Retail Staff Research Articles

Optimizing In-Store Logistics: How AI Enhances Inventory Management and Space Utilization

This integrative literature review looks at the revolutionary impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in optimizing in-store logistics to assist retail managers and technology decision-makers in using AI to improve inventory management, spatial organization, and customer experience. Based on six core concepts—AI-driven demand forecasting, automated inventory replenishment, space utilization optimization, adaptive store layout design, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction—the study's conceptual framework emphasizes AI's strategic value and the factors driving its adoption in retail logistics. The review uses rigorous criteria and systematic analysis of peer-reviewed articles, industry reports, and case studies to identify significant topics such as AI-enhanced demand forecasting, automated restocking, responsive shop layouts, data protection, and the changing responsibilities of retail staff. The paper advocates for balanced AI integration, integrating technology breakthroughs with human control and appropriate data management. Future research proposals include investigating AI's long-term implications, doing comparative assessments across retail forms, and developing frameworks for ethical data usage. These will all provide foundational insights for constructing sustainable, sophisticated retail environments that align with global development goals.

Barbarians at the Tills? Post-pandemic reflections on violence and abuse against workers in the retail industry

The UK retail sector is witnessing substantial increases in violence and abuse towards its customer-facing workers in the post-pandemic era. The costs of this violence to employee wellbeing, local community stability and economic losses to the retail industry are manifold. COVID-19 has been implicated as a central driver in these increases, as the legacy of abuse in retail settings during the pandemic lockdowns continues to affect workers across the sector. This article adopts a series of conceptual tools from critical criminology to argue that rising violence against retail staff cannot be explained by the pandemic alone. Rather, criminology must consider these trends against a background of longer-standing increases in interpersonal violence and rapidly shifting cultural currents under late-neoliberal capitalism. This article also reflects on the hardening of consumer subjectivities and declining deference to mechanisms of authority that continue to manifest under postmodern cultural conditions. These all serve as prominent features in the contextual aetiology of abuse against retail staff and render the possibility of addressing retail violence through deterrence and prevention measures problematic.

In-store augmented reality design: fashion retail’s perspectives

PurposeFashion retail has faced immense changes in the rapid development of e-commerce, creating significant uncertainty about physical stores’ future. To improve the consumer shopping experience and increase sales revenue for fashion retailers, this paper investigates how Augmented Reality (AR) can be implemented within high-street fashion retail by exploring leading UK retailers’ reactions to pragmatic future scenarios.Design/methodology/approachThis study conducted qualitative research through 13 interviews – eight retail staff from high-street and high-end markets and five AR/UX designers regarding their insights into how AR can enhance consumer engagement at each market level.FindingsThe results showed that the fashion retail market is ill-prepared to use AR. AR could help high-street brands offer a seamless shopping experience for consumers by prioritising the functional purpose but exciting AR animation. This would offer consumers an efficient and enjoyable shopping experience. While implementing AR, high-end stores should tell stories through hedonic engagement, letting consumers efficiently engage with brand messages, since building an AR ecosystem is cheaper than creating the story flow physically.Originality/valueThe study devises 16 retailer-supported guidelines for designing AR for Fashion Retail levels to guide innovators and retailers.

Touchless Retail Technology: The Effect of Customer Loyalty on the Relationship Between TOE and Retail Technology Adoption

This study attempts to explore the extent of consumer support for contactless technology in the retail industry using TOE framework and consumer loyalty attribute. A purposive face-to-face sampling technique was used with 40 respondents aged between twenty-five and thirty-five among retail staff and customers; was interviewed around the business premises. Further, a self-administered questionnaire was disseminated to shoppers recruited from Klang Valley, the main city of Selangor, Malaysia. This was done via a convenience sampling technique. A total of 475 valid samples were obtained for analysis out of 500 questionnaires returned. Data was analysed using both thematic content analysis and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). The findings revealed that technology, organization and environment can be linked to retail technology adoption; and consumer loyalty can be a mediating factor. The results of the study help retailers in planning their business to continue operational effectiveness and maintain competitiveness, especially in the use of retail technology.

