bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
If the system fails, who is liable?
Authors: Cardinali Richard
Published: July 2002

How does an information system manager know who is liable if the system fails? The courts have had difficulty fitting this bifurcated world of goods and services. We, as information specialists, can appreciate that software can be supplied in a variety of forms, some more tangible than others. Programmers might write software for mass distribution, tailor an existing established package, or design from scratch a custom system. Although the majority of courts have yet to face this issue in the precise context of tort liability, most believe the characterization of goods or service is properly determined by the supplier’s degree of involvement with the customer. Examines a number of important issues related to the question of computer information system failures and who may be liable for damages because of the failure. Concludes with a reminder that computer information system failure is not limited to economic loss alone.
Concurrent engineering: a multi‐disciplinary approach for construction
Authors: Gunasekaran A. , Love P.E.D.
Published: July 2002

This paper addresses the concept of concurrent engineering (CE) and its application to construction. The construction process is faced with an ephemeral shifting coalition of participants who have divergent goals and objectives. Consequently, adversarial relationships between project participants have developed. This has made it difficult for organizations to cooperate, communicate and integrate with each other effectively. The CE concept advocates the implementation of a multi‐disciplinary team approach to construction by encouraging collaborative decision making based upon team coordination and information sharing. This paper suggests that a multi‐disciplinary approach can be achieved by introducing the contractor, major subcontractors and suppliers during the design phase.
Managing a global supply chain partnership
Authors: Motwani Jaideep , Larson Lars , Ahuja Suraj
Published: July 2002

Presents a survey of the global supply chain management (GSCM) literature with specific emphasis on the application of the process, services and products used by organizations to achieve competitive advantage and market position. Through case studies, we look at the current management practice used by multinational corporations such as Campbell Soup, Kmart, Dell Computer, Hewlett‐Packard, Digital Equipment Corporation, and Volvo for the development of a global supply chain partnership strategy. Next, based on the literature review and current management practices, we propose a practical model for implementing global supply chain principles within an organization. We conclude with a discussion of the implications for managers and academicians.
The measurement of international inventory systems
Authors: Pope J. Andrew , Prasad Sameer
Published: July 2002

An instrument has been developed to empirically measure the factors (constructs) influencing inventory systems and their effectiveness in international environments. The relevant literature was examined and eight constructs were identified to be included in the scale: the level of infrastructure, government policy, product characteristics, productions environments, supply base, degree of uncertainty, information level and effectiveness of the inventory system. The instrument was tested through structured interviews in operations in North America, South America, Europe and Asia. These scales provide an essential building block for empirical researchers and managers to document the state of international operations. As an example of using this scale a comparison of US, European and Latin American inventory systems is provided.
Millennium bug ‐ are you solving the right problem?
Authors: Rostron Stephen G.
Published: July 2002

Asserts that the “millennium bug” debate generated by UK Government activity, PR and media activity is at last gathering momentum. Enlightened business people are already well down the track of preparing their companies for potential problems. However, the more sceptical, ill‐informed or ostrich‐headed are still looking for an easy way out, if they are looking at all. They are being selective in the message they choose to hear and minimalist in the solutions they adopt. This is building a significant problem. One of the results of these circumstances is that advertisements that promise a “total confidence” solution through the purchase and use of a simple floppy disk are grasped and believed in a literal sense. In reality these “solutions” while valuable, are at best only partial. At worst, relying on this alone could put an organisation into a terminal risk situation. Suggests an “enterprise‐wide” or “business process” solution ‐ based on the risk exposure unique to the individual business.
Spotting the key variables using Shainin’s Variables Search Design
Authors: Antony Jiju
Published: July 2002

In the quest for continuous quality improvement for both products and processes, design of experiments based on Shainin’s Variables Search is still playing a pivotal role among engineers and quality control practitioners. Briefly describes the Variables Search Designs formulated and promoted by Dorian Shainin for identifying the most critical variables which influence the process performance. In order to illustrate the potential of this powerful method, a simple paper helicopter experiment was carried out by the author. The results of the study have shown that Shainin’s Variables Search Design is a powerful tool for identifying the key process variables and therefore should be utilised by the engineering fraternity in manufacturing organisations as a problem‐solving tool.
Cladistics: a taxonomy for manufacturing organizations
Authors: McCarthy Ian , Ridgway Keith
Published: July 2002

