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The purpose of this paper is to identify factors which influence the sustainability of selected German agri‐food chains.

The paper is composed of a literature review, qualitative and quantitative expert interviews, and structural equation modelling.

Effective communication, the existence of personal bonds and equal power distribution between buyers and suppliers are key determinants of sustainable vertical business relationships. The relevance and significance of the determinants differ across the investigated chain stages (farmer‐processor versus processor‐retailer), the use of formal versus non‐formal relationship types and the maturity of a relationship.

Further research needs to empirically apply the analysis to agri‐food chains other than the investigated pig‐meat and cereal ones.

Agribusiness and farm managers can enhance the sustainability of their business relationships by effective communication by fostering personal bonds with their suppliers and/or buyers, and by employing – and retaining – key staff who fit culturally and/or socially with those with whom they transact. Finally, managers also need to be aware of the fact that a business relationship can be negatively affected by abusing a more powerful market position.

A model for measuring the sustainability of vertical business relationships is presented and empirically tested. In addition, factors influencing the sustainability of these relationships are identified for the case of selected German agri‐food chains.

THIS year marks the centenary of the publication of the most significant paper every written in the field of tribology. It is therefore timely to recall the nineteenth century developments in mechanical engineering science which prompted Osborne Reynolds to undertake his studies of fluid‐film lubrication, to consider the essence of his contribution, to review one hundred years of further progress and to comment on the current position.

Offers a preliminary assessment of electronic commerce. Rarely has the retail and consumer services sector been faced with a strategic challenge of such significant complexity and uncertainty that is growing so rapidly. Suggests that the academic world is lagging behind the world of practice in terms of supplying rigorous analysis of the topic. Deals with four discrete areas of the new economy as it affects retailers. Explores the extent to which the emergence of new electronic channels to market has led to distinctive means of business differentiation, with particular reference to branding and pricing. Secondly, looks at how business‐to‐business companies can use electronic channels to improve supply chain and productivity requirements. Thirdly, assesses how far we understand some of the organisational change issues. Finally considers the future of eCommerce.

BY way of introduction perhaps a word may be appropriate to explain how I got involved in this study. When I was writing a text book on lubrication I made a resolution never to quote any reference that I had not actually seen and read. When it came to the basic law of journal bearing friction, known as Petroff's law, I had the formidable task of going through his very lengthy works to fulfil my resolution. His classic 1883 paper is 209 pages long and the next one of 1886 has 438 pages plus 119 pages of tables, while the 1887 one contains a mere 121, all of them in Russian.

To discuss and analyze the facts and circumstances of the October 11, 2019 U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York temporary restraining order halting the distribution of cryptocurrency tokens in SEC v. Telegram Group Inc.

Provides an overview of the case, an analysis of the Court’s ruling, details on the final resolutions, and some key takeaways.

Given the lack of judicial precedent in this area, as well as the size and profile of the Telegram project, the Telegram case was closely watched by blockchain industry participants and represents a significant development for this emerging market. The Telegram court’s approach, if broadly adopted, could prove very challenging for those attempting to launch decentralized networks involving blockchain-based tokens.

The Telegram case represents just one court’s view and is based on a very fact-specific inquiry. However, given the Court’s apparent deference to the SEC’s positions on the facts at hand, and the lack of judicial precedent in this area, the blockchain industry should pay close attention to this decision.

Expert guidance from lawyers with extensive experience in blockchain technologies, digital currencies, securities offerings and litigation, investment funds and financial services.

International companies lost some $24bn in 1998 by ignoring or underestimating organised crime, corruption and other non‐conventional risks in emerging markets, according to a survey conducted by risk consultancy Merchant International Group.

All items listed may be borrowed from the Aslib Library, except those marked, which may be consulted in the Library.