University of Lincoln

About: University of Lincoln is a education organization based out in Lincoln, Lincolnshire, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Context (language use). The organization has 2341 authors who have published 7025 publications receiving 124797 citations.

Using fourth‐party logistics management to improve horizontal collaboration among grocery retailers

Abstract: Purpose – There is a paucity of literature considering horizontal collaboration among grocery retailers, suppliers, and third-party logistics (3PL) providers. This paper seeks to investigate benefits of and barriers to the use of fourth-party logistics (4PL) management as a catalyst for horizontal collaboration. Design/methodology/approach – Three suppliers, three logistics service providers (LSPs), and one grocery retailer participated in semi-structured interviews for this exploratory qualitative study. Findings – Large LSPs can establish 4PL management but the significant investment required to do so is a deterrent. Interviewees believed 4PL would negatively influence the grocery retailer-supplier dynamic but simultaneously would provide key potential benefits. Retaining supply chain control means more to grocery retailers than cost efficiencies realised through horizontal collaboration. Research limitations/implications – Fierce competition among major grocery chains means that most are unwilling to participate in studies of their systems, which restricts the research scope. Practical implications – Some stakeholders want deeper integration into grocery supply networks, and the 4PL model could apply to diverse sectors and circumstances. This study shows that barriers to such integration are created by power plays among lead stakeholders in grocery retailing that inhibit horizontal collaboration regardless of cost or other benefits. Originality/value – The study investigates an under-researched aspect of horizontal supply chain collaboration in the highly relevant retail grocery sector: a high volume, mass market industry that requires an enormous logistics infrastructure and highly embedded networks of relationships.

Feasibility of an Ambulance-Based Stroke Trial, and Safety of Glyceryl Trinitrate in Ultra-Acute Stroke: The Rapid Intervention With Glyceryl Trinitrate in Hypertensive Stroke Trial (RIGHT, ISRCTN66434824)

Abstract: Background and Purpose—The practicalities of doing ambulance-based trials where paramedics perform all aspects of a clinical trial involving patients with ultra-acute stroke have not been assessed. Methods—We performed a randomized controlled trial with screening, consent, randomization, and treatment performed by paramedics prior to hospitalization. Patients with probable ultra-acute stroke ( 140 mm Hg were randomized to transdermal glyceryl trinitrate (GTN; 5 mg/24 hours) or none (blinding under gauze dressing) for 7 days with the first dose given by paramedics. The primary outcome was SBP at 2 hours. Results—Of a planned 80 patients, 41 (25 GTN, 16 no GTN) were enrolled >22 months with median age [interquartile range] 79 [16] years; men 22 (54%); SBP 168 [46]; final diagnosis: stroke 33 (80%) and transient ischemic attack 3 (7%). Time to randomization was 55 [75] minutes. After treatment with GTN versus no GTN, SBP at 2 hours was 153 [31] versus 174 [27] mm Hg, respectively, with difference −18 [30] mm Hg (P=0.030). GTN improved functional outcome with a shift in the modified Rankin Scale by 1 [3] point (P=0.040). The rates of death, 4 (16%) versus 6 (38%; P=0.15), and serious adverse events, 14 (56%) versus 10 (63%; P=0.75), did not differ between GTN and no GTN. Conclusions—Paramedics can successfully enroll patients with ultra-acute stroke into an ambulance-based trial. GTN reduces SBP at 2 hours and seems to be safe in ultra-acute stroke. A larger trial is needed to assess whether GTN improves functional outcome. Clinical Trial Registration—URL: http://www.controlled-trials.com/ISRCTN66434824/66434824. Unique identifier: 66434824. (Stroke. 2013;44:3120-3128.)