Presents an evolutionary management technique (cladistics) which could enable organizations to formally and systematically understand the emergence of new manufacturing forms within their business environment. This fundamental, but important, insight could result in cladograms being used as a tool within a change framework, for achieving successful organizational design and change. Thus, regardless of the industrial sector, managers could use cladograms as an evolutionary analysis technique for determining “where they have been and where they are now”. This evolutionary analysis could be used to formulate coherent and appropriate action for managers who are responsible for organizational design and development.
Optimisation of man‐on‐board automated storage/retrieval systems
Authors: Dallari Fabrizio , Marchet Gino , Ruggeri Remigio
Published: July 2002

This study is concerned with evaluating the performance of different storage policies and tour construction procedures for multi‐command picking using automated storage‐retrieval systems (AS/RS). The AS/RS machine travel time for each storage policy is derived as a function of the shape of the storage area, the number of picking points and the sequencing algorithm used. The combination of these variables yields various solutions to the problem, thus providing a useful guide in designing effective picking systems. The average travel time of the AS/RS in each configuration is calculated by computer simulation in a full factorial experimental design. A subset of the results derived from this study has been successfully implemented in a case study, involving the BMW AG Italy spare parts distribution warehouse.
A mathematical model for modal shift to minimize NOx emissions
Authors: Masui Tadayuki , Yurimoto Shigeru
Published: July 2002

This is a preliminary study on the modal split of reducing environmental contaminants to a minimum. In this paper, we focus on NOx as a typical air pollutant and make clear the structure of energy flow with regard to freight transport using input‐output analysis. Then we present a mathematical model for the optimal modal split considering the input‐output structure of energy flow. The goal of this model is to minimize NOx which is emitted in the processes of freight transport, energy transport and energy production subject to maintaining the status quo of freight volume transported in Japan. This model is applied to the actual freight transport problem in Japan and the validity of this model is evaluated. As the result of that, we could suggest a policy of the modal shift, which can reduce the volume of NOx emissions in the transportation sector by approximately 30 per cent compared to the current circumstances in Japan.
Strategic issues and policy of CIM adoption in the transition
period of the Czech Republic
Authors: Malý Milan
Published: July 2002

Discusses industrial automation in pre‐ and post‐1989
Czechoslovakia. Managerial effort in the centrally planned economy was
concentrated primarily on achieving and exceeding volume targets.
Quality, flexibility, and consumer needs were secondary considerations.
The incentives for automation within company top management were
relatively low. Strategic decision making was done by governmental
bodies and the criteria for implementation of automation were not
economic, but political. Analyses the penetration of numerically
controlled machines, robots, flexible manufacturing systems (FMS) and
computer aided design/manufacturing (CAD/CAM) and shows that it did not
follow the logistic curve because of a lack of computer integrated
manufacturing (CIM) technologies in former Council for Mutual Economic
Assistance (CMEA) countries. Discusses the nature of managers′
resistance and how to overcome it.
Using simulation to predict system performance: a case study of an
electro‐phoretic deposition plant
Authors: Chan Felix T.S.
Published: July 2002

Describes a computer simulation technique which has been applied to
model an automotive manufacturing system in order to predict the system
performance under an increasing demand. Using Sim View, a locally
developed, graphically animated simulation package, the electro‐phoretic
deposition plant was modelled and sensitivity analysis was carried out.
Confirms some of the problems that were thought may arise, and
highlights some other issues that may become problematic. Aims to
produce possible suggestions for avoiding problems and improving the
performance of the system. Plans further uses of the simulation model in
studies to gain greater efficiency in the system and possibly to
experiment with any future upgrades that may be considered.
Subcontractors, JIT and kanbans: a brief review of spring
manufacturing in Japan and South Korea
Authors: Kidd John B.
Published: July 2002

It is widely believed that JIT processes are a fundamental
necessity for a business and, as a consequence, for the product chain
also. Thus JIT should be extended to subcontractors. Presents
observations gleaned in Japan and South Korea on the issues faced by
spring manufacturers in terms of JIT, quality control and other
workplace factors. Concludes that the style of management operated by
the client firms, especially in Japan, would not be appropriate in the
UK. Also, since the psychological characteristics of UK persons are
quite unlike those of the Orientals, we should be wary of importing,
without modification, the work practices which seem to be acceptable in
Japan and South Korea. Proposes that we should play to our strengths and
continue to be innovative and individualistic while attempting to modify
our management style to be more attentive to the longer term.
A proposed structure for distributed shopfloor control
Authors: Crowe Thomas J. , Stahlman Edward J.
Published: July 2002

