Showing papers in "International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management in 2009"
TL;DR: In this article, a model based on the trade-off and pecking-order theories was proposed to investigate the factors affecting capital structure decisions of Turkish lodging companies, and the results showed that effective tax rates, tangibility of assets, and return on assets are related negatively to the debt ratio.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors affecting capital structure decisions of Istanbul Stock Exchange (ISE) lodging companies.Design/methodology/approach – A model based on the trade‐off and pecking order theories is specified and implications of both theories are empirically tested. The model is estimated using a dynamic panel data approach for five ISE companies for the period of 1994‐2006.Findings – The findings suggest that effective tax rates, tangibility of assets, and return on assets are related negatively to the debt ratio, while free cash flow, non‐debt tax shields, growth opportunities, net commercial credit position, and firm size do not appear to be related to the debt ratio. Although the findings partially support the pecking order theory, neither the trade‐off nor the pecking order theory exactly seem to explain the capital structure of Turkish lodging companies.Research limitations/implications – The data used in this paper are limited to five companies traded ...
228 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a self-administered mail survey instrument is developed to measure and test organizational initiatives and practices on employee turnover and retention, and two statistical tests are employed to test study hypotheses.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate US lodging properties’ organizational employee‐retention initiatives and practices, and to examine the impact of those initiatives on employee turnover and retention.Design/methodology/approach – Using the Directory of Hotel & Lodging Companies, a convenient sample group of 24 management companies are selected. A self‐administered mail survey instrument is developed to measure and test organizational initiatives and practices on employee turnover and retention. Using SPSS 16.0, two statistical tests are employed to test study hypotheses. Correlation analysis is used to identify the relationships between predictor and response variables. Likewise, regression analysis is used to examine the relationships between predictor and response variables hypothesizing that the effectiveness of practicing the human resource management organizational initiatives on management and non‐management retention and turnover will differ.Findings – The findings reveal that C...
228 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a survey was conducted among Macao casino hotels' employees to collect data on work performance and job satisfaction, and coefficients of correlations were computed to determine the relationship between the two.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper sets out to examine the relationship between work performance and job satisfaction in Macao's casino hotels and to attempt to determine how job satisfaction may be enhanced to improve work performance.Design/methodology/approach – A survey was conducted among Macao casino hotels' employees to collect data on work performance and job satisfaction. Coefficients of correlations were computed to determine the relationship between the two. Job satisfaction drivers were identified through backward stepwise regression analysis.Findings – Mediocre interpersonal skills are the major weakness of the labor force and job satisfaction is significantly correlated with job performance. Training opportunities, salaries and benefits, and support from colleagues and superiors are significant drivers of job satisfaction.Research limitations/implications – The paper used convenience sampling and the survey was not exhaustive to include all possible job satisfaction drivers. Also, social desirability bias...
198 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors review the literature on theories affecting consumers' online purchase intention of travel products and explore the theoretical foundation of factors influencing customers' online purchasing intentions in general and in the travel industry specifically.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review the literature on theories affecting consumers' online purchase intention of travel products. It seeks to explore the literature on the theoretical foundation of factors influencing customers' online purchase intentions in general and in the travel industry specifically. It also suggests areas for further research on online travel buying decisions.Design/methodology/approach – The conceptual framework of factors affecting customer online buying decisions – including customers' attitudes, quality of web site design, customer satisfaction, and customer trust – is developed by examining the theoretical foundation for each online purchase intention of travel product. The theoretical foundations and literature review include discussions of the theory of planned behavior, consumer trust literature, quality of travel web site design, and consumer satisfaction literature.Findings – The paper identifies antecedents of consumers' online purchase intention, including ...
