<p>Purpose - The purpose of the research is to study how category management is implemented by Chinese Lianhua supermarket. Design/methodology/approach - This paper is adopted a single case study of qualitative ap-proach with explanatory and exploratory design as our research strategy. The method of the re-search is developed by the following three steps: (1) based on the previous literature, we elaborate category management background, its definition, explain category management process, analyze its demand side and the benefits it brings to retailers; (2) according to the above literature and theories, we create a working model which combines category management and its demand-driven side feature (i.e. customer focus, category management collaboration and strategic retailing positioning) in order to analyze the implementation of category management in Chinese super-market retailing; (3) we find a Chinese supermarket that is carrying out category management and conduct a case study based on it. With consideration of the working model, we explain how cate-gory management is implemented in the supermarket, find barrier and challenges during the im-plementation and make the corresponding suggestions to the current situation. The case study is based on interviews with major representatives from Lianhua supermarket and one of its suppli-ers in order to achieve insight into the essence of the problem. Findings and analysis - The implementation of category management in Lianhua supermarket includes “strong outlet” strategy aiming to deal with the supermarket development in a fierce competitive environment. Besides, Lianhua supermarket closely carries out the category management process and adapts the process according to its own positioning. Insufficient systems to support the implementation of category management, collaboration with suppliers is still on the fence, lack of internal managerial techniques and conflicts between category concentration and customers’ personalized shopping are the major barriers and challenges facing to Lianhua supermarket during its implementation of category management. Authors suggest Lianhua supermarket to invest IT resources, establish win-win strategic relationship, enhance top management commitment, improve internal collaboration and improve category performance measures. Research limitations – This research only restricts insights of category management on single case and specific geographical location. As for whether the research is also applied to other industry, the researched hasn’t been concerned and needs further research. The case study in the research is conducted only from retailer’s point of view. Findings obtained from the interviews are mostly from Lianhua supermarket side. The inadequate interview from supplier side is a clear limitation of the study, but it leaves an interest for future research.</p>

<p>This thesis summarises the work performed within the project known as ICE-COOL at the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) on low tem-perature applications of ice slurry. The ICE-COOL project is a Euro-pean Community funded project within the 5th Framework Program. The task given to KTH was to find and characterize the best possible aqueous solution with a freezing point of -25 °C applicable for ice slurry with an operating temperature of -35 °C. The circumstances differ for low temperature ice slurry from medium temperature as a result of for example the change in thermo-physical properties due to increased addi-tive concentration and the lower temperature.</p><p>Ice slurry is a mixture of fine ice crystals, water and freezing point de-pressant additives. The typical ice crystal size ranges between 0.1 to 1 mm in diameter. The main purpose of using ice slurries is to take advan-tage of the latent heat. More than a few requirements are to be fulfilled by an ideal ice slurry fluid. It should have good thermo-physical proper-ties, high heat transport and transfer abilities, as well as low pressure drop to facilitate small pumping power. The ice content of ice slurry af-fects all the mentioned abilities. Apart from the mentioned factors of the fluid, there are other aspects that have to be taken into consideration such as environmental pollution and toxicity, flammability, material compatibility, corrosion, handling security and cost.</p><p>This thesis reports on the experiences accomplished and the initial ex-periments performed on low temperature ice slurry. The thesis also gives the background and fundamentals necessary for a discussion and com-parison of different aqueous fluids suitable for ice slurry in general and for low temperature in particular. In addition to the low temperature ap-plication, the thesis also reports on an initial energy consumption com-parison between using ice slurry and single-phase fluid in supermarkets by means of the simulation program CyberMart developed by Jaime Arias at the Department of Energy Technology at KTH.</p>