Insights into How Vietnamese Retailers Utilize Social Media to Facilitate Knowledge Creation through the Process of Value Co-Creation

Social media usage is a direct result of Internet connectivity and is gaining increased prominence in business-to-consumer (B2C), business-to-business (B2B), and consumer-to-business (C2B) relationship building, which is allowing marketers to devise and implement digital marketing strategies that are perceived as enhancing a customer’s well-being. Through the process of utilizing social media (SM) to share information with consumers, marketers are affording themselves with the concept of value co-creation and ensuring that the development of knowledge is given priority. To explain how this happens in an emerging economy, in-depth personal interviews were undertaken with the owners of five retail fashion companies in Vietnam. The findings indicate that fashion retail companies in Vietnam are deploying digital marketing strategies that deliver perceived enhanced value to consumers through the process of value co-creation. This highlights the advantage of using SM in relation to increasing retail staff’s ability to convert information into usable resources such as intelligence and knowledge. By achieving knowledge conversion, retail staff fulfill the role of ‘knowledge broker’ and ‘knowledge connector’, and identify how organizational intervention, such as new operating structures, can help to deliver perceived enhanced value to customers.

Disruptions in Iranian Beauty Retail through Digital Transformation

Given the pace of changing technology in retailing, researchers are pursuing a systematic knowledge of the nature of evolving technology in retailing, as well as examining the impacts of new technology in this business. Nowadays, traditional retail establishments encounter enormous challenges from online retailers, and intelligent and immersive retail technology is a valuable tool for creating a unique in-store experience. As a result, the focus of this study will be on customers' views toward new technologies, as well as the customer's preferred purchasing channels for beauty products and the impact of these technologies on customer behavior. Hence, this research can provide new insights on consumers' preference for online or offline retail formats in the Iranian beauty business, allowing for the creation of a precise image of future retail practices in store-based retailing or e-retailing in Iran. In addition, the goal of this paper is to gain a deep understanding of how beauty customers feel about the importance of new technology in offline settings. Qualitative data from 18 in-depth consumer interviews reveal several drivers for purchasing from online platforms among participants, including discount price, convenience, trust, interaction or getting information by reviewing other customer's comments, etc., as well as several barriers (the lack of the opportunity to test products, lack of communication with retail staff for getting information, lack of confidence) to consumers' acceptance of purchasing online. The use of digitization in physical stores as a means of empowering them is highlighted by the juxtaposition of these characteristics as hurdles or drivers. The findings have a number of managerial ramifications.

Surveying the persistence of age- and gender-based restrictions on over-the-counter emergency contraception across pharmacies in Los Angeles County, CA

BackgroundOver-the-counter levonorgestrel emergency contraception (OTC EC) is safe and effective but underutilized for postcoital pregnancy prevention. Unnecessary restrictions imposed by pharmacies and pharmacy workers may impede EC uptake. ObjectiveTo assess the persistence of age- and gender-based barriers to OTC EC access among pharmacists and pharmacy staff across Los Angeles, CA. MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey of registered community pharmacies randomly chosen from regions with the highest unintended pregnancy rates in Los Angeles County. Using an adaptation of the 2017 American Society for Emergency Contraception EC Access and Price Survey, we interviewed pharmacy staff about their attitudes and practices related to OTC EC, with attention to age- and gender-based barriers. ResultsWe surveyed 139 staff members (45% pharmacists, 20% technicians, 26% retail) from 93 publicly accessible pharmacies. Thirteen pharmacies did not stock EC. Half of respondents cited age-based restrictions; only 4% noted gender-based restrictions. More than 75% reported being asked for EC by a man; 7% reported refusing to sell to a man. Nearly 40% reported that men never or rarely purchased EC. Pharmacists were more likely than technicians or retail staff to believe men rarely purchased EC (P = 0.01). The most frequently cited concern about selling to men was inability to confirm the female partner’s age. ConclusionAlthough gender-based restrictions to EC are rare, more than half of pharmacy staff continue to report age-based restrictions. Inability to verify the female partner’s age may underlie cases where men are unable to purchase OTC EC.

Comparison of the Effect of Insole Correction on Three-Dimensional Knee Joint Moments during Gait in Standing Workers with Leg Length Discrepancy

