James D. Libbin

Bio: James D. Libbin is an academic researcher from New Mexico State University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Diversification (finance) & Cash flow forecasting. The author has an hindex of 4, co-authored 11 publications receiving 104 citations.

Factors affecting the willingness of tourists to visit cultural heritage sites in Jordan

Abstract: This study examined the factors affecting the willingness of tourists to visit the cultural heritage sites (CHS) located in the Northern Badia of Jordan, and estimated expenditures for their visit to the CHS. A questionnaire was developed to collect demographic and economic information about tourists during their visit to Jordan. Three hundred tourists were included in the survey at nine different sites during the summer of 2010. A logistic regression model was employed in the analyses. Factors that affected tourism at CHS included: education, variety of sites, multiple destinations, cost, and reasons for the visit. These factors had a significant impact on tourists' willingness to travel to CHS in the Northern Badia. This study recommends improving CHS and working closely with local communities to expand training and funding.

Does Modern Portfolio Theory Apply to Agricultural Land Ownership? Concepts for Farmers and Farm Managers

Abstract: Farmers often have cash flow problems, although many build substantial wealth with the appreciation on their most valuable asset, land. Many agricultural products often consider diversification differently than the typical financial investor may. Agricultural producers usually only consider diversification approaches only within the farm itself, although there may be considerable benefits from truly financially diversifying beyond the farm enterprise. This article provides a theoretical link between financial market concepts and the desire of farmers, farm owners, and farm managers to maximize total income and minimize aggregate income risk.

Financial and Real Estate Investments in Mixed-Asset Agricultural Portfolios

Abstract: The concepts of diversified portfolios common to financial market investors are applied to a farm setting. This study evaluates the effect on farm portfolio values of using available cash generated from the farm to diversify financially. The financial strategies included alternative debt management strategies, cash investments, and equity investments. Models of 10 representative New Mexico farms were used in this study. Historical cost and return estimates were used to determine annual net cash income for each farm model from 1989 through 2001. Excess cash, beyond operating and family living requirements, was used to purchase shares of a money market fund, a mutual fund, and several publiclytraded agricultural companies.

Measuring Net Benefits Resulting from University-Industry Collaboration: An Example from the New Mexico Chile Task Force

Abstract: As universities face increasingly tight operating budgets, their need to justify expenditures on both basic and applied research is increasing (Oehmke, van Ee, and Ledebuhr 2000; Boyle 1997). At the same time, businesses face increasingly competitive business environments. For many, innovation is the key to productivity and survival. Universities and industries are joining forces to meet their respective needs, forming formal and informal collaborations (Scott et al. 2002). Analysts and policy-makers are becoming more interested in examining and understanding the relationships between academic research and economic activity. One area of growing interest is the measurement of net benefits generated through these relationships. To accurately measure the return to industry-university collaboration, researchers must consider all associated returns and costs (both direct and indirect). Benefits that may accrue from collaborative efforts include: (1) new scientific information, (2) increased educational opportunities for students, (3) new networks and stimulating interactions, (4) expanded problem-solving capacity, (5) new methodologies and technologies, (6) new firms and (7) expanded social knowledge (Scott et al. 2002). Valuing all direct and indirect benefits and costs associated with collaborative efforts is difficult, if not impossible. This paper outlines a methodology that can be used to measure one source of economic benefits -- the development of a new technology. The paper uses as an example a mechanical vegetable thinner developed through the collaborative efforts of the Southwestern chile pepper industry and New Mexico State University (NMSU).

Enhancing art gallery visitors’ learning experience using wearable augmented reality: generic learning outcomes perspective

Abstract: The potential of Information and Communication Technology-enhanced visitor learning experience is increasing with the advancement of new and emerging technologies in art gallery settings. However, studies on the visitor learning experience using wearable devices, and in particular, those investigating the effects of wearable augmented reality on the learning experience within cultural heritage tourism attractions are limited. Using the generic learning outcomes framework, this study aims to assess how the wearable augmented reality application enhances visitor’s learning experiences. Forty-four volunteers who were visiting an art gallery were divided into two groups, an experimental group and a control group. Following their visit to the gallery, the volunteers, who had and had not used wearable computing equipment, were interviewed, and the data were analysed using thematic analysis. Findings revealed that the wearable augmented reality application helps visitors to see connections between paintings and ...

Sociocultural Impacts of Tourism on Residents of World Cultural Heritage Sites in China

Abstract: The development of tourism induces changes in the social character of a destination. Tourism is a globalized business activity and thus presents growing challenges in terms of traditional social culture. With the continuous development of the tourism industry, traditional social culture has changed dramatically at many World Heritage sites (WHSs). Additionally, the growing dependence of many regions’ economies on the tourism industry has brought about an inexorable shift in the perception of many rural residents. These transformations include the impact of tourism development and its economic efficiency on inhabitants’ traditional values, lifestyles, and interpersonal relationship in ancient villages serving as WHSs. A qualitative analysis including participatory in-depth interviews was conducted to compare changes in the social culture induced by tourism development at the WHS comprising three ancient villages in China. Furthermore, a qualitative content analysis was chosen to examine the impact of tourism development on residents’ perceptions of changes in moral values. The results demonstrate that tourism development is the major catalyst for change in local residents’ moral values.

Factors affecting off-farm investment of farm households: a logit analysis

Abstract: This investigation considers factors affecting off‐farm investment of farm households. A national farm‐level survey was used to evaluate the effects of various farm and operator characteristics on the likelihood of off‐farm investment. Results suggest differences in level of education, age of the operator, off‐farm income, household net worth, leverage, farm size, farm diversification, management skills, and location influence off‐farm investment decisions.