Efficient Consumer Response Research Articles

Influence of Supply Chain Integration Practices on Operation Performance at Trans-Nzoia County Government Treasury, Kenya

Supply chain integration practices are considered a powerful weapon to gain competitive advantages and linking performance measurement systems to supply chain integration practices can lead to increased success of supply chain initiatives. This study sought to analyze the influence of supply chain integration practices on operation performance at Trans-Nzoia County Government Treasury, Kenya. Porter's Value Chain Theory and Systems Theory guided the study. This study employed a descriptive research design. Data collection involved a diverse group of participants, totalling 1207 individuals, from which a sample size of 121 respondents was determined. Descriptive data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 28, enabling the examination of both quantitative and qualitative information through coding. The research instrument, a five-point Likert scale questionnaire, demonstrated high reliability through its internal consistency, with a Cronbach's Alpha correlation coefficient exceeding 0.7. To assess the data both descriptively and inferentially, statistical techniques, including means, standard deviations, Pearson's correlation, and regression analysis, were employed. The findings highlighted the significant impact of supply chain integration practices, encompassing efficient consumer response practices, customer relationship management practices, vendor-managed inventory practices, and enterprise resource planning practices on operation performance at Trans-Nzoia County Government Treasury. The regression analysis revealed that when considered together, these practices explained 73.4% of the variance in operation performance. Furthermore, a positive correlation was observed between these supply chain integration practices and operation performance. Based on these insightful findings, the study recommended a more substantial incorporation of supply chain integration practices, particularly in efficient consumer response practices, customer relationship management practices, vendor-managed inventory practices, and enterprise resource planning practices. These implications held value for various stakeholders, including policymakers, government entities, researchers, and academics. By providing actionable insights, this research facilitated informed decision-making, ultimately contributing to the enhanced operation performance at Trans-Nzoia County Government Treasury, Kenya.

Analytical Study for Functions of Supply Chain Management on Retail Sector and its Effect on Retail Prices

A supply chain is incomplete if there is no proper distribution channel that delivers goods to the end users. A good Supply chain model would be the best way to face any pandemic or crisis’s effects. challenges and prospects aim to holistically review the retail supply chain, the challenges, and emerging trends, with a particular focus on the supply chain for business owners. Retailing tasks, retail classification, differences in grocery and fashion retailing, challenges and opportunities for prospective retailers, supply chain management and small businesses are discussed amongst others. The feasibility for supply chain for the retail business and results that help make the case company edge competitors are also part of the discussion. Theories, opinions, and recommendations used in this research work were based on extensive use of primary and secondary research methods which include interview, textbook, dictionaries, case studies and internet media. At the end recommendations on inventory management, formation of buying group and extensive use of niche merchandise is put forward. The contents of this paper will come in handy for prospective retail entrepreneurs and researchers. There is also a possibility for further research into the transformations in retail supply chain like the quick response, factory gate pricing, efficient consumer response.

EVOLUTION OF LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT CONCEPTS IN E-COMMERCE

In modern conditions, taking into account the rapid development of Internet technologies, e-commerce increases sales worldwide and has already been formed as a separate sector of the economy. One of the most significant changes that trade is currently undergoing is the progressive development and introduction of a remote way of selling goods. The growing popularity of implementing of the latest sales methods by the trade enterprises requires new approaches to the organization of supply of goods, ensuring their timely delivery and achieving the appropriate level of quality of customer service. In developed countries, logistics is the driving force behind the changes in e-commerce enterprises that have developed significantly over the past 40 years. The precondition for the active development of logistics through the remote sale of goods was the emergence of electronic money in 1980-1990. At the same time, the first logistics companies appeared in the United States, the concept of "outsourcing" was introduced and distribution centers were formed. The change of the traditional paradigm in trade to customer orientation, "pull system", gave impetus to changes in the management system of logistics flows. Thus, in 1992, a new concept of ECR (Efficient Consumer Response - economic relations with customers), which focused primarily on optimizing distribution channels and reducing costs not related to the process of creating valu, appeared. So, as for now, the question about the study of the evolution of logistics management in e-commerce arises. The article investigates the formation of the conceptual foundations of logistics management of the enterprise taking into account the transformation of e-commerce.

