Food retail with large supermarkets consumes significant amounts of energy. The environmental impact is also significant because of the indirect effect from CO2 emissions at the power stations and due to the direct effect arising from refrigerant leakage to the atmosphere. The application of trigeneration (local combined heat, power and refrigeration) can provide substantial improvements in the overall energy efficiency over the conventional supermarket energy approach of separate provision of electrical power and thermal energy. The use of natural refrigerants such as CO2 offers the opportunity to reduce the direct impacts of refrigeration compared to conventional systems employing HFC refrigerants that possess high global warming potential. One approach through which the overall energy efficiency can be increased and the environmental impacts reduced, is through the integration of trigeneration and CO2 refrigeration systems where the cooling generated by the trigeneration system is used to condense the CO2 refrigerant in a cascade arrangement. This research project investigates experimentally and theoretically, through mathematical modelling and simulation, such a system and its potential application to supermarkets. A small size CO2 refrigeration system for low and medium food temperature applications was designed and constructed to enable it to be integrated with an existing trigeneration system in the refrigeration laboratory at Brunel University to form an integrated trigeneration and CO2 refrigeration test facility. Prior to the construction, the design of the system was investigated using mathematical models developed for this purpose. The simulations included the CO2 refrigeration system, CO2 evaporator coils and the integration of the trigeneration and CO2 refrigeration systems. The physical size of the design and component arrangement was also optimised in a 3D AutoCAD model. A series of experimental tests were carried out and the results showed that the medium temperature system could achieve a very good COP, ranging from 32 to 60 due to the low pumping power requirement of the liquid refrigerant. The low temperature system performed with average steady state COP of 4, giving an overall refrigeration system COP in the range between 5.5 and 6. Mathematical models were also developed to investigate the application of the integrated trigeneration and CO2 refrigeration system in a case study supermarket. The models were validated against test results in the laboratory and manufacturers’ data. The fuel utilisation efficiency and environmental impacts of different trigeneration and CO2 refrigeration arrangements were also evaluated. The results indicated that a system comprising of a sub-critical CO2 refrigeration system integrated with a trigeneration system consisting of a micro-turbine based Combined Heat and Power (CHP) unit and ammonia-water absorption refrigeration system could provide energy savings of the order of 15% and CO2 emission savings of the order of 30% compared to conventional supermarket energy systems. Employing a trigeneration system with a natural gas engine based CHP and Lithium Bromide-Water sorption refrigeration system, could offer energy savings of 30% and CO2 emission savings of 43% over a conventional energy system arrangement. Economic analysis of the system has shown a promising payback period of just over 3 years compared to conventional systems.

People in Sweden have become more aware and interested in environmental issues. This has led to an increased demand for environmental friendly food products. Previously the price often determined if a customer bought the product or not. During the recent years internet has become a more widely used media than ever before. This has led to that inter-net is one of the important tools to gather information and knowledge, among other things environmental issues. With such aspects in mind the authors found it interesting to investigate if companies could use internet as a marketing tool for environmental friendly products. Therefore the purpose of this thesis is to: investigate if and how companies display environmental friendliness in their marketing strategy and how it is presented on their company webpage’s. In order to fulfil the purpose five general dealer’s home and webpage’s were examined. As a supplementing research one store for each of the five general dealers were visited and ex-amined. The used theoretical framework is focused on value and green marketing. How to create a specific value is often the core when formulating and creating a strategy for a company. Green marketing is such marketing that include environmental concerns in the marketing offers. The sales of ecological food has increased and according to SCB (2006) represented 6 Billions in revenue between 2004 and 2005. The literature indicates that green marketing have to change and become more like conventional marketing, in order to reach the larger consumer segments. As a supplement to this theory, a section with home and webpage de-sign and chromatics are added. The analysis and conclusion showed that there were some differences in how the re-searched companies used green marketing. Two of the companies used their webpage’s and displayed environmental awareness, while two had a clear focus on price. One company had a health focus. It was also found that there are differences between the messages and information on the home and webpage’s, compared to the findings in the stores. What also was found was that green marketing not only should target the already green consumers, but instead aim at the larger consumer segment. To do this green marketing should become more like conventional marketing and not only focus on the product, but also other value factors. The findings also suggest that the companies could use their home and webpage’s to a higher extent than they do today.

