This thesis examines the relationship between meaning in architecture and its role in defining urban space. The definition of meaning as it applies to this thesis is a designation for those essential qualities of the man-made environment which produce in man a cognition of place. Without meaning man has no point of reference or orientation for his world. The individual act of construction that occurs within the larger framework that we call city has a responsibility to that institution of man. The city is the manifestation of man’s aspiration for order in a mutable world. Architecture as a primary element in the urban environment makes the city comprehensible to man and through architecture man carries out his intentions in the world. / Master of Architecture

This is a bachelor's thesis in the area of electrical engineering as well as automation. This thesis investigates motor choice, sensor choices, and the methodology of automating a grocery store picking system prototype. The general structure of the system is composed out of two shelfs with a plane, between them, that is movable in the vertical direction. On the movable plane a conveyor belt was installed. We evaluated the motor choice for the application and the safety aspects of the system to gather a general understanding of potential risk factors involved in realizing a system that can work autonomously. It includes both electrical safety factors as well as mechanical safety factors. Additionally, we considered safety precautions to prevent malfunctions that can lead to these risks. To realize the prototype, a prestudy to investigate motor alternatives was conducted to determine the best motor choice for the application. The chosen motor was a DC steppermotor with snail gearbox. This will ensure simple regulation of the motor to sufficiently handle the weights the system needs to manage. The snail gearbox can eliminate some mechanical risk factors due to its self-locking mechanism, ensuring that if there is an electrical malfunction, such as a power failure, the system will not collapse on itself and drop the payload flat on the floor. Also, a model of the large prototype was made in a 3D-drawing software, which was then 3D-printed and set up to mimic the large prototype. The goal of the miniature model is to test the functionality and evaluate if the algorithms described in this thesis can be preserved and re-used for the large system and prototype.

[pt] É devido a um aspecto de inovação e mudança no comportamento do consumidor que o mercado varejista vêm se modificando ao longo do tempo e criando novos formatos de lojas físicas. Um exemplo, são as lojas de bairro, pequenas e especializadas, que visam o atendimento de conveniência e buscam aproveitar da melhor forma possível os espaços físicos em localidades estratégicas. Porém, para gerenciar o estoque de mercadorias em um espaço reduzido e limitado se faz necessário também focar na melhoria da gestão dos estoques, com o intuito de melhor atender aos clientes e de evitar desperdícios com excessos e perdas de vendas com as rupturas. Dessa forma, o objetivo deste trabalho é analisar o cenário dos estoques existentes de nove lojas de conveniência de uma rede varejista brasileira e, utilizando um modelo tradicional de gestão de estoques presente na literatura, encontrar respostas para as questões de, quando pedir e o quanto pedir de mercadoria. Além disso, esta pesquisa ainda acrescenta a indagação de o quanto deve ser mantido de estoque de segurança para evitar o desbalanceamento do mesmo e, para responder a estas perguntas, é necessário lidar com o equilíbrio entre custos, nível de serviço e espaço físico disponível. Os resultados do estudo agregam os valores encontrados com os cálculos quantitativos juntamente com uma análise qualitativa com relação ao espaço existente nas lojas analisadas. E, as conclusões foram que para o equilíbrio entre custo, nível de serviço e limitação de espaço físico os valores de ponto de reposição e tamanho de lote seriam suficientes para um nível de serviço de 95 por cento. / [en] It is due to an aspect of innovation and change in consumer behavior that the retail market has been changing over time and creating new physical store formats. One example is neighborhood stores, which are small and specialized, which aim to serve convenience and seek to make the best use of physical spaces in strategic locations. However, in order to manage the inventory of goods in a small and limited space, it is also necessary to focus on improving inventory management, in order to serve customers and to avoid excess waste and sales losses due to disruptions. Thus, the objective of this paper is to study the existing inventory scenario of nine convenience stores of a Brazilian retail chain and, using the traditional inventory management model found in the literature, find answers to the questions of when to order and how much to order of merchandise. In addition, this research further raise the question of how much safety stock should been kept to avoid unbalance, and in order to answer these questions, it is necessary to address the balance between costs, service level and available physical space. The study results aggregate the values found with the quantitative calculations together with a qualitative analysis regarding the existing space in the analyzed stores. In addition, the conclusions were that for the balance between cost, service level and physical space limitation the replacement point values and lot size would be sufficient for a 95 per cent service level.

