bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Managing the product design process: exchanging knowledge and experiences
Authors: Pawar Kulwant S. , Sharifi Sudi
Published: July 2002

States that the design process includes redesigning, which implies that customer requirements, their scrutiny of the design outcome and their experiences are integral to the frame of reference of the enterprise. Furthermore, the role of design function is redefined here, and becomes one, which will maintain the continuity of the process and is to do with co‐ordination and communication; that is, between designers, suppliers and customers. Traditional organizational structures and approaches inadequately address the context, which is conducive for parallelism and co‐operation and so on. This article explores the dynamics of the relationship between suppliers and customers regarding the design process in the manufacturing sector and proposes some scenarios for rethinking the dynamics of the interface and its role in shaping the design process. The arguments are evidenced and supported by a set of case examples conducted by the authors. Draws some lessons from these examples and speculates on the managerial and organizational implications.
Integrated rapid prototyping and rapid tooling (IRPRT)
Authors: Folkestad James E. , Johnson Russell L.
Published: July 2002

The strategic integration of rapid prototyping and rapid tooling is being used for getting product to the market quickly by resolving a long‐standing conflict between design and manufacturing. Currently rapid tooling can be produced at such reduced cost and time that the tool is considered to be disposable. The ability to produce inexpensive tooling allows the life cycle to be fundamentally changed, incorporating the concept and tooling review into one development phase and allowing both design and manufacturing requirements to be identified. This approach has allowed management to release product based on competitive market strategy rather than an estimated deadline.
Graphic Simulation of Robot Process Capability
Authors: Wei Chiu‐Chi , Kamrani Ali K. , Wiebe Henry
Published: July 2002

Develops a graphic simulation system in conjunction with a kinematic error model to assist management in making investment decisions. Uses Taguchi‐type experimental design to predict the robot process capability. Two sets of charts are created by the system to represent the repeatability and accuracy of the robot performing a given operation. These charts are, first, histograms in thex, y, andzdirections and, second, scattered ellipses in thexy, yz, andxzplanes. Central to the system are three characteristics: a description of the geometric error and of the kinematic error; a common function to request and display a robot moving from one position to the next; and a family of charts showing the capability of the robot implementing a given task. The results provided by the system can help management to analyse robot projects concerning robot selection and implement action in a more systematic manner.
FMS in Spanish Industry: Lessons from Experience
Authors: Martinez Sanchez Angel
Published: July 2002

Studies some of the factors that played a role in Flexible Manufacturing
Systems (FMS) implementation management in Spanish industry. Increases
in production, flexibility and technical experience, and improved safety
and working conditions, were considered the three main benefits of
automation. The training and integration of staff in the project, the
firm′s technology level and support from top management are found to be
the factors which most influence the positive results of adopting FMS.
Linking manufacturing planning and control to the manufacturing
environment
Authors: Rocky Newman W. , Sridharan V.
Published: July 2002

A manufacturing planning and control (MPC) system is a major part
of the infrastructure used by a firm to enhance its competitive
position. Although a clear understanding of the mechanics and benefits
of alternative MPC systems exists, very little is known about the
relationships between such systems, the strategic environment faced by
the user‐firms, and their performance in achieving cost/competitive
advantage. Historically, the choice of an MPC system appears to have
been made based solely on available in‐house expertise, industry trends,
or plain inertia. Reports a summary of the results of a survey conducted
to explore empirically the relationship between the environmental
characteristics faced by the manufacturing function and manufacturing
performance of firms using alternative MPC systems. Presents the results
of an analysis of the environment faced by best and worst performers
using different MPC systems. The results indicate key linkages between
the MPC systems, environment, and performance.
Improved methodologies for vertical integration research
Authors: Nugent Edward J. , Hamblin David J.
Published: July 2002

Vertical integration is a key strategic management decision which requires research support. Existing literature is extensive but is preoccupied with measures of the extent of vertical integration rather than the fundamental effectiveness of the strategy. The industrial community that the research seeks to benefit is left with an array of measures of integration and an array of widely differing conclusions regarding its potential benefit to a business. Research should be driven by customer need and the decision areas industrialists need to address should set the research agenda. Identifies the key issues relating to vertical integration and the extent to which these are addressed by existing methodologies. Develops a new methodology which avoids the intractable problem of measuring the extent of integration. Adoption of this methodology would enable more coherent and clear messages to be sent to management, thus enabling more informed decision making.
AMT investments in New Zealand: purpose, pattern and outcomes
Authors: Sohal Amrik S.
Published: July 2002