Discusses the movement away from hierarchical organizational
structures towards flatter, heterarchical, structures which is reflected
in the growing interest in distributed manufacturing control systems.
Traditional hierarchical control systems are limited by the breadth,
quantity and timeliness of information needed for their operation.
Distributed, heterarchical, control systems overcome these hierarchical
limitations but, concurrently, forfeit advantages of the hierarchy
including analytically optimal loading patterns and centralized pristine
data tracking. Classifies existing research into four categories and
documents a progression of heterarchical control approaches to inject
some of the advantages of the traditional hierarchy into new
heterarchical frameworks. Concludes that neither hierarchical nor
heterarchical control structures are ideal in their pure form and,
hence, proposes a modified structure, called the quasi‐heterarchical
control system, which is a combination of, and a compromise between,
pure hierarchy and pure heterarchy.
Evolutionary patterns in international research and development
Authors: Chiesa Vittorio
Published: July 2002

Technology and product development processes are increasingly subject to internationalization, and the importance of research and development (R&D) activities carried out offshore is increasing. Therefore, firms tend to take a global view of their operations and rethink their R&D processes in a global perspective. This means that existing foreign R&D units may be subject to evolution and change of role. Based on an empirical research on 12 multinationals operating in technology‐intensive industries, studies how the role of foreign R&D units changes within multinationals and attempts to identify whether there is an evolutionary pattern of international R&D. Concludes that the evolutionary processes of foreign R&D are related to both the need to increase the effectiveness of the R&D process at global level (assigning global mandate to the units where there are the key resources), and to improve the global efficiency of the R&D process (avoiding duplications and rationalizing the geographical presence).
Advanced manufacturing technology investment: criteria for organizational choice and appraisal
Authors: Putterill Martin , Maguire William , Sohal Amrik S.
Published: July 2002

Argues that as opportunities arise for companies to exploit new markets, a critical issue is how firms should be organized to cope with innovation and competition in a fast moving business environment. Suggests changes to organizational procedures with the potential to deal with complex investment decisions better. Based on theory, surveys and practice, these include changes to the traditional role of financial analysis, extending the capital investment process to one which combines strategic and financial management considerations. Puts forward a set of criteria which should be met once advanced manufacturing technology practices have been recognized.
Strategies of manufacturing flexibility, manufacturing performance measures and organizational performance: an empirical investigation
Authors: Chenhall Robert H.
Published: July 2002

Presents a study which seeks to add to the body of knowledge that relates strategies to organizational performance. Examines the role of manufacturing performance measures to evaluate managers’ performance for firms pursuing strategies of manufacturing flexibility. Proposes that enhanced performance will be associated with the interaction between manufacturing flexibility and use of manufacturing performance measures. Sets out the results of a survey of 37 organizational units to provide support for this proposition. Concludes that the performance of entities that had a high degree of manufacturing flexibility were positively associated with the extent to which managers were evaluated using manufacturing performance measurements.
Integrating marketing and manufacturing functions through focused manufacturing design
Authors: Sheu Chwen , Laughlin Jay L.
Published: July 2002

Suggests that focused manufacturing is a strategic orientation based on limiting the set of products, technologies, production volume range, and/or target markets for which a given plant is responsible. Provides a comprehensive discussion of the concept of manufacturing focus. Suggests the implementation of manufacturing focus as an approach to integrate marketing needs and manufacturing systems design. Proposes a five‐step procedure for implementing the concept of manufacturing focus, based on observations from a case study and related literature. Identifies critical issues in each implementation step and makes suggestions for dealing with these issues. Concludes that a model that provides such a systematic implementation procedure should enable managers to integrate marketing and manufacturing functions.
Performance prediction and diagnosis in two production departments
Authors: Stoop Paul P.M. , Will M. Bertrand J.
Published: July 2002

In complex, job‐shop‐like production departments it is usually very difficult to predict the near‐future logistic performance as well as to explain or diagnose objectively why and how a certain performance has been achieved. Presents a prediction and diagnosis method that has been developed and tested in two production departments. Describes how the method provides realistic logistic performance targets in the short term with respect to the throughput of a production department and order completion times. The method also quantitatively determines ex post the impact of occurred disturbances on the realized performance. In the pilot project the method provided a clearer insight into relationships between logistic key variables, gave decision support to the capacity allocation decision, and generated reliable performance targets for the short term. More importantly, the actual performance became more open to discussion due to the objective explanation of the achieved performance, which opens the way to performance improvements.
The modular consortium in a new VW truck plant in Brazil: new forms of assembler and supplier relationship
Authors: Marx Roberto , Zilbovicius Mauro , Sergio Salerno Mario
Published: July 2002

Since November 1995, VW has been running an experimental plant to produce trucks and buses in Brazil. The manufacturing strategy is quite different from the current strategies one can see in the automotive industry worldwide. VW has defined its concept as “modular consortium”. Describes the plant’s main characteristics, and discusses the risks and the opportunities for VW and its partners to obtain sustainable competitiveness based on a radical new production concept.
The development of strategic capabilities ‐ an interaction view
Authors: Croom Simon , Batchelor Joy
Published: July 2002

