bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Government‐industry‐university collaboration on the successful implementation of CIM in SMEs: an empirical analysis
Authors: Marri H.B. , Grieve R.J. , Gunasekaran A. , Kobu B.
Published: July 2002

For all small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the long‐term goal is to stay in business, grow and make profit. Especially in manufacturing SMEs must understand the dynamic changes. For SMEs to remain competitive, they must deliver products to customers at the minimum possible cost, the best possible quality, and the minimum lead time. SMEs can achieve this by implementing computer integrated manufacturing (CIM). The high investment required for CIM implementation is becoming a major hurdle for SMEs to cross. This is due to the lack of financial resources which has stalled the initiative in adopting CIM. Undoubtedly this has caused a decrease in rate of adoption of CIM in SMEs. With the triangular co‐operation of government‐industry‐university, CIM can successfully be implemented in SMEs. Considering the importance of government‐industry‐university co‐operation, a model has been developed with the help of an empirical study conducted in British SMEs to facilitate the adoption of a CIM. Finally, presemts a summary of findings and recommendations.
Contracting Out or Selling Out?
Authors: Szymankiewicz Jan
Published: July 2002

Reports on a survey of companies using third‐party distribution
services. Compares results with those of the same survey conducted three
years earlier. Discusses reasons why companies may or may not use
third‐party distribution providers. Establishes how satisfied companies
are with existing arrangements. Explores why companies may wish to
change current arrangements.
Purchasing Partnerships, Technology and the Treasury Function
Authors: Birts Anthony , Cousins Paul D.
Published: July 2002

The concept of purchasing partnerships is designed to eradicate the
adversarial nature of the purchasing process with its resulting costs
and inefficiencies, and to replace it with a process that is based on a
relationship where short‐term advantage gives way to long‐term
objectives, in a manner that provides maximum long‐term benefits to both
organizations. In the past the main focus in terms of the players
involved in purchasing partnerships has been, not unnaturally, on the
purchasing/sales and production/ manufacturing relationships within a
manufacturing context. Looks at how the partnering philosophy within
manufacturing can be strengthened through the involvement of other
departments and how technology can lead to partnering advantage.
Supply chain performance benchmarking study reveals keys to supply
chain excellence
Authors: Stewart Gordon
Published: July 2002

Describes a comprehensive set of fact‐based performance measures
that can be used to describe accurately a world‐class supply chain of
plan, source, make and deliver activities. Aims to help companies take a
broad supply‐chain‐process perspective by quantifying performance
improvement opportunities across the entire supply chain. Includes
quantitative measures such as cash‐to‐cash cycle time and supply chain
response time, as well as qualitative analysis of best‐in‐class
performance. Best practice benchmarks provide more insight into how to
achieve world‐class performance.
Logistics networking
Authors: Brimer Roy C.
Published: July 2002

Logistics has a profound effect on a product′s life cycle. Examines
each of the nine elements of logistics: logistics engineering, technical
publications, personnel technical training, spare/repair parts
provisioning, maintainability, relability, finance, test equipment and
facilities. Suggests that each element has a distinct responsibility to
the product and each contributes to the work of the others in the
network. Argues that miscalculations at any level are compounded by each
network contributor, resulting in the customers feeling the impact in
several different areas.
JIT sensitive distribution ‐ cutting waste and serving the customer
Authors: Christensen Lawrence
Published: July 2002

Discusses the findings of an industry working group that examined time sensitive distribution, otherwise known as just‐in‐time distribution (JIT). JIT was examined as part of the Freight Transport Association’s response to the transport debate. Reports evidence that JIT does not cause extra lorry traffic, but actually reduces the number of lorry movements. Examines the reasons for this trend, such as improvements in technology and vehicle utilization. Provides examples from industry to illustrate developments, benefits to the environment and customer service. Suggests that further efficiencies are possible still.
Forecasting ‐ key to good service at low cost
Authors: Lines A.H.
Published: July 2002

Provides a summary of the main reasons for making forecasts, types of forecast and their methods of preparation and interpretation. The transformation of industrial markets from production led to market driven has compelled manufacturers to supply from stock instead of making to order. Demand forecasts prepared in detail are essential if customer expectations (just‐in‐time) are to be met reliably and economically. Since forecasts are always subject to error, buffer stocks or space capacity are needed to guarantee product availability. Short‐term forecasting is usually better done by computer than by humans.
Analysing accurately the costs of servicing individual accounts and using this information to improve distribution decisions
Authors: Chapman David
Published: July 2002