Blockchain technology in food industry ecosystem

Food industry is unique from the point of view of Efficient Consumer Response (ECR) which is a supply chain management initiative specific to the food industry and reflects organizations’ efforts to achieve quick response to reaching to market and ultimately consumer using Electronic Data Interchange, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification and bar codes. This paper would focus on looking at pros and cons of evaluating traditional traceability (is an important link in protecting public health since it allows health agencies to more quickly and accurately identify the source of contaminated food, fruit or vegetables believed to be the cause of an outbreak of foodborne illness, remove them from the marketplace, and communicate to the supply chain) matrix versus newly introduced disruptive technology called blockchain. This report outlines various components of traceability and its relation to other parts and methodologies in ensuring food product authenticity the paper further outlines detailing of blockchain technology its various types, implementation with examples and application in food industry. The concluding part of paper compares traditional vs. blockchain methods in regard to cost benefit analysis and implementation perspective of blockchain. The paper through reasoning and arguments justifies that how blockchain bases systems of food traceability are more suitable from speed, confidentiality and ease of implementation perspective as compared to traditional electronic traceability and current systems. From limitation perspective this paper highlights how lack of interoperability is currently the biggest one obstacle preventing system-wide, farm-to-fork food product traceability.

Modern logistics technologies in the conditions of Slovak enterprises

We are living in a time of technological progress, the development of new technologies and the digital transformation of industry. Customers continue to focus on product quality and enterprises are looking for solutions to reduce production costs, speed up and simplify the manufacturing process. One effective way to do this is to use modern logistics technology. The main aim of the paper was to examine logistics technologies used in Slovak enterprises. The intention of this paper was to analyse the issue under consideration the literary research and the survey, which was conducted in enterprises in Slovakia. To provide a comprehensive view, it was necessary to define terms and concepts in the first part of the paper - technology, logistics technology and types of logistics technologies. Subsequently, in the theoretical part of the paper we focused on the analysis of selected modern logistics technologies. From these we chose Efficient Consumer Response, Radio Frequency Identification and Quick Response. To provide a comprehensive view, we have selected modern logistics technologies under the conditions of Slovakia.

A theoretical framework to adopt collaborative initiatives in supply chains

Abstract Collaborative initiatives emerged in the 1980s as a means to increase inter-organizational cooperation, thereby achieving performance improvements in supply chains. Despite this, no consensus exists among researchers with respect to which collaborative initiatives should be deployed along a supply chain. This study analyzes five collaborative initiatives—Quick Response (QR), Efficient Consumer Response (ECR), Continuous Replenishment Program (CRP), Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) and Collaborative Planning, Forecasting and Replenishment (CPFR)—by conducting a systematic literature review, aiming to develop a theoretical framework to guide the decision-making process of adopting and implementing these initiatives. Based on the characteristics of the collaborative initiatives, expected benefits, reasons for adopting, and possible barriers found in the literature review, a theoretical framework was developed as a flowchart, clearly indicating to decision-makers the main aspects of concern when adopting one or more collaborative initiatives and highlighting the need to constantly monitor the chosen initiative’s performance.

COLLABORATIVE INITIATIVES: MOTIVATORS, BARRIERS AND BENEFITS

ABSTRACT Purpose: To propose a classification of the different types of motivators, barriers and benefits existing in the processes of adoption of collaborative initiatives between companies within the supply chain. Originality/value: The results achieved assist managers to know the different types of motivators that drive the adoption of these initiatives, the benefits that can be achieved and the barriers that can be encountered, hence avoiding unsuccessful implementations. Researchers provide a better theoretical understanding of the different types of components present in these initiatives, paving the way for the search for empirical evidence. Design/methodology/approach: A systematic review of the literature, focusing on five initiatives: Quick Response (QR), Efficient Consumer Response (ECR), Continuous Replenishment Program (CRP), Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI), and Collaborative Planning, Forecasting and Replenishment (CPFR). Findings: The motivators for adopting these initiatives are related to the economic or market changes and/or the organization of these companies. The barriers are classified as cultural, behavioral and physical and the benefits are classified as primary and secondary; showing that the primary benefits must be achieved in order for the secondary benefits to appear. The work shows that despite the use of similar nomenclatures, the concepts used may be different for various contexts. In addition, the work shows that information and communication technologies cease to be a barrier and become a facilitator for companies interested in collaborating in their supply chain. The importance of human resources is also highlighted.

