• Journal of Distribution Science
• /
• v.13 no.4
• /
• pp.45-53
• /
• 2015

Purpose - Online shopping enables consumers to conveniently purchase products irrespective of the time and place. As a result, several online shopping companies have emerged to cater to this growing market and, therefore, the competition among them has become increasingly intense. This paper evaluates the comparative efficiency of online shopping companies for a multi-year period (2009-2013), in order to help online shopping managers identify major drivers for enhancing management efficiency and the subsequent competitiveness. Research design, data, and methodology - The researchers collected the data from 2009 to 2013 from the distribution yearbook. This paper analyzes the marketability (sales figures), profitability (business profits), and management conditions (net profits) of domestic online shopping enterprises by incorporating information on human resources (number of employees) and material resources (total assets and capital). Therefore, the number of employees, total assets, and capital are selected as input variables, and sales figures, business profits, and net profits as the output variables. In this study, Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) was used to measure the comparative efficiency of domestic online shopping companies. In addition, the Malmquist Productivity Index was used to evaluate the trend of change of Decision Making Units' (DMUs') efficiency for a multi-year period. Results - First, as of 2013, Interpark (2.415) was found to be the most efficient online shopping enterprise, followed by Aladdin Communications (2.117), Hyundai Home shopping (1.867), Home&Shopping (1.176), NS Home shopping (1.170), Commerce Planet (1.126), CJ O Shopping (1.105), Ebay Korea (1.088), and GS Home Shopping (1.051). Second, this study recognizes how the management efficiency has changed for the period 2009-2013. Third, the lesser the capital and employees, the more are the net profits, and the better is the management efficiency of domestic online shopping companies. Lastly, the productivity of such companies is influenced by endogenous factors rather than exogenous factors such as shifts in business environment and technological advances. Conclusions - DHC Korea influenced various distribution channels to reach customers through the Internet. Consequently, this helped in increasing the awareness about its products, in addition to an increase in sales. These achievements can be attributed to the characteristics of online shopping companies. Although it is easy for these companies to suggest goods for one-off purchases, they however have difficulties in retaining customers. Overcoming this challenge can be one of the ways to benchmark a successful case of an efficient company. For example, an online shopping company can attract customers by developing a corresponding mobile application as a convenient way to shop online. Additionally, they can satisfy customers by quick delivery of purchased products, which is possible by building an effective logistics network. Our study indicates that the productivity of an online shopping company was influenced by endogenous factors driven by improvements in managerial practices rather than exogenous factors. Accordingly, online shopping companies should adopt strategies to improve their operational efficiency rather than sales volume-oriented management.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
• /
• v.19 no.6
• /
• pp.80-87
• /
• 2018

In recent years, due to the spread of various renewable energy power sources and the pursuit of high efficiency and low-power consumption, not only trends in the electric power industry but also the consumption, control methods, and characteristics are diversified. However, in this diversified electric power industry, the fuse (which is the core part responsible for safety) has not developed significantly in classical operation mode, and thus, fires continue to occur. In this paper, the effects of low melting-point metal plating and high melting-point metal plating on operating characteristics and IT curve movement of the fuse are investigated in a cartridge fuse, which is a classic fuse manufacturing method. The effects of plating on the thickness of the fuse are investigated, and various operating characteristics of the fuse are implemented. In addition, it is suggested that the plating of the low melting-point metal moves the rated current line of the fuse to a low rating, and moves operating characteristics to characteristics of delay operation. It is possible to design various operating characteristics using this characteristic.