Background Few studies have been performed to investigate the correction of leg length discrepancy (LLD) on the kinetic characteristics of the knee joint using a shoe insole during gait among those who must stand while working. Purpose To verify three-dimensional (3D) knee joint moments using a 3D motion capture system and force platforms with and without insoles during gait in standing workers with LLD. Study design This was a repeated-measures design. Methods Twenty-seven standing workers with LLD participated in this study. Kinetic data of the knee joint were collected using a motion analysis system and two force platforms. The participants were asked to walk freely along a 6-m walkway wearing a standard pair of shoes or standard shoes with an LLD-corrected insole. Repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the knee joint moments according to shoe conditions and limb sides. Results There were significant differences in most moment variables related to the knee joint in participants with LLD-corrected insoles worn on the short limb except for the knee moments of adduction, abduction, and internal rotation (<italic>p</italic>&lt;0.05). Significant differences were shown in the maximal moment of knee adduction, abduction, internal rotation, and external rotation between the long and short legs when the participants wore standard shoes only during gait (<italic>p</italic>&lt;0.05). Conclusions The results demonstrated a significant association between the imbalance of the knee moments and LLD among retail staff who must stand while working. Therefore, the results of this study will be useful in explaining the incidence and biomechanical characteristics of knee osteoarthritis in standing workers with LLD.

Cannabis Retail Staff (“Budtenders”) Attitudes Towards Cannabis Effects on Health and Experiences Interacting with Consumers – Washington State, USA

ABSTRACT Cannabis legalization in Washington State has increased the availability, consumption, and potency of cannabis products for adults. Public health education promoting safe use for adult consumers has lagged behind these trends. This study assesses the potential of cannabis retail workers (budtenders) to engage in responsible use education with adult consumers at point of sale. Focus groups explored how budtenders perceive their professional role, including educating consumers about cannabis over intoxication, storage, and risks of use before driving and during pregnancy. Transcripts were analyzed to develop a coding scheme, which was then applied with an iterative review by the research team. Budtenders identified three main professional roles: creating a good experience for customers; being compliant with the state law and regulations, and educating customers on products. Budtenders did not believe their job involved discussing use during pregnancy or while driving or safe storage. They prioritized customers’ autonomy over education on these topics, and they did not necessarily consider these behaviors to be harmful. Budtenders are committed to keeping minors outside stores and educating consumers on how to avoid over intoxication and exposure to cannabis contaminants. Future research could build on this to develop point-of-sale education to reduce cannabis use risks.

The rejection of cannabis legalization in New Zealand: issues with the Cannabis Legalization and Control Bill or wider concerns?

The rejection of cannabis legalization in New Zealand: issues with the Cannabis Legalization and Control Bill or wider concerns?

Epidemiologic and Clinical Characteristics of 26 Cases of COVID-19 Arising from Patient-to-Patient Transmission in Liaocheng, China.

IntroductionOver 40,000 cases of coronavirus (CoV) disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been confirmed in China. The causative agent, 2019 novel CoV (2019-nCoV), has spread rapidly to more than 25 countries worldwide. Human-to-human transmission has accounted for most of the infections outside Wuhan. Most studies to date on COVID-19 have focused on disease etiology and the genomics of 2019-nCoV, with few reports on the epidemiologic and clinical characteristics of infected patients.MethodsWe report early clinical features of 26 patients with confirmed COVID-19 who were admitted to Liaocheng Infectious Disease Hospital in Shandong Province.ResultsThe median age of the 26 patients with COVID-19 in this study was 42 years. The most common occupation was retail staff (16 patients, 61.54%), with 11 patients or their family members working at the same supermarket. Only 2 patients had visited Wuhan since December 2019; the other cases of 2019-nCoV infection arose from patient-to-patient transmission. Twelve patients had more than one sign or symptom; however, seven patients had no sign or symptom. The average time from symptom onset to admission was 4.5 days. CT revealed signs of bronchitis in 2 patients and unilateral and bilateral pneumonia in 9 and 15 patients, respectively. The patients received the following treatments: antiviral therapy (100%), Chinese medicine (76.92%), antibiotics (50%), gastric mucosal protection (19.23%), immunotherapy (7.69%), and glucocorticoids (3.85%). Most patients (25/26) required ≥1 treatment.DiscussionIn contrast to previous reports, most patients (24/26) had not been in close contact with individuals from Wuhan. Additionally, 11 patients or their family members worked at the same supermarket, suggesting active viral transmission in a location frequented by a large number of people. Close monitoring is essential for preventing the large-scale spread of the virus in such places.