Concerns the nature of strategic capabilities from a network (rather than single‐firm) context. Augments what may be termed the predominantly structural and inward‐looking bias of much of the existing literature by integrating issues of network theory and organizational learning into the authors’ conceptual frames. Contends that this is necessary in order to understand more clearly the processes through which strategic development takes place, and especially to appreciate the sources of transformational change.
A system solution for integration of process planning and control in flexible manufacturing
Authors: Siemiatkowski Mieczysl‐aw , Przybylski Wl‐odzimierz
Published: July 2002

Presents a proposal of computer integrated production planning and shopfloor control in a modular robot served flexible manufacturing cell. The manufacturing functions involving scheduling, despatching and monitoring are integrated and mapped onto the multi‐level system architecture. Discusses functions of the system software modules, principles of communication between them and the technical requirements imposed on the system. Introduces simulation modelling tools based on the Petri net formalism to support the user in developing schedule solutions and estimating the overall manufacturing performance of the specific cell.
An integrated estimation and design system for fire protection equipment
Authors: Wainwright Charles E.R. , Leung Albert C.K. , Leonard Raymond
Published: July 2002

Describes the development of an integrated computer‐based system (PROTECT) to aid the design of complex fire protection systems. Explains how PROTECT, developed through the application of object‐oriented technology (OOT), comprises a series of knowledge bases for specific protection environments and is integrated with other business systems. PROTECT enables the optimal design of fire protection systems to specified standards and the accurate estimation of system cost. Presents software development issues, and discusses system operational results and benefits of the PROTECT.
Comparison of conventional and dynamic FMS periodic loading rules
Authors: Marcello Pelagagge Pacifico , Cardarelli Gino , Santalucia Alberto
Published: July 2002

Reports on a comparison by computer simulation between conventional periodic loading (PL) and job‐group loading (JGL). When conventional PL is used, the search of the best part input sequence must be performed in order to optimize performance of a flexible manufacturing system (FMS). JGL works, instead, as a dynamic rule for real time scheduling of FMS, defining a part releasing policy able to guarantee the reaching of a periodic steady state without non‐productive times on the bottleneck workstation. However, JGL does not assure, in some cases, the same performance arising from the optimal part input sequence of conventional PL, in terms of non‐productive times in FMS filling and emptying phases, work in progress and throughput time. The paper demonstrates that using any JGL rule or the best PL part input sequence gives rise to negligible differences in FMS performance. Furthermore, the dynamic capabilities of the JGL also allow for spontaneously restoring the FMS periodic steady state without non‐productive times after any transient, for instance when production mix changes occur.
The current state of affairs in dimensional tolerancing: 1997
Authors: Voelcker Herbert B.
Published: July 2002

This paper summarizes the evolution of mechanical tolerancing practices, the general character of tolerances as they are currently understood, the current state of tolerancing technologies, and the recent surge of activity aimed at rationalizing and “mathematizing” form tolerancing. The paper concludes with two examples that illustrate current research frontiers.
Design and simulation of an industrial automated overhead warehouse
Authors: Marín R.M. , Garrido J. , Trillo J.L. , Sáez J. , Armesto J.
Published: July 2002

This paper is a description of an automated overhead warehouse system, developed to store car seat covers and then to feed them to the Renault car assembly plant at Palencia (Spain). It is based on trolleys moved through monorails and stored in accumulation bars (or monorails) by gravity, having to fulfil space and shape constraints, low retrieval time requirements, etc. This paper presents the decision process and the solutions adopted in this project to overcome the constraints and to fulfil the specifications. Also, a simulation tool integrated in an object‐ oriented designing framework is presented. It has been developed to support the decision‐making process, especially at the very beginning of the project.
CIMS in the Shanghai No. 2 Textile Machinery Co. Ltd
Authors: Xing Ming Wang , Zhiling Zeng , Yu Zhou
Published: July 2002

Shanghai No. 2 Textile Machinery Co. Ltd (STMC) is one of the key companies that were selected for implementing 863/CIMS. The framework of STMC‐CIMS was established at the end of 1994, and the first phase of STMC‐CIMS was qualified by the experts’ team of 863/CIMS in January 1995. This article describes the present disposal of each function system in the STMC‐CIMS, the software and hardware, the implementation of STMC‐CIMS, three aspects of preliminary application of integrated manufacturing, and the achievements of STMC‐CIMS.
Agile concurrent engineering
Authors: Sen Yan Hong , Jiang Jian
Published: July 2002