• Journal of Distribution Science
• /
• v.14 no.3
• /
• pp.73-83
• /
• 2016

Purpose - The parcel delivery service(courier) industry all over the world has been expanding its market so far, but its growth has been declining in recent years. In this situation, most parcel delivery companies are having trouble with managing themselves because of the pressure from the customer to increase service level and decrease the rate. The purpose of this study is to provide ways to improve competitive advantages of the parcel delivery service industry by evaluating the multi-period operating efficiency of Korea, Japan and global service providers. Research design, data, and methodology - The data for the period of 2011 to 2014 were collected from the annual reports published by parcel delivery companies. In this study, we analyze the marketability (revenue), profitability (operating profits), and management conditions (net profits) of parcel service companies by combining information on human resources (number of employees) and material resources (total assets and equity). Therefore, the number of employees, total assets, and equity are selected as input variables, and revenue, operating profits, and net profits as the output variables. In this study, DEA (Data Envelopment Analysis) is used to measure the comparative efficiency and MPI (Malmquist Productivity Index) is used to analyze the trend of change of the efficiency for a multi-year period. Results - The operational efficiency scores of medium-sized parcel delivery companies in Korea are higher than other larger competitors such as Korean, Japan and Global larger companies. As of 2014, Logen(1.878) was found to be the most efficient parcel delivery enterprise, followed by KGB (1.224), and Kyoungdong(1.002). Otherwise, Hanjin(0.235), CJ(0.262), Hyundai Logistics(0.657), DHL(0.611), UPS(0.766), FedEx(0.498), TNT(0.350), Yamato(0.762) and Sagawa(0.520), larger sized companies, were done inefficiently. The productivity of parcel delivery companies is influenced by endogenous factors as well as exogenous ones such as changes in business environment and technological advances. Conclusions - Korean medium-sized companies have relatively high efficiency scores in operation. That is why they still survive the competitive market in Korea where market restructuring on the industry has been expected to be conducted for many years. The reason why medium-sized couriers had higher efficient scores than larger couriers is that most of couriers spend more operating expenses versus unit price of delivery which is the amount of money that is needed in order to send a package by parcel service. So the delivery unit price must be taken into account by all the expenses associated with the cost of fuel, labor and maintenance expenses for facilities, etc. therefore, the unit price must be increased to strengthen business competitive power. In order for the industry to have more competitive advantage, the companies need to make profits by increasing demand volume and raising the delivery rate to provide high-quality delivery service to customers. And both endogenous and exogenous change must take precedence in order to strengthen their competitiveness.

• Journal of Distribution Science
• /
• v.13 no.6
• /
• pp.79-86
• /
• 2015

Purpose - The cosmetics industry is a traditional high value-added industry in terms of the domestic demand, small batch production systems, exclusive competition, and raw materials highly dependent on overseas countries as well as an oligopolistic market structure. However, new foreign brands and growing consumer awareness of inexpensive products, has triggered a shift. In line with changing lifestyles and the polarization of consumption, the industry faces a new market structure. Among its key characteristics is the cosmetics industry's numerous distribution channels (i.e., department stores, door-to-door sales, online shopping malls, brand shops, and discount stores). Therefore, the study of its distribution channels is essential. Research design, data, and methodology - The study analyzed channel distribution power divided into coercive and non-coercive power. The factors of coercive power included: unilateral request of an increase in commissions, interference in sales by taking advantage of a superior status, unilateral buck-passing at the time of a problem, unilateral request to stop sales activities, and a unilateral business contract; the factors of non-coercive power included favorable payment conditions, offers of various kinds of information, policy on commission reduction, pride in market entrance, and promotion support. In addition, the mediating variable "interdependence" was applied to the execution of department store (or mart) power and their shop conflicts and satisfaction to examine direct and indirect influential power. The methodology was a survey of managers of cosmetics shops in department stores (or marts). The questionnaire, based on a five-point Likert scale, included questions about basic personal information, execution of power, interdependence, conflict, and satisfaction. The study distributed 198 questionnaires and collected 131. Ten questionnaires with missing or hard to analyze data were excluded. Thus, 121 copies were analyzed. Results - According to the analysis, the execution of coercive power by department stores (or marts) did not affect interdependence, but the execution of non-coercive power did. Interdependence did not influence conflict, but did affect satisfaction. Additionally, the analysis revealed direct influential power: the execution of coercive power positively affected conflict and negatively influenced satisfaction; the execution of non-coercive power positively affected satisfaction. Conclusions - To offer suggestions for distribution business relations in the cosmetics industry, this study investigated how the execution of power by department stores (or marts) affected their shops. More specifically, it examined how much the execution of both coercive power and non-coercive power influenced conflict and satisfaction, and analyzed the mediating role of interdependence. In line with previous study results in various areas, coercive power was shown to be the source of conflict, leading to a decrease in satisfaction, whereas non-coercive power significantly positively influenced satisfaction. Moreover, non-coercive power increased interdependence, which led to greater satisfaction. As a result, interdependence had a mediating effect on non-coercive power and satisfaction. Based on the results, department stores (or marts) should look for improvements plans that increase interdependence. Such plans could alleviate conflict with the shops, increasing their satisfaction.

