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A series of thirty tests on dry granular flows were performed using a large scale flume under varying source volumes and basal friction conditions to capture grain scale interactions and their impact on overall runout behaviour. These grain interactions and ultimately the flow regimes developed were found to be a function of material source volume and boundary roughness. The dimensionless inertial number was computed for each flow, but was found to be of limited utility except perhaps to define a general state (e.g. liquid regime) for the material due to the high slip velocity encountered in the granular flows. Using the depth averaged numerical model, DAN, it was found that a single set of semi-empirically derived frictional parameters (i.e. specific to internal and basal friction conditions) was appropriate for matching the overall mobility of the experimental flows over a range of flow volumes and slope inclinations.However, these angles were found to be lower than those determined from laboratory interface friction tests, highlighting the importance of collisional stress transfer in the basal zone of the dry flowing landslides.

In this paper, quantitative observations of dry granular flows subject to varying magnitude and direction of Coriolis acceleration are presented in order to assess the robustness of the Savage-Hutter shallow water approximation of granular flow for modelling landslides. Nine tests carried out at 708 and 458 slope inclinations are described for cases where no Coriolis acceleration was applied (i.e. tests performed at 1g), and where the Coriolis acceleration acted into or out of the slope (centrifuge tests). Given that the magnitude of the Coriolis term is velocity dependent, each point within a model landslide on the centrifuge experienced a unique time and space-varying magnitude of Coriolis acceleration, altering the flow displacement with time and final deposit characteristics. The resultant behaviour is compared to a depth-averaged flow model based on a frictional rheology. A single set of model parameters was found to be appropriate for all test conditions and directions/magnitudes of Coriolis acceleration, illustrating the robustness of the frictional depth-averaged approach to capture the mobility of dry granular flows, albeit as a 'Class C' type of prediction. It is noted that the empirically derived basal interface friction was found to be lower than the static interface friction determined by conventional testing, suggesting that new methods are needed for the a priori determination of suitable rheological parameters for high-speed flows.

This study examines the concept of cryptocurrency and gives a brief history and overview of its characteristics. In an increasingly electronic society, cryptocurrency could be the next step in the evolution of finance in the same way that the internet was a step in the evolution of communication. In the coming years, countries may even announce the release of national cryptocurrencies, although certain conditions must be met for these efforts to be successful. Although the market is still in the early stages, as it begins to mature, cryptocurrency may become more prominent, until it becomes the new status quo.

Purpose Walmart achieved extraordinary success and growth in its home country before embarking on a strategy of international expansion. While most of Walmart¹s international expansion efforts were successful, the retailer experienced some challenges in Germany and South Korea, exiting both less than ten years after initial entry. In 2016, Walmart announced the closure of 269 stores worldwide. Although most Walmart stores are now outside the USA, the performance of these stores lag their US counterparts. Walmart has not been able to simply export its “Everyday Low Price” approach. It is important to understand cultural differences in the way people shop in addition to understanding the market, economy and laws of various regions around the world. Design/methodology/approach Walmart’s successes and missteps in each country are analyzed. The studies looked at each country’s culture, shopping habits and discuss what worked and what did not in each country. The authors hope that managers planning international expansion will learn from the successes and failures of this giant retailer. Findings Walmart has a significant presence in Mexico, the UK, Brazil, China and Canada. It has been successful in countries where it has adapted the Walmart model to the local market. International expansion for Walmart, along with other retailers, is now being highly impacted by the growth in online shopping. However, the use of technology for shopping is not a homogenous global experience. The increased demand for online retailers suggests that firms slow down (but not stop) brick and mortar international expansion. Practical implications Considering the projected growth in online shopping, retailers with global aspirations need to have a strong and sustainable competitive advantage (e.g. products, operations, marketing and brand name reputation) in addition to a clear internationalization plan. The same factors critical to brick and mortar expansion are applicable to online growth. Having a successful, long-term presence in selected countries requires a clear understanding of each country’s infrastructure, demographics, political and economic systems, in addition to cultural awareness and an understanding of shopping practices. Social implications The growth of online shopping internationally will also fundamentally alter international expansion for Walmart and other retailers. Interestingly, Chinese shoppers may be leading the trend in online shopping, as nearly 65 percent of Chinese shoppers use their mobile phones for online shopping, are more likely to buy from off-shore online retailers and are more likely to use their mobile phones to compare prices than either Canadian or US shoppers (PWC, 2016). Walmart’s recent acquisition of Jet.com is sending a clear signal that brick and mortar shopping is not the only way to expand internationally. Originality/value This original work about Walmart’s growth strategy internationally is unique. This work will be of great value to managers thinking of expanding internationally. The non-embracing of local cultural habits and use of non-local managers is something that can be easily overlooked when thinking of expansion. Serious financial consequences can be easily avoided by being aware of the mistakes that others have made.

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