181 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors provide experimental evidence supporting the view that internal service quality has a direct effect on external service quality, including product, organizational image, safety and choice, empathy, reliability as well as responsiveness.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide experimental evidence supporting the view that internal service quality has a direct effect on external service quality.Design/methodology/approach – The study focuses on the restaurant industry in Greece. Waiters are considered as internal customers and kitchen personnel as internal suppliers. Inferential analysis included factor analysis on individual waiter and customer data as well as canonical correlation analysis on a restaurant level.Findings – Factor analysis of external service quality revealed six factors including product, organizational image, safety and choice, empathy, reliability as well as responsiveness. Internal service quality factors, additional to those found in external service quality research, included professionalism and internet. Canonical correlation revealed that the internal service quality dimensions of safety, reliability and internet exert a direct positive influence on the external service quality dimensions of organization...
169 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors developed and tested a model which examines the effects of customer verbal aggression on emotional dissonance, emotional exhaustion, and job outcomes such as service recovery performance, job satisfaction, and turnover intentions.
Abstract: Purpose – The central purpose of this study is to develop and test a model which examines the effects of customer verbal aggression on emotional dissonance, emotional exhaustion, and job outcomes such as service recovery performance, job satisfaction, and turnover intentions. The model also investigates the impact of emotional dissonance on emotional exhaustion and the effects of emotional dissonance and exhaustion on the above‐mentioned job outcomes.Design/methodology/approach – Data were gathered from a sample of frontline hotel employees in Northern Cyprus via self‐administered questionnaires. A total number of 204 questionnaires were obtained.Findings – As hypothesized, emotional dissonance and emotional exhaustion were found to be significant outcomes of customer verbal aggression. The results demonstrated that emotional dissonance amplified exhaustion. The results further revealed that customer verbal aggression and emotional dissonance intensified turnover intentions. As expected, emotional exhaust...
164 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors outline the innovation process activities described by quick-service restaurant (QSR) managers and compare it with an earlier QSR process model and with those used in other food service settings.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to outline the innovation process activities described by quick‐service restaurant (QSR) managers and to compare it with an earlier QSR process model and with those used in other food service settings.Design/methodology/approach – Six semi‐structured interviews with QSR chain executives in the USA were conducted to better understand the underlying factors and dimensions that describe successful innovation process practices.Findings – For new QSR menu innovations, the development teams follow a structured approach to reduce the likelihood of failure due to issues such as poor consumer demand or implementation. QSR screen new food innovations approximately five times during the development process. Furthermore, today's QSR innovation process integrates more sophisticated market research technology and a post‐audit is carried out after the new food concept has been launched. In comparison with studies of Michelin‐starred chefs QSR development teams use an approach that is much more ...
126 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors identify and generalize the environmental measures undertaken by studied hotels and evaluate the performance of these environmental measures, nearly half of which concern energy conservation, and three case studies were carried out to identify the green measures undertaken in ISO 14001 certified hotels.
Abstract: Purpose – Implementation of environmental management systems (EMS) in hotels is gaining popularity world‐wide. ISO 14001, which is the only certifying document in the ISO 14000 series, provides guidelines to set up an EMS. However, there is a paucity of information about the actual environmental measures implemented in ISO 14001 certified hotels. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to identify and generalize the environmental measures undertaken by studied hotels and to evaluate the performance of these environmental measures.Design/methodology/approach – Three case studies were carried out to identify the green measures undertaken in ISO 14001‐certified hotels. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected and analyzed. Then, regression analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between monthly utilities input (electricity, gas, fuel oil and water) and activity parameters.Findings – A total of 113 measures were identified, nearly half of which concern energy conservation. Results of m...
124 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors identify factors that are important for the success of career and placement services offered by hospitality programs, from the industry's perspectives, through an online survey from hospitality recruiters and human resources managers.
Abstract: Purpose – Many hospitality programs have developed their own career and placement services to assist students in job searching efforts. The purpose of this paper is to identify factors that are important for the success of career and placement services offered by hospitality programs, from the industry's perspectives.Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected through an online survey from hospitality recruiters and human resources managers. Descriptive statistics were applied for the data analysis.Findings – Internship requirement was found to be the most important factor for the success of career services, followed by faculty industry experience and quality of student preparation for job/internship interviews. These were followed by reputation of the program and quality of educational curriculum and courses taught.Originality/value – The important implications drawn in this paper could assist hospitality schools to allocate limited resources to help create excellent career and placement services.
