bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the relevance of strategic promotion management approach among small independent retailers
Authors: Shyan Fam Kim , Merrilees Bill
Published: July 2002

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether strategic promotion management approach is relevant to the small independent retailers. To address this question, we contrasted the promotion approaches of 397 small independent stores and 115 large retailers. The data were collected from clothing and shoe retailers across eight Australian capital cities. The key finding is that they do in fact adapt their promotion mix to suit their strategic needs. Thus although small independent retailers may lack the financial resources and managerial expertise of larger retailers, they have been found to possess some degree of sophistication in respect to their promotion mix management.
Distribution channel strategies in Danish retail banking
Authors: Mols Niels Peter , Nikolaj D. Bukh Per , Flohr Nielsen Jørn
Published: July 2002

Outlines the adaptation process in the distribution channel structure of the retail banking sector as a consequence of the introduction of electronic channels, such as telephone banking, PC banking and Internet banking. Based on responses from 42 retail banks in Denmark, their distribution channel strategies are described and their relation to selected marketing mix elements is examined. Most Danish retail banks attach decisive importance to offering a customer‐friendly PC bank service, whereas fewer of them attach the same importance to telephone, Internet and branch banking. A multiple channel strategy combining several channels is the most popular.
Retail managers: stress and the work‐family relationship
Authors: Broadbridge Adelina
Published: July 2002

Causes and effects of occupational stress have received research attention for several decades although increasing focus has been paid to it during the 1990s as organisations and individual workers attempt to adapt to accelerating rates of change. Previous research has proposed three hypotheses to explain the work‐family relationship: spillover, compensation and independence. Drawing on qualitative research with retail managers from a variety of UK major retailers, this article attempts to uncover the relationship between work demands and home life. The results of the research found that family boundaries are more permeable than work boundaries. Although spillover behaviour was evident, there was no evidence to suggest that the retail managers adopt compensatory or independent models of behaviour. To alleviate some of the pressures experienced by the retail managers, calls for a reassessment of working practices. The introduction of more flexible working arrangements, providing quality time off from work, and a realistic assessment of the retail manager’s job are some of the recommendations provided.
Loyalty saturation in retailing: exploring the end of retail loyalty cards?
Authors: Wright Claire , Sparks Leigh
Published: July 2002

The proliferation of retail loyalty schemes has been one of the most marked features of retail marketing in the 1990s. Many retailers have one in some guise or other. Their sheer volume has meant that some have begun to question whether there is a limit to loyalty. Presents results from exploratory research that demonstrates that consumers may be becoming more wary of cards and schemes and being more selective. Managerial lessons from this are developed.
An ethical review of information systems development – The Australian Computer Society’s code of ethics and SSADM
Authors: Rogerson Simon , Weckert John , Simpson Chris
Published: July 2002

The rapid advance of computer‐based technology has led to social policy vacuums. Most information systems development tools concentrate upon technical issues, and offer few if any guidelines that address the moral issues inherent in new application possibilities. It is argued that extension of such tools to include ethical and moral, human and environmental issues is possible. A good starting point is provided by mapping relevant clauses of professional codes of ethics upon each stage of the development methodology. We use as examples the Australian Computer Society Code of Ethics and the structured systems analysis and design method (SSADM).
Educating tomorrow′s managers for telecommunications and EDI: a
cross‐cultural experience
Authors: Parker Craig M. , Swatman Paula M.C.
Published: July 2002

Telecommunications addresses the tyranny of distance for
international and domestic trade communities by providing information
linkages both internally and externally to an organization. These global
networks give firms the opportunity to gain strategic advantages such as
the strengthening of trading partner relationships and the redesigning
of internal procedures to improve overall efficiency and cost
effectiveness. The business community, however, has been slow to adopt
telecommunications and its enabled technologies – electronic data
interchange (EDI) in particular – owing to a general lack of
understanding of the benefits available from their effective
utilization. Describes an education‐oriented approach designed to
encourage greater acceptance of telecommunications and EDI by educating
university students – the managers of the future – about
applied telecommunications in an international environment. Discusses
also the cultural and cross‐cultural experiences of the students who
participated in this pilot project. The results indicate that there is
evidence to support the hypothesis that EDI is an appropriate exemplar
technology for teaching applied telecommunications in an international
environment; and that a laboratory‐based strategy is an effective way of
using EDI to achieve this objective and providing students with
experience of the cultural and cross‐cultural factors involved in
international commerce.
The role of team factors in software cost and quality
Authors: Krishnan Mayuram S.
Published: July 2002