Discusses the purpose, pattern and outcomes of investments in advanced manufacturing technologies (AMTs) in New Zealand firms. Based on data collected from 57 firms, explores the motivation for investing in AMTs, the nature and size of investments, speed of implementation and outcomes including benefits and difficulties experienced. Concludes that although New Zealand firms have made positive investments in a range of sophisticated AMTs, they appear to focus on operational benefits with little, if any, attention to marketing and strategic benefits. Concludes with a brief comparison of results from a parallel study conducted in Australia.
An audit‐based approach to the analysis, redesign and continuing assessment of a new product introduction system
Authors: Gardiner G.S. , Gregory M.J.
Published: July 2002

Outlines a new approach to new product introduction (NPI) process redesign based on a comprehensive audit of existing NPI systems. Part of the audit is based on good practices identified from the literature, which have been compiled into a simple database. Concentrates on this aspect of the audit. The wide range of good practices allows users to select from a range of options that might be appropriate to their needs. Describes the development of the audit into a continuous NPI assessment tool, and is also based on the good practices, forming a survey activity that must be carried out by team members at certain project phase reviews to provide continual feedback about the effects of process changes.
An integrated, computer‐assisted process planner for the machining of moulds for expanded polystyrene foam
Authors: Lye Sun‐Woh , Lee Siang‐Guan , Yeong Hin‐Yuen
Published: July 2002

Styrofoam materials have been used for some time as packaging for consumer goods to protect against damage during transportation and handling. The moulds for the fabrication of these materials have traditionally been made by sand‐casting, a relatively inexpensive process but one which is not always cost‐effective. Machined moulds, however, offer a more viable alternative. Outlines the development of a computer‐automated process planner for the machining of moulds for styrofoam packaging. A feature‐based modelling module analysed and interpreted the geometric features of the CAD model of the styrofoam packing, before transforming them into machining features in the machining model. The proposed methodology is an effective solution in simultaneous engineering for the fabrication of moulds for expanded polystyrene foam packaging materials.
Performance evaluation of a manufacturing system with multi‐level stock profile
Authors: Aldanondo M.
Published: July 2002

Indicator definition is essential for manufacturing system performance evaluation. When the relevant decision system is hierarchical, so must be the indicators. Proposes an indicator ‐ the stock profile, which fits multi‐level decision making for time relevant aspects. After a short survey of the problem, recalls basics of stock profiles, then presents their adaptation to multi‐level decision making and illustrates this with a flow‐shop production case study.
Adaptive simulation of a keyboard assembly cell
Authors: Spedding T.A. , Lee W.L. , de Souza R. , Lee S.S.G.
Published: July 2002

Describes the development of an adaptive simulation model for a keyboard assembly cell for real‐time decision support. Discusses the architecture of the modelling and control system, including the movement of entities and conveyors, describing how up to four different keyboard types may be modelled, with a PC cell controller continually monitoring the state changes of the assembly line, passing the data captured to the simulation model created in ARENA.
International manufacturing configuration map: a self‐assessment tool of international manufacturing capabilities
Authors: Shi Yongjiang , Gregory Michael , Naylor Michael
Published: July 2002

Introduces a practical tool ‐ an international manufacturing configuration “map” ‐ for the identification of international manufacturing network patterns and assessment of related strategic capabilities. Describes the research work and its application‐oriented research method. Builds on the frameworks developed in different industries in the first stage of the project and explains how a “map” can represent typical international manufacturing network configurations and relationships. Introduces a practical process for using the map, involving the identification of current network configurations of main product lines and the strategic capabilities of the configurations. Presents an industrial example and describes its practical industrial application. Draws conclusions about the applicability of the technique and its potential as part of an understanding of international manufacturing system analysis and design.
Manufacturing system flexibility: the “capability and capacity” approach
Authors: Cheng James M.J. , Simmons John E.L. , Ritchie ames M.
Published: July 2002

Flexibility is widely recognized, in research literature and in more popular publications, as being of crucial importance in manufacturing. However, there is evidence of confusion among the numerous definitions of flexibility and it is arguable that, even now, the concept is not well understood. Furthermore, there is no simple approach for the systematic incorporation of flexibility level by level within the hierarchy of a conventional manufacturing system. Introduces a unifying and simple set of concepts for flexibility from a management perspective. The purpose of this “capability and capacity” approach is to interpret and integrate various types of flexibility throughout the manufacturing system. Use of this approach leads to four important principles for the integration of a system’s overall flexibility. Analyses flexibility types within manufacturing using the proposed approach.
A decision support system for container design in production systems
Authors: Harit Santhanam , Don Taylor G. , Asfahl C. Ray
Published: July 2002

