Improving perishable product inventory management using goal programming

The multiple objectives of perishable product inventory management are examined in this paper. These objectives include: (1) satisfying demand by carrying sufficient inventories, (2) holding down inventory carrying costs, (3) keeping the amount of product spoilage (outdating) at an acceptable level, and (4) maintaining quality by using the product while it is still fresh, and (5) keeping the cost of rotation low. Some of the above objectives are in conflict. Thus, certain redistribution policies may help attain one or more of these objectives to a greater extent. Redistribution involves the transfer of the product from outlets where demand is low to outlets where demand is high. A goal programming model for solving redistribution problems is presented. An example is provided and sensitivity analysis is performed in order to determine when redistribution is advantageous. Applicability of the model is discussed.     

Incorporating price elasticity in financial forecasting models: From theory to practice and implementation

The authors use a capital budgeting example to show students how to incorporate price elasticity into financial analysis as an application of what students learn in their microeconomics course. They present simple as well as more advanced price-quantity relationships, and using various “what-if” scenarios; the authors show how risk analysis can be used to improve revenue projections and valuation models. A project analysis example is employed to illustrate results for negative predictive value and IRR based on three models of price elasticities across a range of potential product pricing. Students are then encouraged to replicate and create similar models, helping them improve their vital Excel and financial modeling skills.     

Anarchy of effects? Exploring attention to online advertising and multiple outcomes

This research examines the relationship between attention to online advertising and brand attitude, aided recall, and purchase intention. Results indicate that attention to an ad is affected by ad type (pictorial vs. text) and the interaction between ad location (left vs. right) and page (image‐oriented vs. textual), suggesting a range of factors that impact attention. Furthermore, under the online conditions of this study, attention is positively related to aided recall and to purchase intention, but negatively associated with brand attitude. Re‐sults are interpreted in the framework of dual attitude theory (Wilson, Lindsey, & Schooler, 2000 ) and other effects models. Although a clear “hierarchy of effects” appears to be elusive, the results suggest that marketers must fully evaluate advertising goals prior to creative development. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Measuring the Performance of Voluntary Organizations

In the current political and economic climate, there are rapidly escalating demands from public funders and other stakeholders for indicators which can capture the achievements and impacts of the voluntary sector. Having clarified the context of these demands, the primary aim of this article is to develop criteria for measuring the ‘performance’ of voluntary organizations. This is undertaken by marrying relevant international theoretical literature suggestive of their roles and contributions with a ‘production of welfare’ approach, which has a proven track record in the evaluation of human services. Eight domains of performance are suggested (economy, effectiveness, efficiency; choice/pluralism; equity; participation; innovation and advocacy), embracing twenty-two separate indicator sets.