A mixed-methods study of retail food waste in New Zealand

Little is known about the amount of food wasted in the retail sector. This study aimed to quantify retail food waste in New Zealand (NZ) and identify key drivers for food waste reduction, using a mixed-methods, observational study design that consisted of three parts: onsite food waste audits undertaken in 16 selected stores (complete data from 11 stores); semi-structured interviews with key retail staff from each store; and obtaining existing data from retailers. Retail food waste in NZ was estimated at 13 kg/capita/year for all food waste and diverted product (i.e. all food not sold or utilised at a retail level), which included 5 kg/capita/year designated as food waste (i.e. food directed to landfill, protein reprocessing and compost), with 3 kg/capita/year of this sent to landfill. Fresh vegetables (27%), bakery (23%), meat and fish (19%) and fresh fruit (17%) contributed the most to discarded product. The motivators for encouraging food waste reduction were: concern for the environment; making profit; caring for the community; and doing the ‘right’ thing. The barriers to food waste reduction were: training and educating staff; food safety concerns; quality standards; availability and capacity of waste diversion avenues; and lack of available resources. Audit data and food waste data recorded by retailers were similar. NZ has a number of policies and practices that successfully divert retail food waste away from landfill, in particular, retailers have established relationships with various groups that use their waste as a resource including protein reprocessors, local farmers, and food rescue charities.

Is Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Associated With Development of Transient Low Back Pain During Prolonged Standing? A Protocol.

Background:Prolonged standing has been associated with an increased prevalence of low back pain (LBP) and is recognized as a potential workplace hazard for employees such as retail staff, assembly line workers, and healthcare personnel. Low back pain is more prevalent in women than in men, and disability due to LBP is worse in women with severe urinary incontinence. However, it is unclear whether pelvic floor dysfunction observed in stress urinary incontinence is a risk factor for LBP. The main purpose of this study is to determine whether co-activation patterns between the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles during a 2-hour prolonged standing task predict transient LBP in women with and without stress urinary incontinence.Methods:In this is prospective cohort study, 60 female volunteers will stand in a confined area for 2 hours (120 minutes) while performing tasks such as, ‘computer work’ and ‘small object assembly’. The primary outcome measure is transient LBP, which will be monitored every 10 minutes using a numeric pain rating scale. Surface electromyography (EMG) will be collected from the gluteus medius and internal oblique/transverse abdominis muscles, and an intravaginal electrode will be used to monitor pelvic floor muscle activity. The EMG signals will be divided into 12 10-minute blocks to assess changes in co-activation over time. Cross-correlation analyses will be used to quantify co-activation between the muscle pairs (e.g. pelvic floor and internal oblique/transverse abdominis), and the coefficient of co-activation will be expressed as a percentage for each block. A mixed-model regression analysis will be used to determine whether co-activation patterns can predict transient LBP during the prolonged standing task.Discussion:The primary objective of this research is to improve current understanding regarding the role of pelvic floor muscles in the onset of LBP and the potential association between stress urinary incontinence and LBP. These findings have the potential to inform prevention and rehabilitation programmes for women with stress urinary incontinence and LBP.Trial registration:ACTRN12618000446268 [Protocol Version 2].

\u201cCome and live with my feet and you\u2019ll understand\u201d \u2013 a qualitative study exploring the experiences of retail footwear in women with rheumatoid arthritis

BackgroundFoot pain and deformity are common in people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Previous research has identified that women with RA seek retail footwear to alleviate their foot problems. The specific footwear features that women with RA require, and what would help them to find shoes that meet these requirements, are unknown. This study aimed to determine the factors that influence the choice of appropriate retail footwear by women with RA.MethodAn overarching qualitative approach was taken, using reflexive thematic analysis of conversational style interviews. The interviews explored experiences and use of retail footwear in 20 women with RA. The interviews were digitally recorded transcribed verbatim and analysed using a reflexive thematic framework.ResultsWomen with RA sought retail footwear which had adequate cushioning, width, a flexible sole, lightweight, were made from breathable materials and were easy to put on and take off. However, this choice was driven by the need for comfort, cost and usability, with aesthetics being less of a priority. Despite having opinions on what criteria they felt that they needed, these women did not feel empowered to make good choices about purchasing retail footwear for symptomatic relief. Furthermore, they did not receive the necessary support from podiatrists and shoe shop staff.ConclusionWomen with RA have clear ideas about what features a retail shoe should have to achieve comfort. There is a constant compromise between achieving comfort and their feelings about their appearance and how they feel others perceive them. Women with RA describe negative experiences with shoe shop assistants and podiatrists leading to poor footwear choices. Both retail staff and podiatrists need increased understanding about the particular problems that women with RA experience.

Implementing healthy food policies in health services: A qualitative study.