Describes a user‐friendly decision support tool to select near optimal containers for specific manufacturing scenarios relative to all the constraints associated with the use of the container. Guides the user through a dialogue to input constraints and scenario‐specific information. Shows how the decision support tool iterates between an expert system and a simulation model, to produce a near optimal container with respect to internal and external dimensional requirements. Explains the methods by which the system is tested and validated in a realistic environment. Discusses future research directions.
Manufacturing integration strategy using MRP II and RTMs: a case study in South China
Authors: Ip W.H.
Published: July 2002

This paper describes a process to implement manufacturing strategies that are consistent with a particular company’s overall business strategies. The company is situated in Hong Kong and its manufacturing plants are in China. It specializes in the design and manufacturing of telecommunication equipment. The production site is located in China while customers and suppliers are distributed in many countries. Information regarding production machinery and performance, quality, workers’ performance are found to be inadequate. A methodology is proposed and used to identify and implement an integrated manufacturing strategy which consists of two major horizons: a real‐time monitoring system (RTMS) and manufacturing resources planning (MRP II). RTMS which can provide up‐to‐date information for the planning and scheduling of manufacturing orders, monitoring quality, improving communication and increasing productivity is implemented and is integrated with an MRP II system.
Supplier partnerships for effective advanced manufacturing technology implementation: a proposed model
Authors: Zairi Mohamed
Published: July 2002

Discusses a proposed model which presents various possible modes of behaviour during the implementation of advanced manufacturing technology (AMT) and highlighting different interaction approaches between suppliers and users of technological innovation. Presents three models of interaction processes covering different technological settings and argues for their limited applicability in the context of AMT innovation. Discusses the proposed model and its applicability to a wide range of organisational settings and covering different types of technological systems of varying degrees of complexity. The model is based on a comprehensive research project. This is based on empirical evidence originating from the study of 30 organisations representing ten suppliers and 20 users. By scrutinising the various modes of interaction during the implementation of various technological innovations, various key factors have been highlighted, which are thought to be influential in the degree of success or otherwise for the implementation of AMT. In all, seven different types of innovation were scrutinised, including: plastics injection moulding machines; CNC machines; computerised information systems; flexible manufacturing systems; material handling and supply; CADCAM; automated control systems.
The manufacturing strategy process: incorporating a learning perspective
Authors: Mills John , Neely Andy , Platts Ken , Richards Huw , Gregory Mike
Published: July 2002

This paper describes a longitudinal picture of manufacturing strategy called a strategy chart. It begins with a summary of the research methodology used to develop and test the picture in live situations. Next, the chart and its role within an overall manufacturing strategy process are described. Case examples are then used to illustrate practical outcomes of a longitudinal viewpoint in two areas; first, to increase the awareness of a firm′s strategy making process and, second, to make strategies more explicit than previous methods. The method produces a rich picture that appears useful for reviewing the coherence between manufacturing and business strategy; showing strategy as concrete actions as well as objectives and plans; for providing insight into the firm′s realised strategy and its strategy process; and as a strategy communication tool which may make strategies more credible.
Comprehensive simulation analysis of a flexible hybrid assembly system
Authors: Saad Sameh M. , Byrne Mike D.
Published: July 2002

A comprehensive analysis of a flexible hybrid assembly system (FHAS) where automated devices and human operators interact is presented. A computer simulation programme and ANOVA were conducted to identify which factors significantly affect the measures of performance of the system. The results clearly indicated that certain factors have a more significant effect on the measures of performance than the others. A classification of the relative significance of input factors affecting such a system is made. In order to investigate the generality of the results, alternative station configurations and factor levels are examined. The outcome shows that the results are applicable to different configurations of FHAS.
Why British companies don’t do effective benchmarking
Authors: Davies Amanda Jane , Kochhar Ashok Kumar
Published: July 2002

Recent years have witnessed considerable interest in benchmarking as a technique for measuring performance against world class performers and identifying best practices. However, a study carried out to ascertain the extent of use of benchmarking and best practice in manufacturing companies revealed that this interest has resulted in a limited use of benchmarking in overall terms and, in particular, has not led to benchmarking being undertaken at lower levels of manufacturing organisations. For example, the activities associated with manufacturing planning and control systems. This paper reports on the obstacles to benchmarking in companies and suggests the prerequisites necessary for carrying out an effective benchmarking study. It also discusses the importance of applying benchmarking activities to the lower levels of manufacturing organisations. The study was based on detailed field studies carried out in four batch manufacturing companies. It investigated 15 areas of manufacturing planning and control to establish the level of benchmarking and implementation of best practices within them.
Implementing CIMS in Shenyang Blower Works
Authors: Xue Jingsong , Yu Haibin , Mu Rulin , Lin Kemin
Published: July 2002