Uses W. Pauley and Co., a fruit and vegetable food service company, a major supplier within the UK field, as a case study. Discusses using an integrated mix of software programs and personnel experience to facilitate production of accurate distribution costs, thus allowing informed price negotiations with new customers and the seamless introduction of their business into the company’s day‐to‐day operation. Analyses service as a tool to improve front‐line customer relations and thereby reduce costs.
Modeling the operating efficiency of banks: a nonparametric methodology
Authors: Al‐Shammari Minwir , Salimi Anwar
Published: July 2002

This paper seeks to model and evaluate the comparative operating efficiency of banks using a non‐parametric methodology known as the data envelopment analysis (DEA). The paper adopts a modified version of DEA in which no inputs are specified. The only variables considered are the financial ratios. The results obtained suggest that the majority of banks investigated are fairly inefficient over the period 1991‐94. In addition to calculating efficiency scores for all banks in the sample, the study results revealed the composite reference set and their shadow prices, major determinants of banks’ relative performance, and the target financial ratios.
Procurement
Authors: Humphreys Paul , Mak K.L. , McIvor Ronan
Published: July 2002

Several formal methodologies are proposed for evaluating prospective suppliers. Three popular methods for supplier performance evaluation appear in the literature: categorical, weighted point and cost ratio. However, these techniques have a number of disadvantages associated with them and an alternative approach is suggested which applies dimensional analysis to selecting prospective suppliers. An international purchasing office (IPO), located in Hong Kong, has been applying the dimensional analysis approach to evaluating suppliers based in Hong Kong and China. Using the IPO as a case study, the article discusses the benefits of this approach over the traditional assessment methods and how it can be used to measure not only supplier performance, but also the contribution to the purchasing relationship from the buyer organisation.
A process quality model for the analysis, improvement and control of supply chain systems
Authors: Beamon Benita M. , Ware Tonja M.
Published: July 2002

A manufacturing supply chain is an integrated set of business functions, encompassing all activities from raw material acquisition to final customer delivery. Delivering the right product at the right time in the right amount are essential objectives of efficient and effective supply chain systems. Thus measures must be taken to ensure that all operational components of the supply chain system are operating efficiently. This research examines quality measurement in a supply chain process by developing the process quality model to be used in the assessment, improvement and control of a manufacturing supply chain system.
Research paper: international purchasing strategies of US and Puerto Rico firms: a comparative empirical analysis
Authors: Motwani Jaideep , Madan Manu , Jiang James , Otero Luis
Published: July 2002

Internationalization of the marketplace, global competition, and changes in the business environment have contributed to the noticeable increase in international purchasing. This study examines the similarities and differences in the international purchasing practices of US and Puerto Rico purchasing managers. Based on the responses from the “international supplier survey”, it can be concluded that significant differences do exist. The limitations of the study and recommendations for future research are also suggested.
Logical structure of information in relation to Japanese production and distribution
Authors: Seto Hiroaki
Published: July 2002

Savage concentrated on building a small world, which is not a probabilistic, but the definite world, in which sure‐thing principle works. He reached Kullback‐Leibler’s information through Bayes’ theorem, in which he intends to improve personal probability as the a posteriori probability. However, he stopped his thinking there. Akaike obtained Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) by starting from the K‐L information. AIC enables us to evaluate which model is the closest to the true value which we cannot recognise. If we call the context of sure‐thing principle personal probability, Bayes’ theorem and AIC the logical structure of information, the author thinks we have the same structure in relation to the Japanese production and distribution system.
Factors influencing consumer perceptions of Web‐based decision support systems
Authors: Eugene Pereira Rex
Published: July 2002

Develops and tests a general model for understanding the influence of query‐based decision aids (QBDA) on consumer decision making in the electronic commerce environment. The results show that the use of well‐designed query‐based decision aids leads to increased satisfaction with the decision process and increased confidence in judgements. The number of stages of phased narrowing of the consideration set was higher in the case of subjects who had access to the query‐based decision aids. The mediating variables through which this influence occurs are size of the consideration set, similarity among the alternatives in the consideration set, cognitive decision effort, and perceived cost savings. The size of the consideration set and the similarity among the alternatives in the consideration set were higher in the case of subjects who had access to the query‐based decision aid. Subjects who had access to the query‐based decision aid perceived an increased cost savings and a lower cognitive decision effort associated with the purchase decision. This research is done in the context of consumers searching for information on the World Wide Web prior to the purchase of cars.
Justification and implementation of activity based costing in small and medium‐sized enterprises
Authors: Gunasekaran A. , Marri H.B. , Grieve R.J.
Published: July 2002

There is a potential to improve the overall performance of SMEs and hence their competitiveness. Activity based costing (ABC) is gaining importance in organizations that are aiming for a major share in business by improving productivity and quality. However, ABC has received little attention from SMEs in spite of the fact that it has an important role to play in improving the competitiveness of SMEs. First, this paper reviews cost management practices in SMEs. Second, justification criteria for the implementation of ABC in SMEs are discussed. Third, a framework has been developed in this paper for the implementation of ABC in SMEs. Finally, some future research directions are presented in the area of ABC in SMEs.
A Hayes‐Wheelwright framework approach for strategic management of third party logistics services
Authors: Hoon Hum Sin
Published: July 2002