This paper examines the impact of team factors in software development, such as the domain and language experience of the team members and the personnel capability of the team, on the costs and quality of the software products. The measure of the quality of the software products is based on the number of unique field problems that customers reported. The analysis, based on data collected on 37 software projects from a leading firm in the packaged software industry, indicates that software teams with higher levels of personnel capability exhibit significantly higher productivity and quality in the software products they deliver. A case study of one of the most successful package software development efforts at this firm highlights the important aspects of team dynamics in a highly successful software project.
Making sense of group support systems facilitation: a reflective practice perspective
Authors: Yoong Pak
Published: July 2002

Reports part of a grounded theory study in which 15 facilitators, already experienced in conventional meetings, were trained to become facilitators of face‐to‐face electronic meetings. Presents a model ‐ “Active reflection” ‐ of the reflective practice processes used by the trainee facilitators. Active reflection is a term which describes the trainees’ accounts of the two complementary action reflection processes: reflection on action (thinking back on what was done) and reflection in action (thinking about the action while one is doing it). Identifies a number of implications for group support systems facilitation training and practice.
Issues in the multi‐disciplinary assessment of healthcare information systems
Authors: Heathfield Heather , Hudson Peter , Kay Stephen , Mackay Lesley , Marley Tom , Nicholson Lorraine , Peel Victor , Roberts Ruth , Williams John
Published: July 2002

Considers the problems of a multi‐disciplinary team working together to understand and evaluate a healthcare information system, which itself is situated in a complex organisational and political environment. Provides general discussion of problems faced by evaluators of such systems. Describes this specific evaluation project (Electronic Patient Records in the UK National Health Service), gives an account of the evaluation process as it occurred, highlights some of the problems encountered, and discusses attempts to overcome these. Suggests that social, organisational and political factors are inherent in all such research enterprises, and that in order to facilitate a rich understanding of complex systems, these factors must also be considered as part of the research data.
Need to know; allowed to know – The health care professional and electronic confidentiality
Authors: Griew Antony , Briscoe Els , Gold Gerry , Groves‐Phillips Sue
Published: July 2002

This paper deals with a problem relevant to the development and use of the Electronic Patient Record, and in particular looks forward to the time when such records are shared between large numbers of health carers. It asks questions concerning decision‐making about how much of the health care record an individual Health Care Practitioner of any stated specialism (notionally in the British National Health Service, but generally applicable) should be able to see of the record, in relation to his or her perceived need. The authors conclude that a Health Care Practitioner meeting the criteria for a Health Care Professional should largely determine the information he or she needs to allow the practice of good health care (“need‐to‐know”). On the other hand those whose work does not accord them Health Care Professional status should, where appropriate, be granted access to data by the Health Care Professionals for whom they work (“allowed‐to‐know”). Finally, it presents and briefly describes an object‐oriented model to illustrate the authors’ conclusions.
Power, influence and intranet implementation
Authors: Damsgaard Jan , Scheepers Rens
Published: July 2002

Intranets hold great promise as “organizational Internets” to allow information sharing and collaboration across departments, functions and different information systems within an organization. Yet not much is known about how to implement intranets. We adapt a taxonomy based on institutional theory and distinguish six broad diffusion drivers that might be considered to sustain the implementation process. An exploratory field study of four intranet implementations was conducted to analyze which drivers were used and the results that were yielded. We draw several conclusions. First, all six drivers were deployed in the analyzed cases. Second, the choice of drivers varied with the level of the intranet (corporate or unit), the implementation stage, and existing organizational practices and contingencies. Third, it seems that the critical drivers are knowledge building, subsidy and mobilization in the early stages of implementation. In the later stages knowledge deployment, subsidy and innovation directives were most commonly used.
Fires in hotel rooms and scenario predictions
Authors: Roberts Diane , Hin‐Wing Chan Daniel
Published: July 2002

Contributes towards the research into the potential dangers of unprotected hotel rooms by highlighting the incidence, and cause, of some major hotel fires in Asia and USA. Additionally, through the use of fire modelling computer software, predicts various fire scenarios inside the guest room, demonstrates how little time is available for evacuation, and states that without specific precautions, fire fatalities will continue to occur. Suggests that once such an appreciation becomes widespread, together with the worldwide publicity resulting from fires in hospitality environments, this may influence the demands made by travellers, and that hoteliers might be well advised to exceed the requirements placed upon them by statute, and advertise such personal safety guarantees alongside their usual facilities, as part of an overall strategy in the battle for competitive edge.
Internalizing action learning: a company perspective. Establishing critical success factors for action learning courses
Authors: Ingram Hadyn , Biermann Kathy , Cannon Jacqueline , Neil Jane , Waddle Catherine
Published: July 2002

