This article examines the issues related to US foreign‐trade zones as perceived by the zone managers. A longitudinal study of foreign‐trade zone managers was conducted. The results of the two surveys and an extensive dialogue with foreign‐trade zone managers suggest a continuing lack of...

The effects of two commonly cited determinants of export channel structure are examined in a transaction cost framework. Psychic distance and experience have traditionally been thought to have uni‐directional effects. Channel structure was measured using three discrete points along a forward...

The international marketing practices and foreign sales of US manufacturing firms are examined in order to identify those marketing variables which are most closely tied to international sales. Survey results suggest that few firms advertise internationally, although advertising is an important...

A note commenting on the recent book, The Japan That Can Say “No ”, written by Akio Morita and Shintaro Ishihara. The authors provide their own translation, interpretation and reactions to the unusual views expressed in a book not intended for the US market which generated an acrimonious US...

Unique dual gantry robots from ABB handle trays and totes of mail at postal sorting centers. Automation has increased the efficiency and accuracy of distributing mail to containers which are used to move the mail on to other post offices or to other sorting stations within the distribution...