Handling product returns has become a critical activity for organizations as the volume of gods flowing back through the supply chain rapidly increases. Few research studies have published specific empirical data concerning the reverse logistics practices of companies. Information technology and information support has long been recognized as a competitive weapon – capable of enhancing company performance and achieving efficient reverse logistics. Reverse logistics is very unlike the forward, as it is more reactive and also has less visibility. Unlike forward logistics, incoming products from reverse logistics are not tracked broadly because of the lack of information systems resources necessary.The investigated apparel company in this study is operating on the global market and expands their sales twenty per cent each year, resulting in increased pressure in the return flow. To meet this future demands, the return process has to be more efficient and not so time consuming. This study emerged from a case study made at the return department of this apparel company based on a research question. An improvement area was discovered through interviews, internal documents and observations. This area was investigated in existing theories through books and scientific research papers. From the theories and the case study, a hypothesis was created in order to be tested. To strengthen the hypothesis, an experiment was developed and performed at selected retailers and at the apparel company.Research Question Where in the product return process can improvements be made in order to make the information flow more efficient between retailers and an apparel company?HypothesisBy creating a web-based return form, the information flow between retailers and an apparel company will be more efficient, resulting in a more effective and structured product return process.Through the experiment, various factors that strengthen the hypothesis were discovered. For instance, the information flow becomes more effective when retailers have clear guidelines how to send back products and when inserting the information into the computer system before returning. As the apparel company knows what is coming back, the disposition of returned products can be predetermined which will speed up the return process. Shared and available information across various parties facilitate the daily work with better communication. Furthermore, activities that are existing today within the return process can be eliminated which result in more effective product return process. Refund for retailers can be made quicker which result in more satisfied retailers and creates stronger relationships. / Program: Master programme in Applied Textile Management

During May 2007 it was announced that individual taxpayers would receive simplified tax return forms, will not need to do any more calculations and will no longer need to attach supporting documentation for the 2007 year of assessment. It was also announced that the tax system would be changed, making the turn around times for the assessment of tax returns faster. The primary objective of this research was to determine what effect the new tax return form, as well as the new tax system, would have on the tax practitioner submitting their client’s return. It was considered impractical to compare this study to other studies done. It was therefore decided that a questionnaire would be sent out. After considering all the research performed, it could be concluded that the new tax return form, as well as the new tax filing system, was welcomed by the taxpayer and the tax practitioner, and was a definite improvement, although some implementation problems were encountered. Copyright / Dissertation (MCom)--University of Pretoria, 2009. / Taxation / unrestricted