98 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explore India's online image through consumer queries posted on travel message boards and find that consumers are not only perceivers of destination image information but actively construct and share their own images via the internet.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the nascent literature on the use of the internet in destination image formation by exploring India's online image through consumer queries posted on travel message boards.Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses netnography, which is ethnography applied to the internet and is a qualitative method.Findings – The paper finds that consumers are not only perceivers of destination image information but actively construct and share their own images via the internet. India is appreciated for its natural resources, culture, history and art but huge dissatisfaction is expressed for general and tourist infrastructure.Practical implications – With consumers sharing both positive and negative aspects of a destination online, destination marketing organizations will increasingly find their “picture postcard” images being contested.Originality/value – Traditionally internet based travel studies have focused on supply side sources. This paper illustrates that ...
97 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explore intrinsic and extrinsic factors impacting the job satisfaction of casino hotel chefs, and whether chefs' background characteristics are associated with their overall and specific facets of job satisfaction.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore intrinsic and extrinsic factors impacting the job satisfaction of casino hotel chefs, and whether chefs' background characteristics are associated with their overall and specific facets of job satisfaction.Design/methodology/approach – A total of 152 surveys were analyzed using a randomly selected sample of 25 major casinos in Las Vegas, Nevada. The sample selection represented chefs working in various types of foodservice operations within the hotel segments.Findings – Overall, the casino hotel chefs were satisfied with their jobs (M=3.9). Among intrinsic factors, the chefs were most satisfied with the “work itself” and least satisfied with “growth and recognition” they received. Among extrinsic factors, they were most satisfied with “supervision” and least satisfied with “company policy” pertaining to sick leave and paid vacation. Highest job satisfaction levels were found among chefs who worked in the fine dining kitchens and supervised between 21 and 3...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors illustrate the value of data envelopment analysis (DEA) for strategic analysis and performance management in the hotel industry and demonstrate how DEA can be used to develop strategic guidelines to improve organizational performance.
Abstract: Purpose – The aim of this paper is to illustrate the value of data envelopment analysis (DEA) for strategic analysis and performance management in the hotel industry.Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses a world‐wide sample of hotel companies and two cases to illustrate how DEA can be used to develop strategic guidelines to improve organizational performance.Findings – The study shows that DEA can be used for strategic design and performance management through the analysis of two cases. Additionally, for the sample of 83 hotel companies, there are three main conclusions: a focused strategy performs better than a diversification strategy; for the bulk of the sample, the scale efficiency is higher than the pure technical efficiency, hence hotel managers should concentrate on productivity improvements (that is how to transform inputs into outputs) and not on scale issues (such as increases or decreases in the size of operations); and the majority of the hotel companies in the sample are operating unde...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors test a model of the antecedents and consequences of the quality of the employee-customer relationship, and make a causal-predictive analysis.