Third party logistics services have a significant role to play in the current trend of outsourcing of the logistics function. From the third party logistics service provider’s perspective, the provider must seek to manage itself strategically in order to win an increasing share of the outsourcing pie. In this paper, we extend the Hayes‐Wheelwright framework for strategic manufacturing management to the strategic management of third party logistics service providers. A Singapore‐based case example is provided within this context to illustrate the relevance of the Hayes‐Wheelwright framework. The case also gives a glimpse into the strategic thinking and practices of a leading Singapore‐based service provider in terms of its vision and strategy in building the logistics superhighway within the Asia Pacific Region.
Kanban setting through artificial intelligence: a comparative study of artificial neural networks and decision trees
Authors: Markham Ina S. , Mathieu Richard G. , Wray Barry A.
Published: July 2002

Determining the number of circulating kanban cards is important in order effectively to operate a just‐in‐time with kanban production system. While a number of techniques exist for setting the number of kanbans, artificial neural networks (ANNs) and classification and regression trees (CARTs) represent two practical approaches with special capabilities for operationalizing the kanban setting problem. This paper provides a comparison of ANNs with CART for setting the number of kanbans in a dynamically varying production environment. Our results show that both methods are comparable in terms of accuracy and response speed, but that CARTs have advantages in terms of explainability and development speed. The paper concludes with a discussion of the implications of using these techniques in an operational setting.
An integrated design approach for protective packaging
Authors: Somchai Chuchom , Lye Sun‐Woh , Yeong Hin‐Yuen
Published: July 2002

During handling and transportation, a product may be damaged due to mechanical shocks resulting mainly from impact. The current design practice of expandable polystyrene (EPS) protective packaging hinges on two main aspects: the determination of the size of the basic features of the buffer cushions (procedural); and the selection of an appropriate buffer configuration and its related arrangements (heuristics), and depends largely on the designer’s competence and experience. Discusses an integrated design approach for protective packaging, which aims to integrate both these aspects into a seamless design process, using multiple layers of neural networks to characterise the cushioning curve patterns of EPS materials, determine cushioning configurations and arrangements based on package‐to‐product characteristics, and size the buffer features. The favourable results obtained from a study comparing manually‐designed and network‐generated buffer configuration solutions highlight the potential of the approach.
Manufacturing for synchronous supply: a case study of Ikeda Hoover Ltd
Authors: Doran Des
Published: July 2002

Presents a case study examining the characteristics of synchronous manufacturing within an automotive context. In particular, the case examines the essential differences between traditional just‐in‐time manufacture and Synchronous manufacture and also explores the nature of buyer‐supplier relationships between Nissan Manufacturing (UK) Ltd and its seating manufacturer – Ikeda Hoover Ltd. The findings of this case, aligned to the developments of the “modular supply model”, suggest that the nature of buyer‐supplier relationships will change as the value‐creation ratio moves from vehicle manufacturers to global first‐tier modular suppliers. Moreover, the growth of the “modular supply model” is likely to require a reappraisal of supply chain relationships as both the nature of buyer‐supplier relationships change and a new tier‐one position is established that moves the modular suppliers closer to the buyer.
Design of material handling equipment selection system: an integration of expert system with analytic hierarchy process approach
Authors: Chan F.T.S.
Published: July 2002

A key task in the material handling system design process is the selection and configuration of equipment for material transport and storage in a facility. Material handling equipment selection is a complex, tedious task. However, there are few tools other than checklists to assist engineers in the selection of appropriate, cost‐effective material handling equipment. This paper describes the development of an intelligent material handling equipment selection system called MHESA (Material Handling Equipment Selection Advisor). The MHESA is composed of three modules: a database to store equipment types with their specifications; a knowledge‐based expert system for assisting material handling equipment selection; and an analytic hierarchy process (AHP) model to choose the most favorable equipment type. The concept proposed in this paper can automate the design of material handling equipment selection system, and provides artificial intelligence in the decision‐making process.
Something for nothing? A comparison of practice and performance in vulnerable and promising companies
Authors: Appleby Alex , Mitchell Ed
Published: July 2002

A recent empirical study of over 300 manufacturing organisations in the North East of England supports the findings of previous studies by Hanson et al. and has identified fewer “promising” and an even greater proportion of “vulnerable” companies. This paper reports on this new study and identifies significant statistical differences in a number of practices and performance areas. The paper attempts to answer a number of important questions such as, do vulnerable companies really get "something for nothing”? The findings are discussed along with future agendas for change in such organisations.
The role of CI and learning in an organisational change process: experiences from a longitudinal study of organisational change
Authors: Busk Kofoed Lise , Gertsen Frank , Jørgensen Frances
Published: July 2002

