Mega-retailers are widely criticized as causing devastation among smaller retailers, particularly in mid-sized markets in the United States. Others argue that small retailers can survive “in the shadow of the retail giants,” by offering levels of customer service that the mega-retailers can’t provide due to their very size. This paper reports the findings of an empirical study of the perceived impact of the recent opening of box-retailers, such as Costco and Home Depot on locally owned/operated small retailers in the northeastern Ontario city of Greater Sudbury, Canada from 1999 to 2003. The sample included 78 smaller store owners, on average in operation for the last 21 years. Aggregate results confirmed the hypotheses that small retailers suffered lower sales and clientele since the arrival of mega-retailers, and could clearly identify their and mega-retailers’ respective competitive advantages and disadvantages as compared to each other. Respondents had a significant perception of having an advantage over their mega-competitors in the areas of Store Cleanliness, Value for the Customer, Products’ Quality, and Store Layout. While a number of respondents suffered lower sales, about one-third of them (the Resisting Retailers) had average sales growth of over 21%. Differentiation and Niche Marketing were the main aspects of a successful competing strategy adopted by resisting retailers against mega-retailers. Some of the strategic moves adopted by resisting retailers amounted to a “Vacuum Strategy,” which includes the refusal to carry brands available at mega-stores, and the refusal to service such brands or to have anything to do with megaretailers, refusing any alliance with them and making it known to customers.

Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) / MBA / Unrestricted

Causes for parents’ and pupils’ apparent dissatisfaction with the school uniforms in two selected secondary schools in Botswana, namely Ledumang and Gabarone Secondary Schools were investigated. In Botswana, school uniforms are compulsory in all government secondary schools (Internet, Ledumang Senior Secondary School:1). In the year 2003, approximately 160,690 pupils attended secondary schools in Botswana in the 232 secondary schools at the time (Internet, Ministry of Education:1; National Development Plan 9, 2003:287, 288). Weitzel (2004:13) defines a school uniform policy as a policy that states what the pupils must wear and a school dress code policy as a standard of “aesthetic appearance” stating what the pupils are not permitted to wear while at school. It is general practice for the secondary school uniforms to be chosen by the Parents’ Teachers Associations (PTA) or School Board of Governors at a specific school (Corbin, 1999:1; Botswana Education Act, 1967:4). School uniforms are currently supplied by various retailers such as K.M. Dressmaking in the Bontleng mall in Gaborone; Woolworths, Kopano Stores, Cash Bazaar, Ackermans, and Pep Stores as well Taku-Taku that stock the black flat shoes and socks. Parents or guardians are usually advised where to buy the school uniforms. At present there is free trade and lack of quality standards for textiles in Botswana: no quality assurance exists for school uniforms. As at the time of this research, the BOBS (Botswana Buro of Standards) draft was still at an embryonic stage. School uniform manufacturers therefore due to free trade, may buy any fabric to produce uniforms as opposed to definite SABS standards that exist for school uniforms in the Republic of South Africa. The concern then is that of consumers who already experience financial constraints may be negatively affected by school uniforms of inferior quality. Inferior quality may contribute to frequent requests for replacement of school uniforms by needy pupils. Apart from problems that may be related to the use of textiles of inferior quality (Kincade, Giddings&Chen-Yu, 1998:84), dissatisfaction with school uniforms may be caused by the psychological meanings attached to clothes (Dittmar&Cox, 1995:239), for example objections to the style and color of chool uniforms as well as a psychological objection to prescribed dress and limited choice in general. Due to personal experience as a teacher and a notion that dissatisfaction with school uniforms exists, it seemed necessary to investigate parents’ and pupils (girls) satisfaction/dissatisfaction with girls’ school uniforms to identify existing problems. This will enable the researcher to suggest amendments to improve the situation. Data was collected through structured questionnaires. The respective Parent Teacher Associations (PTA’s) were involved (n=10). to complete a questionnaire that contained questions pertaining to quality standards used, school uniform selection procedures and general monitoring processes. PTA members were also asked to comment on pupils’ expectations and satisfaction with school uniforms. Parents/guardians and pupils in forms four and five were recruited for participation (n=105): they filled in a second questionnaire jointly. Questions evolved around their buyer behavior regarding school uniforms; their use of extrinsic and intrinsic quality cues to judge the quality of garments; expectations regarding the durability and performance of the school uniforms and problems experienced with school uniforms. The questionnaires primarily provided quantitative data that was analyzed through descriptive statistics. A few open questions were included to allow respondents to express their views about existing uniforms without much limitation and to provide opportunity for suggestions to improve problem surrounding their school uniforms. The results showed that the majority of parents and pupils always used certain intrinsic and extrinsic quality cues during the pre purchase evaluation of school uniforms. Intrinsic cues included aspects relevant to fit, while extrinsic factors referred to the appearance and texture of the fabric, the service of the supplier, neatness of construction and the functioning of the fasteners. Although up to 50% of the respondents indicated that they always consulted the labels of school uniforms for specific information (specifically colorfastness, care instructions, brand) this information was unfortunately not always present. Responses indicated that extrinsic cues were more often used as an indication of quality than intrinsic cues. Dissatisfaction with school uniforms was attributed to problems that relate to textile of inferior quality, poorly constructed garments as well as fit problems: color fading, variation in the color at point of purchase, loose buttons and unfinished seams were reported. The fact that the majority had to do some repairs to uniforms within the first six months, indicate that urgent measures are required to deliberate and set definite quality standards for the manufacturers and suppliers. In terms of the style of school uniforms, respondents complained that uniforms were not suitable for winter, that they would like some leniency, i.e. having a choice of what to wear (skirts or trousers or dresses). Responses indicated that respondents’ expectations regarding how long school uniforms should last, were not unrealistic. PTA members of both schools were unfortunately not aware of the non-existence of standards for school uniforms. Nor were they aware of the problems that parents and pupils experienced on a daily basis. Although parents’ view regarding the suitability of the school uniforms did not coincide with the views of their daughters, certain problems can be overcome through well-formulated quality standards and some lenience in terms of what pupils are allowed to wear. Results were discussed within the systems perspective, which clearly indicated that although parents and pupils were not totally dissatisfied with school uniforms, certain elements of the school uniforms required urgent improvement. Collaboration with the SA Buro of Standards that already has quality standards for school wear in place, was suggested / Dissertation (MConsumer Science)--University of Pretoria, 2008. / Consumer Science / unrestricted

