actions to limit the effect of the
discounters. The growth of discounting and the success of the major
multiple superstores seems to reflect polarizing markets. Examines
future prospects for the food discounters.
Are Books Different? The Impact of Price on Retail Market Development
Authors: Warnaby Gary , Upton Joanne
Published: July 2002

Resale price maintenance (RPM) is widely regarded as having a retarding
effect on market development. The abolition of RPM in the 1960s provided
a catalyst for the development of the multiple retailer who, by virtue
of scale economies, was able to compete aggressively on price for the
first time. However, RPM remains in the UK bookselling sector in the
form of the Net Book Agreement (NBA) and arguably many of the
developments in the retailing industry of the last 30 years have passed
this sector by. In the light of current challenges to the NBA from
within the industry and other environmental factors affecting this
sector, considers the impact on market development when one of a
retailer′s important marketing weapons, namely price, is removed from
its armoury. Reports results of an exploratory study into trade
perceptions of the effect on market development of the NBA. Frames the
analysis within the current theories of retail institutional change,
concluding that a combination of environmental, cyclical and conflict
theories of change is the most appropriate framework for an explanation
of the current situation and future prospects in this sector.
A case for spatial decision‐support systems in retail location
planning
Authors: Clarke Ian , Rowley Jennifer
Published: July 2002

Despite some significant success stories, there has been only a
slow diffusion of awareness of the benefits and application of site
evaluation techniques in general, and the application of geographical
information systems (GISs) in particular. Four types of factors that
have hindered the development of the use of GISs as spatial decision
support systems (SDSSs) are outlined: the balance between costs and
benefits; the historical development of location and locational
marketing strategy within retail businesses; establishment of the role
of GISs as SDSSs; and an appreciation of the competitive advantage to be
gained by appropriate use of GISs. Argues the latest generation of GISs
boasts a number of features that are likely to make them more user
friendly and easier to integrate into the total information systems
environment within an organization. However, effective use of GISs as
SDSSs also depends on full integration of GISs into the armoury of
decision‐support tools used by retail managers.
Married males and shopping: are they sleeping partners
Authors: Roy Dholakia Ruby , Pedersen Birgit , Hikmet Neset
Published: July 2002

Social and demographic changes are putting pressures on traditional gender roles in the house‐hold. Reports on the role of married males based on a large‐scale survey of upscale households. The data suggest that males in married households are responsible for shopping activities in varying degrees. The level of shopping responsibility is a function of the spouse′s occupation as well as the type of goods to be purchased. Responsibility for grocery shopping is limited among married males (about 15 per cent claim primary responsibility) but the ones who are responsible express the most enlightened attitudes about shopping and report the greatest degree of enjoyment with shopping at the supermarket. Although 56 per cent of the married males claim primary responsibility for their clothing, enjoyment of the shopping mall is greater among those who share responsibility jointly with their wives. The perceptions of alternative shopping methods such as store, catalogue and computer shopping suggest that store shopping is more fun, satisfying and rewarding. Because of these hedonic components, store shopping is likely to remain popular in the near future.
Quality cues and retail target market strategy: a conjoint‐based
application
Authors: Amirani Shahrzad , Baker Julie
Published: July 2002

Offering higher quality is a strategy which has been demonstrated
to be instrumental in improving performance for many firms. Retail
service customers, at the decision‐making stage, tend to form
expectations about the service quality they will receive from cues which
are available to them. Presents a methodology for identifying service
quality cues, isolating the cues most important to consumers, helping
retailers to segment customers on the basis of quality cues, and
determining which cues should be promoted to lure competitors′
customers.
Retail security: a survey of methods and management in Dundee
Authors: Pretious Mike , Stewart Robert , Logan David
Published: July 2002

Outlines preliminary results from a survey into retail security
methods employed by retailers in central Dundee, and forms part of
ongoing research into retail crime in this city being undertaken on a
joint basis by the University of Abertay Dundee, and Tayside Police.
Considers it to be the first survey of this type undertaken at such a
local level in the UK. Concentrates on the types of physical and
procedural security method employed, their perceived effectiveness from
a managerial viewpoint, and which of the alternative security methods
retail managers would utilize if they were given a free choice by their
employers.
China: the planned to free market paradigm
Authors: Sternquist Brenda , Xi Qiao Zhou
Published: July 2002