Describes a longitudinal single‐case study in which continuous improvement (CI) was implemented during a radical organisational change process. In this case, numerous organisation factors greatly hindered the full integration of certain planned radical changes. In an effort to circumvent these situational barriers, CI, with an emphasis on imbedded learning, was introduced through an action research methodology in the context of an experimental learning lab (“experimentarium”). Contrary to prevailing theory that suggests that CI serves primarily to support and supplement existing radical changes, experiences from this study suggest that CI may be instrumental in facilitating the completion of the change cycle initiated by planned radical changes. Starts with a brief review of related theory, along with a discussion of the differences between radical and incremental changes. Followed by presentation of the case study methodology, two phases of the change process and finally discussion of the findings.
Electronic commerce and supply chain management: value‐adding service for clothing manufacturers
Authors: Au K.F. , Ho Danny C. K.
Published: July 2002

This paper presents a business‐to‐business electronic commerce (B2B EC) model for enabling supply chain management (SCM). The application of this model is substantiated by a case study of a leading clothing manufacturer in Hong Kong. On the technical side, the findings support the notion of harnessing information technologies (the Web, e‐mail, and electronic data interchange) to integrate business processes across the clothing supply chain. That is, information technologies could facilitate SCM, adding more value to customers. On the managerial side, the study highlights that manufacturers can assume a proactive role in leading changes in a supply chain, and that a fair share of gains from co‐operation must exist if collaboration between supply chain members is to be developed. Additionally, it is important for the members to have a thorough understanding of the impact of EC on inter‐firm relation‐ ship as well as the role they play in a supply chain before they engage in the virtual business world.
A sectoral study of ISO 9000 and TQM transitions: the UK and Irish brewing sector
Authors: McAdam Rodney , Jackson Neil
Published: July 2002

This paper examines the key dynamics of an organisational transition from ISO 9000 to TQM with specific reference to the UK and Irish brewing sector. A number of quality related research studies have reported on the potential of ISO 9000 as a foundation for TQM, and the possibility of the existence of a quality continuum, commencing with ISO 9000 and progressing to TQM. However, there is a paucity of sector specific research in this area. Following a critique of the literature, a UK and Irish research survey involving the 90 leading brewing organisations is analysed and discussed. The paper concludes that considerable complementarity exists between ISO 9000 and TQM. Furthermore, TQM is considered to be best implemented within the controlled environment/quality assurance environment of ISO 9000. Progression to TQM will only occur if a non‐bureaucratic inclusive approach to ISO 9000 implementation is adopted.
Evaluating and Selecting Simulation Software Using the Analytic
Hierarchy Process
Authors: Davis Lesley , Williams Glyn
Published: July 2002

In order to be competitive and progress to a state of excellence in
manufacture, companies are currently experiencing change. Decisions
have to be made about the best way forward, and some insight into the
possible outcomes is desirable. There is a small but growing awareness
among British manufacturing companies that simulation could aid this
insight, but potential users face the problem of evaluating and
selecting from the many proprietary systems, the one which best matches
their requirements at some preferred cost. Selection is made more
difficult by continual updates and modifications to systems and by new
software suppliers entering the market. Uses a research case study as
the vehicle for proposing a framework for assessment and selection of
simulation systems involving the use of the Analytic Hierarchy Process
(AHP). Illustrates how this technique was used to make a system
selection which matched a company′s selection criteria.
Data management within a manufacturing organization
Authors: Obank Amanda , Leaney Paul , Roberts Simon
Published: July 2002

The effective control of information can lead to a reduction in
product introduction lead‐times and consequently time to market. Product
data management (PDM) systems are increasingly being utilized to achieve
this control. Reviews the current usage, funtionality and technology of
such systems, and outlines the implementation of a PDM system within ICL
Manufacturing. Describes the key stages of the implementation and the
benefits to be gained.
Simulation for analysis of scheduling rules for a flexible
manufacturing system
Authors: Goyal S.K. , Mehta Kapil , Kodali Rambabu , Deshmukh S.G.
Published: July 2002

In today′s rapidly changing market environment it has become
necessary for manufacturing systems to have quick response times and
high flexibility. This has led to the development of flexible
manufacturing systems (FMS). Owing to its highly automated nature, a
typical FMS has a high investment cost. Hence it becomes necessary to
select the best configuration and decision rules at the design stage
itself. The decision rules can have a substantial effect on the system
performance. Attempts to simulate a particular FMS system. Applies
different combinations of scheduling rules at the workstation buffers
and at the loading buffer to the system and evaluates their effect on
system performance.
Manufacturing classification
Authors: McCarthy Ian
Published: July 2002

