A methodology for increasing revenue in fashion retail industry

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (8) ◽  
pp. 726-743 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel Nucamendi-Guillén ◽  
Miguel A. Moreno ◽  
Abraham Mendoza
Keyword(s):  
Time Horizon ◽  
Extensive Study ◽  
Life Cycles ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Inventory Problem ◽  
Demand Forecast ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fashion Retail ◽  
Retail Company

Purpose Fashion retail companies typically exhibit short life-cycles, high volatility and low predictability. Therefore, their success is largely determined by the organisation’s flexibility and responsiveness. The purpose of this paper is to present a methodology to facilitate inventory control to minimise both shortages and excess inventory for a multi-product, multi-period finite time horizon inventory problem by using statistical and stochastic analysis. Design/methodology/approach The proposed methodology operates in two phases: the first phase consists on determining an aggregate plan (AP) that will be used for monitoring the behaviour of the items during the time horizon. This plan is obtained by statistically analysing historical data related to sales and inventory shortages and is used to determine a demand forecast during the time horizon that allows to handle with potential disruptions derived from real demand variations. Finally, supply replenishment policies are defined to facilitate the monitoring process during the second phase. For the second phase, the behaviour of real demand for every item is captured into a database and compared against its projected demand (from the AP). If needed, adjustments are made in the procurement of future deliveries to reduce the probability of having shortages and/or excess inventory. Findings A case study in a Mexican fashion retail company was conducted to assess the performance of the methodology. Results indicate that shortage in early periods can be reduced totally for certain products while, for others, the reduction is about 90.5 per cent. In addition, the incomes of the company were increased over 57 per cent. Research limitations/implications Even when the success of the methodology has been shown, cultural and behavioural factors were not considered. An extensive study is suggested to determine if these factors should be included to enhance the performance of the methodology. Practical implications A case study of a Mexican fashion retail company was conducted to assess the performance of the proposed methodology. The methodology is easy to implement and effectively and quickly responds to disruptions in the demand and it also significantly reduces the level of shortages while increasing sales and revenue for the company. Originality/value This paper proposes a methodology that is able to anticipate product’s behaviour from early weeks. Additionally, replenishment policies allow to quickly adjust future orders to guarantee the availability of items and minimise overstock.

The US brewing industry, strategic windows and survival

2014 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 434-458 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lynn A. Walter ◽  
Linda F. Edelman ◽  
Keneth J. Hatten
Keyword(s):  
Dynamic Capabilities ◽  
Survival Rates ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Brewing Industry ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Operational Capabilities ◽  
Select Group ◽  
The Us ◽  
The Usa

Purpose – This paper aims to investigate how dynamic capabilities enabled survival in a select group of brewers, during one of the lengthiest and most severe industry consolidations in history. In doing so, we advance Abell’s (1978) theory of strategic windows through integration with the resource-based view of the firm. Design/methodology/approach – Using a mixed method approach, we first apply case study methods to develop hypotheses around the timing and level of operational capability required for survival. In the second phase, we test these hypothesized estimations on the USA Brewing population. Findings – Indicate that brewers which had advanced distribution and manufacturing operational capabilities before the strategic window of opportunity closed had higher survival rates. Practical implications – This study reinforces the importance of making timely strategic investments in capabilities. Originality/value – The integration of strategic window and capability theories advances our understanding of the roles that capabilities and time play in determining firm survival.

scholarly journals Improving warehouse labour efficiency by intentional forecast bias

2018 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 93-110 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thai Young Kim ◽  
Rommert Dekker ◽  
Christiaan Heij
Keyword(s):  
Capacity Planning ◽  
Labour Productivity ◽  
Forecast Model ◽  
Consumer Electronics ◽  
Demand Forecast ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Forecast Bias ◽  
Optimal Bias ◽  
Demand Forecasts