A case study has been done at Dynapac Compaction Equipment AB in Karlskrona in order to improve the internal flow of the production. The “Supermarket Storage”, an adjoining storage that feed material to the lean production in the “Z-line” assembly line with the help of kitting, was chosen to be focused during the optimization of the internal flow. Also, due to the little academic research about kitting it was decided to focus the research on the kitting process and identify how to optimize it. The purpose of the research is to determine optimization methods of a kitting process and fill in the gap in the subject field about kitting optimization. Given the research time limit, the focus was only on the kitting process in the Supermarket Storage and no optimization could change the storage’s layout. This resulted in three research question that will be investigated in the thesis.  Which common approaches exist when it comes to optimizing a kitting process?  What is the result of each optimizing method in the time aspect?  When should an optimization method be used, compared to the other methods that will be tested in this research? In order to solve these questions, was a needfinding process used in order to identify the kitting process current problems and the needs of the employees. With this, three optimization methods were identified and selected to be used to optimize the kitting process; optimization of routing, optimization of family grouping and optimization of an electronic system. The optimization of routing focused on the route that the kitters travel and the optimization of the family grouping focused on the article distribution in the Supermarket Storage; there each kitting operation’s articles should be stored in the same zone. Finally, the optimization of the electronic system, investigated the possibility to utilize a pick to scan system with the kitting process. Each optimization was implemented in different field experiment in order to identify how each optimization affected the kitting process. This resulted in that each optimization had improved the kitting process time efficiency and the electronic system had the biggest impact. Some other results were also observed during the experiments. The route optimization improved the learning curve of the kitting process and the family grouping optimization decreased the bottlenecks in kitting process. The electronic system optimization also implemented new benefits that resulted in a profit 2.5 times the cost of the system. Some of the benefits include removal of unneeded processes, quality control of the kitting process and statistics gathering that can be used to improve the process in the future. These results imply that all three optimization methods can be used in order to improve the time efficiency of a kitting process in a similar storage layout. The routing optimization should be used in a kitting operation with a high rotation of new kitters. The family grouping should be used in a kiting process with bottlenecks in the process and low organization of the article distribution. Ultimately, the electronic system optimization should be used in a kitting process that has unneeded processes and has the need of new tools that the electronic system can implement.

With tighter regulations on the use of Hydroflurocarbons (HFCs) due to their high GWP (Global Warming Potential), many supermarket operators are looking for alternative refrigerants. To contribute to this, the objectives of this thesis are to investigate the practicality, environmental benefits and economic viability of an all-CO2 transcritical refrigeration system suitable for small supermarkets. Whilst the environmental benefits of using CO2 as a refrigerant are clear, there is rather limited practical and technical knowledge on the design and operation of these systems. In this work, simulation models of a transcritical ‘booster’ CO2 refrigeration system have been developed to investigate and evaluate its performance against that of a traditional HFC system. The models were verified using test results from an experimental CO2 system built at Brunel University. To evaluate the performance of the CO2 refrigeration system in the field, energy data from a real supermarket employing a HFC refrigeration system was used for energy simulations. The results demonstrate that the annual energy consumption of the CO2 refrigeration system in a small supermarket in Northern Ireland would be equivalent to that of a typical HFC refrigeration system. However, the low GWP of CO2 will result in a 50% reduction in the combined direct and indirect CO2 emissions over the operational life of the system assuming an annual leakage rate of 15%. Northern Ireland has a high number of small supermarkets due to its rural population, approximately 615. The CO2 system presented in this research could replace the existing R404A systems in these small supermarkets resulting in emissions reduction of up to 188,752 tCO2e. This research has developed selection techniques and criteria to be considered by supermarket designers and operators when developing national strategies for the eventual phase-out of HFC refrigerants in all supermarket sizes. The validated simulation models developed in this research combined with the detailed geographical and refrigeration load ratio analysis presented, will provide valuable information that will assist system designers and operators in the efficient design and optimisation of CO2 technology for small supermarkets.

Η μελέτη αυτή ασχολείται με τη λήψη αποφάσεων για τη χωροθέτηση εγκαταστάσεων μιας επιχείρησης, βάσει διαφόρων κριτηρίων, με τη χρήση των Γ.Π.Σ. και του μαθηματικού προγραμματισμού (όπως το μοντέλο παλινδρόμησης). Συγκεκριμένα, αναφέρεται στον κλάδο των supermarkets, σε μοντέλα και θεωρίες για χωροθέτηση και εφαρμόζει το μοντέλο C.F.L.D.P. σε ένα πρόβλημα πραγματικών στοιχείων. / This study deals with decision making for facility location problems, with different criterias, using G.I.S. and mathimatical programming (e.g. the regression model). It is actually refering to the supermarket sector, models and theories for location problems and it applies thw C.F.L.D.P. model to a real data problem.