On the basis of analyzing the drawbacks of the existing concurrent engineering (CE), a new concept of agile concurrent engineering (ACE) characterized by the agile teams is presented. The organization method of the agile teams is discussed. The implementation and quantitative process modeling problems of ACE are dealt with. Contrasted with the existent CE, ACE puts the problems of resource sharing into special consideration. Its realization requires as little reform of the current organizational structures of enterprises as possible. ACE is more applicable to the product development in firms, especially in medium‐sized or small companies.
Managing the job shop: simulating the effects of flexibility, order release mechanisms and sequencing rules
Authors: Rocky Newman W. , Jo Maffei Mary
Published: July 2002

Examines the relative effects of alternative approaches to dealing with the intractable problem of managing a job shop. The effect of routing flexibility, simple order release mechanisms based on aggregate shop load, and local job prioritizing rules are examined together. While the impact of each experimental parameter is found to be significant, the impact of flexibility greatly overshadows those of the other parameters. These results support further examination and more normative understanding of how flexibility and better production planning and control may best be used in various competitive situations.
Maximum conformance rate‐based tolerance design
Authors: Wei Chiu‐Chi , Lee Yeong‐Hoang , Chang Ching‐Liang
Published: July 2002

Proposes a new formulation for allocating process tolerances. The major contribution of the model is to assign tolerances with maximization of the conformance rate of the entire process. The cumulative standard normal probability is used to estimate the scrap rate of each operation with respect to the machining accuracy of equipment, therefore, the design engineers are able to predict the failure rate before production. Results of comparison with other methods indicate that the proposed model can cost‐effectively assign tolerances.
Generating operating procedures for chemical process plants
Authors: Aylett Ruth , Petley Gary , Chung P.W.H. , Soutter James , Rushton Andrew
Published: July 2002

Operating procedure synthesis (OPS) has been used to generate plant operating procedures for chemical plants. However, the application of AI planning to this domain has been rarely considered, and when it has the scope of the system used has limited it to solving “toy” problems. This paper describes the application of state‐of‐the‐art AI planning techniques to the generation of operating procedures for chemical plant as part of the INT‐OP project at the Universities of Salford and Loughborough. The CEP planner is outlined and its application to a double effect evaporator test rig is discussed in detail. Particular attention is paid to the issues involved in domain modelling, requiring the description of the domain, development of AI planning operators, the definition of safety restrictions, and the definition of the problem. There is then a presentation of the results, lessons learned and problems still remaining.
Environmental Risk: Implications of Rational Lender Behaviour
Authors: Groth John C.
Published: July 2002

Focuses on the impact of environmental risk on lenders′ behaviour.
Begins by sketching background information then focuses on risk‐return
relationships and offers scenarios faced by lenders. Addresses rational
creditor behaviour and the implications and consequences this behaviour
has on borrowers and society.
Valuation of real estate assets using the adjusted present value method
Authors: Tırtırogˇlu Dogˇan
Published: July 2002

Explains that three approaches to valuation under leverage are found in the financial economics literature: weighted average cost of capital (WACC); flow‐to‐equity (FTE) or residual equity income (REI); and adjusted present value (APV). Although both the WACC and the FTE methods have been extensively used in real estate investment analyses, it appears that the APV has received little attention in the real estate literature. This is surprising because the reasons that render the APV preferable to the other two methods exist in most real investment situations. Provides an introduction to the APV method and illustrates it with a numerical example. Discusses potential applications of this method in different real estate investment problems.
Building defects, warranties and project financing from pre‐completion marketing
Authors: Ong Seow‐Eng
Published: July 2002

Postulates that project financing from pre‐completion marketing accentuates the tendency for the property developer to shirk from exercising the optimal level of care and effort, and leads to a higher incidence of building defects. Evaluates the disincentive effects of pre‐completion marketing against the mitigatory effects of providing defect warranty by way of a simple model of effort aversion. Derives the condition under which defect warranty can eliminate pre‐selling disincentive effects. Concludes that three policy implications follow from this model. The problem of building defects can be alleviated by imposing a longer defect warranty period; tightening building inspection standards; and limiting the extent to which developers can sell their property development prior to completion.
An application of the ARIMA model to real‐estate prices in Hong Kong
Authors: Tse Raymond Y.C.
Published: July 2002

Technical analysis lies on the premiss that short‐term market price at any time is revealed by pattern of prior price movements. Tests empirically the pattern of the real estate prices by employing the ARIMA analysis. Results strongly show that there exist cyclical trends in the office and industrial property prices in Hong Kong. The forecasting method can provide an indication of short‐term market direction, a sense of whether or not the movement will be small or large, and advance warning well ahead of any turning points supplementary to investment strategy. The investor may wish to incorporate forecasts from an ARIMA model into his investment strategy, for timing purposes.
A heterogeneous panel cointegration‐error correction approach to modelling commercial mortgage‐backed security prices
Authors: Ong Seow‐Eng , Maxam Clark L.
Published: July 2002

