E. Silcock, G.P. Clarke, D.B. Clarke and N. Wrigley
Despite recent debates in the literature surrounding the notion of absolute saturation in European food retailing, it is clear that concerns over saturation provide a partial…
Abstract
Despite recent debates in the literature surrounding the notion of absolute saturation in European food retailing, it is clear that concerns over saturation provide a partial explanation for the search for new markets overseas. For two European retailers, Ahold and Sainsbury, the USA has provided such a new market. The aim of this paper is to compare briefly the variations in levels of provision between the UK and the USA and to then focus on an analysis of US state variations. Following a brief account of the changing structure of US food retailing, we present an analysis of its geographical dimensions, focusing on a discussion of possible opportunities for future growth in the US market.
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The prayer against the Poultry (Hygiene) Regulations which we briefly mentioned in the editorial of our last issue, was lodged as a result of activity by the Environmental Health…
Abstract
The prayer against the Poultry (Hygiene) Regulations which we briefly mentioned in the editorial of our last issue, was lodged as a result of activity by the Environmental Health Officers' Association. Incidentally it is the first occasion as far as we can recall that a prayer has been lodged against any of the rash of food regulations of recent years, and reflects the strong feelings of the public health inspectorate.
T.J. Shields, B. Smyth, K.E. Boyce and G.W.H. Silcock
Facilities to cater for the needs of people with learning difficulties are provided in a range of accommodation which includes new build and adapted buildings. Issues related to…
Abstract
Facilities to cater for the needs of people with learning difficulties are provided in a range of accommodation which includes new build and adapted buildings. Issues related to the life safety of building occupants with learning difficulties, particularly where there are sleeping risks, have not been given sufficient prominence. To assist facilities managers in the difficult task of prioritising space and resource allocations, a method for development of assessing the evacuation capabilities of residents with learning difficulties is offered for discussion.
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T.J. Shields, K.E. Boyce and G.W.H. Silcock
Developments in recent years in safety legislation have shifted the burden of responsibility for safety to the owners and managers of facilities. This shift has occurred following…
Abstract
Developments in recent years in safety legislation have shifted the burden of responsibility for safety to the owners and managers of facilities. This shift has occurred following a period in which increased accessibility to buildings and facilities for disabled people has been provided, and these to an increasing extent are being used by disabled people. Since most fires are accidental and therefore preventable, prevention has primacy. However, given a fire the facilities manager must be confident that procedures in place are sufficient to ensure safe evacuation of the premises if necessary.
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The purpose of this paper is to propose the method of measurement of competencies using exploratory factor analysis and the evaluation of the relation between competencies and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to propose the method of measurement of competencies using exploratory factor analysis and the evaluation of the relation between competencies and economic activity of mature people.
Design/methodology/approach
The empirical analysis is based on the Study of Human Capital data (conducted in Poland). The study population people are aged 50+. In statistical analysis explanatory factor analysis and logistic regression were used.
Findings
Competencies are the crucial factor of professional position and career development. However, older people have often out-dated skills and it results in a higher propensity for economic deactivation. On the other hand, older people are valuable on the labour market due to their experience, knowledge and social skills. The survey results indicate that competencies, measured with using of factor analysis, similarly as health, marital status, place of residence and age are significant determinants of early employment deactivation.
Research limitations/implications
Limitation in the evaluation of the risk of economic deactivation factors is the static approach of this analysis. The Study of Human Capital data are the best source of information about competencies of Poles, but its character is not longitudinal.
Originality/value
The analysis of mature people’s competencies is very important in the context of extending working life, but the scientific researches in this area are rare. This paper would reduce the knowledge gap on the topic of reasons for older workers’ deactivation in which competencies are included. Application of exploratory factor analysis in this area is unique.
