Showing papers in "The International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences in 2015"

Government Policy and Performance of Small and Medium Business Management

Abstract: It is recorded that 99 per cent of the business bodies in Nigeria are MSMEs which has been an instrumental component in GDP and hub for work opportunities. Even so the identification of the important roles SMEs play in Nigeria, their evolution is mostly bounded by a number of elements, such as the existence of laws, ordinances, and rules that frustrate the growth of the sector. The study reviews the relationship between government policies and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) performance in Nigeria. The study offered some relevant recommendations to policy makers, entrepreneurs, and SME managers to ensure the appropriate scheme to improve the SME sector in Nigeria.

Understanding the Halal Concept and the Importance of Information on Halal Food Business Needed by Potential Malaysian Entrepreneurs

Abstract: The wholesomeness concept of Halal, which covers not only the Shariah requirement, but also the sustainability concept of hygiene, sanitation and safety aspect, makes Halal food readily acceptable by consumers who are concerned about food safety and healthy life style. Realizing that, small entrepreneurs take advantage of business opportunities in the Halal industry to reap the benefits of increasing profits for Halal food areas that have great potential to generate income. Therefore, the aim of this study is to identify whether respondents understand the concept of halal-based business and to examine the important information needed by them in venturing into halal food business. Questionnaires were sent out to a total of 60 potential entrepreneurs who attended a three-month entrepreneurship course conducted by the Malaysian Academy of SME and Entrepreneurship Development of Universiti Teknologi MARA,

Service Quality Measurements: A Review

Abstract: Service quality measurement is one of the significant measurement tools for firms to understand consumers’ needs and wants by analyzing the experience of consumers and customers’ satisfaction on the services provided. Although there is no general agreement on one particular model used as the measurement of service quality perceived, there are some effective models offered by researchers during decades of study in this area. In the recent years, researchers believe that service quality is multilevel/multidimensional. In addition, industry-specific models which suggested based on the structure of generic models regarding a specific industry found as the most useful models. This article review, presents an overview of researches on the service quality measurement models. The article reviews the advantages and disadvantages of the main service quality measurements and pinpoints the most comprehensive, efficient, effective, and useful measurement.

Analyzing Organizational Structure based on 7s model of McKinsey

Abstract: Aim of this research was investigating and analyzing organizational structure free zone of Qeshm based on 7 S of McKinsey. Current research was applicable as well as descriptive and surveying. Statistical of research included managers and experts of free zone of Qeshm. We used n order to determine of simple random sampling in order to determine type of statistical sample and we used Cohcaran in order to determine amount of statistical sample. Following, we used 84 people as statistical sample. We used questionnaire in order to measure tools of the research and reliability of research is tested by alpha Cronbach (0.848) and validity of research is determined by professor and experts. We used Kolmogorov-Smirinov and T-test and Freedman test in order to analyze data. Results of research indicated that organizational structure based on 7-S McKinsey. Result of research indicated that organizational structure based on 7-S McKinsey in free zone of Qeshm is unfavorable and common value, clerks and structure had the worst conditions. In according to findings of research, it is recommended that managers of free zone of Qeshm more pay attention to internal environment of organization and improvement of procedure.

Colors in Marketing: A Study of Color Associations and Context (in) Dependence

Abstract: Mirroring an increasing awareness of the importance of colors, today marketing managers are paying increasing attention to the deployment of color in marketing as well as to the applicability of universal color associations. Two colors considered to carry several specific universal associations are blue and black. Consequently, the purpose of this study is to assess the contextual independence/dependence of consumers’ associations with the colors blue and black. Associative learning theory was deployed to specify the hypotheses. The hypotheses were tested through a paired sample t-test. The results show that the universal associations with the colors are different from the associations with the colors when they are displayed in a specific context. The implications for further research and limitations of the study are presented. Managers may want to consider the associations colors have in the specific context rather than relying on universal associations of colors.