Abstract: Purpose – In the highly competitive hotel industry, it is essential to encourage patterns of continuous repurchase and to retain customers This may be achieved through the quality of the relationship established with them The aim of the paper is to test a model of the antecedents and consequences of the quality of the employee‐customer relationshipDesign/methodology/approach – Partial least squares (PLS) was used to assess the reliability/validity of the measures and make a causal‐predictive analysisFindings – The results of the study are useful both for academics and practitioners: they add support for the proposed model and increase its potential for generalisation; results suggest a wide range of measures that hotel managers could undertake to develop and maintain employee‐customer relationship qualityResearch limitations/implications – Future studies should test the model at different times, during other important events in the city and, of course, in other geographical areas Also new variables
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigate empirically the impacts of outsourcing, and examine the relationship between the outsourcing process and organizational performance in hotels in the city of Antalya in Turkey through questionnaires.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this study is to investigate empirically the impacts of outsourcing, and to examine the relationship between the outsourcing process and organizational performance in hotelsDesign/methodology/approach – Data for the study were obtained from 80 hotels in the city of Antalya in Turkey through questionnaires A paired‐sample t test, and correlation and regression analyses were used to analyse the dataFindings – The analyses provide strong support for the impacts of outsourcing on organizational performance Cooperation with a vendor has led to significant improvement in organizational effectiveness, productivity, profitability, quality, continuous improvement, quality of work life, and social responsibility levels Hotel managers think that organizational performance has increased after outsourcingResearch limitations/implications – The most significant limitation of this study is the impact of outsourcing on organizational performance relying on perceived results rather than dire
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigate online buyers' views for and against disintermediation of hotel reservation and find that experienced online buyers were more positive towards technology assisted hotel room reservations and less positive towards travel agents than their less experienced peers.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this research is to investigate online buyers' views for and against disintermediation of hotel reservation.Design/methodology/approach – A structured questionnaire was developed and a telephone survey was conducted in Hong Kong in March 2008.Findings – Empirical findings of 283 Hong Kong residents who had previously booked hotel rooms online showed that experienced online buyers were more positive towards technology‐assisted hotel room reservations and less positive towards travel agents than their less experienced peers.Practical implications – Hoteliers should ensure that their rooms are marketed appropriately in different types of online and offline channels.Originality – The study demonstrates the existence of significantly different views among different groups of online buyers based on their online purchase experiences. With the increasing popularity of internet applications, hotel managers and travel agents should set practical plans to meet the needs of online buyers.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors analyzed the opinions of potential wine tourists about the importance they give to various items regarding intention to participate in wine tourism, and determined the dimensions that could have an impact on participation in tourism activities related to wine, through a factor analysis.
Abstract: Purpose – The main objective of this study is to determine the factors that could have an impact on intentions to participate in regional tourism activities related to wine, from the Spanish customer's point of view.Design/methodology/approach – This study analyses the opinions of potential wine tourists. They are asked about the importance they give to various items regarding intention to participate in wine tourism. These items have been taken from a review of the relevant literature. The dimensions that could have an impact on participation in tourism activities related to wine are determined through a factor analysis. These dimensions, together with the barriers traditionally encountered to any kind of tourism activity, are used in a regression analysis. The predictors of the intention to participate in wine tourism are thus determined.Findings – The services offered by wineries, the possibility of increasing knowledge about the wine product, the possibility of providing leisure activities, and intere...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated franchisees' satisfaction based on franchisors' pre-opening support, central purchasing, congeniality, and ongoing business support, and found that the majority of the franchisees were least satisfied with central purchasing support from the franchisor.
Abstract: Purpose – The primary purpose of this research is to investigate franchisees' satisfaction based on franchisors' pre‐opening support, central purchasing, congeniality and ongoing business support.Design/methodology/approach – The sample was drawn from ice cream franchising operations in Seoul, South Korea, and its vicinity. Personal interviews were conducted, followed by a self‐administered questionnaire.Findings – The franchisees learned about their business opportunities through friends and relatives. The brand recognition by the consumer is the major motive for franchisees to engage in franchising. While franchisees are least satisfied with their franchisors' ongoing business support, they are most satisfied with central purchasing support from the franchisor.Practical implications – The study offers valuable insights for strategic management as to recruitment, selection, and ongoing support provided by franchisors.Originality/value – This research is particularly valuable to franchisors who are contem...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explored the ways in which a transactional marketing approach can generate customer loyalty in a hotel brand and found that transactional approach to marketing can be an effective strategy for hotels which target niche segments with highly differentiated offers at competitive prices.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the ways in which a transactional marketing approach can generate customer loyalty in a hotel brand.Design/methodology/approach – The paper provides a review of the paradigm shift from transactional marketing to relationship marketing, in the services marketing literature. The inductive research used a qualitative approach, with multiple techniques including non‐participant observation in several hotels; in‐depth interviews with hotel managers; and telephone interviews with hotel customers in the UK.Findings – The findings suggest that a transactional approach to marketing can be an effective strategy for hotels, which target niche segments with highly differentiated offers at competitive prices. It was found that this approach can create significant customer loyalty.Research limitations/implications – The case study approach and focused sample mean that attempts to generalize the findings should be taken with care. Furthermore, this study does not attempt...