Thesis (M.Tech.: Marketing)-Dept. of Marketing, Durban University of Technology, 2006 xiii, 140 leaves / Retailing in South Africa is one of the most challenging and competitive sectors. The South African retail business environment is seemingly becoming tough and uncertain, with intense competition from both domestic and international companies. South Africa has a varied and fascinating retailing landscape. A feature that retailers need to understand is the different demographics of the South African population and consumers from different races; this resulted in inadequate shopping facilities in the black townships and an oversupply in the traditionally white areas. Gaining access to new markets in South Africa is one of the challenges facing the retail sector. The purpose of this study is to evaluate customer service at Pick’ n Pay stores in selected shopping malls within the greater Durban area. It examines the opinions and perceptions of customers from selected shopping centres.

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2003. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The purpose of this report is to create a better understanding of the new pharmacy initiatives in the South African market, with specific reference to the Nuclicks and Pick 'n Pay groups. In order to understand the respective business concepts better the following abstracts from each chapter of the study is given. Chapter one is basically the introduction to the study and describes the events that lead to the above mentioned corporate retailers to enter the pharmacy market place. An introduction to Hamel's business model theory is also discussed and identified as a possible means of evaluating the corporate retailers' business concepts. In Chapter two the strategic analysis of the South African retail pharmacy industry is performed. This analysis is performed to create an understanding of the different forces at work in the industry. Some of the key findings in this chapter are that changes to the pharmacy act and the way dispensing licences are going to be awarded creates uncertainty. The profit outlook of retail pharmacy, though on the decline, still compares favourably to other retailers. In chapter three the core concepts of Hamel's business model are presented in more detail and applied to the retail pharmacy environment. In his view, a strategy needs to change the industry rules. This chapter ends with the concept of wealth potential based on Hamel's teachings. The wealth potential concept is about creating cash flow and profits. A business model that is able to create customer benefits well below the cost of the competitors is regarded as efficient. By utilising the Hamel way the Nuclicks (chapter four) and Pick 'n Pay (chapter five) business concepts is unpacked. Both Nuclicks and Pick 'n Pay pharmacy business models are presented within the corporate framework of the groups. Nuclicks bought an established pharmacy franchise while Pick 'n Pay launched Healthpharm. Nuclicks creates a possible choke point by buying UPD. The Nuclicks pharmacy strategy is a more comprehensive health strategy, while Pick 'n Pay follows a more cautious approach. As franchising will playa major role in both pharmacy concepts, the theory of franchising is presented in chapter six. Telephonic interviews with Link franchisees are conducted and the possible reasons for the ambiguity that crept into the Link business model are discussed. As the Healthpharm franchise is a new concept, it is evaluated based on information gathered from press releases and the Healthpharm web-site. In chapter seven universal conclusions and recommendations, based upon the literature study and this investigation, are presented. One of the key findings are, success in the face of changes requires more than the current way of doing business. It requires an innovative thinking process. New business models have to be formulated that allows retail pharmacists to establish a focused and well-differentiated value proposition. This value proposition needs to be meaningful for consumers and must strengthen a pharmacy outlet's competitive position. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van hierdie verslag is om 'n beter begrip vir die nuwe apteek inisiatiewe in die Suid-Afrikaanse mark te ontwikkel, met spesifieke verwysing na die Nuclicks en Pick 'n Pay groepe. Om die onderskeie besiqheidskonsepte beter te verstaan, word die volgende opsomming van elke hoofstuk van die studie uiteengesit. Hoofstuk een is 'n inleiding tot die studie en beskryf die gebeure wat aanleiding gegee het tot die bogenoemde korporatiewe kleinhandelaars se toetrede tot die apteek mark. 'n Inleiding van Hamel se besigheidsmodel teorie is ook bespreek en is geïdentifiseer as evaluering van die korporatiewe kleinhandelaars se besigheidskonsepte. Hoofstuk twee bied 'n strategiese analise van die Suid-Afrikaanse kleinhandelaars apteek industrie. Hierdie analise is geskep om beter begrip te ontwikkel vir die verskillende kragte wat inwerk in die industrie. Van die bevindinge in die hoofstuk is die veranderinge in die apteek wetgewing en die wyse waarop resepteer lisensies toegeken gaan word, en hoeveel onsekerhede dit tot gevolg het. Die wins vooruitsigte van kleinhandelaars apteke, alhoewel aan die afneem, vergelyk steeds gunstig met ander kleinhandelaars. In Hoofstuk drie is die kern konsepte van Hamel se besigheidsmodel in meer detail uiteengesit en toegepas op die kleinhandelaar apteek omgewing. Uit sy oogpunt, is 'n strategie nodig om veranderinge te weeg te bring in die industrie reëls. Hierdie hoofstuk eindig met die konsep van waarde potensiaal wat gebaseer is op Hamel se teorie. Hierdie waarde potensiaal konsep is gebaseer op die skep van kontantvloei en 'n Besigheidsmodel wat in staat is om die kliënt te begunstig heelwat laer as die koste van die teenstander, word beskou as effektief. Hamel se teorie is gebruik om Nuclicks (hoofstuk vier) en Pick 'n Pay (hoofstuk vyf) se besigheidskonsepte te analiseer. Beide Nuclicks en Pick 'n Pay se besigheidsmodelle word aangebied binne die korporatiewe raakwerke van die groepe. Nuclicks het 'n gevestigde apteek konsessie gekoop terwyl Pick 'n Pay vir Healthpharm begin het. Nuclicks het 'n moontlike 'wurgpunt" geskep deur die aankoop van UPD. Die Nuclicks apteek strategie is 'n meer omvattende gesondheidstrategie, terwyl Pick 'n Pay 'n meer versigtige benadering volg. Aangesien besigheid konsessie 'n belangrike rol speel in beide apteek konsepte, word die teorie van konsessie in hoofstuk ses behandel. Telefoniese onderhoude is gevoer met Link konsessiehouers en die moontlike redes vir die twyfelagtigheid van die Link besigheidsmodel word bespreek. Aangesien die Healthpharm konsessie 'n nuwe konsep is, word dit geëvalueer op grond van inligting wat versamel is uit die media en die Healthpharm webtuiste. In Hoofstuk sewe word universele afleidings en aanbevelings, gebaseer op die literatuurstudie en die ondersoek, uiteengesit. Een van die hoof bevindings was dat sukses benodig meer as die huidige manier van besigheid doen. Nuwe besigheidsmodelle moet geformuleer word, wat dit vir kleinhandelaar apteke moontlik sal maak om 'n gefokusde en goed gedifferensieerde waarde voorstel tot stand te bring. Hierdie voorstel moet betekenisvol wees vir die verbruiker en moet die apteek kompeterende posisie versterk.