• Journal of Distribution Science
• /
• v.12 no.12
• /
• pp.119-130
• /
• 2014

Purpose - Franchise industries are significant both socially and economically. However, with increasing interest, there are manifold problems. It is necessary to seek measures for mature operation constantly despite unprepared franchisors, negative perceptions of the media and society toward franchise, and rapid changes in business start-up trends and propensity to consume that make business start-ups difficult. The paper aims to explain the effects of relational commitment and performance on the franchisor's management characteristics and justice in the food service franchise system. Research design, data, and methodology - This is an exploratory survey examining franchising in Korea. Based on a literature synthesis, we extract five constructs: managerial characteristics, support, fairness, trust, and satisfaction. We hypothesize that these factors influence the trust, satisfaction, and performance of franchisees. To examine these hypotheses empirically, we conducted a survey on the database of the Franchising Council of Korea. The study employs data from May to September 2014. In total, 135 completed questionnaires were received, of which 128 were usable. The data was analyzed with SPSS/PC 22.0. First, to test unidimensionality and nomological validity of the measures of each construct, we employed a scale refinement procedure. The result of a reliability test with Cronbach's α and factor analysis warranted unidimensionality of the measures for each construct. In addition, nomological validity of the measures was warranted from the result of the correlation and regression analysis. By analyzing the data, we can confirm most hypotheses. Results - Frist, franchisor characteristics have a positive effect on trust and satisfaction. Second, franchisor fairness has an effect on trust and satisfaction. Third, franchisor support has an effect on satisfaction. Further, the franchisee trust has an effect on satisfaction. Fourth, the satisfaction of a franchisee with a franchisor affects the performance of a franchisee. Finally, there is a possibility that not only franchisee performance but also increasing the credibility and improving the image of the franchisor through communication between franchisor and franchisee can improve franchisees' performance and satisfaction by motivating the franchisee for sustainable growth. Franchisers should endeavor for franchisees to obtain stable revenue with continuous and practical support. They should recognize that they can expand their business by supporting their franchisees. Franchisors should not only instantly respond to franchisees' troubles with interactive communications but also raise the ability of supervisors for better support. Franchisors should share their visions and goals with their franchisees and provide systematic and continuous support based on trust and clear company management. Franchisees should understand franchisors' position as well as participate in establishing the basic franchise system. Contributions - The paper contributes to understanding franchising in Korea. It offers insights and assistance to franchisors hoping to start franchises. This paper explores measurement issues related to franchisee performance by estimating its determinant factors (managerial characteristics, support, fairness, trust, and satisfaction). This study provides franchisors and practitioners planning to extend their franchising business with some practical knowledge.

• Journal of Digital Convergence
• /
• v.15 no.5
• /
• pp.207-215
• /
• 2017

With rapid development of IT technology and biotechnology, human lifespan is extended rapidly, and we are living in the era where aging becomes the social issue. Due to this aging problem, manpower is mainly replaced by Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV) in manufacturing factories or warehouse logistics transportation. Rate of AGV use increases sharply every year. AGVs, which were used only in Smart Factories, extends its usage into indoor and outdoor operation by changing their usages to container transportation that can carry huge containers in the harbor. With the expansion of AGVs usage, the importance of RCS (Remote Control System) is also increased. In this study, we surveyed and analyzed the characteristics and technology trends of technical features of AGV's RCS that are developing in various ways to establish quality evaluation system of AGV RCS. Based on this, and by referring to international quality assessment standards, ISO/IEC 25000 series, we derived evaluation items on functional suitability and usability to secure reliability of AGV RCS. Also, it is our intention to develop evaluation model using those derived usability and reliability evaluation items.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Railway
• /
• v.15 no.5
• /
• pp.517-523
• /
• 2012

Double Stack Train(DST) is being used variously around USA and Canada. The greatest advantage of the DST is mass transportation without extending the length of freight train and number of cars. So the DST system can be a kind of innovative train to increase the competitiveness of rail logistic business. As the domestic rail logistic increase, for enhancement of environment friendly green transportation amount, the DST needs more for efficiency. In this study, as the alternative way to introduce the DST to the Kyungbu Line, it's investigated the extensibility of rail freight with the relation of rail fare discount and examined the necessity of pilot business to the Kyungjeon Line which was expected comparatively lower cost. If the DST system is introduced to the Kyungjeon Line, the cost of mass transportation can be much lower and then the comparativeness of rail transportation will be increased, therefore logistic companies can have some margin additionally. In the result of survey to the related companies, if rail transportation fare is 37.7 % cheaper than current road transportation fare, the modal shift can be transferred by maximum 100%.

