Thesis (Ph. D.)--Florida State University, 2004. / Advisor: Dr. Susan Fiorito, Florida State University, College of Human Sciences, Dept. of Textiles and Consumer Sciences. Title and description from dissertation home page (viewed Sept. 28, 2004). Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis--University of Minnesota, 1925. / Vita. Running title: Rural trade centers and farm supplies.

Thesis (M.B.A.)--University of Hong Kong, 1996. / Includes bibliographical references (leaf [103-104]).

Thesis (M.B.A.)--University of Hong Kong, 1993. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 62-65).

Thesis (M.Arch.)--University of Hong Kong, 1996. / Includes bibliographical references. Also available in print.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Florida State University, 2006. / Advisor: Leisa Flynn, Florida State University, College of Business, Dept. of Marketing. Title and description from dissertation home page (viewed Sept. 19, 2006). Document formatted into pages; contains xiii, 129 pages. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M. Com.)--University of Canterbury, 2006. / Typescript (photocopy). <a href='http://webapps.libr.canterbury.ac.nz/webdb/request.php?bib=1031908'>Online request form</a> Includes bibliographical references (leaves 119-126).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1994. / Vita. Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 118-127). Also available via the Internet.

M.Comm. / The first objective of this study is to determine the techniques appropriate for building customer relations. The second objective of this study is to establish the guidelines necessary for improving customer relations. The third objective is to establish the levels of relationships that have taken place between the respective manufacturing and customer (retail) companies under study. The fourth objective is to discover if any best practices with regards to relationship building can be identified. Restrictions/Limitations The study under focus relates only to a small sample in the South African economy. Although one could probably use the findings as a representative sample, a more valid statistical measure will be gleaned from a larger sample. Unfortunately little research has been reported on relationship marketing in South Africa in recent years. A report by Jordaan et. al. (1997) was released on key account management, which is an instrument to successful marketing relationships. In fact, no concrete conclusions have been drawn with regards to South African companies' channel relationship positions between suppliers and customers. Due to the latter, the research study has been of an exploratory nature. The hypothesis put forward, together with the research study, will serve as an excellent cornerstone for further research developments. Research methodology Part One: Theory Information for this study has been collected by making use of the following ways. Firstly information concerning the development of customer relations from the pre 1960's, was retrieved from a product manager at Unilever, by means of an interview. Secondly, information was captured from published and unpublished literature about the development of the concept of relationship marketing and its rightful place within the general field of marketing. Information concerning techniques, guidelines and best practices for relationship/partnership building, have been extracted from various literature sources. Part Two: Empirical study An empirical study has been undertaken to determine to what extent South African fast moving consumer goods companies have progressed towards a synergistic partnership between supplier and customer. The information was collected by means of an unstructured questionnaire directed at the following five focus group companies, namely, Cadbury's/Schweppes, Coca-Cola, Nestle, National Brands and Unilever.

Franchising has become the latest trend in business expansion and business acquisition and with the South African franchising market estimated at being around 12% and growing rapidly, enormous potential for future growth is indicated. Companies both local and international are seeking franchise expansion opportunities in Africa despite the higher risks. The significance of implementing franchises into Africa is the filtering down of business opportunities to the small and medium enterprise sector. It can be said that franchising promotes business growth and private ownership, while improving the quality of life of the poor through its impact on income and employment. A franchise organisation that grows too quickly might not have the necessary ‘factors’ in place to support all of the units properly. In the survey conducted, it was indicated that the franchise business practice echoed the literature reviewed. All the steps necessary to establish a franchise are important but not necessarily as equal. The more matured franchisee needed less guidance from the franchisor and relied more on the business concept and location. Potential franchisors need to take the necessary steps to establish a franchise and treat each step as an important part of the franchise process.