Computer‐integrated manufacturing (CIM) has been paid serious attention in most of the industrialized countries. Shenyang Blower Works (SBW), the largest enterprise developing, designing and fabricating turbine compressors, blowers and large fans in China, made its production plan according to orders due to its single or small batch production mode. For this SBW decided to adopt the CIM philosophy and build CIM systems (CIMS) to increase the enterprise’s market competitiveness. SBW has begun to develop CIMS going through the steps of feasibility study, primary design, detailed design and a partial implementation‐breakthrough project since 1990. A relatively perfect computer support environment for the computer‐integrated manufacturing system in Shenyang Blower Works (SB‐CIMS), especially for the primary integrated application software systems, has been completed. This accounted for various economic benefits.
Start‐up of advanced manufacturing systems – a case study
Authors: Almgren Henrik
Published: July 2002

The introduction of advanced manufacturing technologies can result in prolonged start‐up phases long after commercial production has started up. Progress of manufacturing performance is often prevented owing to extensive start‐up losses, giving rise to uncertainty. Based on a longitudinal case study of a Swedish manufacturer of engines for the automotive industry, the paper investigates the start‐up process of an advanced manufacturing system. The theory underlying learning curves and manufacturing progress functions are used to illustrate progress in manufacturing performance that takes place as time passes and the production volume is accumulated. A start‐up methodology, the concept of full‐speed testing, is outlined, empirically documented and analyzed by means of qualitative and quantitative inquiry. Full‐speed testing is a methodology for detecting potential problems and limitations in technology and organization, and for increasing the rate of direct labor‐ and cognitive learning. Tentative support is found for the notion that material supply, organization design and increased problem‐solving capacity are related to the rate with which manufacturing performance progresses as time passes and production capacity is accumulated.
Identifying integration types for requirement analysis in CIM development
Authors: Hashemipour Majid , Kayaligil Sinan
Published: July 2002

This paper presents the second phase of a computer‐ assisted methodology for requirement and design analysis stages of implementing CIM within small and medium‐size enterprises (SME). The main objective is to cover informational and functional analysis during the CIM system life‐cycle. The methodology aims at using limited expertise, limited staff, and expenditure, making it especially suited for introducing CIM in SMEs. The paper emphasises the integration aspects of the methodology as the key factors in the requirement and design analysis stages of the implementation of CIM. Integration has been taken as the need to have some form of operational collaboration between two or more functions. Four types of integration have been identified for reducing the complexity of data communications and for narrowing the gap between analysis and implementation phases. A computer‐supported information requirement analysis tool has been developed for implementing the methodology. A case study was carried out in the apparel industry to test the methodology.
Manufacturing classifications: relationships with production control systems
Authors: Porter Keith , Little David , Peck Matthew , Rollins Ralph
Published: July 2002

Since the early 1970s, production planning systems have evolved from material requirements planning (MRP) through manufacturing resource planning (MRPII) into enterprise resource planning (ERP) with simultaneous development of related control systems such as theory of constraints (epitomised by OPT), just‐in‐time (JIT), etc. One key area for all manufacturing companies is the planning and control function. There is a wide range of generic proprietary software available that aims to meet a company’s planning and scheduling requirements. The difficulty experienced by many companies is not only in examining available software, but also in understanding the match between business needs and the capabilities of that software. This paper first sets out some common manufacturing classification systems, then attempts to map them against accepted paradigms for production planning and control approaches. Analysis confirms the need for a more rigorous approach to software selection, and the need for a complete understanding of the drivers of the production control process before this can be achieved. The paper goes on to discuss a method for mapping these drivers, with the aim being to create a series of reference models for production planning and scheduling.
An integrated approach to autonomous maintenance management
Authors: Prickett P.W.
Published: July 2002

This paper describes work undertaken to support an integrated approach to the autonomous maintenance management of machine tools and flexible manufacturing systems. The work described was initiated as part of a collaborative research project, funded under the European Community Eureka Maine project initiative as EU744: Integrated Condition and Machining Process Monitoring System for Flexible Manufacturing Systems and for Stand‐alone CNC Machine Tools. The paper considers the steps needed to develop and implement truly autonomous machine tool maintenance management systems, and outlines the benefits which can be obtained from such approaches. The systems described have been deployed within collaborating industrial partners, each of whom is an existing user of advanced manufacturing technology. Their impact on these manufacturing systems is considered, with reference to the improvements in overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). The paper cites the improvements made in relation to specific flexible manufacturing cells as justification for the outlined system improvements.
Towards the development of an intelligent inventory management system
Authors: Kobbacy Khairy A.H. , Liang Yansong
Published: July 2002