Thesis (PhD (Consumer Science. Clothing and Textiles))--University of Stellenbosch, 2008. / The current apparel retail environment is marked by intense competitive activity. The key to survival is the implementation of effective differentiation strategies. Corporate and retail branding provides retailers with a powerful tool to differentiate themselves in the marketplace and store image is a vital component of this branding strategy. This exploratory study set out to investigate the underlying theoretical structure of store image. A store image scale was developed for the measurement of the perceived importance of store image. The study adopted a five phase methodology, namely (1) construct definition and domain specification, (2) generation and judging of measurement items, (3) purification of the store image scale, (4) assessing the reliability and validity of the store image scale, and (5) assessing the perceived importance of the dimensions of store image in selected discount and specialty stores through practical implementation of the store image scale. The first two phases of the study resulted in a Model of Store Image delineating the underlying structure of store image which formed the basis for a store image definition, as well as a 232-item store image scale with established content and face validity. Phase 3 comprised two pilot studies that served to purify the store image scale. The first pilot study concluded in a 214-item scale that was deemed too lengthy for practical implementation in the apparel retail environment. The second pilot study resulted in a 55-item store image scale that was deemed acceptable for practical implementation. Correlation analysis provided support for the shortened version of the store image scale. The scale was not representative of all the sub dimensions associated with store image. This was reflected in the Revised Model of Store Image. Phase 4 employed a mall-intercept research method. The sample population (n=534) consisted of apparel consumers, both male and female, between the ages of 20 and 60. They belonged to the black, coloured or white population groups who patronised specific apparel retail outlets. Trained fieldworkers gathered the data at selected discount and specialty apparel stores. Confirmatory factor analysis was performed on the data and results provided support for the reliability of the store image scale. The Atmosphere, Convenience, Institutional, and Promotion dimensions exhibited good model fit. The Facilities and Sales personnel dimensions, as well as the Revised Model of Store Image showed evidence of acceptable model fit. The Merchandise and Service dimensions demonstrated poor fit. Only the Sales personnel dimension showed convergent validity. Support was found for marginal convergent validity of the Atmosphere, Convenience, Facilities, Promotion, and Service dimensions, as well as the Revised Model of Store Image. The Institutional and Merchandise dimensions did not exhibit convergent validity. Apart from the Convenience and Service dimensions, discriminant validity for all dimensions was established. Item analysis identified seven scale items for deletion which could potentially result in better model fit of the individual dimensions as well as the Revised Model of Store Image. The deletion of these items could contribute to increased convergent and discriminant validity. For purposes of Phase 5 the data gathered during Phase 4 was submitted to statistical analysis. Results indicated that discount and specialty apparel store consumers ranked the Atmosphere, Promotion, Merchandise, Institutional, and Sales personnel dimensions similarly in perceived importance. Discount apparel store consumers ranked the Facilities and Convenience dimensions higher, whilst specialty consumers ranked the Service dimension higher. However, the differences in ranking for all dimensions remained relatively small for both store types. Statistical differences in the perceived importance of only two dimensions, namely the Institutional and Service dimensions were found. The study culminated in revised 48-item store image scale. A Final Model of Store Image and definition of store image were proposed as point of departure for future research.. The main implications for retailers were formulated as: 􀂍 The Final Model of Store Image identified the dimensions and sub dimensions of store image. Retailers should manipulate the tangible and intangible store attributes associated with these dimensions and sub dimensions to build a favourable store image. Due to the gestalt nature of store image it is imperative that all store image dimensions are presented in a cohesive and consistent manner. 􀂍 The store image scale will enable retailers to ascertain which dimensions are salient to their target consumers. These dimensions should be incorporated in the retail strategy.