<p>People in Sweden have become more aware and interested in environmental issues. This has led to an increased demand for environmental friendly food products. Previously the price often determined if a customer bought the product or not. During the recent years internet has become a more widely used media than ever before. This has led to that inter-net is one of the important tools to gather information and knowledge, among other things environmental issues.</p><p>With such aspects in mind the authors found it interesting to investigate if companies could use internet as a marketing tool for environmental friendly products. Therefore the purpose of this thesis is to:</p><p>investigate if and how companies display environmental friendliness in their marketing strategy and how it is presented on their company webpage’s.</p><p>In order to fulfil the purpose five general dealer’s home and webpage’s were examined. As a supplementing research one store for each of the five general dealers were visited and ex-amined.</p><p>The used theoretical framework is focused on value and green marketing. How to create a specific value is often the core when formulating and creating a strategy for a company. Green marketing is such marketing that include environmental concerns in the marketing offers. The sales of ecological food has increased and according to SCB (2006) represented 6 Billions in revenue between 2004 and 2005. The literature indicates that green marketing have to change and become more like conventional marketing, in order to reach the larger consumer segments. As a supplement to this theory, a section with home and webpage de-sign and chromatics are added.</p><p>The analysis and conclusion showed that there were some differences in how the re-searched companies used green marketing. Two of the companies used their webpage’s and displayed environmental awareness, while two had a clear focus on price. One company had a health focus. It was also found that there are differences between the messages and information on the home and webpage’s, compared to the findings in the stores. What also was found was that green marketing not only should target the already green consumers, but instead aim at the larger consumer segment. To do this green marketing should become more like conventional marketing and not only focus on the product, but also other value factors. The findings also suggest that the companies could use their home and webpage’s to a higher extent than they do today.</p>

A divulgação sobre a existência de resíduos de agrotóxicos em alimentos vem tomando espaço no Brasil, incrementando a parcela de consumidores que procura alimentos mais seguros no mercado. Nesse contexto, os objetivos desta pesquisa foram identificar os segmentos de consumidores mais suscetíveis ao consumo de frutas, legumes e verduras (FLVs) com resíduos de agrotóxicos no Brasil e avaliar como os gestores do setor varejista vêm explorando as oportunidades emergentes relacionadas à dinâmica dessa demanda. Inicialmente, um estudo quantitativo explorou dados de 18 FLVs e de seis categorias de rendimentos familiares, com o objetivo de verificar o consumo de alimentos potencialmente contaminados por resíduos de agrotóxicos, conforme as classes socioeconômicas brasileiras no ano de 2009. Isso se deu a partir de dados de consumo de produtos alimentícios fornecidos pelo IBGE e de resíduos de pesticidas em alimentos publicados pela Anvisa. Aos resultados preliminares, foram acrescentados dados das estratégias do mercado varejista na oferta de FLVs mais inócuos. Para essa etapa, foi utilizada uma metodologia de pesquisa do tipo qualitativa, na qual 10 especialistas no tema de pesquisa foram questionados sobre como esse setor explora o mercado de frutas e hortaliças seguras em relação a essa contaminação. Os resultados encontrados na primeira fase do trabalho indicaram que os brasileiros de classes econômicas mais elevadas estão mais expostos ao consumo de resíduos de agrotóxicos presentes em FLVs. Muitas dessas substâncias são potencialmente danosas à saúde, incluindo características carcinogênicas em seus efeitos crônicos. Na segunda etapa, os agentes consultados evidenciaram a predominância da oferta de FLVs orgânicos pelo varejo brasileiro como uma alternativa pertinente, com menor risco de contaminação com resíduos de agrotóxicos. Porém, a ênfase no baixo preço dos alimentos ofertados pode restringir a oferta de FLVs orgânicos. Além disso, houve pouca e nenhuma referência dos especialistas, respectivamente, à certificação de FLVs pelo sistema de produção integrada e ao sistema de agricultura de precisão como alternativas viáveis para a oferta de FLVs seguros em relação a resíduos de agrotóxicos. Esses resultados são contrastantes com o contexto fiscalizador que vem se desenvolvendo sobre o varejo por