In 2012, a large Australian metropolitan health service introduced a healthy food policy, where there was a requirement for food and drinks for sale within retail stores to conform to standards based on macronutrients and energy content. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the experience of those implementing a healthy food retail policy in order to inform the translation of such policies into other organisations. A qualitative approach was used, with semistructured interviews exploring informants' involvement in, experiences of, factors affecting and perceived outcomes of policy implementation. Interviews were conducted with seven individuals participating in the introduction of the healthy food retail policy. Results were analysed using a thematic analysis approach. Four themes and 21 sub-themes were identified, with analysis interpreted using the socio-ecological model. Participants identified that successful policy implementation hinged on the provision of resources and support by the health service to the retail staff. Trusting relationships between retail and health service staff were built through effective and frequent communication. The fear of tensions between the policy and business income had significantly lessened after implementation. A key factor contributing to this change was the use of low-risk trials to remove less healthy products or introduce new healthier foods. Implementing a healthy food retail policy within a health service benefits from dedicated resourcing, investment in relationship building with key stakeholders and introducing changes gradually with a long-term approach.

Insomnia symptoms and their association with workplace productivity: cross-sectional and pre-post intervention analyses from a large multinational manufacturing company

BackgroundSymptoms of insomnia are common and might impact work productivity. We investigated the relationship between insomnia symptoms and workplace productivity in a global manufacturing company. MethodsWithin an uncontrolled, cross-sectional study, employees from a US-based company were invited to participate in an online evaluation comprising the Sleep Condition Indicator (SCI) measuring symptoms of insomnia (high score indicating better sleep), 2 items of the Work Productivity and Impairment Index (WPAI) measuring ‘presenteeism’ and ‘absenteeism’ (high score indicating loss of work productivity) and 1 item of the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) from January 2015 onwards. Pre-post, within-subject data were collected to preliminary test effects of ‘sleep tips’ and digital cognitive behavioral therapy (dCBT). ResultsIn 2798 employees [72% male; mean age 46.3(SD11.8) yrs] sleep was poorest in plant staff [SCI = 3.70(2.73)], then retail staff [4.34(3.02)], then office staff [4.95(2.83): overall F(2,2786) = 43.7, P < .0001]. More insomnia symptoms were associated with WPAI presenteeism (r = −.489, P < .0001; R2 = 23.9%). Insomnia symptoms also were the strongest predictor of work-related productivity, with stress only contributing a further 9%. A regression model for ‘absenteeism’ was statistically significant but of limited predictive value (R2 = 3.4%). In a sample of 214 employees with pre- and post-intervention data, the SCI of those exposed to sleep tips significantly increased from 5.36(3.28) to 6.01(3.22), [t(123) = −3.02, P = .003] and from 3.08(2.24) to 6.03(2.97) for those who accessed dCBT [t(89) = −8.40, P < .001). ConclusionSymptoms of insomnia are associated with poor work productivity. Additionally, targeted insomnia interventions may offer potential to improve sleep and work productivity.

Availability of therapeutic sexual aids for cancer survivors: A survey of major cancer centers.

134 Background: Treatment-related sexual dysfunction is a distressing problem for many cancer survivors. Cancer treatment guidelines recommend therapeutic aids for sexual health rehabilitation (e.g., vaginal dilators, moisturizers, vacuum erection device). However, survivors often don't know how or where to access sexual aids or may be uncomfortable procuring them. 25 NCI-designated Cancer Centers/NCCN-member institutions were surveyed about availability of sexual aids and resources for survivors. Methods: Using phone and internet, potential sources of aids/resources at each center (e.g, custom boutiques, specialty retail shops) were identified. Relevant retail staff at each center were approached by phone and using a structured script, study staff queried about the availability of aids/resources. Separate calls were made regarding aids for men and women. Additional inquiry included access to aids elsewhere at the cancer center and recommendations for accessing resources if none were available. Results: Of the 25 cancer centers contacted, 23 responded about men and 22 responded about women. Two centers never responded to multiple attempts. Of the centers contacted, 87% reported having no sexual aids for men and 72% had no aids for women. One center carried a vacuum device and two had penile support rings. Six centers had some aids for women, most commonly reported were personal lubricants, moisturizers and dilators. One center stood out, having several types of aids for men and women. Additional recommendations were limited to suggesting a local pharmacy or doing an internet search. Conclusions: In contrast to other widely available cancer care products, e.g., wigs and prosthetics, availability of sexual aids and resources at major cancer centers is very low. The stark absence of sexual aids underscores the cultural taboos around cancer-related sexual dysfunction. Efforts to improve availability of sexual aids for survivors would likely promote sexual health rehabilitation and validate this under addressed aspect of cancer survivorship.