published_or_final_version / Business Administration / Master / Master of Business Administration

In recent years, small towns have experienced declining levels of retail activity attributable to a variety of factors. Previously conducted research identifies a number of these factors such as changing population dynamics, continuously evolving retail practices, locational factors, and an assortment of other macroeconomic factors. Although retail decline is common for many small towns, there are some small towns that have been able to maintain their viability in an ever-changing economic climate. The primary purpose of this research is to better understand what spatial and socio-economic characteristics contribute to retail growth and decline in a series of small towns. This research highlights a selection of small towns across a 14 county area within east Texas. The selection of small towns includes a number of towns with an increasing number of retail establishments as well as a number of towns with decreasing retail establishments over the 14 year study timeframe. Contained within this research is a discussion of small town economic and retail development, as well as findings regarding spatial and socio-economic characteristics as they relate to retail growth and decline in small towns. This research finds that locational characteristics do have an effect on retail growth and decline. The research also supports the literature, which states retail growth and decline is more pronounced within certain retail categories.

This study investigated the clothing preferences of large-size women who shopped in selected large-size specialty stores in North Dallas. Questions were asked regarding the respondents' age, employment, income, dress size and degree of fashion-consciousness. Also investigated were preferences regarding apparel and shopping sources. A questionnaire was used to obtain the desired information. Based on the data obtained, it was found that large-size women have certain preferences concerning the clothing they purchase and the sources they shop.

Cette étude porte sur la culture de travail des femmes qui ont été à l’emploi du grand magasin Dupuis Frères de Montréal entre 1920 et 1960. Nous nous intéressons aux particularités du travail salarié féminin dans le domaine de la vente au détail au Québec, mais aussi à la nature et à l’évolution de cette culture de travail de même qu’à ses liens avec les changements qui surviennent à l’époque dans la construction des nouvelles normes de la féminité respectable. D’une part, notre but est de montrer que pour les travailleuses de Dupuis, leur emploi leur permet de gagner leur vie certes, mais aussi de l’agrémenter, de se divertir au moyen de loisirs organisés par l’entreprise et de créer des liens entre elles. À travers la culture de travail qu’elles y développent, ces femmes se créent une identité particulière. Nous soulignons aussi que Dupuis Frères, dans un esprit paternaliste, encadre de près ses employées et exploite leur culture de travail afin de s’assurer de leur loyauté et de maintenir sa bonne réputation auprès de l’opinion publique. D’autre part, nous cherchons à prouver que même si la culture des femmes à l’emploi de Dupuis au cours de cette période est largement influencée par la domesticité et l’idéologie des sphères séparées, caractéristiques de la féminité « traditionnelle » dominante, elle intègre néanmoins de plus en plus, surtout à partir de la Deuxième Guerre mondiale, de nouvelles dimensions plus « modernes » de la féminité qui ne remplacent pas l’idéal de la mère-ménagère, mais qui viennent plutôt s’y greffer et qui rendent, du coup, leur identité féminine plus complexe. / This study is about the work culture of the women who were employed by Dupuis Frères, a famous Montreal department store, between 1920 and 1960. We will focus on the features of this particular type of paid work, that is women’s work in retail in Quebec. We will also insist on the nature and evolution of that work culture and on the fact that it was influenced, during this period, by the transformations that occurred in the construction of new forms of respectable femininity. First, our goal is to show that these Dupuis Frères women employees didn’t work for the sole purpose of earning a living, but did also in order to live a more pleasant life, to entertain themselves by participating in leisure activities organized by their employer and to create new bonds among themselves. With this work culture that they developed, these women workers also created themselves a new particular identity. We also want to show that Dupuis Frères, with its paternalistic management, was controlling its employees and was exploiting their work culture to ensure the employees’ faith in them and maintain the company’s reputation. Second, we want to prove that even if the work culture of the women working at Dupuis Frères, during that period, was influenced by domesticity and the separate spheres ideology (features of the dominant « traditional » femininity), it was more and more incorporating, mostly from Second World War, new dimensions of a more « modern » femininity that were not replacing the mother-housewife ideal, but that rather were making their feminine identity more complex.