Many companies and their employees accept that learning and management development can provide mutual benefits, but find it difficult to free up the time and money to make this possible. Finding time and resources for training and development can be especially difficult in the hospitality industry, where operational imperatives often override longer‐term considerations. This paper reflects upon the critical success factors of a pilot management development programme in Marriott Hotels in the UK, so that it might be internalized and delivered in a range of Marriott properties world‐wide. The conclusion is that action learning is a challenging medium for learners and tutors alike, but that the process can be an enjoyable one for all concerned. It is possible to internalize such programmes if care is taken with both “hard” and “soft” critical success factors.
Competition in the international hotel industry
Authors: Mathews Vinitia E.
Published: July 2002

To identify rivals in the international hotel industry, current practice is to use price, segment and proximity. Using price and segment to identify rivals can be problematic due to price discounting. Additionally, a clear way to measure proximity does not exist. The aim of this study is to develop a process which managers can use to accurately identify rivals. Network analysis and affiliation matrices, in particular, are used to show managers a simple, systematic way to quantify proximity. Affiliation matrices give managers a simple, numeric value to distinguish between primary and secondary competitors. Managers should also compare chains on other competitive dimensions to distinguish their relative competitive threat. Results suggest there will be more than one competitive dimension to distinguish between rivals. At times, international experience is a relevant competitive dimension; at other times, nationality is a relevant competitive dimension. Size, however, is very rarely a relevant competitive dimension.
The computer millennium bug’s impact on the hotel industry: a case study of the Kowloon Hotel
Authors: Law Rob , Lau Mary
Published: July 2002

Traditionally, the hotel industry has prided itself on its provision of quality service and therefore guest satisfaction. Unfortunately, hotel managers are often reluctant, or even resistant, to accept technologies, fearing that technologies might change their ability to provide hotel guests with the personal attention that characterizes a typical hotel business. Hotel managers’ low technical competence, and the wide adoption of technology‐assisted hotel operations, mean that the hotel industry remains at high risk regarding information technology (IT) problems. This paper reports on a study that investigates the Y2K readiness in various departments of the Kowloon Hotel. Based on the Kowloon Hotel’s experience, this paper serves to inform hotel managers that: most, if not all, hotels are at risk of future IT problems; the cost of a hotel for ignoring these problems could be huge, and most importantly; the problems’ influences will be timeless. That is, IT problems could have a long‐lasting impact on the entire hotel industry. Research findings of this paper should be of interest to hoteliers to better understand the impact of IT applications in the year 2000 and beyond.
Supervised work experience and sexual harassment
Authors: Worsfold Philip , McCann Coral
Published: July 2002

This paper briefly reviews the nature of sexual harassment, the response of industry to the problem and the adverse impact that may result from sexual harassment. Data from a survey of sexual harassment experienced by hospitality students whilst on supervised work experience are reported. The reported personal consequences of sexual harassment are considered and the results discussed in relation to previous research. Particular attention is drawn to the high incidence of customer harassment; the need for additional research is identified.
Branding in the UK public house sector: recent developments
Authors: Knowles Tim , Howley Michael J.
Published: July 2002

While the traditional English public house still represents the largest part of the market, its share is falling with the introduction of themed branded establishments. The UK’s pub retailers have over the past five years reacted to a developing society whereby attitudes towards leisure time, drinking, eating out, health and entertainment have changed. Through diversification, they have moved away from the traditional British public house towards branded outlets that are able to appeal to diverse consumer demands. The reasons for this diversification will be explored along with the brewers’ response. Within this process of diversification lies the matter of promotion and branding. The emphasis seems to be slowly moving away from the beer product of a particular brewer to a focus on the service providers’ corporate image, name and reputation. In cases such as Whitbread and Bass, companies are introducing a hierarchy of brands that revolve around five issues: physical evidence, service delivery, process, people, and quality. It is the customer’s perception of these five attributes that will determine establishments’ success. One such brand has been the Irish themed pub. This paper will critically analyse the reasons for the success of this Irish phenomenon with a link made between the nature of this particular “product” and customers’ perception of it.
Algarve: the tourism chain and the new management of the territory
Authors: Antunes Francisco
Published: July 2002

Discusses the profile for a global intervention which would lead to an effective and virtuous circle of long‐term development for the Algarve Region, and argues that the seasonal nature of the tourism industry linked to school holidays and the excellent climate aggravates, as a general rule, the already existing fragility of its territory structure, provoking serious ecological imbalances. Based on the existing panorama, a need for a response, which should be corrective rather than preventive, is suggested.
Creating Strong Listening Environments: A Key Hospitality Management Task
Authors: Brownell Judi
Published: July 2002

