Order Catalogs Research Articles

Mail order catalog design and consumer response behavior: Experimentation and analysis

A mail order firm wanted a strategy to increase response rates through catalog design. The strategy involved an indistinguishable experimental section within the main catalog to avoid prohibitive costs of putting together 16 totally unique catalogs and utilized Plackett–Burman screening designs, multivariate methods, and robust methods. The end result was an economically feasible new strategy that provided an increased profit-cost ratio, better catalog design, prediction of customer response data, important product perspectives, and marketing strategies for long-term impact.

Astrophysical Results from Geodetic VLBI Campaigns

Geodetic VLBI observations of extragalactic radio sources –designed to measure earth orientation parameters– are performed regularly since more than 10 years now. In different campaigns about 20 Quasars and BL Lacs are being monitored at 2.3 and 8.4 GHz. The high duty-cycle of these observations (every month for IRIS-S) and the resulting enormous data base allow to study the milliarcsecond structures and their variations simultaneously at two frequencies on short timescales. Since the accuracy of baseline determination and measurement of earth rotation parameters has reached a limit where source structure contributions become significant, there is substantial interest to monitor and correct for the source structure “effects”. Therefore we perform a regular analysis of sources selected from IRIS-S (high north-south resolution and almost circular beam for low declination sources) and EUROPE (high sensitivity due to large telescopes) campaigns covering a maximum time base of 10 years (1983–1993). The (undesired) structure of the sources leads to an occasional updating of the source catalogue in order to have “pointlike” sources which are observed 10–15 times for three to seven minutes during 24 hours. Meanwhile about 50 sources have been observed in geodetic campaigns. The comparatively poor data quality requires careful calibration with a source whose structure is well–known from high dynamic range observations (e.g. the blazar 1803+784). The dynamic range of these maps is limited to 1:50. The merit of this database lies obviously in the monthly persecution of structural changes in extragalactic radio sources over at best 10 years time and the filling of the gaps between high dynamic range observations. Sources which are presently of particular interest to us, include 1803+784, 4C39.25, 0528+134, 3C454.3 and OJ287.

Have contemporary consumers integrated mail/phone order into their categorization of goods and retailers?

Using data gathered from credit account holders of a national mail/phone order catalog, the present study examines whether contemporary consumers have integrated nonstore alternatives into their categorization of retailers. This research finds that there is a segment that exhibits preference for nonstore buying, that women have more experience shopping than do men, and that such shopping/purchase experience is related to willingness to use mail/phone order catalogs. These results also indicate that respondents do not associate any of the products considered with preference for mail/phone order purchase.

Buying the Exotic "Other": Reading the "Banana Republic" Mail Order Catalog

Buying the Exotic "Other": Reading the "Banana Republic" Mail Order Catalog

A survey for infrared excesses among high galactic latitude SAO stars

view Abstract Citations (64) References (58) Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS A Survey for Infrared Excesses among High Galactic Latitude SAO Stars Stencel, Robert E. ; Backman, Dana E. Abstract This project involves extending the previous analysis of infrared excesses among a volume-limited sample of 134 nearby A-K main-sequence stars to a magnitude-limited sample of stars, culled from the SAO Catalog, with excesses determined from the IRAS Point Source Catalog flux density ratios. This new sample includes 5706 B-M type stars, 379 of which have infrared excesses. The objective involved use of a statistically complete survey of objects in a standard catalog in order to assess the frequency with which different physical processes can affect the infrared output of stars. These processes include, but are not limited to, orbiting cold particle clouds and the onset of rapid mass loss. It is concluded that cold disks are consistent with the infrared excesses found among A-G dwarfs and G-K giants in the sample. Publication: The Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series Pub Date: March 1991 DOI: 10.1086/191553 Bibcode: 1991ApJS...75..905S Keywords: Infrared Astronomy; Main Sequence Stars; Stellar Envelopes; Stellar Spectra; Astronomical Catalogs; Extrasolar Planets; Far Infrared Radiation; Infrared Astronomy Satellite; Milky Way Galaxy; Planetary Evolution; Astrophysics; INFRARED: SOURCES; STARS: CIRCUMSTELLAR SHELLS full text sources ADS | data products SIMBAD (376)