TL;DR: This paper evaluated the relative effectiveness of four-hour ServSafe® food safety training, a theory-based intervention targeting food service employees' perceived barriers to implementing food safety practices, and a combination of the two treatments.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to evaluate the relative effectiveness of four‐hour ServSafe® food safety training, a theory‐based intervention targeting food service employees' perceived barriers to implementing food safety practices, and a combination of the two treatments. Dependent measures include behavioral compliance with and perceptions of control over performing hand washing, use of thermometers, and handling of work surfaces.Design/methodology/approach – Four groups are compared: employees receiving only ServSafe® training, intervention alone, training and intervention, and no treatment. Employees complete a questionnaire assessing perceived barriers to practicing the targeted behaviors. Then, employees are observed in the production area for behavioral compliance.Findings – Training or intervention alone is better than no treatment, but the training/intervention combination is most effective at improving employees' compliance with and perceptions of control over performing the behaviors.Research limi...
TL;DR: In this article, a study conducted in 24 Greek hotels located in the Thessaly region, providing 217 usable responses, showed that efficiency, reflexivity, innovation and flexibility, supervisory support and quality were among the most prominent characteristics affected by organizational climate, whereas outward focus and pressure to produce were least affected.
Abstract: – Organizational climate, which includes the setting of values, rules and priorities to be followed by all individuals involved in the organisation, has been receiving increased attention over recent years. The purpose of this paper is to look into the prevalent organizational climate within hotels and to identify variations in employees' perceptions, based on whether they hold managerial or non‐managerial positions., – This paper reports a study conducted in 24 Greek hotels located in the Thessaly region, providing 217 usable responses. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the relative importance placed on the climate dimensions and then t‐tests were used to check for significant differences between managerial and non‐managerial employees., – The results show that efficiency, reflexivity, innovation and flexibility, supervisory support and quality were among the most prominent characteristics affected by organisational climate, whereas outward focus and pressure to produce were least affected. Moreover, the only differences revealed between managerial and non‐managerial employees were in the areas of involvement and efficiency., – Since Greece is a very diverse country in terms of tourism, including hotels that operate in other regions of the country would improve the generalizability of these findings. Future research should also try to link organizational climate directly with measures of the actual service quality provided to customers., – Identifying the prevalent organizational climate can help managers to optimize performance by identifying inherent strengths and weaknesses. Managers can then exploit the opportunities offered and evade the threats evident in the globalized hospitality setting. In addition, variations in perceptions between managers and non‐managers may help the organization to identify common priorities among all individuals employed.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present an overview of the existing literature concerning the development of China's hotel industry by means of reviewing the topic from three academic online databases: Emerald Management Review, ProQuest Basic Search and EBSCO Host Web.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to offer an overview of the existing English literature concerning the development of China's hotel industry by means of reviewing the topic from three academic online databases.Design/methodology/approach – The paper reviews published studies found in refereed journals that can be accessed online via Emerald Management Review, ProQuest Basic Search and EBSCO Host Web. A total of 66 refereed journal papers were found over the period 1984‐2007. They were grouped into four major themes: strategy and development; marketing; service quality and human resources management.Findings – Research on China's hotel development grew rapidly with the rise of China's hotel industry, reflecting the situation, problems, challenges and opportunities affecting hotel development. Strategy and development is a dominant theme, accounting for 43 per cent of all papers.Practical implications – The paper summarises research on China's booming hotel industry, offers a general review of its hi...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe the aesthetics and operational characteristics of UK boutique hotels, indicating what can be found in a boutique hotel, and conclude that the majority of UK Boutique Hotels are not privately owned.