Reveals that the People′s Republic of China is a market in
transition. The Chinese Government wants to modernize the retail
industry as part of the movement from a planned economy to a market
economy. Reports that a series of interviews with managers of
government‐owned department stores and co‐operatives, free market
retailers and members of the municipal and federal commercial planning
committees began in 1992. One year later, when a second series of
interviews was conducted, the retail industry was vastly different.
Joint ventures increased and store managers were given the right to
choose their own form of operation. Consumers have experienced
self‐service food stores and foreign department stores opened in Beijing
and Shanghai. A third set of interviews conducted in March 1995 showed
that many reforms had been rescinded because of high domestic inflation.
Several new retail ventures aimed at the nouveaux riches in
China have had to position downwards. Concludes that the People′s
Republic of China′s change from a planned to a market economy is a
lesson in social and market change.
Quick response in retailing: components and implementation
Authors: Fiorito Susan S. , May Eleanor G. , Straughn Katherine
Published: July 2002

Defines and discusses quick response (QR), with its relationship to
vendor partnering, short‐cycle manufacturing, demand‐flow manufacturing,
“virtual integration”, re‐engineering, just‐in‐time and
efficient consumer response as an introduction to the results of a study
on which firms are implementing QR and at what stage they are regarding
their implementation strategy. The results of the study show that 73 per
cent of the responding retailers claimed to be implementing some phase
of QR. Implementation is slow, however, with only two of 15 QR
components reported to be as much as half‐implemented among the retail
respondents.
Post‐modernism, Coronation Street and retail marketing ‐ a bit of whimsy!
Authors: Jones Peter
Published: July 2002

Provides a lighthearted view of post‐modernist links with retail marketing via the UK soap opera Coronation Street.
Retailing in computer‐mediated environments: electronic commerce across Europe
Authors: Reynolds Jonathan
Published: July 2002

Argues that global networked environments, such as the Internet and those of online service providers such as AOL and CompuServe, provide not only challenging philosophical dilemmas ‐ where nowhere is anywhere ‐ but more practical economic and operational difficulties for retailers and marketers, used to conventional distribution networks in physical space; notes that retailers’ reach can potentially and very easily outweigh their grasp. Reports that a number of western European and North American retailers have been wrestling with the need to establish a presence on the various internetworking services, where the cultural rules of the game are very different, in the context of the threat to established channels. Based on research undertaken among European retailers within the Oxford Institute of Retail Management, develops some thinking on the implications of a virtual geography of demand and supply; in particular, reviews the attraction of new channels to market, seeks to understand current European practice and provides a series of frameworks for evaluating opportunities for electronic commerce.
Towards a contemporary perspective of retail location
Authors: Clarke Ian , Bennison David , Pal John
Published: July 2002

Much of the existing literature on location does not address the problems faced by retail organizations at a strategic level, largely because it has tended to concentrate on the technical and policy issues relating to the evaluation and development of new sites. The reason for this lies largely in the geographic origins of most previous work, and while marketing has borrowed many of these concepts and approaches, it has not yet fully developed additional ones appropriate for a strategic management audience. Reviews research in the geography and marketing traditions, and builds on recently published work to outline two new conceptual models which serve to link strategic and monadic (individual site) decisions. Discusses the development of a more holistic perspective which underlines the strategic role of retail location and emphasizes key areas for research relevant to many of the issues currently facing retail organizations.
The impact of quick response technologies on retail store attributes
Authors: Ko Eunju , Kincade Doris H.
Published: July 2002

In the competitive business environment, retailers can obtain profit by strategic planning and delivering consumer satisfaction. Quick response (QR) is a new business strategy to maximize consumer satisfaction by implementing new technologies (e.g. barcoding, scanner). Reports on research which aimed to identify the use of quick response technologies (QRT) and to identify store attributes that are improved by QRT. A convenience sample of 32 apparel retailers participated in this survey research; 26 retailers were selected at a QR trade conference and six small individual retailers were also selected from a south‐east city. Finds that the most frequently cited store attributes that are improved by QRT were fast turnaround of goods and reduced stockouts. Both the use of QRT and improvement level of store attributes differed by store type.
European Monetary Union: the need for a contingency strategy within the retail sector
Authors: Alexander Nicholas , Hutchinson Robert
Published: July 2002

