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Article
Publication date: 1 January 1980

Brian A French

This wide‐ranging paper answers some of the questions which the retailer might like to ask about the effect of data processing on the retail trade. And the author does not start…

Abstract

This wide‐ranging paper answers some of the questions which the retailer might like to ask about the effect of data processing on the retail trade. And the author does not start with the assumption that everyone recognises the benefits of data processing: the first question he asks himself is why should the retailer invest in this area at all? He also goes into the cost effectiveness of data processing, and the need for very flexible computer systems in the fast‐changing world of retailing. Moreover, it is not just the retailing giants who concern him. With the drop in the cost of computer hardware, he believes that the availability of hand‐held scanning devices could be good news for the small retailer. What with the benefits of UPC and EAN for stock control. This paper was presented in November in Paris at the CIES conference, EDP: focus on store operations.

Details

Retail and Distribution Management, vol. 8 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0307-2363

Article
Publication date: 1 April 1976

Gil Jones

Dr. Gil Jones has been carrying out a research programme into the ways data can be captured, transmitted and used to provide retailers with improved management information. The…

Abstract

Dr. Gil Jones has been carrying out a research programme into the ways data can be captured, transmitted and used to provide retailers with improved management information. The full results of the research are to be published by the National Computing Centre later this year in a Report entitled “Data Capture in the Retail Environment”. In this two part article, Dr. Jones summarises his findings, identifying the technical options open to the retailer for preparation of management information, the costs involved and the likely benefits more sophisticated solutions can bring. Part I covers the effect the recent economic climate has had on management information strategy, the differing data requirements of various types of retail organisations, and the main options open to retailers for data capture and data processing. In Part II, Dr. Jones will go on to examine the costs of the various systems available and will look at the factors which must be considered in the economic justification of the necessary investment.

Details

Retail and Distribution Management, vol. 4 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0307-2363

Article
Publication date: 1 April 1979

Gil Jones and Barbara Walman

Words like “revolution” are frequently used to describe the impact of the silicon chip on industry; as far as retailing is concerned, there is no doubt that the availability of…

Abstract

Words like “revolution” are frequently used to describe the impact of the silicon chip on industry; as far as retailing is concerned, there is no doubt that the availability of the mini and micro computer will have profound effects. In this article Gil Jones and Barbara Walman discuss first, the development of mini computers and how they are used; then what they describe as the “intriguing” prospect of how micro computers might affect the retail sector, looking both at small retailers and then at multiples. No retailer — large or small — can afford to ignore the implications of this remarkable technological development.

Details

Retail and Distribution Management, vol. 7 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0307-2363

Article
Publication date: 1 March 1982

Elizabeth Morris

Are staff in retail companies being adequately trained to cope with the increasingly complex demands being made upon them by the computer and data processing techniques? The DITB…

Abstract

Are staff in retail companies being adequately trained to cope with the increasingly complex demands being made upon them by the computer and data processing techniques? The DITB carried out a study into the industry to identify areas of specific skills being used in the DP function — a first step in the development of appropriate training of DP staff to a national standard. The study identified the need for impartial training advice from a neutral body which could advise and update firms on computer hard and software. The writer also comments that “firms do not always seem able to obtain the training support from manufacturers and suppliers which they require.” But perhaps increased competition between suppliers will cause them to think more carefully about this — or they may find “consumer resistance” when they look for repeat business.

Details

Retail and Distribution Management, vol. 10 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0307-2363

Article
Publication date: 1 February 1977

M.D.L. Eccles

One of the reasons for the dramatic growth of the mini‐computer market is the realisation on the part of retail managements in both small and large companies that this type of…

Abstract

One of the reasons for the dramatic growth of the mini‐computer market is the realisation on the part of retail managements in both small and large companies that this type of equipment is versatile, powerful and relatively cheap. In this article Mike Eccles defines a mini, discusses the problems of buying and selection, and examines some specific retail applications. The author is a management consultant with Gil Jones & Associates, specialising in management information systems for retail organisations. He has recently been engaged in a programme of research into the growing importance of the mini‐computer in retailing. His findings will be published in full later this year in a Report. Mike Eccles will be presenting a paper on this subject at the forthcoming OnLine Conference on Retail Data Processing, to be held in London on June 2–3.

Details

Retail and Distribution Management, vol. 5 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0307-2363

Article
Publication date: 1 January 1974

Electronic data processing in retailing is not new. It's been used for years for stock control, sales analysis, payroll. But now for the first time it's becoming commonplace for…

Abstract

Electronic data processing in retailing is not new. It's been used for years for stock control, sales analysis, payroll. But now for the first time it's becoming commonplace for retailers to think in terms of the electronic cash register, treating it as an integral part of an information reporting system, and using it to collect data at the point of sale. This feature looks at progress to date in the field, both in this country and America, and summarises applications installed by some of the major manufacturers.