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An extensive amount of research has been conducted on Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) in the context of logistics, supply chain and manufacturing. Additionally, marketing opportunities related to RFID usage have been argued to exist. Despite this, limited research has focused on RFID in a marketing context which constitutes the research gap for this study.  A literature review on the subject area yielded an overview of the existing literature within the field. The literature review identified a research gap that constitutes the purpose of this study. The purpose is to investigate the factors influencing the adoption of Radio Frequency IDentification technology and whether it enhances retailers’ marketing opportunities. The study was of a qualitative nature and was conducted through a multiple case study. Data was gathered through semi-structured interviews with four companies. An archival analysis was performed in addition to the interviews. The interview data reveals that RFID technology adoption still has barriers to overcome, especially in regards to the identified marketing opportunities. Based on the conclusions of this study recommendations for managerial implications were formed. The findings of the study were able to support previous research stating that the main challenge for RFID adoption is the cost of the equipment. However, the previously identified marketing opportunities were not fully supported by the interviewed companies, thus, this area of research needs to be developed further.

The development of relevant and engaging advertising message appeals is a critical element of retail marketing strategy. Achieving advertising resonance with female consumers is beneficial to brand building, and eliciting positive feelings and emotions lies at the heart of effective advertising development. This is particularly important at Christmas when retailers need to attract attention, engage consumers and encourage women to buy. This thesis addresses the increasingly prevalent phenomenon of retailer Christmas TV advertising in the UK. It seeks to understand women’s perceptions of the Christmas advertisements of four retailers over a three year period 2011-2013 in order to examine the way in which advertising message appeal engages consumers and reflects the retailer. It therefore illuminates the relationship between female consumers, the advert and retailer. Research in the area of advertising relies heavily on quantitative studies that reflect the often normative approach to advertising planning and development. This thesis, through its social constructionist theoretical standpoint, informs the methodological nature of the study. Such an approach offers insight and meaning in connection with the advertising message appeals used by retailers as it seeks to interpret the Christmas advertisement phenomenon from a consumer perspective. The Christmas TV advertisements of four retailers (John Lewis, Marks & Spencer, Matalan, and TK Maxx) are selected as an empirical focus and the study offers a longitudinal approach in its design. Dialogues are subsequently maintained with the primary consumer targets of the retailers’ advertisements over a three year period. The study evidences the most effective advertising appeals and the power of emotional advertising that reflects both consumer and brand. The findings demonstrate the ways in which consumers use Christmas advertising in their festive preparations, how women consume Christmas advertising and its associated images of family and feelings of love and illustrate the relationship between the advert and perceptions of the retailer. This thesis makes contributions in a number of ways. First it is an original qualitative study that examines women’s constructions of retailer Christmas TV advertising message appeals and their effects. Second it extends insight into the field of retailer brand research through its social constructionist approach. Finally the consumer narratives illuminate the ways in which advertising is received by consumers and in doing so addresses a lack of qualitative research in the field. The constructionist approach to investigating this phenomenon has further applications in the field of advertising research which provides a wealth of opportunity in terms of its breadth. In particular the approach has value in the area of retailer advertising.