The decision on which countries will participate in European Monetary Union (EMU) is to take place as early as possible in 1998, with the final run in, regarding the technicalities of introducing a single currency, starting on 1 January 1999. With this timetable in mind, examines some of the major issues which will have to be confronted by UK retailers. Even if the UK Government decides to opt out, the increasing internationalization of retailing will mean that UK retailers will have to face a Euro‐denominated environment over a significant range of its business activities. Consequently, by identifying EMU factors which specifically relate to retailing, identifies the key areas which retailers need to consider in planning a strategy to take account of the possibility that EMU will take place in at least some major EU economies.
Motives of Hong Kong‐Japanese international joint ventures in retailing
Authors: Wong May M.L.
Published: July 2002

This paper attempts to study the motives behind a Hong Kong‐Japanese joint venture between two retailers from the perspectives of firm‐specific advantages provided by both partners of the international joint ventures (IJVs). The analysis focuses on the local partner’s motives and how the IJVs have provided the opportunity for it to overcome the increasing Japanese competition in the retail sector after the mid‐1980s. Finally, the IJVs are evaluated according to the available secondary data in terms of how much the local partner has achieved from the IJVs.
The internationalisation of European retailers in America: the US experience
Authors: Muñiz‐Martínez Norberto
Published: July 2002

It is true that the process of what has been termed the “globalisation” of the world economy is less noticeable in retail distribution than in other sectors more involved in industrial activities. Nonetheless, a slow but steady trend towards establishing a presence in other countries can be detected. In this paper an empirical analysis will be undertaken of the moves to internationalise into America (particularly the USA) by the leading 200 retail distributors in Europe. The most appropriate strategies for different formats of company will be studied. In the context of internationalisation as an alternative corporate strategy, an analysis will be carried out of the reasons leading businesses to establish themselves in countries which in principle must be more unfamiliar to them than other European states. The countries of origin and of destination of internationalisation, the trading format adopted by each enterprise and the kind of operation emerging will be identified, and, where relevant, the collaboration with local firms in these countries sought or legally required. Internationalisation will be compared with other growth options that might be available to the businesses.
Loyalty cards and the revitalisation of the town centre
Authors: Worthington Steve
Published: July 2002

The context for this paper is the growth of the out‐of‐town superstore and the subsequent decline of the town centre. It examines the development of a town centre loyalty card programme in the town of Leominster and reports on both quantitative and qualitative research carried out to assess the results of this initiative and its prospects for the future. The paper comments on the criteria that other town centre loyalty cards must consider and discusses the options available for enhancement of loyalty cards in the light of technological developments and in the context of the role that they can play in the revitalisation of the town centre.
Grocery provision in the USA: room for expansion?
Authors: Silcock E. , Clarke G.P. , Clarke D.B. , Wrigley N.
Published: July 2002

Despite recent debates in the literature surrounding the notion of absolute saturation in European food retailing, it is clear that concerns over saturation provide a partial explanation for the search for new markets overseas. For two European retailers, Ahold and Sainsbury, the USA has provided such a new market. The aim of this paper is to compare briefly the variations in levels of provision between the UK and the USA and to then focus on an analysis of US state variations. Following a brief account of the changing structure of US food retailing, we present an analysis of its geographical dimensions, focusing on a discussion of possible opportunities for future growth in the US market.
Cyber retailing in the UK: the potential of the Internet as a retail channel
Authors: Doherty N.F. , Ellis‐Chadwick F. , Hart C.A.
Published: July 2002

A myriad opinions have been propounded to explain how “cyberspace” can be exploited by commercial organisations. For the most part they are speculative, visionary or promotional. This work seeks to redress the balance by focusing on the utilisation of the Internet within the UK retail sector and examining its potential as a new retail channel. The paper presents an exploratory study using qualitative and quantitative methods: an on‐line survey of retail Web activities followed by in‐depth interviews. This approach provides a framework of current retail usage of the Internet and explores retailers’ perceptions of the inhibitors and facilitators to its development. It concludes with an emerging model that explains why current levels of retailing on the Internet are low and provides guidance for retailers wishing to increase their level of Internet activity.
Profiling potential adopters and non‐adopters of an interactive electronic shopping medium
Authors: Eastlick Mary Ann , Lotz Sherry
Published: July 2002

