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.

United States, Food Stores, Food and Beverage Stores, General services, All Other Specialty Food Stores, Variety stores, Discount Stores, Grocery industry, Grocery stores, Wal-Mart Stores Inc., Brief Article, Telecommunications systems, WMT

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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.

Specialty outpatient clinics, not elsewhere classified, Outpatient Mental Health and Substance Abuse Centers, Mental Health Care, Services, Mental health services, Psychiatric counselors, Mental health counselors

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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.

United Kingdom, Personnel administration, Employee Recruitment, Internet, Job hunting

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