parte das autoridades, em vista de oferta de alimentos seguros, o que oportunizaria um ambiente favorável à expansão do varejo de FLVs seguros do ponto de vista dos contaminantes agroquímicos. / The disclosure of the existence of pesticide residues in food has gained space in Brazil, thus increasing the number of consumers who seek for safer food in the market. In such context, this research aimed at identifying the segments of consumers who are more likely to consume fruits and vegetables with pesticide residues in Brazil, and assessing the way that retail managers have explored the opportunities emerging from such demand. A quantitative study initially surveyed data about 18 fruits and vegetables and six categories of family income, aiming at verifying the consumption of food partially contaminated with pesticide residues, according to the Brazilian socioeconomic classification in 2009. This was based on both IBGE data about food consumption and Anvisa data about pesticide residues found in food. Data about retail strategies to offer more innocuous fruits and vegetables were then added to those preliminary results. At this stage, a qualitative methodology was adopted, and 10 experts were questioned about the ways that this sector has explored the market of safe fruits and vegetables considering such contamination. The results found in the first phase of this work pointed out that upper class Brazilians have been more exposed to the consumption of pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables. A number of such chemicals are potentially harmful to health, including carcinogenic characteristics among their chronic effects. At the second stage, the agents consulted evidenced the prevalence of the offer of organic fruits and vegetables by the Brazilian retail industry as a pertinent alternative, with lower risk of contamination with pesticide residues. However, the emphasis on the low price of food may limit the offer of organic fruits and vegetables. Furthermore, there was little and none reference by the experts concerning fruit and vegetable certification provided, respectively, by the integrated production system and the precision agriculture system as viable alternatives to offering safe fruits and vegetables in terms of pesticides residues. Such results are in contrast to the control that has been developed by authorities over retail to offer safe food, which would favor the expansion of safe fruit and vegetable retail regarding chemical contaminants.

A divulgação sobre a existência de resíduos de agrotóxicos em alimentos vem tomando espaço no Brasil, incrementando a parcela de consumidores que procura alimentos mais seguros no mercado. Nesse contexto, os objetivos desta pesquisa foram identificar os segmentos de consumidores mais suscetíveis ao consumo de frutas, legumes e verduras (FLVs) com resíduos de agrotóxicos no Brasil e avaliar como os gestores do setor varejista vêm explorando as oportunidades emergentes relacionadas à dinâmica dessa demanda. Inicialmente, um estudo quantitativo explorou dados de 18 FLVs e de seis categorias de rendimentos familiares, com o objetivo de verificar o consumo de alimentos potencialmente contaminados por resíduos de agrotóxicos, conforme as classes socioeconômicas brasileiras no ano de 2009. Isso se deu a partir de dados de consumo de produtos alimentícios fornecidos pelo IBGE e de resíduos de pesticidas em alimentos publicados pela Anvisa. Aos resultados preliminares, foram acrescentados dados das estratégias do mercado varejista na oferta de FLVs mais inócuos. Para essa etapa, foi utilizada uma metodologia de pesquisa do tipo qualitativa, na qual 10 especialistas no tema de pesquisa foram questionados sobre como esse setor explora o mercado de frutas e hortaliças seguras em relação a essa contaminação. Os resultados encontrados na primeira fase do trabalho indicaram que os brasileiros de classes econômicas mais elevadas estão mais expostos ao consumo de resíduos de agrotóxicos presentes em FLVs. Muitas dessas substâncias são potencialmente danosas à saúde, incluindo características carcinogênicas em seus efeitos crônicos. Na segunda etapa, os agentes consultados evidenciaram a predominância da oferta de FLVs orgânicos pelo varejo brasileiro como uma alternativa pertinente, com menor risco de contaminação com resíduos de agrotóxicos. Porém, a ênfase no baixo preço dos alimentos ofertados pode restringir a oferta de FLVs orgânicos. Além disso, houve pouca e nenhuma referência dos especialistas, respectivamente, à certificação de FLVs pelo sistema de produção integrada e ao sistema de agricultura de precisão como alternativas viáveis para a oferta de FLVs seguros em relação a resíduos de agrotóxicos. Esses resultados são contrastantes com o contexto fiscalizador que vem se desenvolvendo sobre o varejo por parte das