The listening environment is viewed as an aspect of organizational
culture that both influences and is influenced by individual behaviour.
Discusses the concept of the listening environment within hospitality
organizations from a symbolic/culture perspective. Examines the ways in
which this environment influences both the accomplishment of
organizational tasks and the development of interpersonal relationships
on the job. Suggests that managers can deliberately control many
aspects of the listening environment, and that effective hospitality
leaders foster strong listening environments as one approach to
increasing employee participation, excellent guest service and
organizational commitment.
Welsh Hotel: Cost‐Volume‐Profit Analysis and Uncertainty
Authors: Phillips Paul A.
Published: July 2002

Hotels tend to have a high level of fixed costs, which means that high
losses will result if revenue is significantly reduced below the
break‐even point. Hence, the traditional cost‐volume‐profit (CVP) model,
which is widely used within the hotel sector to determine break‐even
analysis, is an important managerial tool. However, is the basic CVP
model adequate, bearing in mind that certainty does not always exist
during the decision‐making process? Examines the basic CVP model and
describes how to include uncertainty during the decision‐making process.
By way of illustration uses a hypothetical Welsh hotel, to show how to
determine probability estimates for various desired profit levels. Also
considers some of the other inherent operational difficulties of the
basic CVP model.
Public policy and small hospitality firms
Authors: Thomas Rhodri
Published: July 2002

For many years the British government has pursued policies designed
to stimulate and support the development of small firms. Following an
outline of current policy and its rationale, examines the likely impact
of these measures on the hospitality industry, a sector characterized by
small enterprises. Argues that the paucity of available empirical
evidence means that reaching firm conclusions is inappropriate. Calls
for a new research agenda so that those engaged in giving advice on the
effective management of small hospitality organizations might do so from
a secure knowledge base and to ensure that the deliberations of policy
makers are informed by sector‐specific considerations.
A development strategy for the hospitality operations management
curriculum
Authors: Harris Peter J.
Published: July 2002

Presents an approach to hospitality operations management
curriculum development in higher education programmes. The method
proposed was developed in the context of the hospitality product and the
management decision making involved in operations management. The
determination of curriculum content is illustrated using the accounting
contribution as an example.
An empirically‐based review of the concept of environmental
scanning
Authors: Costa Jorge
Published: July 2002

Reviews the concept of environmental scanning, presents definitions
of the main concepts in the area and discusses the importance of
systematic external analysis to organizations. Also seeks to provide an
informed and practical overview of the environmental scanning process.
International perspectives on travel and tourism development
Authors: Costa Jorge
Published: July 2002

Reviews issues from Travel and Tourism Analyst published in
the period form 1989‐1994. The journal is a leading reference source in
the area of travel and tourism and is a bi‐monthly publication of The
Economist Intelligence Unit. Analysis 147 articles and identifies four
main themes for further discussion: airlines; the hotel sector; outbound
travel; and the tourism industry. Traces the main issues and trends
emerging in the fields of hospitality, travel and tourism and highlights
possible areas/opportunities of interest for researchers and
industrialists.
A matter of chaos ‐ some issues for hospitality businesses
Authors: Edgar David A. , Nisbet Laura
Published: July 2002

With reference to the concepts of chaos theory, proposes that long‐term strategic planning is of little benefit to businesses (especially small businesses) operating in the hospitality industry, and that managerial focus should emphasize innovative and creative practices in order to sustain competitive advantage. To achieve this, organizations need to have a clear vision of where they want to be and attempt to achieve this aim by adapting to situations as they arise. Today’s hospitality organizations should not try and overcome their environment by predicting future outcomes but instead should change and adapt with the environment.
Tourism and leisure: an integrative case in China
Authors: Honggen Xiao , Huyton Jeremy R.
Published: July 2002

Investigates the interrelationship between tourism and leisure, based on a questionnaire survey and on personal communication with international tourists, hospitality workers and local residents. Adopts an integrative approach in the case study of the two coastal cities of Xiamen and Quanzhou, in the Fujian Province of the People’s Republic of China. Concludes that superficial homogeneity in social phenomena of two cities in close vicinity does not justify an actual similarity in the interaction between tourists and residents and the integration of tourism and leisure.
An empirical study of customer comment card quality and design characteristics
Authors: Wisner Joel D. , Corney William J.
Published: July 2002