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IN the October number of THE BRITISH FOOD JOURNAL, while disclaiming any intention of supporting or opposing any political party or any section of politicians, we stated our…
Abstract
IN the October number of THE BRITISH FOOD JOURNAL, while disclaiming any intention of supporting or opposing any political party or any section of politicians, we stated our opinion that the fiscal policy which has been outlined before the country by Mr. CHAMBERLAIN is eminently one which requires to be put to the test of experiment and which cannot be profitably argued about upon theoretical bases. In connection with the allegation that by following the policy of leaving our doors open to those who shut their own doors in our faces, we are able to obtain goods at less expense than would be the case under other conditions, we pointed out that it would be well for the public to consider whether that which is so cheap may not also, to a great extent, be particularly nasty. The desirability of considering the nature and quality of so‐called “ cheap ” foods, supplied to us by various countriies without restriction, does not, as yet, appear to have entered the heads of those who have made matter for political controversy out of what is, in reality, a scientific question. The facts are not sufficiently known, or, in consequence of the proverbial carelessness of our generation, are not clearly appreciated. And yet, as it seems to us, some of those facts are of paramount importance to those who desire to study the subject in a calm and scientific manner and outside the region of political turmoil. What do we get from the various countries whose producers and merchants are free to “dump” their goods in this country without the restrictive influence of duty payments? Great Britain has made it known to all the world that “Rubbish may be Shot Here,” and we venture to say that the fullest advantage has been taken, and is taken, of the permission. From America, France, Germany, Italy, Holland, and Belgium, in fact from every producing country—including now even Russia and Siberia, we get inferior or scientifically‐adulterated articles which are sold to the public “ cheap.” Milk and butter scientifically adulterated, or produced under improper conditions in such a way that their composition becomes the same as physically‐adulterated products, condensed “milk” minus cream, cheese practically devoid of fat, or “ filled ” (as it is called) with margarine, all reach us in enormous quantities from most of our near and dear neighbours. Butter and certain wines and beers, loaded with injurious ‘ preservative” chemicals and the sale of which is prohibited in the country of production, are sent to the easily‐entered British “dumping‐ground” for the delectation of its confiding inhabitants. “Tinned” foods prepared from raw materials of inferior character or of more than questionable origin, are copiously unloaded on our shores to feed our complaisant population,—instead of being consigned to the refuse destructors which should be their proper destination; while, every now and then, when something worse than usual has been supplied, representative specimens of this delectable class of preparation are proved to have caused outbreaks of violent illness—those so‐called ptomaine poisonings which, of late years, have increased in number and in virulence to so distinctly alarming an extent. Flour made from diseased or damaged grain, or itself “ sick ” or damaged, and so “ processed ” as to mask its real condition; flour, again, adulterated with other and inferior meals, are “ goods ” supplied to us in ample amount for the benefit of those whose mainstay is some form of bread or flour‐food. The list might be continued literally ad nauseam.
Sara Haji-Kazemi and Bjorn Andersen
The purpose of this paper is to present an overview on the concept of early warning (EW) signs in projects, briefly introduce the project health check (PHC) tool, and evaluate the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present an overview on the concept of early warning (EW) signs in projects, briefly introduce the project health check (PHC) tool, and evaluate the level of efficiency of this tool as a source of data for an EW approach signaling that a project is about to experience problems in the future.
Design/methodology/approach
Two case projects from the telecommunication industry which have implemented the PHC system were investigated in order to observe how the use of this approach can help indicate EW signs which arise in projects and specify the area in which the problem is about to occur. A combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods has been implemented.
Findings
The results show that although the application of PHC tool can to a certain extent contribute to identification of EW signs in projects but level of effectiveness of the PHC this tool as an EW system is dependent on several factors such as level of complexity of the project, average experience of project managers, etc. Also the empirical studies reveal that there is definitely potential for enhancement of the tool in order to improve its utilization as an EW system.
Research limitations/implications
The research is limited to a single organization in the telecommunication industry. The projects are within the execution phase and the final outcomes of the projects are yet not acquired.