This paper is concerned with the development of an intelligent inventory management system which aims at bridging the substantial gap between the theory and the practice of inventory management. The proposed system attempts to achieve this by providing automatic demand and lead time pattern identification and model selection facilities. The process of demand pattern identification together with the statistical tests used is discussed. The models incorporated cover deterministic demand models including: constant, quasi‐constant, trended and seasonal demand as well as stochastic demand models. This paper includes an empirical evaluation of the system on real data from the manufacturing and airline industries which shows that this system can lead to significant savings in inventory cost.
Efficiency measurement of Australian public sector organisations
Authors: Mante Benjamin , O’Brien Greg
Published: July 2002

The growth in importance of performance assessment in education over recent years has been linked with a concern to ensure that the service represents “value for money”. Increasing concern over funding of schools by government and the limitation on the resources available to the education sector has given rise to demands for greater efficiency and public accountability. These concerns reflect the need for comprehensive techniques to assess the degree to which school management practices and the education industry structure promote efficiency in education. An additional problem has been that, whilst there are many different desirable outcomes which are appropriate for education authorities to pursue, conventional models handle these one at a time.
The Effect of Inter‐company Lets on the Valuation of Property Assets under the Red Book
Authors: French Nick , Crosby Neil
Published: July 2002

In the last few years a number of large operational companies in the
United Kingdom have chosen to segregate the management of their property
holdings from the day‐to‐day running of their core business. This has
either been achieved by forming property sections within the main
company structure, or in some cases the hierarchy has been more clearly
defined by the formation of subsidiary companies feeding into the parent
company. The operational arm would then pay the property subsidiary an
open market rental for each property that they occupy. The advantage of
separating the property function from the core business is twofold.
First, it allows the performance of each operational outlet to be
measured on the same basis; and second, the investment performance of
the properties themselves can now be measured. However, for the latter
to occur, the properties need to be valued as investments and not as
owner occupied. Under current RICS regulations this is not allowed and
any property subject to an inter‐company let must be valued as if the
lease agreement did not exist. Investigates the effect of the RICS
guidelines on the valuation of properties let to related companies and
highlights the problems of measuring the performance of the company′s
property assets against a suitable benchmark.
Property Lending Survey 1994
Authors: Riley Mike , Isaac David
Published: July 2002

Describes a survey carried out by Chesterton Financial in conjunction
with the University of Greenwich in December 1993/January 1994, in which
85 banks and financial institutions responded to a written
questionnaire. The survey is the fifth in a series, following on from
those carried out from 1990 to 1993. In this sample, the UK banks made
up 50 per cent with the remainder divided between banks in Europe (26
per cent), Japan (11 per cent), North America (6 per cent), Middle East
(5 per cent), Far East, excluding Japan (1 per cent), and others (1 per
cent).
Project Finance Secured on Non‐recourse Loans
Authors: Maxted Bill
Published: July 2002

Aims to investigate the reliability of two of the criteria commonly used
by banks in assessing the risks associated with lending on a commercial
property project. The two criteria to be examined are loan to value and
income to interest cover covenants. In the light of the research,
suggests improvements and modifications on how these and other criteria
are used to aid lenders in their decision‐making process. The time
period chosen for this study is 1984 to 1994, a decade which saw the
banks enter and then retreat from the property lending market on a scale
hitherto unknown in the UK, with a number of these institutions
incurring unprecedented losses. Compiled initially from an analysis of
published property statistics on yields, capital values and interest
rates, theoretical conclusions were then made on the reliability of the
two criteria under discussion. Having identified the years 1984, 1987
and 1989 as being key turning‐points in the property cycle, these
conclusions were “tested” by empirical research. Between May and July 1994
13 interviews were carried out with banks that had been active in
commercial property lending for all or part of the relevant period. The
interviews were based on a questionnaire which established the banks′
attitude to lending at each of the specified dates. Thus it was possible
to identify how the banks′ attitude changed and how reliable the
covenants proved to be in practice. First, demonstrates the fluctuations
in interest rates, yields and capital values between 1984 and 1994,
which resulted in the reliability of loan to value and income to
interest cover covenants being examined. Second, presents the findings
of the interviews with the banks for each of the years 1984, 1987 and
1989. Third, reaches conclusions and makes recommendations as to the use
of the two covenants under discussion as well as considering additional
criteria that are important to commercial property lending.
The Use of Exchange‐rate Hedging Techniques by UK Property Companies
Authors: Dawson Alex J.D. , Rodney William H.
Published: July 2002