• Journal of Distribution Science
• /
• v.14 no.9
• /
• pp.95-110
• /
• 2016

Purpose - Based on expectation-disconfirmation theory, this study attempted to fill the gap in the literature by treating the expected profitability as a moderator in the relationship between these constructs, identifying what instrumental factors have effects on dissatisfaction, in turn lead to exit intention, neglect, voice, and loyalty, and provide the managerial implications for building long-term relationship to enhance the partnership between franchisor and franchisee. Research design, data and methodology - In order to test the hypotheses, the authors developed several hypotheses. The data were collected from 254 franchisees in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province with SPSS 18.0 and SmartPLS 2.0. Results - The findings of the study are as follows. First, marketing support and competitiveness of product and service had a negative effect on dissatisfaction, but did not on logistics support. Second, franchisee dissatisfaction had a positive effect on exit intention and neglect, and had a negative effect on loyalty. However, franchisee dissatisfaction had not a significant effect on voice. Third, expected profits play a moderating role in the relationships between marketing support, competitiveness of product and service and dissatisfaction, between dissatisfaction and exit intention, voice, loyalty, and neglect. First, marketing support and competitiveness of product and service were found to have a greater influence on dissatisfaction for the low expected profitability group than the highly expected profitability group. Also, dissatisfaction had a greater impact on exit intention, voice, and neglect for the low expected profitability group than the high expected profitability group while dissatisfaction had a weaker impact on loyalty for high expected profitability group. Conclusions - The result of this study indicates that franchisors should reduce dissatisfaction and prevent or improve complaint behaviors by continuously identifying the impact relationship between franchisee dissatisfaction and decision factors caused by difference in expectations for roles of franchisees and franchisors. In addition, franchisors should acknowledge that the impacts of marketing support, and product and service competitiveness on franchisee dissatisfaction and on exit intention, neglect, and loyalty differ by expected profits. Therefore they should provide support in perceiving high expected profits through creating direct profits including high sales, low costs, and low rents.

• Smart Media Journal
• /
• v.3 no.2
• /
• pp.29-36
• /
• 2014

Human beings in their perception of the objects perceive the overall characteristics first rather than any parts of the object. In the process of 'information structuralization' and 'information visualization', therefore, it is needed the methods of narrative information representation based on a relationship of cause and effect in order to express effectively the whole messages which designers want to deliver. In this study, according to the concept of narrative information representation, we reviewed the meanings of the visual storytelling. As a result, we found that the visual storytelling has the three key roles which are 'narrative', 'visual communication catalyst', 'interacting'. First, the narrative describes the information logistics flow and it has a role to provide a specific story into information in the process of users' information understanding. Second, in the information design, the visual story telling not only expresses the information structure(story) but also uses the visual expressions to deliver the specific message, which is called visual communication catalyst. Third, the information design goes through the information structuralization and the information visualization stages through the visual storytelling to provide the experience factors to the information users, which is called the interactivity. The research implication is to provide the basis developing an approach method which is able to convey information messages effectively by improving information users' visual cognition and raising information users' memory.

• Journal of Convergence for Information Technology
• /
• v.10 no.11
• /
• pp.47-54
• /
• 2020

This study proposes an NFC-based payment system that considers user convenience while expanding the existing payment method for RFID-based individual food and logistics waste equipment. In line with this trend, I proposed to apply NFC to the existing RFID-based food meter to release the food in the meantime and to address the problem of re-carrying due to card loss, card not possessed, and non-filling, and the question that could not be identified by various cumbersome procedures. NFC's function alone has been certified for its convenience, which led to its introduction and research in the period of time. Of course, we need to negotiate fees with the transportation card company, but if we see a market share related to transportation card soon, we think smooth negotiations will take place. NFC method will be expanded to all phones with iPhone NFC opening. Therefore, in the next study, we intend to apply the payment system in NFC by linking with local currency, mobile vouchers, and card companies, which are being paid as respective payment means according to the recent emergency support system for COVID-19.