КОМПЛЕМЕНТАРНІСТЬ СТРАТЕГІЙ МАРКЕТИНГУ ТА ЛОГІСТИКИ В ЛАНЦЮГУ ПОСТАВОК ТОВАРІВ ПОВСЯКДЕННОГО ПОПИТУ

КОМПЛЕМЕНТАРНІСТЬ СТРАТЕГІЙ МАРКЕТИНГУ ТА ЛОГІСТИКИ В ЛАНЦЮГУ ПОСТАВОК ТОВАРІВ ПОВСЯКДЕННОГО ПОПИТУ

EVALUATION OF EFFICIENT CONSUMER RESPONSE (ECR) PROCESSES IN RETAIL COMPANIES IN THE BALTIC STATES

The primary goal of retail operations similar to any other business is to make a profit by satisfying consumer needs. To achieve the goal and ensure competitiveness retail enterprises need to carry out their operations as efficiently as possible by applying the latest, most modern work organisation methods. Work efficiency can be achieved by reducing supply chain costs which in turn can be achieved through successful cooperation among all the parties involved. Efficient Consumer Response (ECR) is not just a new approach to process organisation in retail trade but affects all business processes as a whole taking them to a totally new and much higher level, thereby ensuring an increase in customer satisfaction and loyalty levels. The aim of the present research is to review the latest scientific literature on ECR, understand its working principles and carry out a survey of experts in order to ascertain the level of application of ECR in retail enterprises in the Baltic States and put forward recommendations for the enhancement of application of ECR.

Evaluation Methodology for Tariff Design under Escalating Penetrations of Distributed Energy Resources

As the penetration of distributed energy resources (DERs) escalates in distribution networks, new network tariffs are needed to cope with this new situation. These tariffs should allocate network costs to users, promoting an efficient use of the distribution network. This paper proposes a methodology to evaluate and compare network tariff designs. Four design attributes are proposed for this aim: (i) network cost recovery; (ii) deferral of network reinforcements; (iii) efficient consumer response; (iv) recognition of side-effects on consumers. Through an analytical hierarchy process (AHP), the evaluation methodology is applied to compare traditional cost allocation methods, on the basis of 100% energy, 100% demand, and 50% energy-50% demand, with more advanced pricing methods based on distribution locational marginal prices in combination with cost-reflective network charges. Numerical results are obtained through a case study based on the IEEE 34-node test feeder with DER integration. The results illustrate the advantage of advanced pricing methods to promote an efficient integration of DER and demand price-response from consumers.

EFFICIENT CONSUMER RESPONSE (ECR) PRINCIPLES AND THEIR APPLICATION IN RETAIL TRADE ENTERPRISES IN LATVIA

The sector of the retail trade has always played a significant role in the Latvian economics. The basis for the retail trade is the satisfaction of consumers’ needs and the formation of the long-term relationship. To retain the existing consumers and to attract the new buyers, one of the fundamental tasks is to create the according assortment. The Efficient Consumer Response presupposes not only the new approach in creating the assortment, but also influences all business processes in the enterprise and significantly raises the level of assortment. The purpose of the present study is to analyze the level of the ECR application in the retail enterprises in Latvia. Therefore, there were set the following tasks: a) to characterize the retail trade tendencies in Latvia; b) to research the principles of assortment formation. The research methods applied were the expert interviews and consumers’ survey. The key result of the research was: the ECR implementation helps to form the assortment of the retail trade enterprises in more responsive to consumers’’ needs way.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.eis.0.9.12812

Active and Intelligent Packaging Food - Research and Development – A Review

Innovation in food and beverage packaging is mostly driven by consumer needs and demands influenced by changing global trends, such as increased life expectancy, and fewer organizations investing in food production and distribution. Food industry has seen great advances in the packaging sector since its inception in the 18th century with most active and intelligent innovations occurring during the past century. These advances have led to improved food quality and safety. Active and intelligent packaging is a new and exciting area of technology which received efficient contemporary consumer response. The aim of this review article was to present active and intelligent packaging currently existing on the market

Achieving sustained competitive advantage by integrating ECR, RFID and visibility in retail supply chains: a conceptual framework

While efficient consumer response (ECR), radio frequency identification (RFID) and supply chain visibility are concepts that have received academic and practitioner attention, the benefits of integration have not been considered in any detail. Based on a systematic review of literature, the findings suggest that designing retail supply chains to integrate the concepts of RFID, ECR and visibility presents opportunities for sustained competitive advantage. The contribution made by this article is the formulation of six research propositions which propose that the integration of ECR, RFID and supply chain visibility may be considered as a strategic capability within retail supply networks. By adopting the theoretical lens of the resource-based view of the firm, research propositions examining integration as per the characteristics of valuable, rare, imperfectly mobile, not imitable and not substitutable are developed.

Out-of-stock problem: possible classification schemes

An out-of-stock (OOS) event is referred as one of the biggest supply-chain management problem concerning retailers, distributors and consumers. We present available PCG data and discuss how to determine the importance of some features (fields), their interconnections and compare them with standard data fields used in other publicly accessible studies and recommendations from Efficient Consumer Response (ECR). We propose several models and algorithms to predict and solve Out of stock problem and at the end the computational results of these models are presented.