The role of perceived risk in mail order catalog shopping

The purpose of this article is to review the marketing literature concerning perceived risk and to offer a conceptual application of this literature to the mail order catalog shopping purchase situation. Five specific types of perceived risk are presented and discussed in relation to risk reduction techniques applicable to each. The author's conceptualizations concerning perceived risk are an attempt to promote academic empirical research, as well as to enhance practitioners’ understanding of their own current and future efforts toward expanding the database of receptive mail order catalog shoppers.

The mail order catalog industry in Britain

This article focuses on the direct marketing practices of an important U.S. trading partner, Britain, via an interview survey of chief executive officers of British mail order catalog firms. Specifically, we examine the ongoing evolution to a specialized catalog market targeted at a higher income class from a more general one catering to lower-income households. The latter market is based on an agency system and installment credit. The executives within the general market, where catalog sales are still concentrated, see the specialized market as the target of opportunity for future growth.

The Acceptability of Catalogs for Apparel Purchases

Despite the growth of catalog shopping, little is known about the acceptability of mail order catalogs for apparel purchases. This study evaluated factors that contributed to the acceptability of catalog shopping for apparel among the sample of shoppers. Although it was expected that acceptability would be a function of selected demographic variables, results of an analysis of covariance test revealed no significant (p < .05) main effects for education, age, income, or sex. Significant (p <.05) interactions were found, however, among these demographic variables, functional motives, and catalog acceptability. The implications of this research are discussed.

Zoot suits and second-hand dresses: an anthology of fashion and music

Part I Frontiers: the Zoot Suit and style warfare, S. Cosgrove secondhand dresses and the role of the ragmarket, A.McRobbie monster metaphors - notes on Michael Jackson's Thriller, K. Mercer the grain of punk - an analysis of the lyrics, D. Laing the shattered glass - notes on Bryan Ferry, I. Penman. Part 2 Transgressions: Do you know how to pony? The messianic intensity of the '60s, J.Savage only dancing - David Bowie flirts with the issues, S. Frith the best uniforms, M.Kohn heroin, the needle and the politics of the body, M.Chalmers wild style - graffiti painting, Atlanta and Alexander the age of plunder, J.Savage. Part 3 Interiors: sighs and whispers in Bloomingdales - a review of a Bloomingdale mail order catalogue for their lingerie department, R. Brooks fashion 'n passion - a working paper, K.Myers don't look now, R. Dyer the business of couture, J.Ash from the inside - an interview with three women fashion designers, J.Lee heavy duty denim - quality never dates, D.Sheuring. Part 4 Music now: women and pop - a series of lost encounters, G.Rumsey and H.Little against health and efficiency - independent music in the '80s, S.Reynolds after subversion - pop culture and power, P.Oldfield fear of the future, D. Stubbs we are the world?, G.Marcus.

From Hacienda to Bungalow: Northern New Mexico Houses, 1850-1912

What do houses tell us about the people who built or remodeled them? Adobe carefully painted to make it look like brick says as much about Anglo culture and presence in New Mexico from 1850 to 1912 as does any political history of those years. This study of domestic architecture, though, is more than a regional one; it addresses issues basic to an understanding of how one culture transports its social mores, cultural values, and material goods to a frontier where they can take hold.In towns, on ranches, and as forts, the changes to the buildings people lived in came from many sources. Magazines popular in the East and mail order catalogs were often consulted and influenced choices as diverse as adding balconies or picking wallpaper with okra or artichoke patterns. The abundant historic photographs of houses--some now demolished, remodeled, or restored--enable readers to look at furnishings and use of space and understand life in a frontier society better.In showing the numerous, specific ways in which architecture in New Mexico between 1850 and 1912 reflected an increasing dominance of an Anglo society over a native southwestern one, this book will interest historians, architects, folklorists, and nonspecialists in these fields.