Purpose - The purpose of the research is to study how category management is implemented by Chinese Lianhua supermarket. Design/methodology/approach - This paper is adopted a single case study of qualitative ap-proach with explanatory and exploratory design as our research strategy. The method of the re-search is developed by the following three steps: (1) based on the previous literature, we elaborate category management background, its definition, explain category management process, analyze its demand side and the benefits it brings to retailers; (2) according to the above literature and theories, we create a working model which combines category management and its demand-driven side feature (i.e. customer focus, category management collaboration and strategic retailing positioning) in order to analyze the implementation of category management in Chinese super-market retailing; (3) we find a Chinese supermarket that is carrying out category management and conduct a case study based on it. With consideration of the working model, we explain how cate-gory management is implemented in the supermarket, find barrier and challenges during the im-plementation and make the corresponding suggestions to the current situation. The case study is based on interviews with major representatives from Lianhua supermarket and one of its suppli-ers in order to achieve insight into the essence of the problem. Findings and analysis - The implementation of category management in Lianhua supermarket includes “strong outlet” strategy aiming to deal with the supermarket development in a fierce competitive environment. Besides, Lianhua supermarket closely carries out the category management process and adapts the process according to its own positioning. Insufficient systems to support the implementation of category management, collaboration with suppliers is still on the fence, lack of internal managerial techniques and conflicts between category concentration and customers’ personalized shopping are the major barriers and challenges facing to Lianhua supermarket during its implementation of category management. Authors suggest Lianhua supermarket to invest IT resources, establish win-win strategic relationship, enhance top management commitment, improve internal collaboration and improve category performance measures. Research limitations – This research only restricts insights of category management on single case and specific geographical location. As for whether the research is also applied to other industry, the researched hasn’t been concerned and needs further research. The case study in the research is conducted only from retailer’s point of view. Findings obtained from the interviews are mostly from Lianhua supermarket side. The inadequate interview from supplier side is a clear limitation of the study, but it leaves an interest for future research.

Esta tese descreve a visão dos supermercadistas sobre as relações comerciais com fornecedores. O objetivo é identificar os fatores determinantes desse relacionamento de modo a compreender a gestão de compras das principais redes de supermercado no que diz respeito à seleção dos fornecedores, às atividades de valor que são exercidas em conjunto e aos principais aspectos relacionados à comercialização de marcas líderes. A metodologia do estudo fundamenta-se em duas grandes etapas que se complementam. A primeira refere-se ao levantamento bibliográfico e pesquisa em dados secundários, cujo objetivo era cobrir o referencial teórico de forma abrangente e conhecer os trabalhos já realizados anteriormente. Na segunda etapa foram realizados estudos de caso junto a três principais redes supermercadistas brasileiras que detêm grande parte das vendas do setor, utilizando-se da metodologia exploratória com entrevistas em profundidade. O trabalho oferece detalhes relevantes que apontam para a possibilidade de aperfeiçoamento das relações comerciais entre os supermercadistas e seus fornecedores ao apresentar os fatores determinantes de um forte, duradouro e profícuo relacionamento. No entanto, pontos distintos trazidos pelo estudo mostram que alguns varejistas possuem um maior número de cláusulas em seus contratos de fornecimento que outros, revelando a ausência de padronização. Tal aspecto mostra a existência de condições para que os instrumentos propostos nas teorias convertam-se em novos e importantes determinantes. / This thesis describes a retailing supermarket’s view about its commercial relations with suppliers. The objective of this study is to identify determining factors of this relationship in order to understand the management of purchasing of the main supermarket chains as far as their choice of suppliers, the value activities that take place and the main aspects related to commercializing top brands. The methodology of this study is derived from two steps that are complementary. The first one is founded on bibliographic research and secondary data, whose objective is to cover the theories thoroughly and also to learn from prior studies performed about this subject. The second step comes from case studies performed on three major retailing supermarket chains in Brazil that have a great market share in their sector, which was done through an exploratory research methodology that included careful interviews. This study offers revealing details about improving the commercial relations between retailing supermarkets and their suppliers given to the determining factors that are presented of a strong and long-lasting relationship. There are, however, distinct points brought up by this study that show that some retailers have a greater number of clauses in their supply contracts than others do, and therefore proving that there is a lack of standardization. This aspect proves that it is possible for some instruments proposed by the theories to become new and important determinants.

This paper will provide a comprehensive account of the making of the University of New Orleans Graduate Thesis film The Cobbler and the Diamond. The first part will cover the filmmaker’s intentions, the development of the story, and the screenwriting process. The second part will break down the preproduction and planning phase, with an emphasis on the collaborations between the director and other members of the film’s cast, crew, and other concerned parties. The third part will describe the seven-day shoot of The Cobbler and the Diamond, the fourth will cover post production, and the fifth and final part will evaluate the success of the finished work, both as a fulfillment of the initial intentions of the filmmaker, and as a work of art in its own right.