autoridades, em vista de oferta de alimentos seguros, o que oportunizaria um ambiente favorável à expansão do varejo de FLVs seguros do ponto de vista dos contaminantes agroquímicos. / The disclosure of the existence of pesticide residues in food has gained space in Brazil, thus increasing the number of consumers who seek for safer food in the market. In such context, this research aimed at identifying the segments of consumers who are more likely to consume fruits and vegetables with pesticide residues in Brazil, and assessing the way that retail managers have explored the opportunities emerging from such demand. A quantitative study initially surveyed data about 18 fruits and vegetables and six categories of family income, aiming at verifying the consumption of food partially contaminated with pesticide residues, according to the Brazilian socioeconomic classification in 2009. This was based on both IBGE data about food consumption and Anvisa data about pesticide residues found in food. Data about retail strategies to offer more innocuous fruits and vegetables were then added to those preliminary results. At this stage, a qualitative methodology was adopted, and 10 experts were questioned about the ways that this sector has explored the market of safe fruits and vegetables considering such contamination. The results found in the first phase of this work pointed out that upper class Brazilians have been more exposed to the consumption of pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables. A number of such chemicals are potentially harmful to health, including carcinogenic characteristics among their chronic effects. At the second stage, the agents consulted evidenced the prevalence of the offer of organic fruits and vegetables by the Brazilian retail industry as a pertinent alternative, with lower risk of contamination with pesticide residues. However, the emphasis on the low price of food may limit the offer of organic fruits and vegetables. Furthermore, there was little and none reference by the experts concerning fruit and vegetable certification provided, respectively, by the integrated production system and the precision agriculture system as viable alternatives to offering safe fruits and vegetables in terms of pesticides residues. Such results are in contrast to the control that has been developed by authorities over retail to offer safe food, which would favor the expansion of safe fruit and vegetable retail regarding chemical contaminants.

A divulgação sobre a existência de resíduos de agrotóxicos em alimentos vem tomando espaço no Brasil, incrementando a parcela de consumidores que procura alimentos mais seguros no mercado. Nesse contexto, os objetivos desta pesquisa foram identificar os segmentos de consumidores mais suscetíveis ao consumo de frutas, legumes e verduras (FLVs) com resíduos de agrotóxicos no Brasil e avaliar como os gestores do setor varejista vêm explorando as oportunidades emergentes relacionadas à dinâmica dessa demanda. Inicialmente, um estudo quantitativo explorou dados de 18 FLVs e de seis categorias de rendimentos familiares, com o objetivo de verificar o consumo de alimentos potencialmente contaminados por resíduos de agrotóxicos, conforme as classes socioeconômicas brasileiras no ano de 2009. Isso se deu a partir de dados de consumo de produtos alimentícios fornecidos pelo IBGE e de resíduos de pesticidas em alimentos publicados pela Anvisa. Aos resultados preliminares, foram acrescentados dados das estratégias do mercado varejista na oferta de FLVs mais inócuos. Para essa etapa, foi utilizada uma metodologia de pesquisa do tipo qualitativa, na qual 10 especialistas no tema de pesquisa foram questionados sobre como esse setor explora o mercado de frutas e hortaliças seguras em relação a essa contaminação. Os resultados encontrados na primeira fase do trabalho indicaram que os brasileiros de classes econômicas mais elevadas estão mais expostos ao consumo de resíduos de agrotóxicos presentes em FLVs. Muitas dessas substâncias são potencialmente danosas à saúde, incluindo características carcinogênicas em seus efeitos crônicos. Na segunda etapa, os agentes consultados evidenciaram a predominância da oferta de FLVs orgânicos pelo varejo brasileiro como uma alternativa pertinente, com menor risco de contaminação com resíduos de agrotóxicos. Porém, a ênfase no baixo preço dos alimentos ofertados pode restringir a oferta de FLVs orgânicos. Além disso, houve pouca e nenhuma referência dos especialistas, respectivamente, à certificação de FLVs pelo sistema de produção integrada e ao sistema de agricultura de precisão como alternativas viáveis para a oferta de FLVs seguros em relação a resíduos de agrotóxicos. Esses resultados são contrastantes com o contexto fiscalizador que vem se desenvolvendo sobre o varejo por parte das autoridades, em