A mail survey was conducted to identify personal characteristics, shopping patterns, and attitudes of potential innovators and non‐adopters of an interactive electronic shopping innovation. Differences among all potential adopter groups were also examined. A national sample of 2,500 US cable television subscribers were surveyed. Results suggested that strongest predictors of potential innovator and non‐adopter group memberships were perceived characteristics of the interactive shopping innovation including relative advantage over other shopping formats and compatibility with lifestyles. Also important were consumers’ prior shopping experiences with other nonstore retailers. Among potential adopters (i.e., innovators, early adopters, and followers), similar characteristics were exhibited, differing only by intensity. Managerial implications are discussed.
Changing role of the retail sector in Poland during a period of economic transition
Authors: Waters C.D.J.
Published: July 2002

Centrally‐planned economies generally put little emphasis on the retail sector. The communist government in Poland, for example, worked with an “economy of shortages”, where demand for most goods was greater than supply and there was no incentive to develop an efficient distribution system. However, in 1989 the Polish government introduced a free market economy. Deregulation and liberalisation of trade allowed retailers to play a leading role in the subsequent changes, and make a major contribution to economic growth. The transformation of this sector needed a new approach to organisation, operations and ownership. This paper describes some of the changes in the Polish retail sector during a period of radical change.
Designing a supply chain change process: a food distribution case
Authors: Samuel Donna , Hines Peter
Published: July 2002

Describes the approach one company has taken to develop such a logical, time‐phased supply chain improvement plan. This approach involves input from a range of representatives from within the organisation, thereby avoiding the often misguided pursuit of “hobby horses”. The approach described has been derived from matrix‐based methods of Japanese origins, in particular quality function deployment (QFD). The strength of these matrix‐based techniques lies in their ability to integrate the many qualitative and quantitative‐based variables that impact the supply chain. From the matrix, a meaningful and coherent strategy for improvement can be determined. The approach is appealing in its simplicity and yet rigorous at the same time, and, as such, may be of use to practitioners in any complex environment such as a supply chain.
Coping with contradictions in business process re‐engineering
Authors: Boudreau Marie‐Claude , Robey Daniel
Published: July 2002

Business process re‐engineering (BPR) promises to transform organizations by fundamentally altering their core processes, thereby achieving radical improvements in performance. As the number of actual re‐engineering projects increases, the rhetoric surrounding BPR has shifted to reflect greater cynicism and discomfort over its claims. In the absence of compelling and trustworthy evidence about the success of BPR projects, critics have exposed logical contradictions within BPR’s “manifesto” for revolutionary change and insinuated that BPR’s utopian rhetoric masks political motives. This paper contributes to this discussion in three ways. First we examine two difficulties affecting the evaluation of BPR programmes: defining what process re‐engineering really is, and determining whether BPR has been applied successfully. Second, we examine four fundamental contradictions inherent in BPR’s analysis of organizations: the fallacy of its “clean‐slate” assumption, the paradox of information technology’s role as an enabler of organizational change, the hypocrisy of employee empowerment, and the irony of employee commitment. Third we propose that such contradictions be addressed in both research and practice by employing theoretical perspectives that are prepared to accommodate contradictory phenomena, in contrast to the simplistic, deterministic logic guiding current investigations of BPR’s effectiveness. We suggest theories of organizational learning and organizational politics to understand and resolve the contradictions embedded within BPR.
A soft system approach in introducing information technology
Authors: Na Songkhla Agapol
Published: July 2002

Examines the use of the soft systems approach in introducing information technology for an international broadcasting programme. International broadcasting is an important system for transferring knowledge to people in diverse regions. Presents the soft systems methodology in a case example on how the news programme production of an international broadcasting organization in Japan deploys IT. Suggests that any IT deployment should consider the perspectives of IT beneficiaries, IT users, as well as the IT owners. Therefore, all relevant people must be included in the audience of the broadcasts in diverse regions.
Adoption versus abandonment of CASE tools: lessons from two organizations
Authors: Rahim Mahbubur , Khan Khaled , Hasan Selamat Mohd.
Published: July 2002

