RFID in Retail

Radio frequency identification has been widely used in industry for many years; it has improved automation at different stages of manufacture but is it suitable to introduce this technology into the retail environment?

IT reseller (2006) explains “RFID — radio frequency identification — already is demonstrating measurable results that have the potential to transform how business is conducted for both retailers and their suppliers. Benefits include reduced labour costs, simplified business processes, improved inventory control, increased sales and reduced shrinkage.”

This technology has many benefits in business but the introduction of this has been hit with resistance. Many believe this system of identification can be too intrusive and restrict privacy. Introduction of RFID tags on individual products allow companies to monitor product trends and consumer habits, which may be information the customer my wish to keep private.

Brian (2007) states “companies like Wal-Mart and Target plan on using RFID tags on individual products which they can trace consumer's buying habits and other information consumer's wish to keep private. It was privacy issues that force Benetton to cease their pilot RFID system. They wanted to embed a tag in articles of clothing to stop theft, determine consumer buying habits and keep their inventory at an acceptable level. Privacy advocate groups such as the Consumers against Supermarket Privacy Invasion (CASPIAN) fight companies using RFID to track consumer behaviour. A study showed that up to 78% of America was against RFID based solely on privacy issues. It will be difficult for companies in the future to tag individual items without a public outcry without some form of protection for the public's privacy rights.”

Brian, F., 2007, Pros and Cons of RFID Technology [Online] Available at: <http://ezinearticles.com/?Pros-and-Cons-of-RFID-Technology&id=522015> [accessed 18/10/2010]

IT Reseller, 2006, RFID Technology In Retail [online] Available at: <http://www.itrportal.com/absolutenm/templates/article-barcode.aspx?articleid=35&zoneid=11> [accessed 18/10/2010]

Reflection of my Learning Style.

                I have always been sceptical of all personality questionnaires, although they are based on scientific studies I believe they can be skewed by many different stimuli at the time of taking the test. Saying this, I have attempted both the VARK questionnaire and the Memletics Learning Styles Inventory with an open mind in the attempt to provide myself with some direction to improve my studies.

VARK Questionnaire.

                The results of this test show that I am multimodal in my learning style. I ended up running this test twice (one paper-based and one internet based) just to make sure that I didn’t have any preferences towards any particular learning style but no, both tests came back even across all aspects of VARK.

                I believe that this could benefit me in my learning because being multimodal I can adjust my style to what the situation requires. I must confess these results have surprised me.

I have always been exposed to “on the job” training and I would have thought a kinaesthetic style would have become more prominent in the results. I still believe this is to be my preferred choice in studying style but I understand that I should not limit myself just to this one approach.

                Looking at the results I can’t help feel frustrated that I had no clear learning style to focus on. From this I must establish my own learning style drawn from all aspects of VARK taking on what engages me most and finding better ways to learn from those that don’t.

Memletics learning Style Inventory.

                Of the two tests, I found this to be more thorough and ultimately more helpful in defining where I should focus my learning style.

Before taking the test I indicated where I though my strengths and weaknesses fell on the graph above (RED). As you can see I believed I was very logical adopting a physical approach and believed I was happier working solo.

                Although the results (GREEN) came back generally average (similar to the VARK Questionnaire) it is easy to identify where my strengths lie. Contrary to how I felt, social working and aural study are a greater influence than I expected where as logic remained consistent. My biggest surprise was my solitary score, less than half the score I thought it to be, it shows that I may actually be more receptive to outside support than I first thought.

                From these tests it is clear that I should focus my efforts logical, planning my time were ever possible and absorb whatever information visually or written to achieve my goals.