Last mile fulfilment and distribution in omni-channel grocery retailing: a strategic planning framework

2016 ◽  
Vol 44 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Hermann Hübner ◽  
Heinrich Kuhn ◽  
Johannes Wollenburg
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Process Integration ◽  
Home Delivery ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Online Sales ◽  
Grocery Retailing ◽  
Planning Framework ◽  
Last Mile ◽  
Order Fulfilment ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose For traditional grocery retailers, the growing importance of online sales means creating new logistics models for omni-channel (OC) management. Due to these transformational changes, retail research and practice are lacking a comprehensive view on integrated fulfilment and distribution concepts for home and store deliveries as they have evolved recently. This paper develops a planning framework for last mile order fulfilment in OC grocery retailing and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of different design concepts. Design/methodology/approach The findings were developed and evaluated by means of explorative interviews with grocery retail and logistics experts. Additionally, key literature on last mile order fulfilment and retail supply chain management was reviewed to supplement the integrated OC grocery operations planning framework. Findings OC logistics planning can be structured into back-end fulfilment (e.g. warehouse and in-store picking) and last mile distribution concepts (e.g. attended and unattended home delivery). The design choices depend on country specifics (e.g. population density), retailer specifics (e.g. capability for cross-channel process integration) and customer behaviour (e.g. possibility of unattended home delivery). The application areas and their contextual factors are discussed for each design parameter. Practical implications The last mile fulfilment options identified can be applied to pinpoint the necessary steps for further optimizing OC integration. Grocers can gain insights into current fulfilment concepts used in different contexts. This architecture also forms the foundation for further research on decision support systems. Originality/value The coherent planning framework summarizes the general design options for last mile order fulfilment arising from new requirements for OC fulfilment.

Think about it – can portrayals of homosexuality in advertising prime consumer-perceived social connectedness and empathy?

2017 ◽  
Vol 51 (1) ◽  
pp. 82-98 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nina Åkestam ◽  
Sara Rosengren ◽  
Micael Dahlen
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Social Effects ◽  
Attitudes Toward Homosexuality ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Thought Listing ◽  
Societal Level ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to investigate whether portrayals of homosexuality in advertising can generate social effects in terms of consumer-perceived social connectedness and empathy. Design/methodology/approach In three experimental studies, the effects of advertising portrayals of homosexuality were compared to advertising portrayals of heterosexuality. Study 1 uses a thought-listing exercise to explore whether portrayals of homosexuality (vs heterosexuality) can evoke more other-related thoughts and whether such portrayals affect consumer-perceived social connectedness and empathy. Study 2 replicates the findings while introducing attitudes toward homosexuality as a boundary condition and measuring traditional advertising effects. Study 3 replicates the findings while controlling for gender, perceived similarity and targetedness. Findings The results show that portrayals of homosexuality in advertising can prime consumers to think about other people, thereby affecting them socially. In line with previous studies of portrayals of homosexuality in advertising, these effects are moderated by attitudes toward homosexuality. Research limitations/implications This paper adds to a growing body of literature on the potentially positive extended effects of advertising. They also challenge some of the previous findings regarding homosexuality in advertising. Practical implications The finding that portrayals of homosexuality in advertising can (at least, temporarily) affect consumers socially in terms of social connectedness and empathy should encourage marketers to explore the possibilities of creating advertising that benefits consumers and brands alike. Originality/value The paper challenges the idea that the extended effects of advertising have to be negative. By showing how portrayals of homosexuality can increase social connectedness and empathy, it adds to the discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of advertising on a societal level.

Rethinking picking processes in e-grocery: A study in the multichannel context

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mar Vazquez-Noguerol ◽  
Iván González-Boubeta ◽  
Iago Portela-Caramés ◽  
J. Carlos Prado-Prado
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Analysis ◽  
Best Practices ◽  
Business Processes ◽  
Order Picking ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Online Sales ◽  
Online Business ◽  
Order Fulfilment ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Working Method

PurposeGrocery sellers that have entered the online business must now carry out order fulfilment activities previously done by the customer. Consequently, in a context of online sales growth, the purpose of this study is to identify and implement best practices in order to redesign the order picking process in a retailer with a store-based model.Design/methodology/approachTo identify different work alternatives, an approach is developed to analyse the methods used in distinct stores of one large Spanish grocer. The methodology employed is a three-step statistical analysis that combines ANOVA and MANOVA techniques to settle on the best alternatives in each case.FindingsSubstantial improvements can be achieved by analysing the different working methods. The three-step statistical analysis identified best practices in terms of their impact on preparation time, allowing a faster working method.Practical implicationsTo manage business processes efficiently, online grocers that operate store-based fulfilment strategies can redesign their working method using a criterion based on their own performance.Originality/valueThis is one of the few contributions focusing on the improvement of e-grocery fulfilment operations by disseminating best practices through decision-making criteria. This study contributes by addressing the lack of approaches studying the order picking process by considering its various features and applying best practices.

