Efficient Consumer Response
Introduction
International Commerce Institute and Unilever offer research grants; Deadline 31 Jul 2007
: : : Posting
: : funds
Application for Research Funds
Working Together to Fulfil Consumer Wishes Better, Faster and at Less Cost
The ECR ("Efficient Consumer Response") movement effectively began in the mid-nineties and was characterised by the emergence of new principles of collaborative management along the supply chain. It was understood that companies can serve consumers better, faster and at less cost by working together with trading partners.
The International Commerce Institute of ECR Europe is the link between global thought leaders in academia, retailing and the Consumer Goods business worldwide. The institute’s main activities include the funding of research in the Consumer Goods business, the publication of research findings and articles from both academic and business thought leaders as well as the dissemination of this thought leadership through executive development programmes in partnership with reputed academic institutions.
The International Commerce Institute and Unilever are pleased to announce that Unilever will donate an annual research grant to support the mission of the Institute. The Unilever grant is aimed at furthering academic and industry knowledge in the areas of
- Collaborative Differentiation
- Shopper-driven Integrated Supply Chain Management
- Joint Shopper Value Creation
Academics and business schools, able to conduct and deliver breakthrough research in any of the above-mentioned areas and seeking financial support, are hereby invited to apply for research funds made available by this Unilever grant. Deadline for the 2007 applications is July 31st, 2007.
Process
A selection process of the applications will take place based on the following criteria:
- Uniqueness, innovativeness of the topic
- Level of contribution to better understanding shopper and shopping value (usefulness)
- Level of contribution to ECR principles as outlined above
- Feasibility of implementing the findings
- Positioning in relation to existing academic work on this topic
A selection committee, consisting of academics as well as management of both Unilever and the Institute will allocate funds as deemed appropriate. Participants agree that findings of this research may be published by the International Commerce Institute of ECR Europe clearly identifying its author.
Interested? The application form as well as the description of the Unilever Research Grant can be found via the following link:
Bernard Karli
Managing Director
International Commerce Institute
Sjoerd Schaafsma
VP Customer Development Innovation
Unilever