Practical implications
The empirical case studies were developed to illustrate the level of efficiency of the use of PHC tool in projects and show how this tool can be used in order to better realize the potential problems timely enough to take preventive actions.
Originality/value
This paper highlights the gap in the literature concerning the practical use of PHC/project health indicator tool as an EW system. It offers a new idea on how PHC tool can be used as an effective EW system and shed light on the factors which influence the reliability and validity of the data obtained via this tool in project. This paper is intended to be primarily of use to project management practitioners and practically oriented academics who are interested in developing fresh insights into new approaches for better management of projects.
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Examines the effects which the institutional environment – particularly property and land‐use planning matters – may have on the process of retail internationalisation. Three…
Abstract
Examines the effects which the institutional environment – particularly property and land‐use planning matters – may have on the process of retail internationalisation. Three North American retail and leisure providers currently expanding into western Europe are discussed – Wal‐Mart (large stores), McArthur Glen (factory outlet centres) and Warner Brothers (cinema complexes). In each case the rate of progress, and type and location of development, have been affected by limitations in the flexibility of property markets or by land‐use planning restrictions. In the case of Wal‐Mart, choice of entry mode has arguably been affected by planning restrictions. A possible link between market saturation and property/planning constraints is also identified.
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Nicholas Alexander, Mark Rhodes and Hayley Myers
This paper aims to consider factors that determine the direction of international market selection. It does this with specific reference to service companies operating in the…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to consider factors that determine the direction of international market selection. It does this with specific reference to service companies operating in the retail sector.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper draws on general, services and retail specific literature and considers the debate surrounding market selection issue. Hypotheses are formulated and econometrically tested using an extensive database of retailers' international activity within Western European markets.
Findings
The results show that previously identified determinants of market selection are valid. However, the results clearly indicate that some factors are more important than the literature has suggested and that the selection of markets is determined in great part by relatively few but crucially important factors.
Originality/value
The paper shows that language and hence, by implication, culture plays a fundamental role in determining direction of expansion. This has important implications for the way psychic distance is understood and service company response to psychic distance.
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Parisa Shojaei, Mohammad Reza Maleki and Rafat Bagherzadeh
Hospitals are all required to be prepared against crisis, while according to studies, most hospitals are not prepared enough to encounter disaster problems. Therefore, each…
Abstract
Purpose
Hospitals are all required to be prepared against crisis, while according to studies, most hospitals are not prepared enough to encounter disaster problems. Therefore, each hospital should have an established programme to face earthquake and other catastrophes. This paper aims to investigate this issue.
Design/methodology/approach
This descriptive study was carried out in teaching hospitals of Iran University of Medical Sciences. Data collection was done using a checklist including general information, as well as information on demography, security, supplies and equipment, evacuation and communication. This procedure was done through observation and interview with hospital managers, etc. and the data were analyzed by SPSS software.
Findings
In the hospitals four dimensions of planning were studied and the following mean scores were obtained. On security, Hazrat Rasul hospital scored the highest (88.4) while Navab Safavi, Haftome Tir and Ali Asghar hospitals scored the lowest (51.4). On supplies and equipment, Navab Safavi and Haftome Tir hospitals obtained the highest score (66.6) and Hasheminejad, Shafa Yahyaeian, Firoozgar and Hazrat Rasul hospitals got the lowest score (60.0). On evacuation, Hazrat Rasul and Haftome Tir hospitals scored the highest and lowest respectively (64.2), (47.0). On communication, Hasheminejad hospital scored the highest (63.2) while Firoozgar hospital scored the lowest (36.6). In general from among ten hospitals under study the most and the least prepared hospitals were Hazrat Rasul and Navab Safavi respectively (65.65), (54.3).
Originality/value
The paper shows that most hospitals under study were not prepared enough against crisis and communication is found to be the weakest aspect although it is regarded as a basic principle in planning. Hazrat Rasul hospital was well prepared against crisis due to its disaster plan.