E­commerce structures for retail and service franchises

2019 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhanna Kremez ◽  
Lorelle Frazer ◽  
Scott Weaven ◽  
Sara Quach
Keyword(s):  
Business Strategy ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Case Study Method ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Preliminary Model ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Order Fulfilment ◽  
Franchise Networks ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an in-depth investigation of e-commerce strategy implementation in mature franchise organisations from both franchisor and franchisee perspectives.Design/methodology/approachThis research employed a multiple case study method where the e-commerce strategies of two mature franchise organisations were investigated in depth. Franchising experts were interviewed to provide an additional dimension to this study.FindingsThis research found that e-commerce must be integrated with the overall business strategy for optimal franchise performance. Since all parties to the franchising relationship are affected by the introduction of e-commerce, both the franchisees’ and the franchisor’s interests must be considered when the strategy is being developed. In addition, the consumer’s perspective is central to how e-commerce is structured, and franchisees are best placed to know their customers’ needs because they are directly involved in operating their business and interfacing with customers.Practical implicationsA preliminary model for e-commerce structures in service and retail franchising has been developed that depends on the nature of the business, the distribution arrangements and the order fulfilment arrangements. The two main avenues in e-commerce structuring were centralisation and decentralisation.Originality/valueThis study contributes to knowledge through an in-depth investigation of the internal process of e-commerce implementation in franchise networks from both franchisor and franchisee perspectives.

A study on the control of an automatic picking system (APS) in a warehouse

2016 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 388-397 ◽  
Author(s):  
Woo Ram Kim ◽  
Namuook Kim ◽  
Yoon Seok Chang
Keyword(s):  
Computer Simulations ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Triangular Distribution ◽  
Energy Usage ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Logistics Company ◽  
Automatic Picking ◽  
Order Fulfilment ◽  
Save Energy ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to explore methods of defining ejecting zones (EZs) used in automatic picking systems (APSs), particularly in A-frame APSs. An A-frame APS automatically ejects products onto a conveyor, which then brings the products to their destination. EZs are moving zones on a conveyor, and each EZ corresponds to one picking order. Products are ejected as a zone passes channels in which the products are stored. Design/methodology/approach First, three EZ types are defined, and their operations are explained. Second, picking orders are analyzed and categorized by considering the structure and the picking mechanism of an A-frame APS. In addition, picking-order instances reflecting actual data are randomly generated according to each category. Finally, the performance of the EZs is evaluated using the picking-order instances and computer simulations. Findings The results from the computer simulations suggest the EZ types suitable for use with various picking order types considering order fulfilment speed and energy usage. Research limitations/implications In this paper, the authors only adopt a triangular distribution which is considered most practical distribution in the industry. Practical implications It is believed that these results can provide managers and operators with useful guides to facilitate the effective operation of an A-frame APS. The provided ideas have been implemented at the pharmaceutical warehouse of the largest logistics company in Korea. Social implications The result shows that the proposed idea could save energy consumption and the APS have potential to save labor involvement in picking. Originality/value It is essential to define the EZs when operating an A-frame APS efficiently, but there is almost no research in this area. This paper focuses on defining EZs, as well as methods to utilize these zones.

Centralizing or decentralizing control in crisis

2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (11) ◽  
pp. 32-34
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Cutting Edge ◽  
Clear Understanding ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Reviews the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoints practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings Centralizing or decentralizing control each have advantages and disadvantages. Clear understanding of these will help companies not just to survive but to prosper. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

A spline hazard model for current expected credit losses

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dror Parnes
Keyword(s):  
Hazard Rate ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Spline Method ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Explanatory Variables ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Comprehensive Framework ◽  
Credit Losses ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present a comprehensive framework for assisting lending banks in their current expected credit losses (CECL) forthcoming computations. Design/methodology/approach The bottom-up approach requires multiple steps including the spline method for identifying optimal segments in the lifetimes of loans, Poisson regressions for evaluating the explanatory variables and hazard rate probes for gaining inferences toward the expected credit losses and their projected schedule. Findings The CECL paradigm has both advantages and disadvantages, as discussed hereafter. Practical implications The model is practical, accurate in the sense that provisions are properly and timely allocated, it can be programmed and it relies on merely a few mild assumptions, thus it can be conveniently calibrated to fit broad macroeconomic scenarios. Originality/value This study provides background on the subject, motivate each module, construct the advised model, assemble a pseudo-database, demonstrate the functionality of the procedures and further draw conclusions on the effectiveness of the current strategy.

