US: WAL-MART TO ADOPT ONLINE PRODUCT SOURCING
Article Abstract:
Wal-Mart, the US-based supermarketing giant, and owner of the UK supermarket Asda, has announced plans to establish a private internet site called Retail Link, to automate the group's global sourcing processes and reduce procurement costs. The new site will allow Wal-Mart to obtain a single quote for its requirements across different countries, which will in turn result in it obtaining volume discounts and reduced shipping costs. The UK's Federation of Small Businesses has expressed concern at the move, arguing that it will squeeze out smaller companies and allow large companies to dominate. The Federation is also concerned that Wal-Mart's dominance will allow it to force down prices which will also undermine smaller companies. Atlas Commerce, the US-company which has been charged with developing the site, said the new e-business hub should not be viewed as a threat because it was essentially designed to help suppliers automate their trading processes. However it is expected that the new e-business exchange will fall under the scrutiny of the UK's competition authority.
Publication Name: The Independent
Subject: Retail industry
ISSN: 0951-9467
Year: 2000
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Counselling on the keyboard couch
Article Abstract:
The number of online psychiatric advice services is expanding rapidly. E-mail is the most common way for counselling to be undertaken, but real-time chat is becoming more widespread and some therapists are even using videoconferencing.
Publication Name: The Independent
Subject: Retail industry
ISSN: 0951-9467
Year: 2001
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Net gain for graduate job-seekers
Article Abstract:
Advice on seeking and applying for employment online is presented. Online recruiting can bring large cost and time savings for both applicants and recruiters.
Publication Name: The Independent
Subject: Retail industry
ISSN: 0951-9467
Year: 2001
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