There is a growing body of literature which focuses on the complexities of organising the logistics function(s) within an industrial firm. While some of the literature discusses…
Abstract
There is a growing body of literature which focuses on the complexities of organising the logistics function(s) within an industrial firm. While some of the literature discusses traditional variables, such as centralisation‐decentralisation and staff versus line, there is also a wide variety of suggested organisational patterns. The reason for this diversity is that logistics cuts across traditional organisational lines and has no obvious and inherent position in the classic organisation chart. The consequence is that there may be as many patterns of logistics organisation as there are firms attempting to organise. Further, the fact that any formal logistics department will cause some conflict with related functions suggests that the precise structure and role of such a unit may be quite dynamic oyer time. For example, it may find itself expanding and contracting in relationship to the political winds. The purpose of this article is to explore means of reducing such conflict while still implementing an effective logistics organisation.
Frederick J. Beier and Alexander Ardishvili
The research project gathered data over a two year period from retailers of consumer durables in the city of Moscow. The objective was to measure the characteristics of existing…
Abstract
The research project gathered data over a two year period from retailers of consumer durables in the city of Moscow. The objective was to measure the characteristics of existing channels of distribution and procurement practices for this particular segment of the retailing industry. Survey data are analyzed against a theoretical background of distribution channel development in order to test the usefulness of these concepts as a means of anticipating changes in this emerging economy. The potential for logistics economies is used as a measure of effectiveness.
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Frederick J. Beier, Jerry. L. Edwards and James P. Rakowski
Since the 1973–74 oil embargo, many comparisons have been made relative to the fuel efficiency of various modes for different trip characteristics. The most commonly cited…
Abstract
Since the 1973–74 oil embargo, many comparisons have been made relative to the fuel efficiency of various modes for different trip characteristics. The most commonly cited comparison is between truck and rail. No doubt this is due to the natural competition between these modes and the availability of data for making head to head comparisons. While no clear consensus has emerged from these studies, there is at least the conventional wisdom that intercity rail is more energy efficient than truck. We intend to show that making intermodal comparisons between truck and rail is more complex than the conventional wisdom suggests. In so doing, we examine these procedures which rely exclusively on the use of one‐dimensional measures of energy efficiency, e.g., Btu/ton‐mile. We suggest alternative measures, which are multi‐dimensional and include a variable for various aspects of service.
A trend has been developing in the United States towards the use of vertical marketing systems. Of the many types of vertical marketing systems, franchising has become one of the…
Abstract
A trend has been developing in the United States towards the use of vertical marketing systems. Of the many types of vertical marketing systems, franchising has become one of the most dominant. This is evidenced, in part, by the nearly one‐third of retail sales in 1973 that were through franchised retailers (US Department of Commerce, 1974). The success of the franchise form of distribution hinges upon franchisors and franchisees both contributing skills and resources, frequently however franchisees and franchisors become dissatisfied with the other's contributions and actions. This dis‐satisfaction in some cases leads to substantial friction. Although it is not clear that conflict (friction) will always decrease channel efficiency it is probably safe to assume that continued conflict would be dysfunctional in a franchise channel. It is therefore the purpose of this article to discuss and empirically test several propositions about the franchisee's satisfaction with his franchisor.
Human presence tends to decrease biodiversity and often results in the local extinction or even global extinction of megafauna. The focus here is on how humans have affected wolf…
Abstract
Human presence tends to decrease biodiversity and often results in the local extinction or even global extinction of megafauna. The focus here is on how humans have affected wolf populations in what are now known as the contiguous 48 United States. While the arrival of indigenous peoples to the region produced the extinction of some species and a reduction in wolf populations, the cultural values and economic system, i.e., capitalism, utilized by the European invaders led to anthropogenic decimation of wildlife species on an unprecedented scale and the near local extinction of wolves. Although capitalism almost led to the local extinction of wolves in the contiguous 48 US states, it also produced an educated, affluent urban class concerned with protecting endangered species. Unlike farmers and ranchers, this urbanized class does not view wildlife as a potential economic threat. The vast majority of contemporary Americans, i.e., 96%, do not engage in sport hunting, so most do not view apex predators as unwanted competitors for game species. Moreover, many individuals who belong to the urban affluent class, even those who do not engage in wildlife viewing or other forms of outdoor recreation, value biodiversity. Since the late twentieth century, this has resulted in the preservation of existing wolf populations and reintroducing wolves to some of their historical ranges. These trends are likely to continue in the coming decades. However, capitalism should not be viewed as a system that initially decimated wolf populations and eventually created an economic class that saved them. It is argued that, due to its growth imperative, if left unchecked, capitalism will ultimately destroy wolves and many other species that have been granted temporary reprieves from extinction.
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This article applies the theory of coalition formation in triads to channels of distribution. The theory explains alternative power strategies of weaker (smaller) channel members…
Abstract
This article applies the theory of coalition formation in triads to channels of distribution. The theory explains alternative power strategies of weaker (smaller) channel members to dominance by more powerful channel entities. Six pre‐coalition situations are examined to aid in predicting the possible conditions that may form, given an uneven distribution of power in the channel system. This type of analysis could be used to predict disadvantageous power combinations in the channels of distribution to the overall macro effectiveness of the channel system.
– The purpose of this paper is to examine the extent to which developing countries could build national initiatives of compulsory licences.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the extent to which developing countries could build national initiatives of compulsory licences.
Design/methodology/approach
The focus of this article is only on developing countries. The author reflects on the Indian patent jurisprudence regarding the operational relationship between the general principles applicable to working of patented inventions locally and the grant of compulsory licences. The discussion that follows is based on a review of the case: Bayer Corporation versus Natco Pharma with a view to presenting a model for developing countries to maintain that the public interest principle of patent law is well-founded in their domestic patent regimes.
Findings
The analysis confirms that failure to work locally continues to be abusive of the patent right under the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement, and remains a valid condition on which to grant a compulsory licence. Thus, this reverses the often-contrary misconception that has become almost a unanimous assumption that failure to work basis for granting compulsory licensing would violate Article 27(1) of TRIPS and its enforcement provisions on patent.
Originality/value
The author argues that as no member state has challenged the legality of Indian’s decision in the World Trade Organisation, under the dispute settlement understanding (DSU) system is more supportive of the contention that failure to work locally continues to be permissible under TRIPS and remains valid conditions on which member states can grant compulsory licences. This further adds weight to the understanding that nothing in the light of TRIPS would, in fact, preclude any possibility of developing countries amending their patent laws accordingly to maintain that the public interest principle underlining patent law is well-founded in their domestic patent regimes.