The use of comment cards is a very popular method for obtaining customer feedback in the hospitality industry. An investigation was made regarding the current status of comment card usage in hotel‐restaurants offering high quality, Sunday champagne buffets, in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. Cards were assessed with regard to frequency and mode of availability, information content, service quality, card design, and management follow‐up. Although 81 per cent of the buffets made use of comment cards, problems were found with accessibility, comprehensiveness of information, questionnaire design principles and frequency of call‐backs.
Selecting students: is there an education‐industry mismatch?
Authors: Ineson Elizabeth M. , Kempa Richard F.
Published: July 2002

Centres on the selection of undergraduates for hotel and catering management (HCM) courses in the UK. Semi‐structured, face‐to‐face in‐depth interviews (N = 25) were conducted with HCM tutors in 16 UK institutions to identify the source, nature and ways of measurement of the qualities used to select undergraduates. A synthesis of the evidence allowed a classification into four subgroups, e.g. academic attainment and ability, motivation to study, and commitment to work in, HCM, personal characteristics, and personal circumstances. As expected, the measures of academic attainment together with evidence from the headteachers’ reports, seemed to be key features of the selection process but there appeared to be a mismatch between what some of the admission procedures entailed and what the selectors considered to be important.
Developing international managers in the hospitality industry
Authors: D’Annunzio‐Green Norma
Published: July 2002

Human resource management (HRM) policies in international organizations with wide geographic distribution and operating in high numbers of different cultural environments must be underpinned with a strong international management development (IMD) programme. Uses an exploratory, case‐study approach to show the ways in which several different international organizations are dealing with current situations and their perceived future needs. Describes how IMD is seen to be a comprehensive approach covering selection, training and career support, and how international recruitment is becoming a much more important feature, with the expatriate model of management fading. Explains the extent to which companies have faced adapting to the new conditions and suggests organizations should think longer‐term and more holistically when designing these systems.
Staff job‐related ethics of hotel employees in Hong Kong
Authors: Chak Keung Wong Simon
Published: July 2002

Unethical consumer practices in Asian countries have attracted much attention from business practitioners. The availability of counterfeit products such as computer disks, fashion clothing and watches, etc., provide a negative impression to the business world. This research aims to investigate the job‐related ethical beliefs of hotel employees in Hong Kong. The results show that the four‐dimensional factors model as suggested by Vitell and Muncy (1992) can explain hotel employees’ job‐related ethics. Correlation analysis revealed that there was a significant relationship among the four factors and the general attitudinal statements. Significant differences were observed when analysing the demographic variables (i.e. age and education level) with the four factors including: no harm; unethical behaviours; actively benefiting; and passively benefiting. The results suggest the need for a clearer ethical policy for employees, and the identification of the behaviours that are viewed as “no harm” in the work environment. Hotel management will benefit by being able to identify those areas where employees need guidance and education.
The impediments to developing a market orientation: an exploratory study of small UK hotels
Authors: Harris Lloyd C. , Watkins Phillipa
Published: July 2002

The aim of this paper is to redress a literature imbalance through identifying, describing and analysing the impediments to the development of market orientation in the context of small UK hotels. The paper begins with a clarification of the nature and domain of market orientation. Thereafter, extant research into the performance implications of market orientation is briefly discussed and existing research into market orientation obstacles critically summarised. The paper then introduces the findings of exploratory interviews which demonstrate that the barriers to developing market orientation for small hoteliers are vastly different from those which are conventionally forwarded. The paper culminates with a series of conclusions and implications for theorists and practitioners.
Hospitality trends in the Asia‐Pacific: a discussion of five key sectors
Authors: Hing Nerilee , McCabe Vivienne , Lewis Peter , Leiper Neil
Published: July 2002

This paper reviews recent trends in major hospitality sectors in the Asia‐Pacific region. Observes that the meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE), backpacker, and bed and breakfast sectors are growing, characterised by burgeoning market demand, proliferation of specialist infrastructure, sector‐specific education and training, and dedicated development and marketing strategies. The casino sector is facing major challenges, seeing declining demand in some areas. Competitive forces are evident in the licensed clubs sector, where a proliferation of gambling options has undermined traditional sources of revenue. Conversely, the hotel and restaurant sectors can be considered mature. There is increased attention to facilities development, asset management, market segmentation and use of new technologies, and the restaurant sector appears focused on product revitalisation. Concludes that the recent economic turmoil in Asia will no doubt produce new challenges, as well as opportunities, in the lead up to the next millennium.
Determinants of intra‐firm trust in buyer‐seller relationships in the international travel trade
Authors: Crotts John C. , Turner Gregory B.
Published: July 2002