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to show that intentional demand forecast bias can improve warehouse capacity planning and labour efficiency. It presents an empirical methodology to detect and implement forecast bias. Design/methodology/approach A forecast model integrates historical demand information and expert forecasts to support active bias management. A non-linear relationship between labour productivity and forecast bias is employed to optimise efficiency. The business analytic methods are illustrated by a case study in a consumer electronics warehouse, supplemented by a survey among 30 warehouses. Findings Results indicate that warehouse management systematically over-forecasts order sizes. The case study shows that optimal bias for picking and loading is 30-70 per cent with efficiency gains of 5-10 per cent, whereas the labour-intensive packing stage does not benefit from bias. The survey results confirm productivity effects of forecast bias. Research limitations/implications Warehouse managers can apply the methodology in their own situation if they systematically register demand forecasts, actual order sizes and labour productivity per warehouse stage. Application is illustrated for a single warehouse, and studies for alternative product categories and labour processes are of interest. Practical implications Intentional forecast bias can lead to smoother workflows in warehouses and thus result in higher labour efficiency. Required data include historical data on demand forecasts, order sizes and labour productivity. Implementation depends on labour hiring strategies and cost structures. Originality/value Operational data support evidence-based warehouse labour management. The case study validates earlier conceptual studies based on artificial data.

Maintenance policy selection model – a case study in the palm oil industry

2014 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 415-435 ◽  
Author(s):  
Siew-Hong Ding ◽  
Shahrul Kamaruddin ◽  
Ishak Abdul Azid
Keyword(s):  
Palm Oil ◽  
Selection Process ◽  
Oil Industry ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Maintenance Policy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Policy Selection ◽  
Optimal Maintenance ◽  
Optimal Maintenance Policy

Purpose – An optimal maintenance policy is key to the improvement of the availability and reliability of a system at an acceptable level without a significant increase in investment. However, the selection process is a complicated task because it requires in-depth knowledge on maintenance policies and on the technical requirements of maintenance. The difficulties and complexity of the selection process arise from the combination of conflicting maintenance constraints such as available spares, size of workforce, and maintenance skills. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – The proposed maintenance policy selection (MPS) model is separated into three major phases. The first phase identifies the critical system (CS) based on failure frequency. The failure mechanism in the CS is then analyzed by using a failure mode and effect analysis in the second phase. In the third phase, a multi-criteria decision making method, called the technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution, is adopted to identify an optimal maintenance policy that can minimize the failures. Findings – Through a case study, preventive maintenance was selected as the optimal maintenance policy for the reduction of system failures. The results obtained from the case study not only provide evidence of the feasibility and practicability of the developed model, but also test the acceptability and rationale of the developed model from the industry perspective. Valuable knowledge and experience from employees were extracted and utilized through the proposed model to rank the optimal maintenance policy based on the capability to reduce failure. Originality/value – The practicality of the MPS model is justified through an implementation in the palm oil industry. The application of the MPS model can also be extended to other manufacturing industries.

Implementing grassroots inclusive change through a cultural audit

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 284-302
Author(s):  
Robin Selzer ◽  
Todd Foley
Keyword(s):  
Work Environment ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Critical Studies ◽  
Diversity And Inclusion ◽  
Innovative Method ◽  
University Setting ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to implement diversity and inclusion practices in an USA university department through the application of a cultural audit in the style of participatory action research (PAR). The cultural audit process demonstrates an inclusive, grassroots approach to creating actionable solutions that brings about positive organizational change and can be replicated by others.Design/methodology/approachThe version of an organizational cultural audit described here included two phases. The first was quantitative in nature, using a survey to collect data that would provide the organization with a perspective of how its culture is perceived (Fletcher and Jones, 1992) and serve as the basis for the second, more crucial phase. The second phase utilized PAR qualitative approach. Having data presented in aggregate form allows for truer reactions to how others believe they experience the work environment, as opposed to making assumptions about how others may experience the work environment. A cultural audit such as this relies heavily upon the qualitative narrative that is exposed when participants react to the quantitative data presented. In fact, the real assessment begins not with the quantitative data collection process, but with the presentation of the quantitative data and the analysis of how participants respond to what they see.FindingsThe researchers found social and practical implications for empowering employees to develop a culturally agile organization. Results showed that participants generally viewed the culture as lacking transparency and needing values-based guidelines for everyday interactions. Participants thought they should value diversity, but viewed the culture as having a gap in solutions to apply that value. Incentivizing actions that promote diversity and inclusion and better shared governance were needed to address cultural problems in the organization. Recommendations for actionable solutions included: developing shared language through a values statement, restructuring onboarding and mentoring support, increasing transparency of standing committee work, membership, and minutes to foster trust and communication, implementing group guidelines for respectful interactions, and the creation of regular, planned social events to enhance human relations. This case study is significant because it uses an innovative method to not only study diversity and inclusion in a university setting, but also take action, thereby filling a gap in the literature on critical studies of organizations.Research limitations/implicationsFor those trying to institute a similar experience for their organization, it would be important to note that the cultural audit was a grassroots intervention, designed to help the division discern what kinds of lived experiences and shared assumptions exist within.Practical implicationsThe case study presented should serve as a roadmap for how individuals can garner support for conducting a similar cultural audit with their own organizations.Originality/valueThis case study is significant because it uses an innovative method to not only study diversity in a university setting, but also take action, thereby filling a gap in the literature on critical studies of organizations.