Role of Inventory Management on Competitive Advantage among Manufacturing Firms in Kenya: A Case Study of Unga Group Limited

Abstract: The main objective of the study was to investigate the role of inventory management on the competitive advantage of manufacturing firms in Kenya, with reference to Unga Group Limited. Specifically, the study assessed the extent to which information technology is used in inventory management in Unga Group Limited, determine how inventory lead time, inventory control and inventory control practices affect competitive advantage of Unga group limited. The study adopted a descriptive research design to support and meet the research objectives. The target population was all the 289 employees working at Unga Group Limited headquarters who directly deal with inventory management. Stratified sampling and simple random sampling techniques were employed in the selection of 30 respondents. The study used both primary and secondary data. Primary data was collected using self-administered questionnaires consisting of closed ended and open-ended questions. The data collected was analyzed by descriptive statistics using a statistical package for analysis (SPSS). The study revealed that information technology, inventory control systems, inventory lead time and inventory control practices are important factors in attainment of competitive advantage of manufacturing firms in Kenya. The study recommended that the firm should embrace inventory control systems and information technology so as to improve and enhance competitive advantage. This study also recommended a similar research on other industries to ascertain whether the findings of the study are universal.

The Evaluation of Potentials of Gamification in Tourism Marketing Communication

Abstract: Traditional communication theory that marketers are active and consumer is passive is going to be obsolete. Instead, by developing participatory culture with Web 2.0, Co-creation and engagement marketing are suggested. By entering the Conceptual age which game and fun in life and work is emphasized, Gamification can be effective tool to motivate customers to collaboration. Accordingly, with review the theoretical background of gamification, the paper aims to evaluating the potentials of gamification in online tourism marketing. The results of review of gamification literatures showed that, gamification by boosting data driving, customer loyalty, brand awareness, user generated content, viriality, online engagement and of course revenue can be useful tool for success of online advertising activities.

The Impact of Boko Haram Insurgency on Nigerian National Security

Abstract: Jama’atul Ahlus Sunnah Lid daawati wal Jihad popularly known as Boko Haram, which means western education is forbidden emerged around 2002 as a local Islamic movement mainly for preaching and charity to people in Maiduguri Borno State The activities of the group changed in 2009 after the Nigerian government crackdown on its followers as a result of which spiritual and political leader Muhammad Yusuf was killed From 2009 to 2015 Boko Haram insurgency claimed the lives of more than 13,000 people The group has intensified its attacks on security agents and their formations, top governmental establishments, schools, Mosques, and the general populace The group kidnapped 250 schoolgirls in Chibok in April 2014 The threat posed by the group is undermining the existence of Nigeria as one sovereign political territory In August 2014, the sect leader declared areas under their control as new Islamic Caliphate which would be governed according to strict Islamic laws The objective of this study is to examine the threats of Boko Haram insurgency on Nigerian national security The study also revealed that poverty and misconception of religion were the major factors that facilitated the emergence and development of Boko Haram The researchers recommend that Nigerian Government should address the root and symptom of the problem by eradicating poverty, providing employment to the people and enhancing security efforts

The impact of servant leadership on organizational citizenship behaviors with the mediating role of trust and moderating role of group cohesiveness A Study of public Sector of Pakistan

Abstract: The current study investigated the relationship between servant leadership and organizational citizenship behavior along with the role played by trust in leadership and group cohesiveness. The study is causal, cross sectional and quantitative in nature. Sample comprised of 202 employees from three public organizations i.e. banking, education and transport. The data was analyzed through descriptive statistics, simple and multiple, mediated and moderated regression tests. Findings showed a positive association between servant leadership, trust and organizational citizenship behavior. Findings further concluded trust as a mediator and group

Impact of Commercial Banks’ Credit on Agricultural Productivity in Nigeria (Time Series Analysis 1980 - 2013)