Abstract: Purpose – The paper seeks to clarify the aesthetic and operational characteristics of UK boutique hotels so as to obtain a clearer definition of boutique hotels.Design/methodology/approach – Since an official list of boutique hotels is not available, the study looked at 15 consortia recognised as operating bona fide boutique hotels by a few authoritative sources (e.g. Pricewaterhouse Coopers, the RAC). Web sites of each boutique hotel were scrutinised by content analysing vital operational characteristics and aesthetic features that were presented. A comparative analysis was then carried out with the findings and interviews obtained from four boutique hotel managers to establish the common characteristics of boutique hotels.Findings – The paper describes the aesthetics and operational characteristics of UK boutique hotels, indicating what can be found in a boutique hotel. One of the many important findings of this study suggests that the majority of boutique hotels are not privately owned, contradicting p...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigate the effect of hotel overbooking and compensation practices on customers' perceptions of fairness and loyalty and examine the effects of customer gender, reservation time, membership status, length of stay, payer source, and reservation channel on perceived fairness.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of hotel overbooking and compensation practices on customers' perceptions of fairness and loyalty and examine the effects of customer gender, reservation time, membership status, length of stay, payer source, and reservation channel on perceived fairness toward overbooking.Design/methodology/approach – The study utilized a scenario‐based survey on grocery shoppers to identify relationships between overbooking, fairness and loyalty.Findings – The findings show that customers who perceive a hotel's overbooking and compensation practices to be unfair are less likely to be loyal to the hotel in the future. Women were more likely than men to perceive the practice of hotel overbooking as unfair. All other factors had no effect on customers' perceptions of fairness.Research limitations/implications – A longitudinal field study that collects response from real hotel guests being bumped should be considered for future studies about customers' reactio...
TL;DR: In this article, a questionnaire was devised to test students' values associated with education, teaching and learning, ethics and aspirations, and the results were triangulated with existing literature stating positions about whether culture can inform teaching strategies.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to discuss whether cultural conceptualisations can explain student behaviour and to discuss tactics to enhance teaching and learning in a multinational classroom.Design/methodology/approach – Based on Hofstede's cultural dimensions a questionnaire was devised to test students' values associated with education, teaching and learning, ethics and aspirations. Results were triangulated with existing literature stating positions about whether culture can inform teaching and learning strategies.Findings – There is evidence of a positive correlation between culture and learning approaches. However, institutional, social and personal factors limit the degree to which culture can inform the profiling of learning characteristics.Research limitations/implications – Previous research has focused on students from a limited number of origins. Further studies are needed to generate deeper insights into the influence of culture on students' learning experiences.Practical implications – In an att...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined and compared current culinary student, graduated culinary student and industry responses to educational skills attained and found that students enter culinary education institutions with expectations of the experience they will gain and the skills/knowledge they will master.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine and compare current culinary student, graduated culinary student, and industry responses to educational skills attained.Design/methodology/approach – This paper uses a survey methodology to examine perceptions of what and how institutions might best prepare culinary students for success in the workplace.Findings – Students enter culinary education institutions with expectations of the experience they will gain and the skills/knowledge they will master. After graduation, they discover how prepared they are for a culinary career. Similarly, employers expect students to enter the work place with specific skills and abilities. Findings provide both similarities and differences among the respondent groups.Research limitations/implications – The study was conducted in only one country using graduates from one culinary school and industry needs of Eastern Canada. Based on an analysis of the findings, educators and industry should address key skills of the culinar...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explore and analyze extrinsic environmental factors that influence the development of culinary creativity and find that there is a close relationship between the creativity of culinary artists and the quality of their environment.