scholarly journals A FAILED ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN: WHAT WENT WRONG? A CASE STUDY IN A FASHION RETAIL COMPANY

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ä°brahim Ethem TARHAN ◽  
NeÅŸe Bihter ATEÅž
Keyword(s):  
Consumer Behavior ◽  
Advertising Campaign ◽  
Fashion Retail ◽  
Retail Company ◽  
Customer Profiles ◽  
Selection Of

This study focused on a top-tier retail fashion company which markets some of the leading brands in the ready-to-wear apparel and cosmetics industry in Turkey. Although the company had employed expensive advertising campaigns using international and local celebrities, their advertising campaign did not yield the expected consumer behavior. We worked with the company in identifying factors in their advertisements that their customers prefer by building a questionnaire specifically designed for this company and by examining the results of 300 respondents’ customer profiles and preferences to make recommendations for building future campaigns. Analyses revealed issues with the company’s choice of music, memorability of messages, and the selection of clothing combinations, especially for women respondents.  

Live-work and adaptable housing in Egypt

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 289-302 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wafaa Nadim
Keyword(s):  
Age Groups ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Ongoing Research ◽  
Educational Levels ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mixed Use ◽  
Housing Typology ◽  
Housing Units

Purpose Since the 1950s, Egypt has been challenged by rapid unplanned and uncontrolled informal developments. These may be regarded as people’s interventions to fulfil their basic needs which are seemingly not successfully materialised in previous as well as current interventions. Building on the anticipated demographic and socio-economic changes in the Egyptian society and the consequent changing needs; the purpose of this paper is to present the preliminary investigation of an ongoing research project that regards the housing unit as the nucleus for autonomous mobility starting from the dwelling internal spaces to the nearest public transport. In this respect, informal interventions to adapt housing typologies to the various needs are explored, defined, and categorised to inform future developments. Design/methodology/approach This exploratory phase follows an interpretivist view, which regards reality as not being objective and exterior, but rather socially constructed – given meaning by people. Acknowledging this, a qualitative case study approach was adopted to investigate the perception and aspirations of different age groups and educational levels, including different mobility abilities regarding the efficiency of their housing units and the immediate surroundings – context bound to an informal area in Greater Cairo, Egypt. This investigation comprised two stages. The first was an observatory site visit to establish, define, and identify preliminary challenges; these were then verified and complemented through the second stage which involved meeting and validating stage one data with respective inhabitants. An invitation was sent to inhabitants through an active NGO in the area to gain trust and acceptance of the inhabitants. The invitation targeted different age groups, physical abilities, and educational levels. Findings While developed countries are reviving and promoting the live-work concept, and are continuously thriving to adapt their housing and built environment (in general) to be age friendly; in Egypt, however, Government has largely provided housing projects which adopt a total separation between residential and non-residential activities. Furthermore, the mixed-use typology provided by the Government was arguably with “limited success”. Informal developments on the contrary tend to provide mixed-use housing typologies; in addition to informally adapting their “formal” dwellings to satisfy users’ changing needs. People and particularly the elderly do not consider the quality of their habitable environment as a priority (as long as they have a shelter for their families). However, while not explicitly acknowledging the problematic nature of their dwellings, specific interventions – physical and/or functional, imply their dissatisfaction, including their attempts to improve the spatial and functional qualities of their units. The results from literature review triangulated with findings from the case study; devised a conceptual framework which comprises subcategories for a successful realisation of mixed-use adaptable housing typology in Egypt to inform second phase of the research (not reported). Research limitations/implications This preliminary phase investigates the breadth of housing units’ challenges and explores potential for adaptation. Therefore, a qualitative semi-structured approach was adopted to allow participants to express themselves freely. Furthermore, the participants are those who accepted the invitation to participate in the study, and therefore care should be taken when generalising the results beyond this bounded observation lens. Social implications This research highlights the needs and challenges that need to be taken into account to ensure future housing typologies are adaptable and responsive to current as well as future socio-economic and demographic changes. Originality/value This work evaluates, defines, and categorise mixed-use housing typology potential and challenges in light of informal developments in Egypt. These challenges inform the second phase of this research to identify possible scenarios for achieving systemic “inclusivity” for future housing developments in Egypt.