Abstract The natural progression of generators and retailers, following electricity deregulation, to vertically integrate is a contentious subject involving, at one extreme, expectations that a laissez- faire market approach will deliver economic benefits to all participants, and at the other extreme, suspicions that the unusual features of the electricity sector, in providing generators with market power, may not provide electricity consumers with an improved outcome. The objectives of this thesis were to: understand fully the drivers of generators and retailers to vertically integrate and to apply this knowledge to the Queensland electricity market to determine the financial impact on generators, retailers and consumers from vertical integration (VI). A literature review was undertaken of VI in a generic sense, noting the distinction between market contracting and ‘internalisation’, with particular reference to the writings of Oliver Williamson. The Federal Court case involving Australia’s largest electricity retailer, Australian Gas and Light Ltd, seeking approval to purchase a minority shareholding in the Victorian generator Loy Yang Power, was closely examined from the perspectives of theoretical and practical electricity sector VI integration issues. A quantitative analysis was undertaken of an assumed 60% VI of the Queensland electricity market to assess the costs and benefits to generators that vertically integrated and to consumers. The quantified generator benefits included margin elimination, savings in overheads, more rapid decision-making, and demand side management (DSM) savings in deferred capital expenditure on peaking generation and network expenditure through reduced peak demand. To support the quantitative analysis, two scenario models were developed. The first model replicates the process by which generators build up revenue certainty over time from hedge contract sales and bidding of output into the electricity grid. How generator bidding behaviour is affected by the level of hedge cover and hedge contract prices is examined, particularly in regard to how this behavior is affected by the competitive relationship between retailers and generators. The second scenario model replicates the attitude of vertically integrated generators (VIGs) towards offering DSM services by observing how the attitude of individual VIGs is affected by level of peaking generation and by the generation-to-retailing output proportion. It was determined that a combination of these features and particular market scenarios could result in some VIGs being financially worse off by providing DSM services, an important conclusion in the context of the increased community focus on energy conservation. The extent to which VIGs pass on VI and DSM benefits to consumers was calculated under scenarios of weak and strong retail competition. Of most relevance was the difference in market behaviour between retailers that had became vertically integrated, and those that had not, with the latter expected to become less competitive in both the wholesale and retail markets. This outcome was observed to provide generators with additional market power potential, a subject closely examined. The quantitative analysis of the Queensland market concluded that the maximum possible benefit that consumers could expect from VI was $138 million per annum with current DSM technology and strong retail competition, increasing to $156 million per annum if DSM technology improved, for example in regard to more cost-efficient meters. Total possible benefits to VIGs and consumers was estimated at $321 million per annum, so that consumers could expect to receive no more than 50% of total expected benefits from VI. This conclusion is not surprising because generators will only seek to be vertically integrated if they perceive clearly identified benefits from VI. The reasons why consumers are unlikely to receive benefits greater than this are: • $30 million per annum of internal savings being retained by VIGs; • VIGs achieving a minimum $60 million per annum additional revenue benefits through wholesale and retail price increases, arising from their stronger generation and retail positions; and • $75 million per annum of potential DSM benefits not being offered to consumers, because of the reluctance of VIGs to provide DSM services where the outcome could be reduced export revenue, reduced sales revenue and lower pool prices. In summary, using the Queensland market as a case study, in a strongly competitive retail market consumers could expect to receive, at the most, 50% of VI and DSM benefits. However in a weakly competitive retail market, where VIGs retain most of the benefits and are able to achieve higher wholesale prices, the outcome could instead be an overall cost to consumers. The thesis concludes with a brief discussion of policy implications and approaches to addressing key issues arising from increasing VI in deregulated electricity markets.

Communication plays a very important role in an organization. An exchange of information and knowledge maintains a normal operation of an organization. In addition, the establishment of co-understanding is necissary for the organization members to achieve the common goals of the organization. Communication happens when a message sender transmits information to a message receiver through the ¡§communication media.¡¨ There are two forms of communication; one is verbal and another is non-verbal or called wordless. Verbal communication includes face-to-face conversation, telephone contact and written correspondence. As to non-verbal communication, it includes physical gesture, facial expression, and the action of hand or eye that transmits messages. According to the researches, different communication media have different information capacities. To achieve the best performance, we should choose the communication media with the most match capacities and message ambiguous. Highly rich media is applied to highly complicated task, while less rich media is applied to simple and routine task. Therefore, it is important to study to the effectiveness of communication. Employees of Retail business heavily uses mobile phone as the communication media. According to the media richness theory and the social influence model, this researcy performs a survey study. The research results reveal that there is no significant differences over the ambiguous of task, media richness, usefulness, media symbolic meanings and situational factors among the department stores and supermarket of different channels. Therefore, mobile phone application is regarded as a good communication tool in the retail business. It is suggested that an organization should consider replacing or matching the existing communication tool to achieve the most effective communication.