Provides a fresh and novel approach to an established problem; the
classification of manufacturing systems. Reviews existing manufacturing
classifications and biological taxonomy. Proposes a consistent
vocabulary and preliminary guidelines for the successful development of
other classifications (FMS types, levels of technology, etc.). Aims to
aid the construction of competent classifications that will advance the
understanding of manufacturing system modelling and design. Supports
proposals by novel comparisons drawn from the “science of
diversity”, systematics, and the 200 years of experience that
biological taxonomy has to offer.
Designing market‐oriented production systems: theory and practice
Authors: Draaijer Domien , Boer Harry
Published: July 2002

The aim of many publications on the subject of market‐oriented
production systems has been first to help practitioners to withstand the
increasing pressure on production, and second to encourage academia to
investigate empirically the manufacturing strategy concept. Whereas the
former aim is gradually being achieved, empirical research into the way
companies formulate and implement their manufacturing strategies and the
effects of that process on success in the market‐place is relatively
scarce. Consequently, although, there are several useful concepts
reported in the literature, a validated model that covers all the
relevant insights management need to conduct the manufacturing strategy
process effectively is still lacking. Aims, through the research, to
take a step towards such a model. Presents this model, discusses its
background, in particular the prerequisites of a model to be useful for
management, assesses its validity using the results of 19 case studies,
and indicates directions for further research needed to improve the
utility of the model for management.
Aircraft engine overhaul system: a prototype for integrating multi‐vendor platforms in a static computer‐integrated manufacturing environment
Authors: Mohammad Mohammad , Sayers Jerry , Czuchry Andrew J. , Yasin Mahmoud
Published: July 2002

Describes the development of an application for a computer‐integrated manufacturing environment which facilitates the communication links between different sub‐systems of the manufacturing system. Using the Pick operating system and a database management system, a prototype was designed for an aircraft engine overhaul system. The model incorporated several processes to implement the overhauling sub‐systems including marketing, business and manufacturing operations.
Continuous improvement and kaizen: standardization and organizational designs
Authors: Berger Anders
Published: July 2002

Proposes to delineate a set of core principles from the Japanese kaizen concept and illustrate the contingent nature of the design and organization of continuous improvement (CI) processes, especially with respect to product/process standardization and work design. Given differences in the overall degree of standardization related to product design and process choice, two types of standards to reduce variability at operator work process level should be considered: indirect system standards, e.g. for skills, organization, information and communication; and direct standard operating procedures (SOPs). It is proposed that two team‐based organizational designs for CI (organic CI and wide‐focus CI) are functionally equivalent to the Japanese kaizen model, particularly when combining indirect system standards of skills with a group task design and low degree of product/process standardization. Expert task forces and suggestion systems are complementary organizational designs for improvement processes, particularly when work design is based on individual tasks and direct SOPs.
Manufacturing vision and competitiveness
Authors: Maslen Roy , Platts Ken W.
Published: July 2002

Discusses a refinement to the process by which manufacturing strategy is created. Builds on an existing strategy process (Platts, 1990) and adapts it to fit more closely within the dynamic manufacturing vision. The method for creating a manufacturing vision allows a business to do this in a two‐ to three‐week period as part of a 10‐12 week manufacturing strategy project. A conceptual model of manufacturing vision has been developed that enables practitioners to explore the factors that influenced the potential competitive contribution of manufacturing and to agree an explicit direction for change. Describes the successful application of the process in six manufacturing organizations and highlights the practical limitations of the approach.
Strategically flexible production and the extra‐firm infrastructures: how regions become attractive
Authors: Bartezzaghi Emilio , Spina Gianluca , Verganti Roberto
Published: July 2002

Many post‐Fordist experiences seem nowadays to converge on an emerging manufacturing paradigm that the authors have named strategically flexible production (SFP). The process of diffusion and assimilation of SFP is influenced by extra‐firm factors and country‐specific conditions. Explores the role of regional infrastructures and services to support the adoption and running of manufacturing systems that are oriented to the SFP. Uses the case of Lombardy, one of the most industrialized regions in Europe, as the empirical field of investigation. Discusses ten cases studies in three industries ‐ electronic, textile and mechanical ‐ in order to identify the needs for extra‐firm infrastructures at the company level. In‐depth evidence provides insights on the demand for extra‐firm infrastructures and services induced by SFP and allows one to infer implications and guidelines for policy making. Concludes that SFP induces a selective demand for extra‐firm services and infrastructures.
Constraint‐based spatial representation technique for the container packing problem
Authors: Chua C.K. , Narayanan V. , Loh J.
Published: July 2002

