The benefits of a cross-docking delivery strategy: a supply chain collaboration approach

In this study, two models are developed to co-ordinate both production and distribution in order to reduce the relevant costs in a supply chain. According to the functions of the distribution centre, there is a distinction between an inventory co-ordination point and an inventory storage point. The former is a cross-docking strategy, and the latter is a traditional warehousing strategy. The manufacturer has distinct production processes when co-operating with the distribution centre. Case study analysis is used to illustrate the models developed, in which the following conclusions can be obtained: the cross-docking distribution strategy will result in tremendous savings in the total system cost for the supply chain. This study makes two important contributions to the production, and logistics literature. First, the range of applications was extended by studying a new combinatorial problem that incorporates cross-docking in a supply chain environment. Second, computational performance with cross docking was evaluated. The benefit delivery policy for a distribution centre was found by means of integrating manufacturer production planning and a distribution centre delivery policy.     

Strategic alliances in fast-moving markets

The pace of technological change and market shifts is forcing organizations to reconsider their strategies for creating sustainable competitive advantage. Strategic alliances focused on destabilizing market values are currently the most effective source of sustainable competitive advantage. The purpose of this article is to explain how successful strategic alliances can be arranged in fast-moving markets.     

Say Yes First: follow up of a five-year rural drug prevention program

Say Yes First--To Rural Youth and Family Alcohol/Drug Prevention (SYF) was a 5-year, federally-funded U.S.D.H.H.S. Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP) project that involved 859 children in the class of the year 2000. The children in four rural school districts were followed from Grade 4 to Grade 8 from 1991 to 1996. Initial results in a previous publication showed significant lower drug usage in this cohort than comparison students. A follow-up of 120 SYF participants and 136 comparison students in high schools using the National Youth Survey (Follow Up Questionnaire) indicated lower usage of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs for the program students and lower lifetime prevalence of marijuana use for program vs. comparison students. SYF students had higher course grades, lower school absenteeism, more positive attitudes toward school, less trouble in school and less negative self-appraisal. Program students also reported greater participation in sports, more family communication and fewer disagreements or arguments with their parents.     

Preparing for the 21st Century

Sociological Forum -     

Multicultural Identities in a Europe of Regions. The case of Banat County

The county of Banat is situated in the western extremity of Romania, an area where several populations cohabit: Romanians, Germans, Magyars, Serbs, Croats, Jews, Bulgarians, Slovaks, Bohemians, Roma (Gypsies) and Turks. This region is also the site of confessional encounters between Orthodox Christians, Catholics, Calvinists, Jews and Muslims. The society that has developed in Banat from the 18th century onwards is the product of an exchange of opinions and material values. This study examines these phenomena historically and at present, as well as the resulting consequences for intercultur‐ally oriented education today. The paper focuses on the following topics: the past and the present of the multi‐ethnic, multi‐linguistic, and multi‐confessional configuration of the region, social intercourse between the majority and minorities and between minorities, the educational significance of interculturalism in Banat County and in Romania. The paper also suggests ways in which intercultural education might be promoted.