Abstract: Purpose – This study aims to explore and analyze the extrinsic environmental factors that influence the development of culinary creativity.Design/methodology/approach – This study uses in‐depth interviews and content analysis. A total of 13 internationally famous and/or award‐winning culinary artists and contest judges from the USA, Singapore, and Taiwan were interviewed to provide the data for the project.Findings – There is a close relationship between the creativity of culinary artists and the quality of their environment. Therefore it is important to develop and maintain a physical, social, cultural and educational environment that is conducive to culinary creativity.Practical implications – The findings of this study can serve as a basis and frame of reference for the future planning of culinary education, the purpose of which is to cultivate a more creative mode of culinary thinking in students.Originality/value – This is the first research project to focus primarily on identifying specific factors ...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examine a typology of competitive strategies, which has not been extensively researched in the context of the accommodation sector in Barbados, a small developing island state in the Caribbean.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine a typology of competitive strategies, which has not been extensively researched in the context of the accommodation sector in Barbados, a small developing island state in the Caribbean.Design/methodology/approach – Data is collected through self‐administered questionnaires from 51 per cent of the hotels in Barbados. Respondents are Human Resource Managers, General Managers or Managing Directors.Findings – Hotels in the five‐star and higher category place substantial strategic focus in the area of defining service standards and performance, as compared with hotels in the one‐star category. This study suggests that hoteliers should focus on a combination of different strategies advanced by Vandermerwe et al. as a means of securing a competitive advantage. Changes in strategy should be accompanied by training employees as the service and the quality of hotels change. As their customers' demands change, and as the competition changes, the competitive strategie...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the pattern of part-time working amongst a cohort of full-time hospitality and tourism students studying at a university in Scotland, and found that almost two thirds of these students were engaged in parttime employment.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the pattern of part‐time working amongst a cohort of full time hospitality and tourism students studying at a university in Scotland.Design/methodology/approach – Students studying hospitality and tourism management were chosen due to the vocational nature of their program and the part‐time opportunities available in the hospitality industry. A questionnaire was developed to investigate the extent of part‐time employment amongst hospitality and tourism students. The questionnaire solicited demographic information, level, type and extent of part‐time employment. The questionnaire also explored students' impressions of the benefits of part‐time working, their likes and dislikes in their part‐time employment and what they felt might be done to develop the relationship between the parties involved in part‐time work.Findings – Evaluating responses from 150 students, the study found that almost two thirds of this cohort were engaged in part‐time employment and h...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined and analyzed the findings of an empirical survey of the productivity of guest-related IT applications and perceptions of hotel managers on IT competency in upscale hotels in Turkey.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to examine and analyze the findings of an empirical survey of the productivity of guest‐related IT applications and perceptions of hotel managers on IT competency in upscale hotels in Turkey.Design/methodology/approach – The data is collected via a structured questionnaire from 122 upscale hotels in Turkey.Findings – The findings of this study show that hotel managers view guest‐related IT applications as highly productive and appreciate IT's benefits. It seems there is a strong relationship between guest‐related IT applications and productivity in the lodging industry.Research limitations/implications – This study reflects the perception of hotel managers working in a specific country, i.e. Turkey (and only upper class hotels).Practical implications – This study provides a useful insight for hoteliers to understand the productivity dimensions of guest‐related IT applications. This understanding will shape the patterns of decision makers when considering the adoption of certain t...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined two established theoretical paradigms jointly, facilitating an understanding of not only the antecedents affecting technology adoption but also the hoteliers' intensity of technology adoption.
Abstract: Purpose – While there is a plethora of literature examining the antecedents affecting technology adoption decision, there have been limited investigations into the various stages of technologies adoption by hoteliers. This paper aims to examine two established theoretical paradigms jointly, facilitating an understanding of not only the antecedents affecting technology adoption but also the hoteliers' intensity of technology adoption.Design/methodology/approach – The development of Davis's Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) will be explored, from its adaptation of the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) to the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB). Following which, Roger's Diffusion of Innovation will be discussed and whether the concepts should jointly be explored so as to provide a more comprehensive elucidation of hoteliers' internet technologies adoption decisions.Findings – The literature has corroborated that the TAM is effective in evaluating the concept of the user's perception of technology use by includin...