LUXURY RETAIL SERVICES WHAT DO CHINESE CONSUMERS EXPECT?

The luxury industry worldwide, and in China in particular, has been going through some major shake-ups in the last few years, such as the impact of anti-corruption campaign in China since 2012, massive increase of Chinese out-bound tourists travelling abroad for shopping due to price advantages as compared to mainland China prices, changing customer preferences and low loyalty towards luxury brands, and heightened customer knowledge of luxury, to name a few. These changes have a direct impact on customers’ behavior and experience in luxury retail stores and ultimately the level of expectation and satisfaction they have with luxury brands. This paper aims to shed some light on this topic by focusing specially on Chinese luxury customers’ perspectives. Companies have considered customer experience as one of important ways to obtain and sustain competitive advantages. Zomerdijk and Voss (2009) maintained that customer experience is a holistic concept that encompasses every aspect of a company’s offering. However, it is unclear which service elements offered by company create the most compelling contexts. Chinese luxury customers represent one-third of the total personal luxury goods market by the end of 2016 according to Bain & Co (2016). Therefore, no luxury brand can afford to ignore Chinese customers and their level of satisfaction with their brands. Paradoxically, from 2012 to 2015, the luxury personal goods market in China has decreased by 1% or 2% each year as compared to the previous years. This was due to many factors, and one of them was “poor customer experience in retail stores” according to our study. This deceleration of the market in China has prompted many luxury brands to create new customer experiences that could increase satisfaction (such as made-to-order services) in order to retain existing customers and to gain new ones. The research questions of this paper are: what type of services do Chinese customers expect from luxury brands? What are the levels of satisfaction Chinese customers have with luxury brands abroad and in China? How can luxury bands improve their service experience offers to satisfy Chinese customers? In order to answer these questions, we carried out a longitudinal study over 4 years, from 2012 to 2015 with Chinese luxury customers. A Chinese luxury customer is defined as someone who has bought a genuine luxury product over the last 6 months, whether in China or abroad, for themselves or for someone else. Each year we interviewed 120 customers who were chosen randomly in the streets of Shanghai, nearby luxury malls. The interviews were carried out either in English (if they are comfortable of speaking in English) or in Mandarin (by a native speaker). The interviews lasted on average 30 minutes each. The questions are mostly open-ended questions such as: “Could you please tell us your best or worst experience in a luxury retail store, in China or abroad? And why is it the best or worst?”. The interviews were manually recorded by a second interviewer present at that time. The data were then compiled and analyzed for this paper. The findings of the study were somehow unexpected such as: 1- Chinese luxury customers expect very simple and basic services in luxury retail stores, such as a sincere smile and a warm welcome, or sales employees do not judge them based on their looks and appearances. 2- Retail staff should have a better and up-to-date product knowledge so they can answer simple questions about the products when asked. 3- Retail staff should be able to give good advice to customer when they are undecided, and not try push only sales. Managerial implications for luxury brands are many. However, the most important one by far is “to go back to the basics of retail customer experience” by selecting and training the right employees for the job.

Innovation and Performance Improvement Integration

G2000's HR Execution Excellence—Retail Attendance System was one of the innovative projects to receive the ISPI Award of Excellence in 2016. It is a continuous improvement project that applies the concept of holistic human performance improvement using an ISPI human performance technology (HPT) model (ISPI, 2012) to streamline the front-end and back-end processes of our Retail Attendance System. As a result, it leads us to achieve one of our business goals: employment regulatory compliance. In our case, the project team was tasked with seeking solutions to ensure that the payroll process for retail staff could be performed accurately and in a timely manner. After applying the HPT model to conduct the gap analysis and identify the causes or factors that were limiting our performance, we integrated the concept of human-centered design approach at the solution-design phase of the project, to lead us to innovative solutions.

An Interview with David Dabydeen on Literature and Politics

Professor David Dabydeen is a Guyanese-born writer, critic and academic at the Centre of Caribbean Studies at the University of Warwick. In 1993 he became Guyana's ambassador at UNESCO and is still a member of their Executive Board. He has been Guyana's ambassador to China since 2010. Professor Dabydeen has also won several international and national prizes such as the Commonwealth Poetry Prize, the Quiller-Couch Prize, and the Hind Rattan (Jewel of India). Among his works are Slave Song (1984), The Intended (1991), Disappearance (1993); and Our Lady of Demerara (2004). He also co-edited The Oxford Companion to Black British History in 2007.