Ravindra P. Saxena

Greening of industries for sustainable growth: An exploratory study on durable, non‐durable and services industries

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to aim in general to understand the perception of industries in India – a fast growing economy, towards green philosophy and to investigate further what initiatives those industries have taken for becoming green. Design/methodology/approach - The study is exploratory in nature and attempts to understand the behaviour of three types of industries, namely, durable, non-durable and services towards green philosophy. Findings - Results of the study reflect that industries in India, in general have a positive view for practicing green philosophy. They feel becoming green will help them in gaining the competitive advantage and will support them in sustainable growth. Also the industries that have a positive attitude towards greening have taken some measures and initiatives in this direction to establish a sustainable competitive advantage for succeeding in todays highly challenging and dynamic global markets. Research limitations/implications - The present exploratory study provides a starting-point for further research. Researchers can further explore whether industries using green philosophy were able to register a competitive advantage and could gain added market share and profits by becoming green. They can investigate the reason behind this green attitude, whether industries are using green practices for cutting costs in turn to increase their profits or whether they have a genuine concern for environmental protection and societys welfare and therefore adopting green practices in their industry. Originality/value - Most of such studies in the field of green marketing and social economics are done in developed countries and remain conspicuously missing in the context of fast developing Asian countries. This research is a step to filling this gap and providing a platform for further research in this area.

Is the magic of “feel good” and “look great” at Giordano still working?

Purpose – This paper aims to present the strategic moves and success story of a company which started its operations as a small manufacturer of casual clothing in the 1970s and is now recognized as one of the worlds most renowned apparel retail brands.Design/methodology/approach – The authors explore the relationship between a companys mission and its supporting pillars; which are built by corporate values and brand values. Further, through these values how a company can develop its core competencies and differential advantages, is analysed. For structuring this case study, the authors collected secondary information from library resources and internet sources. The information available at companys web sites and the financial data disclosed by them in their interim reports was collected and used appropriately by the authors in understanding the business model of the company and evaluating its performance.Findings – Giordano, a small manufacturer of casual clothing in the 1970s, is today one of the worl...

Dubai mall: a multipurpose destination in the Middle East

Subject area – Retail marketing management.Study level/applicability – Undergraduate management; MA; Masters in Business Administration and Masters in Strategic Marketing programs.Case overview – Opening of the “Dubai Mall” in November 2008 set a new benchmark in retail history. The mall is considered the largest in the world by space and 6th largest in the world in terms of gross leasable area. The Dubai Mall is the UAEs most ambitious retail launch to date. This case examines how in todays highly competitive retail environment, added‐value retailing, experiential retailing, or retailtainment has become a major component of the retail strategy mix to establish a competitive advantage. The new phenomenon of “retailtainment” has caught the momentum worldwide and success of Dubai Mall is the live example of its strategic role in the retail mix. The case also highlights the importance of “good location” in the success of retail establishments, whilst examining primary retail location theories and there r...

Everyday low price – a blessing in disguise for Walmart during recession

Almost for last five decades, ‘Walmart – the world’s largest retailer’ has been known to everyone for ‘everyday low prices’ has successfully revamped its image by giving the new message of ‘save money-live better’ during the difficult phase of economic downturn. In 2008, while the recession was at its worst point, Walmart was one of the most popular stocks on Wall Street. In recession, when most of the retailers are struggling for their survival; Walmart is registering its growth year by year. It seems Walmart is immune from economic pressures and appears to be benefiting from this recession. Walmart’s advantage during the recession is not only its low prices, but also the good value which they offer to their customers by proving their saying ‘save money, live better’. The authors highlight how a company’s core value system and its strategic moves can ensure continuous success even during the worst phase of recession.