The use of financial risk management techniques in the form of
exchange‐rate hedging is widespread in the international business
community, because their use avoids losses owing to volatile
exchange‐rate movements. Identifies the current limited use of such
risk‐hedging techniques in the commercial property market, and considers
potential benefits to international property transactions.
Assessing the Environmental Risks of Property Investment Portfolios
Authors: Turner Neil J.K. , Gronow Stuart A. , Pritchard Paul
Published: July 2002

Illustrates that there are environmental risks associated with the
current land uses which can be expected to be found within the
industrial element of both institutional and property investment company
portfolios. Argues that environmental problems are not exclusive to the
uses associated with heavy industrial/ owner‐occupied type property.
Environmental problems can also stem from the current occupational
activities of B1, B2 and B8 industrial units. Consequently, outlines the
information sources and tools that are available to assess this type of
environmental risk. It also examines how off‐site environmental losses
suffered by a tenant could impact on the investment performance of
property. Concludes by urging those involved in assessing the risks
associated with property investment, particularly at the stock selection
level, to take account of such environmental issues.
An analysis of risk classifications for residential mortgage loans
Authors: Liu Day‐Yang , Lee Shin‐Ping
Published: July 2002

Aims to distinguish among different levels of default risk for residential mortgage loans and to examine the significant factors for the different levels of default risk. Classifies the sample into default and non‐default groups and analyses the original mortgage loan data by factor and cluster analyses based on borrower characteristics, property characteristics and microeconomic variables in order to derive risk classifications from various likelihoods of default. Furthermore, applies logit, probit and discriminant analyses to examine the significant factors for all three clusters. The empirical results show that the three clusters may be ranked as follows, in order of risk, from the least to greatest likelihood of default: the owner‐occupied housing buyer, invester group and young buyer clusters. In addition, the factor “borrower’s education level” has negative impact for all three clusters.
Property forecasting in actuarial modelling and asset management
Authors: Booth Philip M.
Published: July 2002

Claims as property modelling and forecasting techniques have developed to take account of new investment theories, property researchers have tended to follow the approach of modern portfolio theory and, sometimes, the capital asset pricing model (CAPM). Argues that one of the reasons why property is often not included in actuarial property forecasting models for the purpose of asset allocation (which is a widespread perception in the property industry) is because actuaries have not made clear to property researchers the forms of their models, which are often quite different from those used in others parts of the finance literature. Explains how traditional investment theory can be adapted for actuarial use and how actuaries use forecasting models in asset allocation. Areas of property research which would assist actuaries develop better property forecasting models are identified.
Market entry effects of large format retailers: a stakeholder analysis
Authors: Arnold Stephen J. , Narang Luthra Monika
Published: July 2002

Identifies the effects associated with the entry of a large format (“big box”) retailer into a new market, especially a smaller one. A large format retailer can be a discount department store, category specialist, warehouse club, superstore, supercenter or hypermarket. In order to identify these effects, a review was made of published and unpublished studies. In addition, interviews were conducted among key informants including developers, urban planners and professionals, economic development officers, retail executives and store managers. The result of this research includes a documentation, analysis and discussion of numerous effects, including benefits to the consumer, differences in the demographics of large format store shoppers, rapid growth in the sales and market share of the new entrant, growth in the community economy, growth and decline in various commercial sectors, decline in the economy of nearby markets, creation and losses of jobs, and increases and decreases in market efficiency. Given these effects, suggests implications for each community stakeholder. Listed are a large number of questions for future research.
The impact of supercenters on traditional food retailers in four markets
Authors: Seiders Kathleen , Simonides Constantine , Tigert Douglas J.
Published: July 2002

Focuses on the impact of supercenters on traditional food retailers in four markets, including two small cities (Victoria, Texas; Gainesville, Georgia) and two large cities (Columbus, Ohio; Omaha, Nebraska). Consumer surveys were conducted in order to assess the effects of the entry of Meijer, Wal‐Mart, Kmart, and Target supercenters. The results show supercenters can gain from 15 to 20 percent of primary shoppers and an even greater proportion of secondary shoppers. Furthermore, the supercenter primary shoppers, and especially those of Wal‐Mart and Meijer, identified low price and assortment more often as the reason for store choice. In comparison, traditional supermarket primary shoppers were less willing to trade off locational convenience or, in some cases, quality and assortment. Wal‐Mart is predicted to continue to rapidly gain share at the expense of competitors who do not differentiate themselves in some significant way.
Department stores in Spain: why El Corte Ingle´s succeeded where Galerías Preciados failed
Authors: Gold Peter , Woodliffe Lucy H.
Published: July 2002