vista de oferta de alimentos seguros, o que oportunizaria um ambiente favorável à expansão do varejo de FLVs seguros do ponto de vista dos contaminantes agroquímicos. / The disclosure of the existence of pesticide residues in food has gained space in Brazil, thus increasing the number of consumers who seek for safer food in the market. In such context, this research aimed at identifying the segments of consumers who are more likely to consume fruits and vegetables with pesticide residues in Brazil, and assessing the way that retail managers have explored the opportunities emerging from such demand. A quantitative study initially surveyed data about 18 fruits and vegetables and six categories of family income, aiming at verifying the consumption of food partially contaminated with pesticide residues, according to the Brazilian socioeconomic classification in 2009. This was based on both IBGE data about food consumption and Anvisa data about pesticide residues found in food. Data about retail strategies to offer more innocuous fruits and vegetables were then added to those preliminary results. At this stage, a qualitative methodology was adopted, and 10 experts were questioned about the ways that this sector has explored the market of safe fruits and vegetables considering such contamination. The results found in the first phase of this work pointed out that upper class Brazilians have been more exposed to the consumption of pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables. A number of such chemicals are potentially harmful to health, including carcinogenic characteristics among their chronic effects. At the second stage, the agents consulted evidenced the prevalence of the offer of organic fruits and vegetables by the Brazilian retail industry as a pertinent alternative, with lower risk of contamination with pesticide residues. However, the emphasis on the low price of food may limit the offer of organic fruits and vegetables. Furthermore, there was little and none reference by the experts concerning fruit and vegetable certification provided, respectively, by the integrated production system and the precision agriculture system as viable alternatives to offering safe fruits and vegetables in terms of pesticides residues. Such results are in contrast to the control that has been developed by authorities over retail to offer safe food, which would favor the expansion of safe fruit and vegetable retail regarding chemical contaminants.

M. Tech. (Department of Logistics Management, Faculty of Management Sciences), Vaal University of Technology. / The importance of the food retail industry and its role in stimulating economic growth and ensuring food availability as the final actor in the food supply chain in many countries is well documented in literature. This stands true in the case of Zimbabwe, where the industry has grown tremendously to become a significant contributor to the gross domestic product through employment creation, tax contributions and infrastructural development. Despite these contributions, the industry faces challenges in the form of supply chain risks. This is primarily due to the nature of the retail supply chain in Zimbabwe where over two-thirds of the products sold are imported. This forms the basis of this study which seeks to understand how supply chain risk management in food retail firms impacts on firm operational performance. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the relationships between supply chain risk management and operational performance in the food retail industry in Harare, Zimbabwe. To achieve the study’s aim, several variables were considered; namely, supply chain risk management, supply chain risk information sharing, and supply chain risk analysis and assessment, supply chain risk-sharing mechanisms and operational performance. The study followed a quantitative research approach based on a positivist paradigm. A total of 264 food retail firm owners, managers and professional employees who possess knowledge on supply chain risk management in Harare were selected using a non-probability, purposive sampling technique. Data were then collected using a close-ended survey questionnaire which was developed using adapted measurement scales. The collected data were analysed using the Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS version 25.0) and the Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS version 25.0) statistical software. The applied data analysis techniques included descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. Inferential statistics used two approaches, namely, Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). The EFA tested for the factor structure of the collected data, whereas SEM tested for both psychometric properties of measurement scales and the relationships in