[pt] Diferenças nas preferências de consumo podem resultar de atributos da loja ou do estilo de atendimento prestado ao consumidor, mas também podem advir de experiências passadas ou de valores pessoais do indivíduo. A correta percepção dos efeitos que influenciam as preferências de compra traz positivas implicações para as práticas de marketing, pois um melhor conhecimento dos consumidores permite que se promova uma comunicação mais adequada ao mercado ou a segmentos deste, maximizando os resultados dos esforços de marketing. O coorte - conjunto de indivíduos que amadureceram em um mesmo ambiente, com experiências de vida semelhantes - é marcado pelas condições que prevaleceram em períodos críticos no ciclo de vida de seus membros. Através da análise de coorte é possível identificar os efeitos da pertença a um coorte nas atitudes de compra dos consumidores. Neste estudo, o método de análise de coorte é aplicado ao setor de supermercados. Desse modo, possibilitará a este setor um melhor conhecimento das atitudes de compra de seus consumidores, podendo abordá-los com maior eficácia. / [en] Not only can differences in the consumption preferences be a result of the influence of some attributes of the store and the style of attendance given to the consumer, but they can also happen as a consequence of the last experiences or personal values of the individual. The correct perception of the effects that influence purchasing preferences brings positive skills to marketing due to a better knowledge of consumers, which promotes a more adequate communication with the market, maximizing marketing efforts´results. Cohort - a group of individuals that had grown in the same environment, with similar life experiences - is defined by the conditions that have continuously happened during critical periods in its members´life. Through the analysis of cohort in the customers´attitudes of purchase, it is possible to identify the influence of belonging to a group on the purchasing behavior. In this study, the analysis of cohort is applied to the supermarket industry. Therefore, it will provide that industry a better understanding of its consumers´purchasing attitudes, making it easier to approach them with a higher level of effectiveness. / [es] Diferencias en las preferencias de consumo pueden ser resultado de atributos del establecimiento o del estilo de trato al consumidor, pero también puede proceder de experiencias pasadas o de valores personales del individuo. Una percepción correcta de los efectos que mas influyen en las preferencias de compra trae implicaciones positivas para las prácticas de marketing; ya que un mejor conocimiento de los consumidores permite promover una comunicación más adecuada al mercado o segmentos de mercado, maximizando los resultados de los esfuerzos de marketing. El cohorte - conjunto de individuos que maduran en un mismo ambiente, con experiencias de vida semejantes - está detereminado por las condiciones que prevalecieron en períodos críticos del ciclo de vida de sus miembros. A través del análisis de cohortes es posible identificar los efectos de pertenecer a una cohorte en las actitudes de compra de los consumidores. En este estudio, el método de análisis de cohorte se aplica al sector de supermercados. De ese modo, le será posible a este sector, un mejor conocimiento de las actitudes de compra de sus consumidores, lo que permitirá abordarlos con mayor eficacia.

The aim of this study is to investigate the heat recovery potential in supermarket refrigeration systems using CO2 as refrigerants. The theoretical control strategy to recover heating demand from refrigeration system is explained thoroughly and the heat recovery process from two existing supermarket using CO2 booster units is analyzed and evaluated. The measured data of refrigeration systems is obtained through Iwmac interface, processed using Excel and Refprop. The aim is to see what control strategy is used in these systems and weather it matches the theoretical one and at what level heat is recovered from the system. Besides, a simulation model is made by EES to investigate the potential of higher rate of heat recovery in the supermarkets. The simulation results are compared with field measurement and validated by measured values. Then, the ability of refrigeration system to do heat recovery at quite high rates for covering the total heating demand without using parallel heating system is evaluated and efficiency of the system is calculated. At the next step the heat recovery potential at other refrigeration solutions such as R404A conventional and CO2-ammonia cascade systems are studied and the results are compared to booster units. Finally, the potential for selling heat from the refrigeration system in supermarket to district heating network is investigated. Two different scenarios are made for such purpose and the results are evaluated. The heat recovery control strategy of existing supermarkets does not match the theoretical strategy and regarding the capacity of the system, heat is recovered to low extent. Simulation shows that heat can be recovered to higher extent at quite high heating COP of 3-5. Additionally the other heat recovery solutions for R404A conventional and CO2-ammonia cascade systems are found to be competitive to CO2 booster system.  The analysis of selling heat to district heating network shows that CO2 booster system is capable of covering the demand at reasonable heating COP as the first priority and selling the rest to district heating network at heating COP of 2 as second priority.