The decision-making process of luxury fashion retail buyers in Greece

2014 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 85-106 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patsy Perry ◽  
Margarita Kyriakaki
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Supplier Selection ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Product Variety ◽  
Scientific Data ◽  
Life Cycles ◽  
Decision Making Process ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fashion Retail

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the decision-making process used by luxury fashion retail buyers in Greece in order to assess the applicability of Sheth's (1981) model to the selection of brands and collections by retail buyers in luxury fashion resellers. Design/methodology/approach – The study takes an interpretive approach, utilising participant observation and semi-structured interviews with retail buyers in five luxury fashion reseller companies in Greece, which boasts the world's highest proportion of luxury fashion consumers. Qualitative data were analysed thematically according to the theoretical constructs in Sheth's (1981) model of merchandise buyer behaviour. Findings – Brand reputation, quality, appropriateness for the market and exclusive distribution were the most important criteria for supplier selection. For evaluating merchandise, the most important criteria were design, style, fashionability and quality. The most relevant influencer of decision making in supplier selection was the competitive structure in terms of the power balance between retailer and brand. For merchandise selection, the most relevant influencing factors were retailer size, management mentality, product positioning and type of decision (re-buy or new task). Research limitations/implications – Due to the exploratory nature of the study and its focus on the context of a particular geographical marketplace, the findings may not be generalised to other countries. Originality/value – This paper provides an insight into the decision-making practice of retail buyers in Greek luxury fashion retailers, where the buying task involves balancing the retailer's commercial interests with a more cultural role in terms of shaping fashion trends and generating PR and publicity for the retailer. The task is further complicated by the power imbalance between retailer and brand, enabling brands to impose limitations on the buyer's decision. Additionally, the combined influence of shortening product life cycles, increasing product variety and the emergence of a new and younger luxury fashion consumer requires a shift from intuitive to scientific, data-driven decision making.

scholarly journals The role of identity and image in shaping management accounting change

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (6) ◽  
pp. 1075-1099 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lynda C. Taylor ◽  
Robert W. Scapens
Keyword(s):  
Resistance To Change ◽  
Management Accounting ◽  
Processes Of Change ◽  
Accounting System ◽  
Accounting Systems ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Retail Company ◽  
Negative Identity

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyse the implementation of a new accounting system in the accounting department of a large retail company. The paper seeks to understand and explain how management accounting change can be shaped by the identity and image of particular groups in an organisation. Design/methodology/approach – This paper reports the findings of a longitudinal explanatory case study. An institutional framework was initially used to inform the research, but was subsequently extended using the concepts of identity and image. Findings – By changing existing accounting systems, the accountants “inside” the accounting department sought to challenge their current “negative” identity and image. However, the case shows that the new accounting system was not well received by accountants “outside” the accounting department. The case illustrates that the differing identity and image of the two groups of accountants were crucial factors underlying the different perceptions of the accounting change. Originality/value – The conceptual framework developed in this paper highlights the role which identity and image can play in shaping processes of change, and it enriches the understanding of the reasons for change, stability and resistance to change.