The spatial representation technique is an efficient method for packing boxes into a container; however, it has a limitation in dealing with constraints. For practical applications, there are however limitations when dealing with constraints. These constraints provide flexibility for the user to decide which boxes should be placed first. After imposing the initial conditions, the optimisation packing algorithm based on the spatial representation technique ensures that the boxes remaining in the item list are packed as efficiently as possible into the container. The packing plan is then generated during the run time to provide visualisation of the result of actual packing sequences. It also simultaneously outputs a graphical file to the Autocad software for printing and detailed study. The program can be implemented under either the DOS platform or the Windows platform on an IBM PC. The performance is evaluated using data from another algorithm. The results confirm that the enhanced algorithm can manage the user‐specified constraints with good volume utilisation.
Supply network management in the Brazilian automotive industry
Authors: Luiz Corrêa Henrique , Gisela Martes de Miranda Nuvia
Published: July 2002

The paper presents some results and conclusions of a two‐year research project encompassing ten interacting companies belonging to the Brazilian automotive supply network. The goal of the research is to explore current practices in terms of the commercial relationship between them. Specifically, the attention was focused on identifying whether there are relevant imbalances in terms of bargaining power so that the overall performance of the supply network as a whole is jeopardised. Some interesting conclusions could be drawn from this exploratory study. Perhaps the most important is the clear indication that the issue of supply network management is neglected among the analysed companies. The emphasis has almost exclusively been placed on the relationship with immediate customers and suppliers. This can run important risks for the competitiveness of the Brazilian automotive industry. Some causes of the negligence with the theme are discussed and some simple corrective measures are proposed, based on some more contemporary contributions found in the recent literature and in some practices identified in Brazil outside the automotive industry.
A survey report on design for manufacture in the UK furniture manufacturing industry
Authors: Huang G.Q. , Mak K.L.
Published: July 2002

This article reports on a questionnaire survey with the aim to determine the extent of familiarity with and use of design for manufacture (DFM) in the UK furniture manufacturing industry. It was revealed that only a small proportion had experimented or applied one or more DFM techniques. The majority of them did not understand what exactly DFM was and wished to know more about it, while a noticeable level of benefits had been achieved, perceived, or expected. Embedding DFM activities in day‐to‐day operations was perceived by industrialists as the most effective way of implementing DFM while training for a formal team was necessary for its introduction. A high level of management support was evident, so were worries about the high risk and cost. However, the special needs of the furniture industry require further investigation.
Design targets determination for inter‐dependent product attributes in QFD using fuzzy inference
Authors: Fung Richard Y.K. , Law Dave S.T. , Ip W.H.
Published: July 2002

Since imprecision, vagueness and ambiguity are often innate in human semantics, a flexible and tolerant method is needed to decode the voice of customer (VoC), so that the essential customer requirements can be identified and duly addressed. Quality function deployment (QFD) is a well‐known methodology for projecting the customer requirements onto the relevant design and production requirements and actions plan. This paper proposes an intelligent approach which extends the applications of QFD beyond its conventional boundary. The fuzzy inference technique is adopted to accommodate the possible imprecision and vagueness during VoC interpretation. The resulting model maps the customer requirements onto the relevant product attributes, taking into consideration their relationships and correlation during the inference process. The sub‐conclusions drawn from the fuzzy inference process are aggregated and defuzzified to yield the crisp design targets which can be used to guide the downstream manufacturing planning and control activities.
The politics of the educational decentralization in Mexico
Authors: Ornelas Carlos
Published: July 2002

In May of 1992 the Mexican federal government transferred to the 31 states responsibility over basic and teacher education. This decentralization strategy was at the core of an overall educational reform that began in late 1980s. The central government had strong motives to decentralize the educational institution because the highly centralized system was notoriously rigid, inefficient, conflict laden, unresponsive to the needs of local schools, unable to improve the quality of education, and frequently dominated by the National Teachers’ Union. The decentralization reform generated important institutional change in the states, some power shifts, and planted the seeds of a new organizational model for school management.
Developments in school‐based management
Authors: Lingard Bob , Hayes Debra , Mills Martin
Published: July 2002

This history of the politics of moves towards school‐based management in Queensland education is located within a broader historical and political analysis of such moves across Australia since the Karmel Report. This paper specifically focuses in on developments in Queensland. The Queensland analysis traces the moves from Labor’s Focus on Schools through the Coalition’s Leading Schools and the most recent Labor rearticulation in the document Future Directions for School‐based Management in Queensland State Schools. The analysis demonstrates that the concept of school‐based management has no stipulative meaning, but rather is a contested concept. More generally, the paper provides an account and analysis of new forms of governance in educational systems and the tension between centralising and decentralising tendencies as school‐based management is adopted in order to address a number of competing policy objectives.
The Funding of, and Investment in, British Science Parks
Authors: Gower S.M. , Harris F.C.
Published: July 2002