Creating and sustaining trust in buyer‐seller relationships constitutes a critical strategic skill in the international travel trade. After conceptualizing the importance of trust between wholesale buyers and suppliers in a tourism context, this paper proposes a model composed of the factors that influence both the level and type of trust. Trust is an essential part of successful buyer‐supplier relationships and this model identifies and explains a number of factors known to influence supplier trust in the business‐to‐business relationship.
Equity in outgoing tourism through tourist certificates
Authors: Mihalicˇˇ Tanja
Published: July 2002

The author addresses the unequal participation of different nations in outgoing tourism as an ethical question and proposes a tourist certificate trading programme. Today 65 per cent of the total tourism expenditure belongs to the top ten tourism outgoing countries that only have 15 per cent of the world population. The tourist emission trading programme would provide governments with an efficient tool for obtaining equity in trans‐boundary tourism consumption by giving financial compensation for not travelling. Travellers would have to hold tourism permits equal to the value of their travel consumption units. If they proved insufficient they would have to buy permits from other participants that travel less. Non‐travellers would be compensated for not travelling, the third world nations would gain financial sources due to their lower travel propensity on the account of western countries with a higher propensity to travel. Since tourism uses and destroys the environment and grows constantly, such a programme would enable the control of the growth of tourism too ‐ by limiting the total number of certificates.
The impact of demographic factors on Hong Kong hotel employees’ choice of job‐related motivators
Authors: Wong Simon , Siu Vickie , Tsang Nelson
Published: July 2002

Hospitality companies can increasetheir market share and growth rates by increasing their brand loyal customers. This is a more profitable approach than other marketing activities, such as price cuts or promotional programs. As a mature industry, the hospitality business must pursue market‐share gains, rather than market‐growth gains. Acquiring new customers is expensive becauseof advertising, promotion, and start‐up operating expenses. Besides, it is cheaper to serve current customers. This paper brings together the factors that contribute to brand loyalty in marketing literature and provides strategies to hospitality managers for increasing brand loyal customers.
Third‐party logistics in Europe – five years later
Authors: van Laarhoven Peter , Berglund Magnus , Peters Melvyn
Published: July 2002

Discusses the results of a survey among shippers in several European countries involved in outsourcing their transport, warehousing and other logistics activities. The survey, which is a joint initiative of the universities of Cranfield, Eindhoven, Linköping and Rotterdam (Erasmus) and of ManDat GmbH, is a sequel to a similar survey carried out five years ago and has led to a renewed insight into the characteristics of logistics partnerships, the key success factors for making partnerships work, the concerns that shippers have about outsourcing and the benefits they expect to receive from it. The survey has led to two major observations: first, that the scope and level of sophistication of the partnerships has increased over the last five years, be it very gradually, and second, that the perception of outsourcing by shippers has not changed over the last five years.
A comparison of the use of third‐party logistics services by Australian firms between 1995 and 1999
Authors: Sohal Amrik S. , Millen Robert , Moss Simon
Published: July 2002

Examines the use of third‐party logistics services by Australian firms over the period 1995 to 1999. It is based on a questionnaire survey that was initially conducted in 1995 and repeated in late 1999. The questionnaire addressed: the extent to which the firms use the services of contract logistics companies; the specific contract logistics services used; the benefits which have emerged for the user firms; the obstacles encountered in implementing contract logistics relationships; the impact of the use of contract logistics services on costs, customer satisfaction and employees of the user firm; and the future plans of current users of such services. Notable differences showed between the results from 1995 and those obtained in 1999. Of particular interest is the apparent centralisation of the decision making in regard to employing such services and the involvement of managers outside the logistics area. Also, more firms are utilising third‐party contract logistics companies for international purposes, and are signing longer contracts with their providers. The study identifies a number of concerns for providers that need to be addressed.
An Integrated Decision Support System for Global Logistics
Authors: Min Hokey , Eom Sean B.
Published: July 2002

As the globalization of business activities broadens and diversifies
logistics operations, many logistics managers have found themselves
challenged by extreme complexities and uncertainties. Consequently,
planning and control of multinational firms (MNFs) have become onerous
due to the multiplicity of international decision environments. Perhaps
the most effective way of coping with such challenges is to utilize an
integrated decision support system (IDSS) linking world‐wide
communication and distribution networks among the parent company, its
foreign business partners and third‐party logisticians. In response to
such a need, provides important guidelines for the design and
development of an integrated DSS that helps the multinational firm
centrally to control and co‐ordinate international transfers.
Logistics in Bulgaria
Authors: Vanden Bloomen Dennis R. , Purvanov Petrov Ivan
Published: July 2002