the proposed hypotheses. The results of the study showed that supply chain risk management has a direct and significant relationship with both supply chain risk information sharing and supply chain risk analysis and assessment. Supply chain risk analysis and assessment yielded a positive and significant relationship with supply chain risk-sharing mechanisms. The relationship between supply chain risk analysis and assessment and supply chain risk-sharing mechanisms was significant but weak. Supply chain risk-sharing mechanisms had a strong and positive relationship with operational performance. There was, however, no significant direct relationship between supply chain risk management and operational performance. Insights gained from this study have merit from both theoretical and practical perspectives. Theoretically, the study provides an understanding of some driving factors to supply chain risk management, supply chain risk-sharing information sharing, supply chain risk analysis and assessment, supply chain risk-sharing mechanisms and operational performance within the food retail industry in Zimbabwe. Since there is limited evidence of similar previous studies in Zimbabwean food retail firms, the results are an essential addition to the existing body of literature within the area of supply chain management and supply chain risk management in the context of a developing country. From a management perspective, the study suggests specific recommendations that should be implemented for the optimisation of all five constructs.

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2002. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Ongoing business sustainability today is one of the major issues facing the management of organizations. How to remain in the profit zone, that area where a company will be allowed to make high profit in its industry, is a constant challenge. Continued profitability in a fast changing industry, where the profit zone moves as competitors offer the same solutions, requires constant innovation, implementation of new ideas and heavy financial commitments. The key is to identify clear and rational business design choices that are responsive to customers and that will ensure profitability. This document will illustrate how the four major food retail companies in South Africa, and their visionary leaders, have reinvented their business designs in ways that kept or returned them to the profit zone. Shoprite's target market is the middle to lower income group. The company has built up core competencies within its business to serve this segment. There are currently a number of issues facing Shoprite's core market, and as a result the company is diversifying its income streams to be less dependant on a vulnerable target market. . The visionary leadership of Raymond Ackerman, who applied principles of customer sovereignty long before his peers, has resulted in one of the best-run companies in South Africa. Pick 'n Pay's ability lies within the middle to upper segment of the market. The company has built its business on one core element - the customer, and has adapted the company business design to meet the needs of the customer and capture value . .Spars' philosophy of giving the small retailer the power to compete with the larger retailer, who buys in bulk, has proved to be a successful formula and is threatening the traditional hierarchy. Owners who are in close contact to customers have the flexibility to align their businesses with the customer requirements. 'Woolworths has one of the strongest brands in the South African retail industry. However, the company has in recent years been in serious trouble having lost its way because it lost touch with its customers. Concentrating back on the core customers and building back confidence in its goods, have taken considerable focus. Each of the business designs are built on a deep understanding of what the customer needs are of the target market they serve and how they will be allowed to make a profit. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Een van die grootste knelpunte vir organisasies vandag is volhoubare besigheidsbestuur. Die uitdaging is om in die area te bly waar die organisasie toegelaat sal word om hoë wins te maak. Voortgesette winsgewendheid in 'n industrie waar die wins area veskuif as gevolg van mededingers wat oplossings naboots, vereis voortdurende vernuwing en strawwe finansiële verpligtinge. Die sleutel is om duidelike en rasionele besigheidsontwerpbesluite te neem wat kliente behoeftes aanspreek en wat na 'n wins sal lei. Hierdie dokument beskryf hoe die vier groot voedselhandelaars en hulle leiers hul besighede herontwerp het sodat hulle winsgewend kan bly. Shoprite se teiken mark is die middel - tot lae inkomste groep. Die firma het kern bevoegdhede binne sy besigheid ontwikkel