Explores and compares the strategic development of Spain’s two most important retail organisations, El Corte Inglés and Galerías Preciados. Both department stores were established in the 1930s, but while the former has gone from strength to strength, Galerías Preciados changed hands several times before going into receivership in 1994, when it was bought up by El Corte Inglés. A comparative case study approach which focuses on outlet growth, diversification, financial control and continuity is used to identify the factors which appear to account for the contrasting fates of the organisations. Concludes that careful planning, vertical integration and continuity of ownership and positioning within the context of the macro‐environment contributed to El Corte Inglés’ success and longevity.
Information technology in Saudi Arabia’s supermarket chains
Authors: Al‐Sudairy Mohammed A. , Tang N.K.H.
Published: July 2002

Many studies have been carried out on how Information Technology (IT) has transformed ways of doing business, but little is known about IT in the retail food industry in Saudi Arabia. The study reported here is the first to shed light on the usage of IT in the Saudi supermarket industry and to report outcomes which will set the scene for further investigation. This study was conducted to investigate the use of IT in Saudi supermarkets, the barriers to usage and the benefits gained in their business. The methods selected for this study were personal interviews and questionnaires with the MIS managers of the 21 supermarkets listed in the 1995‐1996 Saudi Business trade directory published by Kompass.
Research and managerial issues on global retail competition: Carrefour/Wal‐Mart
Authors: Colla Enrico , Dupuis Marc
Published: July 2002

Looks at the development of Carrefour‐Primodès and Wal‐Mart, the world current leaders in terms of turnover and employment. Presents seven issues of particular interest to leading managers and researchers and examines how these are dealt with by the two leaders. Concludes that Wal‐Mart and Carrefour present two different models which stand in opposition on many points, and questions whether a convergence of the two will not result in a perfect model.
Pronto moda Tokyo‐style – emergence of collection‐free street fashion in Tokyo and the Seoul‐Tokyo fashion connection
Authors: Azuma Nobukaza
Published: July 2002

The emergence of purely “street‐born” fashion styles in the 1990s in the young women’s casual wear market in Tokyo has revealed the limitations of the conventional framework of quick response (QR) approaches that have long been implemented by Japanese fashion houses. They were found to be incapable of responding to the need for fresh fashion designs in the extremely volatile and fast‐moving streets of Tokyo’s casual fashion scene. This, on the other hand, has initiated a Korean‐Japanese fashion connection, in which a large number of small fashion firms in the Dongdaemun fashion industry district in Seoul play an important role in the taking‐shape of the pronto moda (fast fashion) in Tokyo style, with their organic networking of small suppliers within the agglomeration. The linkage of fashion industries between Seoul and Tokyo has also been fostering an interactive partnership in that both parties learn the uniqueness of each other’s practices. On the basis of a review of industrial agglomeration theories, highlights the relationships between the casual fashion trends in Tokyo in the 1990s and the pronto moda formula in the fashion agglomeration in the Dongdaemun district. In addition to this, an analysis of the future implication of the Korean‐Japanese fashion connection in the context of the global fashion industry is projected.
Leadership style profiles of retail managers: personal, organizational and managerial characteristics
Authors: Shim Soyeon , Lusch Robert F. , Goldsberry Ellen
Published: July 2002

Using survey data (n = 205) obtained from retail managers and executives of national retail chain store companies, we identified three leadership styles that were based on Quinn’s theoretical model of competing leadership roles. Three leadership clusters, labeled loner/internal‐focused, team builder/goal‐oriented, and conceptual producer/external‐focused, were identified through the use of a clustering technique. These three clusters were then compared on the basis of personal, organizational and managerial characteristics, using multivariate and univariate analyses of variance. The findings indicate that leadership styles are influenced by various factors such as personal values, job characteristics, job satisfaction, organizational commitment, career progression, and personal demographic characteristics. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed.
Franchising, retailing and the development of e‐commerce
Authors: Watson Anna , Kirby David A. , Egan John
Published: July 2002

Franchising has shown considerable growth in recent years and in advanced economies, such as the USA and the UK, and currently accounts for approximately one‐third of all retail sales. It would seem, therefore, that franchising and retailing represent a fruitful partnership, though there has been little research as to why this should be. In this article the authors seek to address this situation by considering those characteristics that make retailing particularly suitable for franchising, through an examination of the UK context. Given the changing nature of the retail industry and the advent, in particular, of e‐commerce, consideration is given to the future for retail development through franchising.
The failure of business format franchising in British forecourt retailing: a case study of the rebranding of Shell Retail’s forecourts
Authors: Boyle Emily
Published: July 2002