Provides the first empirical time series analysis of commercial mortgage‐backed securities (CMBS) prices using a proprietary data set of 15 senior tranche securities. Postulates and tests the hypothesis that nonstationary CMBS and corporate bond prices are cointegrated since CMBS are priced analogous to corporate bonds. States that given the emerging status of the CMBS market, price data is limited to less than three years. To overcome the low power of unit root and cointegration methodology for short data sets, appeals to the concept of cointegration in heterogeneous panels advanced by Pedroni (1995). Claims the presence of cointegration between CMBS and corporate bond prices confirms that the stationary first difference in CMBS and corporate bond prices must be modelled in an error correction framework (ECM). Further states the sensitivity of CMBS price changes to changes in the default probability, proxied by the market value of loans to property value, is tested in a simple first order approximation ECM framework. The results suggest that senior tranche CMBS which comprise no more than 70 per cent are immune to the risk from default loss and supports the predictions in Childs et al. (1996).
Issues in the development and application of property market forecasting: the investor’s perspective
Authors: Mitchell Paul M. , McNamara Paul F.
Published: July 2002

Forecasts of rental growth are increasingly being required by and provided to property investors by a growing number of suppliers. Reviews the uses to which such forecasts are put by a major Uk institutional investor and, from a relatively unique vantage point, critically reviews the forecasting services available in the marketplace. In doing so, it identifies the main forecasting approaches adopted, highlights some of the clear inconsistencies between forecasters in terms of what they are forecasting, how they are forecasting and the different data sources they are using. Explains some of the causes for substantial variations observed in the forecasts provided and, finally, explores the potential for systematic forecasting errors. Concludes by emphasizing the need to switch attention from technical methods to improved “view formation”.
An examination of the relationship between service quality, customer satisfaction, and store loyalty
Authors: Sivadas Eugene , Baker‐Prewitt Jamie L.
Published: July 2002

Using a national random telephone survey of 542 shoppers, examines the relationship between service quality, customer satisfaction, and store loyalty within the retail department store context. Tests two complementary models that examine this interrelationship. Empirically examines the relative attitude construct put forth by Dick and Basu. The results indicate that service quality influences relative attitude and satisfaction with department stores. Satisfaction influences relative attitude, repurchase, and recommendation but has no direct effect on store loyalty. Fostering favorable relative attitude and getting customers to recommend the product or service holds key to fostering store loyalty. Results also indicate support for Oliver’s four‐stage cognitive‐affective‐conative‐action model of loyalty.
Predicting purchase intentions for uni‐national and bi‐national products
Authors: Kim Soyoung , Thorndike Pysarchik Dawn
Published: July 2002

Aims to predict purchase intentions for uni‐national and bi‐national products by examining the relationships among brand attitude, country‐of‐manufacture (COM), consumer ethnocentrism, product evaluation, and product attitude. The sample included 281 students from three Midwestern universities in the USA. A model incorporating the hypothesized relationships among the variables was tested separately for the three different product categories of cameras, television sets, and sweaters. Data were analyzed by a maximum‐likelihood estimation procedure using LISREL VII. The proposed model showed an acceptable fit to the data for all three product categories. Findings indicated that favorable attitudes toward a product significantly predicted intention to purchase the product. The relationships between ethnocentrism, brand attitude, COM, and product evaluation were product‐specific.
Reasons for retailers’ involvement in town centre management
Authors: Medway Dominic , Warnaby Gary , Bennison David , Alexander Andrew
Published: July 2002

Building on an earlier publication in the International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management, the following article investigates the reasons for retailers’ involvement in town centre management (TCM) schemes in the UK. Findings are drawn from interviews with representatives of independent traders and national multiples, and a questionnaire survey of town centre managers. The article reveals several key reasons for retailers’ involvement in TCM and identifies some significant differences between independents and multiples in this respect. The findings show that the overriding motivation for the participation of retailers in TCM is their belief that it may benefit their business in some way. Equally importantly, the research identifies a number of reasons why retailers do not become involved in TCM schemes. The article concludes by showing that an understanding of the reasons for retailers’ involvement in TCM can play a significant role in attracting retail support for the concept.
The entry of Wal‐Mart in Brazil and the competitive responses of multinational and domestic firms
Authors: da Rocha Angela , Dib Luis Antonio
Published: July 2002

