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The purpose of this paper is to show how an effective library manager can handle the issues of employee theft of material, time, data and money.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to show how an effective library manager can handle the issues of employee theft of material, time, data and money.
Design/methodology/approach
Reviews and summarizes some of the literature on the topic and recounts personal experiences.
Findings
There are different types of theft: of physical materials, of non‐financial data, of money, of time.
Originality/value
Presents a useful set of general rules for success in the management of library theft.
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Keywords
Kemal Yildirim, Nur Ayalp, Gozen Guner Aktas and M. Lutfi Hidayetoglu
– The purpose of this paper is to focus on assessing consumer perceptions and functional evaluations of store cash desks (Flat, L- and U-shaped) in the clothing retail context.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to focus on assessing consumer perceptions and functional evaluations of store cash desks (Flat, L- and U-shaped) in the clothing retail context.
Design/methodology/approach
To test the assumption that relationships exist between various types of cash desks and consumer perceptions and functional evaluations, a study was devised using digital pictures of three types of cash desks hypothetically located in a large store.
Findings
Results based on semantic differential and functional items show that consumers expressed a more positive perception of flat than of L- or U-shaped cash desks. Men evaluated the store cash desks more positively than women overall. Managerial implications are discussed and directions for future research are proposed.
Originality/value
This paper reveals a significant relationship between cash desk type and consumer perceptions and functional evaluations of cash desks. The results of the work suggest that retailers and designers may be able to easily make stores more attractive to consumers by installing flat cash desks.
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Teresa Schwendtner, Sarah Amsl, Christoph Teller and Steve Wood
Different age groups display different shopping patterns in terms of how and where consumers buy products. During times of crisis, such behavioural differences become even more…
Abstract
Purpose
Different age groups display different shopping patterns in terms of how and where consumers buy products. During times of crisis, such behavioural differences become even more striking yet remain under-researched with respect to elderly consumers. This paper investigates the impact of age on retail-related behavioural changes and behavioural stability of elderly shoppers (in comparison to younger consumers) during a crisis.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors surveyed 643 Austrian consumers to assess the impact of perceived threat on behavioural change and the moderating effect of age groups. Based on findings from this survey, they subsequently conducted 51 semi-structured interviews to understand the causes of behavioural change and behavioural stability during a crisis.
Findings
Elderly shoppers display more stable shopping behaviour during a crisis compared to younger consumers, which is influenced by perceived threat related to the crisis. Such findings indicate that elderly shoppers reinforce their learnt and embedded shopping patterns. The causes of change and stability in behaviour include environmental and inter-personal factors.
Originality/value
Through the lens of social cognitive theory, protection motivation theory and dual process theory, this research contributes to an improved understanding of changes in shopping behaviour of elderly consumers, its antecedents and consequences during a time of crisis. The authors reveal reasons that lead to behavioural stability, hence the absence of change, in terms of shopping during a crisis. They further outline implications for retailers that might wish to better respond to shopping behaviours of the elderly.
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The purpose of this paper is to describe the University of Mississippi Libraries' experience in implementing a printing cost-recovery service, unexpectedly finding itself managing…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to describe the University of Mississippi Libraries' experience in implementing a printing cost-recovery service, unexpectedly finding itself managing a large number of cash transactions, and ultimately – many years later – eliminating the cash payment option.
Design/methodology/approach
An analysis of print logs was completed along with a study of the various costs (hardware/software, personnel, consumables, and transaction fees) in order to examine the total operating costs of the system.
Findings
Personnel costs related to cash transactions were the greatest expense related to operating the system. Increasing cash-handling costs were driving up the overall operating costs of the public print system. After the cash payment option was eliminated, overall print volume decreased, but the corresponding decrease in operating expenses meant that the library had new opportunities for expanding the and enhancing the service.
Originality/value
This case study could be of benefit to others looking to do a similar analysis of fee-based services – particularly high-volume services where cash is a common method of payment.
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Using the backdrop of an (apparently) extended visit to the West Indies, analogies with key concerns of internal audit are drawn. An unusual and refreshing way of exploring the…
Abstract
Using the backdrop of an (apparently) extended visit to the West Indies, analogies with key concerns of internal audit are drawn. An unusual and refreshing way of exploring the main themes ‐ a discussion between Bill and Jack on tour in the islands ‐ forms the debate. Explores the concepts of control, necessary procedures, fraud and corruption, supporting systems, creativity and chaos, and building a corporate control facility.
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Using the backdrop of an (apparently) extended visit to the West Indies, analogies with key concerns of internal audit are drawn. An unusual and refreshing way of exploring the…
Abstract
Using the backdrop of an (apparently) extended visit to the West Indies, analogies with key concerns of internal audit are drawn. An unusual and refreshing way of exploring the main themes ‐ a discussion between Bill and Jack on tour in the islands ‐ forms the debate. Explores the concepts of control, necessary procedures, fraud and corruption, supporting systems, creativity and chaos, and building a corporate control facility.
Details
Keywords
A distinction must be drawn between a dismissal on the one hand, and on the other a repudiation of a contract of employment as a result of a breach of a fundamental term of that…
Abstract
A distinction must be drawn between a dismissal on the one hand, and on the other a repudiation of a contract of employment as a result of a breach of a fundamental term of that contract. When such a repudiation has been accepted by the innocent party then a termination of employment takes place. Such termination does not constitute dismissal (see London v. James Laidlaw & Sons Ltd (1974) IRLR 136 and Gannon v. J. C. Firth (1976) IRLR 415 EAT).
Emma Zijlstra and Mark P. Mobach
The purpose of this study is to explore the influence of an office canteen layout on operations, specifically on customer behaviour before checkout, waiting times, and congestion.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to explore the influence of an office canteen layout on operations, specifically on customer behaviour before checkout, waiting times, and congestion.
Design/methodology/approach
The current study was made in the context of discovery and exemplification. The sample was not randomly obtained: the method of recruitment was purposive and convenient. Two Dutch office canteens were selected based on their motivation to participate in the study. A small exploratory study aiming to report on current practices and to inform on possibilities for future research and intervention. With direct observations the behaviour, waiting times, and congestion of 47 customers were analyzed. Customer behaviour was reported qualitatively, waiting times and congestion were reported quantitatively.
Findings
Canteens where customers can move freely before checkout queue, allow them to move away from congestion towards food products and to have more favourable waiting times than customers in canteens with layouts requiring a strict order and line‐up for self‐service and checkout.
Practical implications
The results contribute to the managerial repertoire of facilities managers by illuminating latent positive influences of facility layout on operations, which can stimulate the design of better facilities.
Originality/value
This paper contributes to the understanding of how facilities are interwoven with operations. It also informs on possibilities for future research in this area, for instance, combining approaches that originate from facilities management and operations management. This may lead to future research to recommend specific designs or behaviour‐inducing layouts for increased operational enhancements.
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AN EXPERIMENT now proceeding in Britain and the USA may well have lessons for management—or, maybe, for those who would teach management its business. It is the People Express…