Details

Retail and Distribution Management, vol. 2 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0307-2363

Article
Publication date: 1 April 1986

The Nature of Business Policy Business policy — or general management — is concerned with the following six major functions:

2052

Abstract

The Nature of Business Policy Business policy — or general management — is concerned with the following six major functions:

Details

Management Decision, vol. 24 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0025-1747

Article
Publication date: 29 March 2013

Peter Jones, David Hillier and Daphne Comfort

The continuing growth of digital technology has been accompanied by an explosion in digital data generation. These data are processed, stored, managed and exchanged in data

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Abstract

Purpose

The continuing growth of digital technology has been accompanied by an explosion in digital data generation. These data are processed, stored, managed and exchanged in data centres but there is limited general awareness appreciation of the role such centres play as the driving hub of the economy. With this in mind, the purpose of this paper is to provide a simple review of the data centre property market and the changing geography of such centres and to review a number of the environmental and planning issues associated with the development of new data centres.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper begins with a description of the characteristics and origins of data centres, outlines the data centre property market and the changing geography of new purpose built data centres within the UK and discusses a range of the environmental and planning issues associated with the development of such centres.

Findings

The paper reveals that four different types of data centre can be recognised, that relationship between supply and demand within the data centre property market is a contested issue and that the geography of new data centre development is changing. Data centre developers are increasingly looking for designs that increase energy efficiency and reduce carbon dioxide and the planning issues associated with such developments include classifying the use class, environmental and design considerations and employment generation.

Research limitations/implications

The paper provides an accessible review of the development of data centres in the UK and as such it will be of interest to those working in, engaging with, and studying the data centre market.

Originality/value

The paper provides an accessible review of the development of data centres in the UK and as such it will be of interest to those working in, engaging with, and studying data centres.

Details

Property Management, vol. 31 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-7472

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 2013

Peter Jones, David Hillier, Daphne Comfort and Colin Clarke‐Hill

The purpose of this practice briefing paper is to provide an exploratory review of the sustainability agendas being addressed and publicly reported by the UK's leading data centre…

756

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this practice briefing paper is to provide an exploratory review of the sustainability agendas being addressed and publicly reported by the UK's leading data centre operators.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper begins with a short discussion of the characteristics of sustainability and an outline of the origins and development of data centres within the UK. The paper draws its empirical material from the most recent information on sustainability posted on the UK's leading data centre operators' corporate web sites.

Findings

The findings reveal that all the UK's leading data centre operators provide only limited information on their commitment to sustainability with the dominant focus being on its environmental dimension and with little attention being paid to social and economic issues. More critically the authors argue that these commitments are driven more by the search for efficiency gains, that they are couched within existing business models centred on continuing growth and that as such the UK's leading data centre operators are pursuing a “weak” rather than a “strong” model of sustainability.

Practical implications

The paper suggests that leading data centre operating companies may need to extend their sustainability reporting and to introduce external assurance procedures.

Originality/value

The paper provides an accessible review of the sustainability agendas being pursued by the UK's leading data centre operators and as such it will interest academics, students and practitioners interested in both sustainability and data centre operations and developments.

Details

Journal of Property Investment & Finance, vol. 31 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-578X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 March 2008

Sameer Kumar

This paper aims to analyze and identify commonalities and differences between the supermarket industry and its logistics capabilities in developed economies such as North America…

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze and identify commonalities and differences between the supermarket industry and its logistics capabilities in developed economies such as North America, the European Union and Japan, as well as the emerging Asian economy of India.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative analysis, based on data, other pertinent information gathered from reports on various economies within the supermarket industry and personal interactions with a few supermarket chains managers, is used to derive various insights of strategic value in retailing and distribution. Major industry practices and logistics trends are examined and answers are sought to important business questions.

Findings

The results of analysis show that the supermarket industry is customizing operating strategies. Efficient consumer response (ECR) standards are becoming a common method used to increase the supermarket supply chain efficiencies that are driving logistics trends within the industry. The trends include expanded service requirements, mass customization, customer loyalty and private labeling, delivery options and increased challenges in diverse markets. Reverse logistics, electronic point of sale data collection and management of supply chain by third‐ and fourth‐party logistics providers are also becoming increasingly important for the supermarket industry.

Practical implications

Advancements in transportation and storage technologies, including breakthrough technologies to improve supermarket operation to the level of leading automobile manufacturers, present increased challenges and opportunities to the supermarket industry. In addition, changing consumer tastes offer companies in developed countries as well as developing countries like India, the chance to garner increased revenues. It is imperative for supermarkets to heed changing buying habits, particularly in developed countries, which have highly mature/competitive markets. Although supermarkets within developed and developing countries may face different challenges, consumers everywhere still focus on value, convenience, variety and a better shopping experience.

Originality/value

This paper provides increased understanding of the strategic retailing and distribution issues present in the supermarket industry and examines a number of significant business questions pertaining to logistical trends. A unique juxtaposition of the supermarket industry within developed and developing economies provides various insights into the commonalities and differences within various countries studied.

Details

International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management, vol. 36 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-0552

Keywords

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