Investigates the entry of Wal‐Mart in Brazil, and subsequent moves of established retailers and new entrants with data taken from secondary sources and interviews with executives. First, internationalization of Wal‐Mart and its entry are discussed, which caused an impact on Brazilian retailing by accelerating the concentration, automation and modernization of the industry. Competitive reactions were classified in four categories: neutralizing competitors actions, establishing competitive advantage, redefining markets, and changing ownership. It is argued that Wal‐Mart’s experience in Brazil could be an interesting source of learning for foreign retailers desirous of entering the Brazilian market as well as for local companies that need to remain competitive to survive.
The landscape of pan‐European food retail consolidation
Authors: Wrigley Neil
Published: July 2002

Within a context of the globalization of retailing, examines the current structure of pan‐European food retail consolidation. Portrays the interlinkages between firms in the EU food retail market, and offers an assessment of the three leading consolidators (Carrefour, Wal‐Mart, Ahold) in that market. Considers potential acquisition/merger targets in France and the UK, and conceptualizes the future process of consolidation as a struggle between competing models of globalized retail operation. Assesses the strengths and weaknesses of those models.
International retail divestment
Authors: Alexander Nicholas , Quinn Barry
Published: July 2002

The divestment of international retail operations is an under‐explored area of research. Conceptual and theoretical developments within retailing have tended to focus on those organisations that have sustained international development rather than on those organisations who have experienced market failure and strategic withdrawals from international markets. The paper discusses two prominent UK cases where market withdrawal has been a feature of international activity. A cross‐case analysis is then used to identify issues for further research activity. In particular, the cross‐case analysis uses the existing constructs that have emerged from the general literature to explain divestment activity while highlighting the limitations of using these constructs within the retail sector. The paper concludes by noting the limitations of existing frameworks that seek to explain the internationalisation process without due consideration of the divestment process.
“The findings have surprised some shoppers”
Authors: Sparks Leigh
Published: July 2002

Recent years have seen a plethora of media comments about prices in Britain compared to overseas. This “rip‐off Britain” campaign culminated with the two‐year Competition Commission enquiry into supermarket retailing. International price comparisons, however, are not straightforward and there are many difficulties in their undertaking and in reporting such a complicated subject. This paper examines a BBC TV main news report on the night of the publication of the Competition Commission report and illustrates the problems in covering the subject. If we are to really understand pricing in British businesses compared to overseas, then much more sophisticated research and reportage is required.
The largest retail firms: a comparison of Asia‐, Europe‐ and US‐based retailers
Authors: McGurr Paul T.
Published: July 2002

Compares and contrasts the largest retail firms based in Asia, Europe and the USA. Data were obtained from AsiaWeek 1000, Fortune 500 and Europe 500 statistics. It is hoped that the baseline obtained through this research might serve as a basis for further research into the financial progress of these mega‐retailers. Continued analysis, it is proposed, will tell us much about the future of global retailing.
Distribution 2000: Impact on the Property Market
Authors: Valente Joe
Published: July 2002

Looks at key trends in the distribution sector and their potential
impact on the warehousing property market. Draws on interviews held with
property and distribution directors of major companies from a variety of
business sectors.
The Dynamics of UK Grocery Retailing at the Local Scale
Authors: Clarke Ian , Bennison David , Guy Clifford
Published: July 2002

The expansion by grocery retailers in the UK has been a subject of much
speculation and continues to raise questions about the scope and format
of future investment in new stores. Suggests that a more dynamic
perspective of the strategies of individual retailers is central to
understanding this issue. Examines competing perspectives of locational
change and suggests that retail potential needs to be defined locally
not just with reference to the quality of retail floorspace but also to
the strategic objectives of competing organizations. Such a perspective
highlights how the format and locational choices of competing retail
organizations themselves might serve to blur the boundaries of local
market potential. Illustrates this with reference to an exploratory case
study of the evolution of grocery retailing in two UK cities, Cardiff
and Manchester. Highlights the implications of the changes in competing
formats for the stability of the local retail system and identifies some
related research issues.
Rationalization and Restructuring in the Financial Services Sector
Authors: Greenland Steven J.
Published: July 2002

Despite developments in non‐branch financial service provision, such as
telephone and home banking, the high‐street outlet will continue to be
the main distribution channel. Branch network management is a highly
sophisticated task which has been further complicated since the late
1980s by the increasing realization of the role that high‐street outlets
can play in achieving marketing objectives. This factor, along with
significant developments and changes within the industry, has resulted
in a complete rationalization and restructuring of this key distribution
channel. Describes the new, efficient, retail‐oriented delivery systems,
compares them with Christaller′s Central Place Theory and discusses how
these transformations represent a significant and continuing element of
change in the urban morphology of UK towns and cities.
The Development of and the Prospects for Retailer‐issued Credit Cards in
Japan
Authors: Worthington Steve
Published: July 2002