Examines the current situation for logistics in Bulgaria. Reviews the
prospects for applying logistics concepts with respect to the economic
environment for privatization and investment. Presents the findings.
Concludes with some cautions concerning the issue of transferring
logistics knowledge in Bulgaria.
Logistics Trends in South Africa
Authors: Cilliers Willem W. , Nagel Pieter J.A.
Published: July 2002

Corporate strategy in South Africa traditionally focused on turnover management because of a tough economy. However, the focus has shifted to the cost side. Because of this emphasis on higher cost efficiency, logistics became a vital part of corporate strategy. Looking at a barometer for logistics excellence, it can be seen that logistics in South Africa is still functionally fragmented with a relatively low level of co‐operation in the value chain. Improving this is vital as logistics will be important for future competitiveness.
Japanese Food Wholesaling
Authors: Childs Nancy M. , Lawler Batista Bernadette
Published: July 2002

Examines the Japanese food distribution channel structure with special
emphasis on food wholesalers and food retailers. Contrasts these two
areas with the comparable US functions. Reviews channel inefficiencies
in Japan with attention to historical development, regulations, consumer
attitudes and food shopping behaviour, transportation and logistics,
transportation alternatives, consolidation and new developments,
distribution centres and information processing. Presents key issues for
Japanese logistics in the future.
Just‐in‐time and context
Authors: Germain Richard , Dröge Cornelia
Published: July 2002

An empirical study of 183 manufacturers examines the effects of
just‐in‐time (JIT), size, environmental uncertainty, and production
complexity on the adoption of electronic data interchange (EDI)
technology. A holistic approach was taken whereby LISREL was used to
test the model, and the results show that larger organizations and those
more intensively utilizing JIT techniques increasingly adopt EDI
technology. Environmental uncertainty and production complexity had no
effect on EDI technology adoption.
The firm as a value‐added system
Authors: Fawcett Stanley E. , Fawcett Stanley A.
Published: July 2002

Suggests that much of the competitive dilemma experienced by US and
European firms in recent years is a result of a persistent failure to
manage the firm as a cohesive value‐added system. The complexity of the
interactions among the firm′s value‐added abilities underlies this
challenge of integrating the firm′s value‐added activities. Presents a
paradigm of the firm that provides both a rationale and a starting point
for the integration of the firm′s value‐added materials management
activities. Suggests a framework, the essence of which is that customer
value is added by the functional areas only when consistency exists
among decisions made in each of four major decision areas. Addresses
information and measurement issues as facilitators which link the
decisions areas and bridge the gaps among the functional areas.
Organizing for network synergy in logistics
Authors: Juga Jari
Published: July 2002

Examines the potential of logistics network organization to deliver synergy benefits by simultaneously improving flexibility and co‐ordination. The synergy effects of the new organization range from the economies of scale and scope in production and logistics to various “spill‐over” benfits attributable to shared skills and resources in networks.
Networked inventory management information systems: materializing supply chain management
Authors: Verwijmeren Martin , van der Vlist Piet , van Donselaar Karel
Published: July 2002

Aims to explain the driving forces for networked inventory management. Discusses major developments with respect to customer requirements, networked organizations and networked inventory management. Presents high level specifications of networked inventory management information systems (NIMISs). Reviews some decision systems for inventory management, and compares traditional inventory management to networked inventory management. Uses these insights to outline NIMISs for several types of inventory management decision systems. Summarizes the results of the study, and provides an outlook on further research.
Competing against ignorance: advantage through knowledge
Authors: Hines Peter , Rich Nick , Hittmeyer Malaika
Published: July 2002

This paper describes the Value Stream Analysis Tool (VALSAT) as a rigorous analysis and decision‐making tool in the supply chain or value stream context. The tool can employ both tacit and explicit knowledge for the advantage of the supply chain in which it is used. Although the approach owes its origins to new product development in the Japanese shipbuilding industry, it can provide many advantages over traditional analysis approaches in a value stream setting. VALSAT is demonstrated from both a theoretical and practical viewpoint, the latter involving an analysis of potential improvement in the Kenyan textile industry. The tool appears to be particularly useful in focusing knowledge and so in aiding decision making where there is a complex web of supply chain inter‐relationships and especially where data are a mix of subjective and objective assessments. Additionally it creates the right environment for increased intra‐ and inter‐company co‐ordination, allowing for improvement implementation programmes.
The transport selection criteria of Norwegian exporters
Authors: Loetveit Pedersen Eirik , Gray Richard
Published: July 2002