As a result of an increasingly competitive petrol retailing environment and the rise of convenience stores in the food retailing sector, oil companies in Britain in the 1980s began to diversity into food retailing and convert their petrol stations into forecourt convenience stores. Drawing on case study evidence of Shell Retail, the paper examines how the company attempted to build its organisation into a strong brand by rebranding its forecourt outlets and introducing business format franchising to manage them. Utilising franchising, branding and food retailing literatures, the work investigates not only why Shell Retail believed business format franchising was more appropriate than traditional franchising or in‐company management for its rebranded forecourts but also the factors that eventually caused the arrangement to fail. In particular, the paper analyses the problems relating to business format franchising that Shell Retail encountered in order to provide guidance for other retailers who may be considering using it as an instrument in the rebranding process.
The impact of pitch, volume and tempo on the atmospheric effects of music
Authors: Sullivan Malcolm
Published: July 2002

The atmospheric effects of music were tested in a restaurant setting. Four conditions were applied in a type of latin square design with meal duration and expenditure (food and drinks) as dependent variables. The four conditions related volume (loud vs soft), tempo (fast vs slow), style (popular vs unpopular) and the absence of any music. The findings showed that only volume had a significant effect on meal duration and expenditure (both food and drinks), although an additional finding that would require further experimental verification was that the presence of music of any type significantly affected duration and expenditure when compared to the absence of music. To explain the findings a distinction was made between active and passive activities, and it was suggested that different mechanisms explained the atmospheric effects for each. Active activities could be explained by the environment typicality argument whereas the boredom alleviation model could explain passive activities.
Retailing and Online Consumer Information Services (OLCISs)
Authors: Falk Heiko , Wayne Talarzyk W. , Widing Robert E.
Published: July 2002

Based on the attitudes, opinions, predictions and insights provided by
the USA and global key informants in the study, as well as recent
activities in the marketplace, it seems likely that retailing and
distribution will be impacted by growing consumer interest in, adoption
of, and involvement with OLCISs. Around this premiss focuses on three
questions: (1) where are we at the present time with OLCISs?; (2) where
does a sample of key informants think we are headed?; and (3) what will
need to happen to help us get there? On the basis of information and
suggestions from informants and the authors′ personal experiences and
insights, offers recommendations for needed changes in areas such as
industry and systems, perceived price/value, service and product,
marketing and education, and ease of use.
Interorganizational Networks and Location Investment Decisions:
Authors: Clarke Ian , Hallsworth Alan
Published: July 2002

Most location investments in retailing are frequently viewed as
resulting from a combination of objective site assessments and decisions
by individual organizations. They are also influenced, however, by the
relationships between retailers, developers, financiers and planners,
among others. Such “inter‐organizational networks” are formed by a variety
of mechanisms–structural links, investments, personnel movements and
sentiment relations–and can be of mutual benefit to concerned parties,
acting as a form of social regulation on their decisions and activities.
Examines the apparent locational implications of such networks by
reference to the oligopolistic structure of the shopping mall sector in
Canada where the system seems to have developed into a highly controlled
and mature market with little evidence of aggressive locational
competition between organizations (in terms of siting new malls).
Concludes that such joint stewardship of resources by developers and
retailers might offer useful lessons for more sustainable retail
development in the UK.
New‐type and traditional shoppers: a comparison of two major
consumer groups
Authors: Boedeker Mika
Published: July 2002

Previous results have indicated that some consumers are less
satisfied with mundane retail outlets and require more exuberant
entertainment. Other consumers, however, do not make for “fun
shoppers” and are not likely to in the future. Concentrates on the
two largest groups found in the study: the “new‐type
shoppers” and the “traditional shoppers”. They were
similar in terms of their sociodemographic characteristics and almost so
in their choice criteria for a place to shop. They differed only in
their desire for experience and recreation while shopping. Examines
their psychographic characteristics, behavioural tendencies and actual
behaviour patterns in order to deepen the picture of those two groups.
Discusses retailers′ activities concerning the personality and image of
their outlets in the context of image congruence between a consumer and
a retailer outlet.
Retailer‐supplier relationships and the evolution of marketing: two
food industry case studies
Authors: Shaw Susan A. , Gibbs Juliette
Published: July 2002

Uses two case studies to examine how changing market structures in
food supply chains have affected the nature of collaboration between
retailer and supplier. Looks at the implications for the nature of
marketing as a management function and as an area of study. Concludes
with a discussion of the implications of closer supply chain
relationships for industry profitability.