Japan has a large number of credit cards on issue and many of these are
issued by Japanese retailers. Two such retailers, Saison and Daiei,
illustrate why and by what means Japanese retailers have entered the
credit card market. This provides the backdrop to an explanation of how
those major retail groups are now seeking to redefine the payment system
supply chain to their own advantage. Makes reference to the worldwide
competition between Visa and Master Card and how in Japan retailers have
been able to play one card association off against the others. Also
highlights the value of the information flows from the cardholder to the
retailer and vice versa and draws attention to the potential of the
retailer credit card in customer retention, recruitment and relationship
building.
The coming of the fourth wave: new forms of retail out‐of‐town
development
Authors: Fernie John
Published: July 2002

Discusses the historical evolution of out‐of‐town shopping
developments in the UK, from the superstores retailing food, DIY,
carpets and electrical products to new formats of warehouse clubs,
factory outlet centres and airport retailing. Argues that this fourth
wave of development may die prematurely, like proposals for regional
out‐of‐town shopping centres, because of an increasingly hostile
political environment. Comments that formats such as factory outlets
will not be lured to traditional town centres and that potential
investment will be lost.
Factory outlet shopping centres and planning issues
Authors: Jones Peter
Published: July 2002

Factory outlet shopping centres are one of a number of new
“out‐of‐town centre” retail formats within the UK. Outlines
their major characteristics and origins within the USA, describes
current developments within the UK and focuses on the planning issues
raised by these developments.
Two‐stage data collection for retail stores
Authors: Pak Sukgoo , Pol Louis G.
Published: July 2002

The method most often used to gather information on the attitudes
and opinions of retail customers, the exit/location survey, has several
shortcomings. Presents an alternative method for gathering such data
involving two stages: creating a name/ telephone number list via random
selection of customers at the retail location, and a subsequent
telephone interview. Tests the method in two retail environments and
compares the results with those of two other tests of the method.
Overall, the method is successful at gathering good quality, detailed
data and generates acceptable‐to‐high response rates.
Shopper reactions to perceived time pressure
Authors: Duncan Herrington J. , Capella Louis M.
Published: July 2002

Reports the results of an exploratory study of the effects of time
pressure on consumer supermarket shopping behaviour. Unique to the study
are the use of measures of both actual and relative shopping time and
purchase amount, and measures of self‐reported perceived time pressure.
Measures of relative shopping time and purchase amount potentially
provide more accurate methods for measuring time pressure effects in
certain shopping situations while the use of self‐reported time pressure
makes the results applicable to a wider variety of consumers. Results
indicate that time‐pressured shoppers do not necessarily spend any more
or less time or money in supermarkets. Instead, supermarket shoppers
tend to spend less time making any given purchase and more money in the
time available to them. Provides several suggestions for improving
future research of time pressure effects as well as several possible
retail strategies for dealing with the time‐harried consumer.
European food retailers’ evaluation of global markets
Authors: Myers Hayley , Alexander Nicholas
Published: July 2002

Considers the direction of the international expansion of European food retailers, and suggests that international retail studies have been criticized for a lack of empirical research. Discusses the results of a survey which sought the views of the main board directors of all major food retail companies based in six European Union countries: France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Spain and the UK. Observation of previous international activity reported in the literature suggests that the direction of international retail expansion is primarily determined by three factors of geography, culture and economic development. Considers the observable trends in the light of the empirical results presented. Presents these findings within a conceptual framework which suggests that, over time, retailers move from a reluctant, through cautious, to an ambitious stage in their international development. Analyses and discussess respondents’ propensity to internationalization and proposes a conceptual development.
Town centre versus out‐of‐town shopping: a consumer perspective
Authors: Alzubaidi Hassan , Vignali Claudio , Davies Barry J. , Schmidt Ruth A.
Published: July 2002

Throughout the 1980s and early 1990s the debate surrounding the comparative costs and benefits of town centre and out‐of‐town retail developments for consumers and to the environment has been a heated one. Informed by a largely puritanical view of consumerism, current Government policy tends towards the preservation of the traditional town centre. However, the actual evidence is far from conclusive and there is limited consumer research supporting this stance. Based on an interviewer‐administered survey conducted during 1994 and 1995 to assess shoppers’ opinions in both types of location in Preston, presents an examination of consumer perspectives and examines differences in perceptions and behaviour patterns among town centre and out‐of‐town shoppers.