Distributed energy resources (DERs) including distributed generators (DGs) and controllable loads (CLs) are managed in the form of several microgrids (MGs) in active distributions networks (ADNs) to meet the demand locally. On the other hand, some loads of distribution networks (DNs) can be supplied by retailers which participate in wholesale energy markets. Therefore, there are several decisio...

Aim To explore tobacco profit margins and sales among small retailers in England. Methods Interviews with managers/owners of 62 small retail shops that sold tobacco in disadvantaged areas of Newcastle and London, England. The interviews included questions about tobacco sales and profit margins, and interest in reducing reliance on tobacco sales. Results The majority of retailers (89%) repor...

In the past few decades multi-store retailers, especially those with a hundred or more stores, have experienced substantial growth. At the same time, there is widely reported public outcry over the impact of these chain stores on small retailers and local communities. This paper develops an empirical model to assess the impact of chain stores on the profitability and entry/exit decisions of sma...

We examine multilateral bargaining in vertical supply relationships which involve an upstream manufacturer who sells through two competing retailers to end consumers. In these relationships the negotiations are inter-dependent and a bargaining externality may arise across the retailers. In addition, the timing by which the manufacturer negotiates with the retailers becomes important. The manufa...

If a “perfect market” in economic theory ever comes true in the digital world, sellers will not be able to gain profits above the marginal costs, and the resource allocation will become much more efficient. This paper attempts to investigate whether this prediction is true in the electronic marketplace. We have observed 2,000 prices listed by online and offline retailers. By comparing price lev...

The optimal pricing and remanufacturing decisions problem of a fuzzy closed-loop supply chain is considered in this paper. Particularly, there is one manufacturer who has incorporated a remanufacturing process for used products into her original production system, so that she can manufacture a new product directly from raw materials or from collected used products. The manufacturer then sells t...