Examines the nature of science parks in Britain. Reviews the sources of
funding and investment that have typically been utilized to support what
is, it is proposed, a specialized and distinct sector of property
development. Draws attention to the diverse nature of and complex
motives behind this form of development. Concludes that public sector
patronage has to date been heavily relied on and as yet, despite
apparent successes, private sector sources have remained reticent.
Increasing commercialism on the part of British universities is
recognized as having the potential to improve the performance and
funding/investment profile of British science parks.
Property Leases with “Staircased” Rents
Authors: Murdoch George
Published: July 2002

Discusses how over the last few years a form of property lease has been
developed which is characterized by having predetermined levels of
rental uplift, rather than relying on open market or other forms of rent
review. Argues that this establishes a rent review formula for
categories of building without a rental history, which may not have
direct comparables in the locality and that the result is a “staircased”
rental lease which has a number of specialist applications. Points out
that, in addition to aspects of the traditional commercial markets
(offices, retail, industrial) where this technique may be useful, it is
especially appropriate for particular market areas such as education,
social housing, nursing homes, hotels and car parks; it is also useful
for property provision for use by NHS trusts and health authorities.
Examines the staircased rental technique and gives some comments on
these factors.
Investment Decision Making: A Behavioural Perspective
Authors: Adair A.S. , Berry J.N. , McGreal W.S.
Published: July 2002

Reviews institutional decision making and the role of property within a multi‐asset portfolio. Discusses diversification strategies by sector and region as a means of reducing or managing risk. Indicates the mismatch that can occur between the perception of risk, current market performance and targeting of investment activity by sector. Geographical diversification is apparent by region but not by subregion in the UK. In contrast investment into European markets is weak with particular concerns relating to currency fluctuations, taxation, lease structures and asset pricing.
Optimal loan size and mortgage rationing
Authors: Tse Raymond Y.C.
Published: July 2002

Shows that loan loss expectation plays an important role in determining credit rationing. Shows that the optimal loan size depends on the marginal loan loss, and not on the initial portfolio position of the bank. While an increase in loan administrative costs leads to a larger optimal loan size, restricting the loan size is used to minimize default risks. Also shows that under conditions of uncertainty when default risk is present, and if absolute risk aversion is increasing in wealth, a rise in wealth of the bank will lower the amount of asset to be allocated in risky loans even if credit can be properly priced.
A VAR analysis of interest rates in The Netherlands
Authors: Van Bussel Arjan P.J.M.
Published: July 2002

Analyses the empirical relation between the one‐month interest rate, the long‐term interest rate and the motgage rate in The Netherlands. To study the dynamic interactions between these variables, vector autoregressive techniques are used. Concentrates on the question of whether the mortgage rate dynamics can correctly be described by a one‐factor interest rate model. One‐factor interest rate models allow mathematical derivations of deterministic equations to price interest rate derivatives. Finds, however, that a single factor does not correctly describe the interest rate term structure. Hence, to model the mortgage rate dynamics accurately more factors should be included.
Consumer response to online grocery shopping
Authors: Morganosky Michelle A. , Cude Brenda J.
Published: July 2002

Reports a preliminary assessment of consumer response to and demand for online food retail channels. Data were collected from 243 US consumers who currently buy their groceries online. The majority of online users were younger than 55 years of age, female, and reported annual incomes of $70,000 or more. Over 70 percent reported convenience and saving time as their primary reasons for buying groceries online but 15 percent cited physical or constraint issues that made it difficult for them to shop at grocery stores. Of the respondents, 19 percent bought all of their groceries online. Also reports demographic and online shopping variables that are significantly related to the primary reason for shopping online, willingness to buy all grocery items online, perception of time spent shopping online vs in the store, and experience with online grocery shopping.
Survivors of “W‐day”: an assessment of the impact of Wal‐Mart’s invasion of small town retailing communities
Authors: Peterson Mark , McGee Jeffrey E.
Published: July 2002

A mail survey of 428 Nebraska and Kansas businesses from five towns in which Wal‐Mart opened stores between 1989‐1994 resulted in 191 returns regarding retailer response and subsequent performance impact. Less than one third of the businesses with $1 million or more in sales reported a negative impact. In contrast, nearly one half of the businesses with less than $1 million in sales reported a negative impact, with the effect most felt among those retailers located in the central business district. An inverse relationship was observed between changes in retail strategy and store performance.
eCommerce: a critical review
Authors: Reynolds Jonathan
Published: July 2002