Examines transport selection criteria with particular reference to Norwegian exports. Because results of studies of carrier selection determinants tend to have a degree of consensus, there is a risk of assuming context‐free determinants, whereas throughout the world there is a range of contexts that may influence determinants. Norway has distinctive features including export dependency with a small home market, a peripheral location, and an extreme topography and climate. Despite an awareness of logistics concepts, Norwegian exporters appear to place more emphasis on direct transport costs than many context‐free studies would suggest. The paper concludes that logistics studies should have an accepted typology of relevant context features, so that better comparisons between studies can be made.
Performance measurement in the transportation and distribution sector
Authors: van Donselaar Karel , Kokke Kees , Allessie Martijn
Published: July 2002

In the transportation and distribution (T&D) sector, as in many others, it is important to have a good performance in operations. In order to achieve high performance, it is necessary to know which operational factors are critical for success and which are less important. Only then can management focus attention on those factors that have a strong effect on performance. In The Netherlands a large project has been carried out to find these critical operational success factors. In total, 150 T&D companies were interviewed extensively; first they were split into 11 different segments and next their financial and operational data were gathered and compared. Based on the results of the project, the Dutch national organisation for T&D companies (TLN) has decided to adopt the benchmarking procedure developed in this project and to apply it to all 2,000 medium‐sized T&D companies, who are members of TLN. They will use it as a tool to assist their members in finding opportunities for improvement at the individual company level and to monitor the performance of the sector as a whole.
Logistics and virtual integration
Authors: van Hoek Remko I.
Published: July 2002

This paper uses empirical findings, from a survey and a case study, about the three (logistics) elements that constitute a virtually integrated supply chain: chain‐wide application of postponement, extensive involvement of suppliers and distributors, and the integration of the flow of information. A virtually integrated supply chain differs from a traditional supply chain in that the flow of information is no longer a by‐product of the flow of goods but makes an integral contribution to the creation of customer relations, services offered and cross‐functional and cross‐company interfaces. It was found that information communications technologies (ICT) are critical in changing the supply chain format to become more responsive to individual customers, while involving multiple companies and functions. Challenges for the individual functions are formulated based on the findings from the two methods.
Logistics in the health care industry
Authors: Gary Jarrett P.
Published: July 2002

The purpose of this study was to undertake a diagnostic investigation of the international health care logistical environment to determine if regulatory policies or industry procedures have hindered the implementation of just‐in‐time systems. The analysis was conducted in a systematic manner and compared the anticipated benefits with those validated in other industries from the implementation of just‐in‐time. The study also compared the health care industry environments of the USA, UK, and Germany with the manufacturing industry. The author focussed on answering: first, why has the health care industry not implemented just‐in‐time; second, is it feasible for a healthcare provider to implement a just‐in‐time logistical system; and third, what benefits will a health care provider achieve by implementing just‐in‐time. Concludes that controlling health care pricing requires reducing product cost or continues to place limits on product prices, quantities of services, or both. An alternative approach to controlling prices is to restructure the market for health services to encourage greater price competition among providers.
An empirical investigation of the level of electronic data interchange (EDI) implementation and its ability to predict EDI system success measures and EDI implementation factors
Authors: Angeles Rebecca , Nath Ravinder , Hendon Donald W.
Published: July 2002

Electronic data interchange (EDI) is a critical technology used in supply chain management systems involving logistics functions. This study explores the construct of “level of EDI implementation” in order to establish its relationship with system success and the criticality of selected implementation factors. Using the survey method that employed a pair of questionnaires for a customer‐supplier dyad engaged in EDI, the final data set consists of 128 firms constituting 64 dyads. Level of EDI implementation is positively related to one out of four EDI system success measures and is associated with the criticality of the following implementation factors: use of cross‐functional EDI teams, the conduct of pilot projects, the inclusion of security and auditing controls, the conduct of training for end users, maintenance of trading partner relationships, use of value‐added network services, and guidelines for digital signatures.
Third party logistics services: a Singapore perspective
Authors: Bhatnagar Rohit , Sohal Amrik S. , Millen Robert
Published: July 2002

Focusses on three constructs that we believe are the primary determinants of the future usage of third party logistics services. These constructs are: extent of use of the third party logistics services; decision making process for choosing contract logistics services provider; and impact of the usage of contract logistics services on the organisation. An empirical research was carried out in Singapore to study the impact of these three factors on the future usage of third party logistics services in Singapore. Results based on an analysis of data relating to 126 Singapore‐based firms indicate that most users of these services are satisfied with their providers and believe that this has led to positive developments within the organisation. With a high current level of satisfaction, a large number of these firms are likely to increase their usage of contract logistics services moderately or substantially.