om hierdie segment te bedien. Shoprite diversifeer huidiglik sy inkomste stroom as gevolg van die kwesbaarheid van sy teiken mark. Pick 'n Pay word as een van Suid Afrika se beste bestuurde firmas beskou. Die sukses word toegeskryf aan die leierskap van Raymond Ackerman wat die beginsels van kliënte soewereiniteit lank voor sy portuurgroep geïmplimenteer het. Pick 'n Pay se fokus is die middel - tot hoë inkomste groep. Die firma is op een kern element gebou, die kliënt, en sy besigheids ontwerp is aangepas om die behoeftes van die kliënt te bevredig. Spar se filosofie is om die kleiner handelaar in 'n posisie te stel om met die groot handelaar, wat in grootrnaat aankoop, te kan meeding. Die groei wat Spar toon bedreig die traditionele hiërargie en bewys die sukses van hierdie formule. Winkel eienaars wat noue kontak met kliënte het, kan hulle besighede aanpas om in kliënte se behoeftes te voorsien. Woolworths het een van die sterkste handelsmerke in die Suid Afrikaanse handels industrie. Die firma was in die laaste paar jaar in groot moeilikheid omdat hy tred verloor het met sy kliënte. Deur weer te konsentreer op die kern kliënt en om vertroue op te bou in sy goedere het beduidende fokus vereis. Elk van die besigheids ontwerpe is gebou op 'n intieme begrip van die behoeftes van die teiken mark wat bedien word en hoe die firma toegelaat sal word om 'n wins te maak.

Research question: What initiatives does Lidl Sweden implement in the area of environmental sustainability?                          Purpose: The purpose of this research is to investigate what initiatives Lidl has developed and how the company implemented its corporate social responsibility in the direction of environmental sustainability. The purpose is also to compare the company’s activities with the guidelines of the EU Environment Commission and theoretical frameworks developed by previous research, and, as the result, to provide recommendations to the Lidl management. As well the purpose is to review the general improvement patterns within the food retail industry. Method: The research is made by using a qualitative method with a deductive approach. In order to present quality information in the study, a case design was chosen. The empirical analysis includes four interview transcriptions, secondary data and documentation, as well as a comparison to the theoretical concepts in the descriptive analysis. Conclusion: The responsibility and awareness of the improvement of the environmental sustainability is vital in the food retail industry. Indeed, it was found that aspects such as product and supplier’s control, the use of resources, transportation and distribution, as well as waste management and information communication to the employees and customers are considered as important aspects of the contribution for the environmental impact reduction. Lidl Sweden has developed and implemented some initiatives towards environmental sustainability, as well regarding the corporate social responsibility. However, there are some suggested actions that can be taken in order to excel the development.

Title: A quantitative study extending the understanding regarding the influence of sales promotion on brand knowledge   Background: Sales promotion is a marketing communication activity that aims to promote a purchase, usage or trial of a particular brand. Sales promotion activities can provide significant benefits and incentives that could help the brand to differentiate from competitors and can contribute to the consumer’s brand knowledge. Prior to this thesis, there has been little attempt to integrate research to determine the relationship between the use of sales promotions and brand knowledge, which is why this study intends to extend the existent understanding. Purpose: The aim of this study is to extend the understanding regarding the relationship between sales promotion and brand knowledge and its drivers. Research questions: R1: What influence does monetary promotions have on brand awareness? R2: What influence does monetary promotions have on brand image? R3: What influence does non-monetary promotions have on brand awareness? R4: What influence does non-monetary promotions have on brand image? Hypotheses: H1: Monetary promotions of a brand influence brand awareness H2: Non-monetary promotions of a brand influence brand awareness H3: Monetary promotions of a brand influence brand image H4: Non-monetary promotions of a brand influence brand image   Methodology: In order to test the hypotheses a quantitative research approach was conducted and a questionnaire was used to collect data from Swedish consumers, the data was analyzed in the IBM SPSS program to find out if the hypotheses was supported or rejected.   Conclusions: H1,H3 and H4: May from this study be supported. H2: May from this study be rejected.