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.

Developments in digital marketing are putting pressure on companies to keep up in the rapidly changing market environment. To do so, companies must take proactive steps in identifying new strategies to optimize their customers’ experiences in a digital era of increasing customer demands for online solutions. Among the most promising technological developments is the growth of Augmented Reality (AR) applications. While the future of augmented reality is relatively unknown, its unique attributes of bridging the digital and physical world have gotten investors excited. Yet, the knowledge of how to utilize AR’s unique attributes in marketing strategies is still limited, and the discussion on how to get the restless new generation to accept this emerging technology is accelerating. Within the retail industry, IKEA is considered a pioneer in deploying augmented reality in their customer experience. This project is a case study on IKEA’s implementation of augmented reality, a source of inspiration for future deployment strategies. The research data consists of interviews with respondents from both IKEA and IKEA’s innovation lab SPACE10, representing the industry practitioners, and two focus groups representing the low- and high-involvements customer perspectives. Supported by both theoretical and case study findings, this study develops a conceptual framework for AR deployment within the retail industry. The framework highlights the main elements to consider for an effective deployment of AR within a retail context. Firstly, companies should identify which customer values the AR program aims to provide, evaluate whether or not the AR technology is more effective than traditional methods for the intended value creation and thereafter design the program objectives accordingly. Secondly, the deployment stage consists of three entangled dimensions that are intertwined with a customer feedback loop. The three dimensions represent AR deployment success factors, and they are: (1) User experience (2) Utilizing unique attributes and (3) Strategy coherence.

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.

The thesis attempts to analyze the international business strategy of the company C&A and its search of growth opportunities for the context of Bulgaria. The study relates to international business issues and successively provides a comprehensive overview of potential in the retail industry in Bulgaria as well as critical analysis on the interest of the company to internationalize its activity on the market. The thesis brings sufficient baseline whether to enter the market and how to be successful there.

Background: The convergence of payment behaviours can contribute to the diffusion of new payment technologies and thus economic performance. There is evidence that the electrification of the retail payment system promotes the performance of the banking sector and economic growth. The retail payment market is a prime example of a two-sided market where new payment instruments need to reach a critical mass of users to become viable and grow further (Martikainen, Schmiedel & Takalo, 2015). Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to analyse Bitcoin, as a payment method, and review the models already used to shed more light on its further potential adoption by retailers. We apply the DOI theory and review the TAM model to determine the underlying characteristics of Bitcoin that will enable further adoption or rejection among retailers. Method: We conduct a case study on Bitrefill AB which offers a rich method for investigating and researching. With the process of interpretation in context, we make inference from the case of Bitrefill in connecting with events and experiences of other retailers (Expedia, Alibaba, Overstock and CheapAir). Conclusion: According to the results, the adoption of Bitcoin relies heavily on positive relative advantages to other payment methods, compatibility and simplicity of its use while negative characteristics that pull it back from being adopted include the complexities in understanding the technology behind it, damaging outcomes varying from the expected.

Title: Do Different Industries Define Sustainability Differently? A Comparative Analysis of the Swedish Retail and IT Sectors.Level: Degree project at Undergraduate level (Bachelor’s degree) in the subject Business Administration Authors: Amanda Stål and Diana Hawaz AliSupervisor: Asif HuqDate: 2022-JuneAim: Examine the differences in the handling of sustainability issues within the retail and IT industries Method: The thesis was conducted through semi-structured interviews. The respondents consist of four retail companies and three IT companies.Results and conclusion: The results showed that although there are many similarities in how the respondents in the two industries handle sustainability issues, there were some differences in where they put their focus. Respondents in the retail industry were more inclined to focus on the environmental aspect of sustainability while respondents in the IT sector were shown to gravitate toward the social aspect. Contribution of the thesis: This thesis shows that the term “sustainability” differs depending on context, which would give researchers more freedom to change their definition of sustainability instead of trying to find one definition that fits every context.Suggestions for further research: Further research should be done with a greater sample pool to strengthen the transferability of the result. Keywords: Sustainability report, CSR, Retail industry, Information technology industry

Combining concepts regarding the make-or-buy decision, such as Williamson’s (1981) ideas on transaction costs in conjunction with theories of supply chain management, the thesis outlines what factors should be of importance to firms when deciding to make or buy certain processes within the supply chain. Using Porter’s (1985) division of the supply chain into 5 sections we analyze the make-or-buy decisions of Catamaran Sports/Adidas sailing, finding that while many decisions taken match the theory-based predictions, a lot of processes are handled the way they are because of external constraints faced by the firm. In the case of Adidas their main reason for taking certain strategic decisions are to maintain their competitive advantage in the market, which they build on a benefit leadership strategy. This has resulted in them often choosing a production method that has a relatively high accounting cost, compared to what could have been achieved, in order to maintain flexibility, reduce lead times and provide a higher level of service.

Fifteen or so years into what is said to be the game changer of our time there are many fields of science  focusing  their  attention  towards  the  online  market  in  attempts  to  describe  its implications for the traditional, offline markets. Where most of the literature on economics of ecommerce focus on pricing mechanisms and growth little attention has been directed towards more general market structure effects. This thesis adopts techniques, empirical and theoretical models  from  the  search  cost  and  market  structure  literature  in  order  to  examine  the relationships between ecommerce and offline market structures in the retail industry through regional employment and establishment data. The literature reviewed and used focus only on the US market whereas this thesis shifts the attention to the European regions. The results are convincing and in general corresponding to previous research results. As ecommerce usage increase and the consumer search costs thereby gets lower inefficient firms drop out of the market resulting in a decline in local establishment counts. The opposite effect is seen for pure online retailing establishments that thrive in the presence of local ecommerce usage. The effect of   ecommerce  on  traditional  offline  establishments  seems  to  be  aggregated  phenomena whereas  the  effect  on  pure  online  firms  seems  to  be  of  a  more  local  nature.  Focus  of policymakers and company management therefore might consider looking at the two effects in their respective aggregation level to best sort out how to react in the presence of increased competition from ecommerce usage.

Background: Managers can utilize tools such as Corporate social responsibility (CSR) and employer branding to manage the relationship between employees and the organization. CSR is a tool that can be used to make the organization look better. Companies can utilize employer branding to market themselves towards its current and new employees in a harmful industry. The fashion retail industry can be seen as a harmful industry, as the industry causes harm to the environment, society and people. The existing literature looks at how customers think about these issues, however not much is said about employees' thoughts who are working for these harmful organizations. The employees are the ones who in stores meet the critique from customers, instead of the organizations who make these harmful decisions. Purpose: The purpose of this thesis is to explore the significance of CSR in a harmful industry and its influence on the relationship between employees and the organization. Employees can be influenced by different factors both internal and external concerning their organization’s CSR practices, which can affect how they view their organization as an employer. Therefore, this study will try to explore the relation between the organization and the employees to see how working in a harmful industry has an impact on the relationship. Method: The thesis conducts a qualitative and exploratory method, this was done through an abductive research approach. Furthermore, 10 semi-structured interviews were conducted with the participants being interviewed. To analyze the ten interviews a thematic analysis was utilized as a guide. Conclusion: Employer and employee relationship does not seem to be disturbed by the questionable external CSR practices or a harmful industry in general. CSR is significant to employees, but when it comes to their own organization it does not matter since they are given values such as salary and employment. Organizations create benefits, value and engagement for employees by using employer branding and internal CSR, thus the organizations market themselves to the employees, meanwhile manage the relationship through skills development, empowerment, employment stability and work-life balance.