Browsing by Author "Hart, M L"
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- ItemOpen AccessA contribution to adaptive robust estimation(1981) Barr, Graham Douglas Irving; Money, A H; Affleck-Graves , J F; Hart, M L;This study initially set out to consider the possibility of constructing an adaptive robust estimation procedure for the standard linear regression model when the disturbance vector deviated from normality, however, after the initial success in that field it seemed only appropriate that the approach be extended to robust location parameter estimation. This is a particular case of the regression model and an area in which a number of different estimators have been proposed and a great deal of comparative research work done. Due to the wider scope of such research the greater part of the thesis is devoted to this field of research which led to many interesting and useful results and conclusions.
- ItemOpen AccessCustomer relationship management: Are software applications aligned with business objectives?(APM, 2006) Hart, M LCustomer relationship management (CRM) can be thought of as IT-enabled relationship marketing. It has numerous definitions and perspectives, and success of implementation has been limited to date. This paper examines recent literature on the subject, drawing attention to the importance of a balance between strategy formulation, IT and organisational alignment when adopting and implementing CRM. It then discusses results of an exploratory study carried out amongst 34 South African organisations on their business objectives for CRM, the CRM applications that they have invested in or are considering, and the extent of integration of their customer data. The most important objectives and most widely used CRM applications are determined, and associations between applications and objectives are analysed. It is not apparent that CRM applications are selected in line with business objectives, and expected associations with objectives often do not exist for the objectives rated most important. Only certain aspects of customer data integration are significantly linked to objectives or CRM applications. The study suggests the need for fuller determination of strategy and objectives when involved with CRM investigation and adoption, and co-ordination at all levels of implementation between Marketing and IT.
- ItemOpen AccessThe evaluation, adoption and diffusion of electronic data interchange (EDI) by retail firms operating in South Africa(1996) Stocks, Gary Francois; Hart, M LTwo fundamental elements of the retail industry are customer service and merchandising. Customer service entails meeting customer needs and wants, while merchandising is the art of selecting the combination of goods that meets those needs and wants. One of the strategies open to retailers is to move in the direction of suppliers by creating partnerships with those suppliers. The system of Quick Response (QR) distribution embodies this strategy. QR is analogous to Just-in-Time (JIT) manufacturing, where the objective is to speed up the entire order and replenishment cycle. The potential results are enhanced customer service through greater responsiveness to customer demands and reduced costs through lower inventory holding costs and lower opportunity costs (in terms of lost sales when goods are not in stock). Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is an Information Technology (IT) that can be used to facilitate a system of QR. EDI can be used as an Inter organisational System ((lOS) that spans the retailer and supplier organisations and communicates structured messages, such as orders and invoices, between the trading partners. Apart from creating efficiencies in the flow of information between retailers and suppliers, EDI applications can be integrated with internal systems and the entire order and replenishment cycle can be redesigned to improve customer service.
- ItemOpen AccessProgress of organisational data mining in South Africa(2006) Hart, M LThis paper describes three largely qualitative studies, spread over a five year period, into the current practice of data mining in several large South African organisations. The objective was to gain an understanding through in-depth interviews of the major issues faced by participants in the data mining process. The focus is more on the organisational, resource and business issues than on technological or algorithmic aspects. Strong progress is revealed to have been made over this period, and a model for the data mining organisation is proposed.
- ItemOpen AccessThe importance of global business information: Perceptions of students in Hungary, Romania, South Africa and the United States(2006) Hart, M L; Pook, L A; Jenei, G; Jennings, MHuman capital is one of the critical factors for measuring the potential ability of a country to deal with the implications of globalization. This indicator is usually measured in the form of sheer numbers of workers and their level of education. While this provides useful and important information, it does not include attitudinal variables that would indicate the readiness of the workforce to embrace the changes necessary to participate in a global economy. When research on perceptions or attitudes is carried out, it is often focused on the current workforce (Sunassee and Sewry 2003). It is suggested that the perceptions and attitudes of students, particularly relating to information use, information system use and information needs, would also be a good indicator of future ability to cope with globalization.