Non-disruptive knowledge and business processing in knowledge life cycles – aligning value network analysis to process management

2014 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 651-686 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Stary
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Business Process ◽  
Knowledge Claim ◽  
Life Cycles ◽  
Process Models ◽  
Change Processes ◽  
Double Loop ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Value Network

Purpose – This paper aims to achieve fully intertwined knowledge and business processing in change processes. It proposes streamlining situated articulation work, value network analyses (VNA) and subject-oriented business process modelling (S-BPM) and execution to provide non-disruptive single and double learning processes driven by concerned stakeholders. When implementing knowledge life cycles, such as Firestone and McElroy’s knowledge life cycle, the agility of organizations is significantly constrained, in particular, when surviving knowledge claims should be implemented in the business processing environment in a seamless way. Design/methodology/approach – The contribution is based on a conceptual analysis of knowledge life cycle implementations, learning loop developments and an exploratory case study in health care to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach. The solution towards non-disruptive knowledge and business processing allows stakeholders to actively participate in single- and double-loop learning processes. Findings – The introduced approach supports problem and knowledge claim formulation, knowledge claim evaluation and non-disruptive knowledge integration into a business process environment. Based on stakeholder articulation, the steps to follow are: holomapping, exchange analysis, impact analysis, value creation analysis, subject-oriented modelling, business process validation and execution. Seamless support of stakeholders is enabled through the direct mapping of stakeholder and activity descriptions from value network representations to behaviour specifications (process models) on the individual and organizational layer. Research limitations/implications – Current knowledge life cycle developments and implementations can now be analyzed in a structured way. Elements of the proposed approach could be integrated in disruptive implementations to overcome current limitations of knowledge life cycles. However, further case studies need to be performed to identify hindrances or barriers of combining VNA and S-BPM, both on the technological and methodological layer. What works for expert service industries might need to be adapted for production industries, and tools or tool chains might need to be configured accordingly. Finally, the socio-economic impact of the approach needs to be explored. Practical implications – The presented case study from health care reveals the potential of such a methodological combination, as cycle times can be reduced, in particular, due to the execution of role-specific process models in the respective business processing environment. It can be considered as a fundamental shift for existing change management procedures, as they require rework of the entire functional process models when addressing business processing. Now, stakeholder- or role-specific behaviour can be handled isolated and in parallel, without affecting the entire organization in case of modifications. Originality/value – The proposed methodological integration has not been done before. It enables stakeholders to perform single- and double-loop change processes in a seamless way.

scholarly journals Digital servitization strategies for SME internationalization: the interplay between digital service maturity and ecosystem involvement

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Milad Kolagar ◽  
Wiebke Reim ◽  
Vinit Parida ◽  
David Sjödin
Keyword(s):  
Manufacturing Industry ◽  
International Markets ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Digital Service ◽  
Process Framework ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Process Perspective ◽  
Depth Interviews

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to understand how digital servitization enables the process of internationalization for industrial SMEs.Design/methodology/approachThe present study has adopted an exploratory multiple case study, conducting a total of 40 interviews in a two-phased approach to data collection. The first phase consisted of exploratory interviews with twenty-six industrial SMEs connected to the manufacturing industry in Sweden and Finland. Then, six SMEs were selected in the second phase to participate in additional in-depth interviews.FindingsFirst, this study identifies three gradual enabling phases concerned with the digital service maturity of SMEs consisting of digital awareness, digital service innovation and digital service mass customization. Second, the three interdependent phases of ecosystem knowledge synergy, ecosystem integration and ecosystem value co-creation were identified to improve ecosystem involvement. Finally, a process framework has been developed for SME internationalization consisting of a digital servitization innovation strategy, a digital servitization ecosystem strategy and a digital servitization scaling strategy.Originality/valueThe present research contributes to how digital servitization enables SME internationalization by demonstrating how the development of digital service offerings and ecosystem partnerships supports the internationalization process. This research extends the literature by proposing a process framework for the digital-servitization-enabled internationalization of SMEs. This process perspective provides a richer explanation of the complex interplay between servitization, digitalization and ecosystems choices, which supports the expansion into international markets.

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