The Option for the Universe of Consumption and the “Efficient Consumer Response” Philosophy

The paper presents new methods of distributing non-food products that undeniably better meet customers’ rationale of purchase than traditional distribution areas. Consequently, the universe of consumption is analysed, a concept that continues to be a vital issue both in the United States and Europe. The analysis was performed through a study that aims to highlight the attempts made in the adoption of innovative retail forms in the apparel industry in Romania and future directions in this field. The need to examine the specific distribution of products in the apparel industry and the state of adoption of the new retail forms in Romania is justified by the increasing number of companies that have developed their own brands without having distribution channels appropriate to the new socio-economic conditions. The study reveals the need for knowledge and awareness of the benefits of marketing the products in the new retail forms, as well as the necessity for consumers to be initiated by distributors in the exploration of the new reinvented sale areas, by designing appropriate consumer universes through the implementation of the ECR philosophy.

Food and grocery supply chains: a reappraisal of ECR performance

PurposeThe paper aims to reappraise efficient consumer response (ECR) in the grocery and food industry to determine whether financial and operating performance improves with ECR adoption.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses a time‐series multiple regression model. The methodology overcomes historical shortcomings in ECR and supply chain management research related to small sample size, one‐tier investigation, and short‐longitudinal focus.FindingsECR adoption has beneficial impacts for both financial and operational performance.Research limitations/implicationsTwo limitations exist. First, determining the actual time of implementation for supply chain management strategies by firms in the food industry is extremely difficult. The method used to classify firms as ECR adopters in this paper is believed to be sound and unbiased, but errors may exist. Second, this analysis does not account for differences in the implementation level for ECR. For simplicity, a binary variable is used to distinguish firms adopting or not adopting supply chain management strategies (ECR). Further study is needed to determine how differences in the level of ECR implementation impacts firm performance.Practical implicationsThe paper overcomes historical shortcomings in ECR performance research. The paper provides academics and practitioners in the food and grocery industry definitive evidence that ECR has beneficial impacts for both financial and operational performance in the food and grocery industry.Originality/valueBy placing greater attention on overcoming historical shortcomings in supply chain management research related to small sample size, one‐tier investigation, and longitudinal study, the paper improves upon previous evaluations of ECR.

Efficient Consumer Response and New Product Development

Efficient Consumer Response and New Product Development

The Case of Efficient Consumer Response at Nissin Food Co., Ltd. and at Seven-Eleven Japan

The Case of Efficient Consumer Response at Nissin Food Co., Ltd. and at Seven-Eleven Japan

A comparison of coordinated supply chain inventory management systems

Supply chain operations are widely used, as they have proven very effective in contemporary business environments. Traditional supply chain coordination has suffered from well-known bullwhip effects, which have been alleviated in part through greater information exchange from Efficient Consumer Response (ECR) and more coordinated systems such as Vendor-Managed Inventory (VMI). The refinements of VMI include Continuous Replenishment (CR) and Collaborative Planning, Forecasting and Replenishment (CPFR). This paper reviews the definitions of these variant supply chain inventory management systems. Simulation studies of VMI have studied the expected impact on supply chain operations. This paper evaluates the relative benefits and costs of alternative supply chain inventory systems and provides an analysis of the conditions for which coordinated inventory management systems are appropriate.

Sales promotions and channel coordination

Consumer sales promotions are usually the result of the decisions of two marketing channel parties, the manufacturer and the retailer. In making these decisions, each party normally follows its own interest: i.e. maximizes its own profit. Unfortunately, this results in a suboptimal outcome for the channel as a whole. Independent profit maximization by channel parties leads to a lack of channel coordination with the implication of leaving money on the table. This may well contribute to the notoriously low profitability of sales promotions. This paper first shows analytically why the suboptimality occurs, and then presents an empirical demonstration, using a unique dataset from an Efficient Consumer Response (ECR) project; ECR is a movement in which parties work together to optimize the distribution channel). In this dataset, actual profit is only a small fraction of potential profit, implying that there is a large degree of suboptimality. It is important that (1) channel parties are aware of this suboptimality; and (2) that they have tools to deal with it. Solutions to the channel coordination problem should ensure that the goals of the individual channel parties are aligned with the goals of the channel as a whole. The paper proposes one particular agreement for this purpose, called proportional discount sharing. Application to the ECR data shows a win-win result for both the manufacturer and the retailer. Recognition of the channel coordination problem by the manufacturer and the retailer is the necessary starting point for agreeing on a way of solving it in a win-win fashion.