In recent years, computer‐aided software engineering tools (CASE) have emerged to provide automation support to the software development process. Such automation is a revolutionary progress which promises dramatic improvement in software quality and productivity. However, despite such promises, CASE tools have not proved to be effective in some organizations owing to the fact that far fewer efforts are expended by organizations on evaluation for selection and introduction of appropriate CASE tools. Proposes a conceptual model on CASE environment that is assembled from two distinct but related processes : “CASE selection” and “CASE adoption”. Further argues that CASE adoption process will be affected if an organization fails to select appropriate CASE tools. Therefore, the success of CASE adoption is very much dependent on the process of CASE selection. Moreover, there is also a possibility that even a suitable CASE tool may not contribute positively, if it is not adopted systematically. Thus, if the CASE adoption fails then a CASE environment would not function. Against this background, cites two case studies describing the experiences of two organizations that adopted a particular brand of front‐end CASE tool. One organization was successful in introducing the tool, and experienced considerable improvement in quality and productivity. Conversely, the same CASE tool failed to achieve its purpose in another organization. In the light of the model, further describes why and how CASE failed in one organization, and was considered successful in another. Finally, also highlights the lessons learned from their experiences.
The impact of privatization on organizational information needs
Authors: Roberto Evaristo J.
Published: July 2002

Government‐owned monopolies are disappearing all over the world. These monopolies have been shielded from external competitors since their creation, and their liberalization and privatization are shaping an important role for competitive intelligence. In this paper, we analyze telecommunication deregulation in Brazil to explain the changing organizational information and intelligence needs of Telebrás SA, the Brazilian holding company that manages the telecommunication monopoly.
Toward a framework for action research in information systems studies
Authors: Lau Francis
Published: July 2002

Based on recent reviews regarding its use in information systems (IS) studies, this paper argues that action research is still not well recognized by IS researchers and mainstream IS journals especially in North America. To make the situation worse, existing criteria used to assess the quality of action research studies are found to be inadequate when applied to IS. In order to advance its understanding and use by IS researchers and practitioners, the IS action research framework proposed recently by Lau is refined and presented as a set of guidelines in this paper. The implications of this refined framework on IS research and practice are discussed.
The moving staircase – Problems of appraisal and evaluation in a turbulent environment
Authors: Farbey Barbara , Land Frank , Targett David
Published: July 2002

This paper considers the problems of evaluating the benefits of an investment in information technology and systems against a background of institutional change. It is based on a case study in the National Health Service and follows the progress of a project to introduce benefits realisation in NHS Trusts. The case illustrates the importance of personal, hands‐on attention to benefits management and calls attention to the different contingencies faced by managers in attempting to introduce evaluation or benefits realisation schemes. It concludes that, where managers face “certain” contingencies, formative evaluation will be beneficial, but where the contingencies are uncertain, structural changes in the organisation may be more effective in achieving benefits. The paper ends with a plea for evaluation activities to be re‐integrated into their organisational context.
The career paths of hotel general managers in Mauritius
Authors: Ladkin Adele , Juwaheer Thanika D.
Published: July 2002

Examines the career paths of hotel managers in Mauritius. Three themes relating to career paths are explored: career mobility, career planning, and the value of certain skills towards career development. Previous research and the current debates surrounding these issue are presented, followed by an examination of the Mauritian context. The results illustrate that hotel managers have a high degree of international mobility, the food and beverage function is the dominant route to hotel general management, hotel managers actively engage in long term career planning, and managerial skills are considered the most important for a career in hotel management. In light of these findings, the implications for the hotel industry in Mauritius are discussed.
“Space I can call my own”: private social clubs in London
Authors: Peacock Martin , Selvarajah Derren
Published: July 2002

Explores the experience of the e´lite, private social clubs of London and suggests that they are a flourishing sector of the hospitality industry. The paper suggests that the traditional gentlemen’s club is being joined by a new type of e´lite private social club with more modern conceptions of the “clubbable”. The paper analyses the differences and similarities between the two types of clubs in the areas of gender, value for money, concepts of “e´lite” and the function of a club. The paper contends that private clubs are an increasingly‐significant sector of the hospitality industry, because of the way they fulfil the needs of the late twentieth‐century consumer. They provide high status “niches” for a fragmented social “e´lite” and they fill the space between automated work and leisure.