Apparel Shopping Behavior of Elderly Men and Women

70 interested elderly (65 yr. and over) men and women participated in an investigation of older consumers' apparel-shopping behavior and satisfactions and dissatisfactions with available clothing and facilities. Analysis showed that the participants considered shopping ease, wide variety, and label/brand as some of the important factors while shopping for clothes. The respondents were satisfied with good selection, closeness of the mall, and reasonable sales. However, their dissatisfactions ranged from service to fit and size, youthful styles, and abundance of imported clothing. In-store displays, mail order catalogs, and window shopping were the most commonly used sources of apparel information. Several implications of the findings were discussed and suggestions for further research were made.

A Hybrid Knowledge-Based System for Allocating Retail Space and for Other Allocation Problems

A unique hybrid knowledge-based decision support system (Resource-opt) for helping managers make various kinds of resource allocation decisions allows the user to feed in hard information about the past, market research information, and managerial intuition. The Resource-opt System organizes all this knowledge and then computes the resource allocation decisions that will maximize profits within any given set of strategic considerations. It provides a forecast of sales, costs, and profits. A practical example of the use of the system for allocating retail space is given; it has also been used for sales force allocation and mail order catalogue design.

Perceived Risk and Information Sources Used by Wheelchair-Bound Consumers in Clothing Purchase Decisions

Disabled consumers confined to wheelchairs represent a special consumer group for clothing manufacturers and retailers. They have special clothing needs and may perceive different risks associated with clothing purchases than do able-bodied consumers. The purpose of this study was to examine information seeking behavior, types of perceived risk—economic, performance, physical, psychological, and social—and the relationship between information seeking and risk associated with clothing purchases of 75 wheelchair-bound consumers. Regression analysis was used to determine the relationship between the five types of risk and overall risk and the relationship between types of risk and information sources used. Perceived physical risk ranked highest and perceived social risk ranked lowest for the respondents. Performance and social risk were significantly correlated with overall risk at the.05 level. However, the correlation of various types ofrisk with the use ofspecific information sources was not significant except for a negative correlation between social risk and neutral information sources. Information sources most often used by respondents were mail order catalogs and family members. Those with cogenital disability perceived higher overall risk than those with acquired disability.

Forecasting demand for mail order catalogue lines during the season

Most mail order catalogues include a large number of few lines. Forecasting demand is therefore not easy, and the forecasts for all lines are typically up-dated every week of the catalogue season. The forecasts for each line are usually obtained by determining how the demand for similar lines built up in the corresponding season of the previous year, and then grossing up the demands received accordingly. Using data for one particular mail order company, the sources of error in this trend profile method of forecasting are explored, and some simpl ways of improving its accuracy are suggested. An assessment of the proposed improvements is made by determining their likely effects on forecasting accuracy and stock control performance.

Au courant: Teaching French Vocabulary and Culture Using the Mass Media

This volume outlines potential uses of many of the topics associated with daily newspapers, music, film, theater, and sports for vocabulary development and grammar review in French language instruction. The emphasis is on the advantage of using authentic, current materials prepared for the general public but somewhat familiar to students. The charters focus on: reviewing grammar with headlines and comic strips, film reviews and scenarios, teaching about music through reviews, advertisements and product copy, housing and real estate, the financial pages, the Thomas Cook International Timetable, the Syndicat d'Initiative (Chamber of Commerce), the telephone directory, mail order catalogs, crime stories, commercial television, the Tour de F-ance bicycle race, and North American football. Most chapters introduce basic vocabulary for understanding current articles and provide a series of general questions applicable to articles on the topic and designed for student response using appropriate vocabulary. A final chapter gives instructions for students on preparing an article summary and medium-specific exercises, as well as activities intended for further vocabulary development. A lint of references and suggested additional 1)adings is appended. (MSE) AU COURANT: TEACHING FRENCH VOCABULARY and CULTURE USING the MASS MEDIA a I a de se de U.& DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION EOUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) iii.. This document has been reproduced as received from the person or organization onginating It Ii Minor changes have been made to improve reproduction quality Points of vow or opinions stated in this docu mint do not necessarily represent official NIE position or policy PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE THIS MATERIAL HAS BEN GRANTED BY ,,i_641,,_,,,k,,, TO THE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) AU COURANT: TEACHING FRENCH VOCABULAR i and CULTURE USING the MASS MEDIA by Jean-Pierre Berwald 41611 A publication of Center for Applied Linguistics e Prepared by ERIC Clearinghouse on Languages and Linguistics