Integration of continuous improvement strategies with Industry 4.0: a systematic review and agenda for further research

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Vinodh ◽  
Jiju Antony ◽  
Rohit Agrawal ◽  
Jacqueline Ann Douglas
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Continuous Improvement ◽  
Industry 4.0 ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Practical Application ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Major Transformation ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the history, trends and needs of continuous improvement (CI) and Industry 4.0. Four strategies are reviewed, namely, Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen and Sustainability.Design/methodology/approachDigitalization and CI practices contribute to a major transformation in industrial practices. There exists a need to amalgamate Industry 4.0 technologies with CI strategies to ensure significant benefits. A systematic literature review methodology has been followed to review CI strategy and Industry 4.0 papers (n = 92).FindingsVarious frameworks of Industry 4.0, their advantages and disadvantages were explored. A conceptual framework integrating CI strategies and Industry 4.0 is being presented in this paper.Practical implicationsThe benefits and practical application of the developed framework has been presented.Originality/valueThe article is an attempt to review CI strategies with Industry 4.0. A conceptual framework for the integration is also being presented.

Integrated sustainable urban planning: a new agenda for future urban planning in Malaysia

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Mostafa Rasoolimanesh ◽  
Nurwati Badarulzaman ◽  
Aldrin Abdullah ◽  
Mohsen Behrang
Keyword(s):  
Urban Planning ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Sustainable Urban Development ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Theoretical Contribution ◽  
Planning Framework ◽  
The Government ◽  
Integrated Urban Planning ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to propose an integrated urban planning framework to achieve sustainable urban development (SUD) in the Malaysian context. Design/methodology/approach In the course of developing this framework, this paper reviews the related literature and Malaysian policies, programs and plans. Findings The findings highlight the importance of developing an integrated urban planning framework with respect to the processes, content and outcomes to achieve SUD in the Malaysian context. Successful SUD planning should be participatory and based on building consensus. Moreover, the content of the plan should include economic growth, social inclusion and development and environmental protection components. Originality/value This study makes a valuable theoretical contribution to the SUD and urban planning literature by proposing an urban planning framework for the promotion of SUD. In addition, this study has a number of practical implications for the Government of Malaysia and local authorities aiming to facilitate SUD.

Empirical evidence about ISO 9001 and ISO 9004 in Italian companies

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (5) ◽  
pp. 650-665 ◽  
Author(s):  
Federica Murmura ◽  
Laura Bravi
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
International Standards ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Iso 9001 ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Different Types ◽  
The Right ◽  
E Mail ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the experience of International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001 certified companies, examining their motivations to introduce the standard and their perceived benefits and barriers. In parallel, the research investigated the knowledge and perception of ISO 9004 guideline, analyzing if it could give an added value to certified companies. Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire was proposed by e-mail to 2,581 Italian ISO 9001 certified companies from January 18 to March 31, 2016; 522 companies participated to the survey. Findings Companies of different size have been driven by different motivations to certification, reaching different types of benefits, while both large and small ones perceived the greater bureaucratization as an obstacle. The ISO 9004 standard is little known and applied among Italian companies, but the ones which adopted it benefited from it. Research limitations/implications A limitation may be derived from the fact that the sample was composed only of Italian companies, although this effect was to understand perceptions and trends of these international standards in the Italian reality. Practical implications Analyzing perceived advantages and disadvantages of ISO 9001 and 9004 could be crucial for managers to understand if their joint use is the right strategy to gain competitiveness in the reference markets. Originality/value Compared to previous studies in which ISO 9001 was evaluated as a stand-alone standard, the research made a comparative evaluation with ISO 9004, as ISO considers them to be “consistent pair of standards,” covering the literature gap about the effectiveness of the joint use of them.

The prioritisation of strategic elements in e-retailing home delivery

2016 ◽  
Vol 32 (10) ◽  
pp. 10-12
Keyword(s):  
Customer Satisfaction ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Home Delivery ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Delivery Service ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Home delivery strategic elements are the most crucial in e-retailing because they have heavy impacts on customer satisfaction and retention. More research is needed on this aspect, and the paper aims to investigate the important strategic elements and their prioritization for e-retailers’ home delivery efficacy. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings The strategic elements identified by the study will ensure a satisfactory home delivery service to customers and enhance the e-retailers’ competitiveness in the marketplace. Practical implications The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

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