Optimization Model and Product Assortment Policy in Chain Stores: A Case Study of Refah Chain Stores

Subject Areas : Industrial Management

Payman Eskandari ¹ , Homa Doroudi ² , Firouze Hajialiakbari ³

1 - PHD student of management, Department of Management, Zanjan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Zanjan, Iran
2 - Associate Professor in Management, Department of Management, Zanjan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Zanajan, Iran
3 - Assistant Professor, Department of Management, Zanjan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Zanjan, Iran

Received: 2023-11-09 Accepted : 2024-01-21 Published : 2024-02-04

Keywords: Distribution, optimal product assortment, chain stores, operations management, Refah stores.,

Abstract :

The aim of this study was to present an optimization model and policy formulation for product assortment in Refah chain stores. The research method employed in this study was a mixed approach, combining qualitative and quantitative methods. The qualitative section utilized a grounded theory approach while the quantitative section employed a descriptive correlational design. The qualitative sample consisted of 10 experts who were purposefully selected based on theoretical saturation and targeted sampling. In the quantitative section, the statistical population included managers of layout, purchasing Based on the sample size estimation formula by Cochran, the sample size for the quantitative section was calculated to be 114 individuals. The sampling method employed was multi-stage cluster random sampling. Data collection tools in the qualitative section included interviews, while questionnaires were used in the quantitative section. To assess the validity and reliability of the results in the qualitative section, strategies such as credibility, transferability, confirmability, process audit, and intra-subjective agreement were employed. In the quantitative section, formal validity, content validity, and structural validity were measured, and Cronbach's alpha was used to assess reliability. Data analysis in the quantitative section involved three stages of coding: open coding, axial coding, and selective coding. In the quantitative section, partial least squares structural equation modeling was used. The findings showed that the central phenomenon influenced by store logistics, financial capacity, suppliers, and product branding. Furthermore, the central phenomenon could lead to the formation of strategies for monitoring, generating additional income, optimizing product placement, and adhering to marketing principles,

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