A new class of intelligent knowledge-based systems with an optimisation-based inference engine

In this paper we describe a new class of intelligent knowledge-based system (IKBS) which can be used principally for managerial decision making applications. This class of applications often requires a framework for knowledge acquisition which allows the system to use the knowledge of several experts. In addition, since in most business decision making the objective is maximise profits, there is a need for an inference engine which allows optimisation to be carried out. The new class of IKBS which is described in this paper has both these properties, i.e., the ability to use the knowledge of multiple experts in a convenient way and an inference engine which by performing optimisations is able to pick out the profit maximising decisions. As an illustration of these concepts, a system for allocation decision making is described. The system ‘Retail-opt’ allows the user to solve problems like allocation of space in retail outlets, allocation of space in mail order catalogues, pricing policy decisions for discounted airline tickets, etc. In the paper, the basic concepts behind ‘Retail-opt’ are described and an application of ‘Retail-opt’ to the problem of retail space allocation in a Scandinavian Department Store is given. A number of other systems which use these concepts for more complicated competitive decision making situations are also described.

INFORMATION DISCLOSURE IN MAIL ORDER CATALOGUES

Catalogue mail order shopping has become a common mode of shopping for many consumers. Despite Federal Trade Commission rules as well as federal statutes designed to protect consumers in mail order transactions, consumers continue to experience problems with shopping by mail. Some problems may stem from limited availability or clarity of information in mail order catalogues. Resolution of problems is also more difficult when complete information is not available.In a survey of 139 catalogues distributed in the United States the authors found that, with the exception of refund policies, the majority contained no (or vague) information on the companies' policies. Additionally, when information was provided it was usually located on the order form rather than in the catalogue itself. Recommendations for improved information disclosure in mail order catalogues are discussed in the final section of this paper.

A Catalogue of the Facial Behavior Patterns of Japanese Preschool Children

An ethology-based catalogue of twenty five items of facial behavior patterns is presented based on a research of Japanese day nursery children. Comparisons are made between the published and this catalogue in order to make clear the differences in ways to list facial behavior patterns and culturally influenced behavior patterns. It can be concluded that there is no developmental change in facial behavior patterns from one to five years old, though some cultural differences can be observed in other body patterns among preschool children, that the measurements of hedonic tone of facial behavior patterns seem to be the same cross-culturally, and that it is necessary to do research on the general meaning of the 'reassurance' behavior caused by the facial display observed in this research.

Metacatalogue of galaxies and large scale structures in the Universe

The present state of the compilation of the Metacatalogue of galaxies is described by Kalinkov et al. (1981). The preparation of the catalogue originated from the necessity to put on magnetic tape Zwicky’s catalogue in order to study the distribution of galaxies and clusters of galaxies. Enlarging the Metacatalogue by joining to it other catalogues, some interesting results for the large scale structure in the Universe have been obtained. New methods for efficient data processing have been developed for smoothing and filtering of discrete fields, for computing the two-cell correlation function and its matrix representation to test homogeneity and isotropy, and so on (Kalinkov, 1974, 1976, 1977).

Beyond the alphabet: From competent reader to avid reader

This paper is addressed to those who know, as I do, how vitally important it is for people to become competent readers. We are the con vinced. We need not reiterate that it may even be literally a matter of life and death, of school and economic survival, of any sort of employment or vocational success, of staying out of jail or hospital, of driving a car, of protecting oneself against exploitation, of reading a menu or a mail order catalog, or of just having something to do while awaiting one's turn at the dentist's.