Offers a preliminary assessment of electronic commerce. Rarely has the retail and consumer services sector been faced with a strategic challenge of such significant complexity and uncertainty that is growing so rapidly. Suggests that the academic world is lagging behind the world of practice in terms of supplying rigorous analysis of the topic. Deals with four discrete areas of the new economy as it affects retailers. Explores the extent to which the emergence of new electronic channels to market has led to distinctive means of business differentiation, with particular reference to branding and pricing. Secondly, looks at how business‐to‐business companies can use electronic channels to improve supply chain and productivity requirements. Thirdly, assesses how far we understand some of the organisational change issues. Finally considers the future of eCommerce.
Strategic options in fair trade retailing
Authors: Nicholls Alexander James
Published: July 2002

Notes that there has been a significant increase in the market for fair trade products in the UK over the past five years. Provides a definition of fair trade and goes on to set a context for the expansion of this market by examining the key drivers behind it, particularly noting the growth of ethical consumerism as a contributory factor. Develops the ethical strategy matrix, outlining the strategic options open to retailers for addressing this increase in ethical consumerism. It is argued that addressing the fair trade market in the UK offers retailers not only the opportunity to develop their profile in terms of corporate social responsibility, but also a chance to develop a competitive advantage in a new niche market. Recasts Strong’s marketing analysis of the difficulties of translating fair trade principles into actual purchase behaviour into an operational context and proposes solutions to the issues raised.
The way to profitable Internet grocery retailing – six lessons learned
Authors: Tanskanen Kari , Yrjölä Hannu , Holmström Jan
Published: July 2002

The launch of a wave of Internet grocery retailers over the last five years was a serious attempt to challenge the dominant supermarket business model. However, after a string of business failures, it is evident that the task of selling groceries on the Internet and delivering to the home of the consumer is more difficult than was anticipated. Six important lessons can be drawn, based on direct consumer experiences, from a pilot in the Helsinki area of Finland and the in‐depth modelling and study of different logistics solution models from around the world. This paper discusses these lessons in detail.
Grocery Store Saturation:
Authors: Guy Clifford M.
Published: July 2002

Saturation of retail stores, at national and local levels, is a cause
for concern in Britain. Attempts to define saturation in grocery
retailing and to investigate its relationships with market penetration
and catchment area size. Discusses the differing views of commentators
and retailers, and considers saturation in the light of the intensifying
competition between a small number of major grocery retailers. Explores
the implications of this process of competition through a theoretical
analysis and case studies of apparent saturation within local markets.
Concludes that grocery store development can and will continue even when
local markets appear to be saturated and looks briefly at the
implications for retail planning.
Market Segmentation and Competitive Analysis for Supermarket Retailing
Authors: Segal Madhav N. , Giacobbe Ralph W.
Published: July 2002

Demonstrates the usefulness of combining retail market segmentation with
competitive analysis as a very effective method to understand the
dynamics of retail markets and to analyse strategic options for
supermarket chains. Attempts to advance the market segmentation
research by narrowing the gap between the academically oriented research
on segmentation and the practical application of segmentation research.
Applies the recommended methodology to a largescale investigation and
discusses the empirical findings along with strategic implications for
supermarket retail chain organizations.
Technological Management Learning: The Adoption of Electronic Data
Interchange by Retailers
Authors: Bamfield Joshua
Published: July 2002

Considers EDI for retailers in the context of innovation theory. A case
study of nine retailers who adopted EDI during 1987‐92 is used to
discuss the reasons why EDI was delayed until 1986‐93 even though it was
technically possible in the early 1980s. Argues that an innovation will
not join the portfolio of “possibles” until three issues are resolved.
These are (1) innovation “poles” to disseminate EDI know‐how, (2) cost and
performance improvements to the technology, and (3) management learning,
based (in this case) on learning developed from handling EPoS. Also
considers the decision‐making process underlying EDI.
Comparative Product Testing for Own‐label Marketing
Authors: Ejye Omar Ogenyi
Published: July 2002

Kwik‐Save′s decision to make its first ever own‐label food products (No
Frills) is a clear evidence that own‐label products are more popular
than at any time. Investigates consumer perceptions of national and
own‐label grocery products. Reveals that consumers perceive many
differences among the two brand types tested. To find the factors
accounting for the perceived quality of food, typical consumer
explanation for both quality and value for money is about the price and
physical attributes of the food brands. Other factors such as store
image and food ingredients are equally important. The appeal for
own‐label groceries is based on price and consumer scepticism. Product
quality is usually the major purchasing factor and the measure of value.
The assessment of consumer thinking comes from the marketplace. Cola,
lemonade, and orange juice were three product lines put to taste‐on‐test
in an effort to assess consumer preferences. Concludes that differences
exist in the shoppers′ price and quality perceptions, and brand
preference across the product lines tested. Own‐label preference is
based on price and value for money rather than quality.