Abstract: This study was carried out to examine the impact of commercial banks’ credits on agricultural productivity in Nigeria. The aim is to determine the relationship between commercial banks credit and agricultural productivity in the Nigeria economy. The statistical tool of analysis is the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) techniques. However the variables were subjected to the Unit Root Test to ensure stationarity before the application of the OLS. On the whole, three hypotheses were tested; all the alternative hypotheses were validated by the OLS result. The t-calculated of commercial banks credit has a value of 6.28 which is greater than the t-critical of 1.96. This is an indication of positive relationship between commercial banks’ credit and agricultural productivity. The t-calculated of interest rate on commercial banks credit has a value of -9.38 as against 1.96 t-critical. This is an indication of a negative relationship between interest rate and agricultural productivity. While the t-calculated of government spending, as a complimentary variable, has a value of 3.42 as against the 1.96 of t-critical. This, as the case of hypothesis one, is also indication of significant positive relationship between government spending and agricultural productivity in Nigeria. Based on the findings, we recommended that the Agricultural Credit, Guarantee Scheme should improve on their conditions for credit guarantee in order to make agricultural financing attractive to commercial banks. Furthermore, the paper advocates amongst others, that the government should subsidized interest rate to the International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences Nov 2015, Vol. 5, No. 11 ISSN: 2222-6990 338 www.hrmars.com agricultural sector and stop fuel subsidy as this will provide more benefit to the society than the fuel subsidy.

Religious Challenges of Islamic Banking in Nigeria

Abstract: Nigeria is Africa’s most populous country; more than 50% of its total population of well over 170 million people is Muslims. Majority Nigeria’s citizens are living below the poverty line mainly due to the problem of financial inclusion. The central bank of Nigeria attempted to increase the financial inclusion so as to curve the problem of liquidity management and also reduce the gap between the have and have not. Islamic banking becomes a better alternative because of its prohibition of interest and profit and loss sharing principles. The introduced Islamic bank has been confronted with a number of challenges that are religiously based. Descriptive method has been adopted in this paper to outline these challenges and enumerate on their causative factors. The paper concludes that serious measures are to be taken to make improvement and to proffers way out to the challenges.

Sport Fan Motivation: Are You Going To The Game?

Abstract: Every individual or group consume sporting events for different reasons and are therefore motivated in different ways. People consuming sport events can be referred to as sport fans, someone who is enthusiastic about a particular sport, an athlete or someone who is motivated to make the effort to attend a live sporting event. Research on sport consumption motivation had led to the development of the Sport Fan Motivation Scale (SFMS), which consists of eight motives namely, eustress, self-esteem, escape, entertainment, aesthetic, economic gains, group affiliation, and family. The primary aim of this research study is to gain insight into sport fan motivation from a South African perspective, specifically regarding soccer and rugby. The research followed a quantitative questionnaire using a five-point Likert scale. The study revealed that both male and female rugby and soccer fans are highly motivated by the sport fan motivational factors, however, the results indicated that female soccer fans have a lower importance score towards the entertainment dimension than the male and female rugby and male soccer fans.

Relevance of Financial Sector Development on Real Sector Productivity: 21 st Century Evidence from Nigerian Industrial Sector

Abstract: This study focuses on the Nigerian industrial sector to examine the relevance of financial sector development on real sector productivity in the 21 st century. The model adapts the financial sector development measures used in King and Levine (1993) as predictors of industrial sector production output. Estimating the model with Ordinary Least Square (OLS) method, the study reveals that there is a strong linear relationship between the financial sector and real sector because the coefficient of multiple determinations is relatively high; thus suggesting that financial sector development is crucial for real sector productivity.

Effects of Multiple Taxation on the Performance of Small and Medium Scale Business Enterprises in Benue State

Abstract: This study is on the effects of multiple taxation on the performance of small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs). Over the years, small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) have been an avenue of job creation and the empowerment of Nigerian citizens, providing about 50% of all jobs in Nigeria and also for local capital formation. However, the mortality rate of these small firms is very high. Among the factors responsible for these untimely close-ups are tax related issues, ranging from multiple taxation to enormous tax burdens. The study therefore examines the effect of multiple taxation on SMEs survival. The study involves a survey research design with a population of 91. The researchers derived their sample size to arrive at 74 and a selfadministered questionnaire was used to collect data. This data was quantitatively analyzed with simple percentages and the research hypotheses were tested with ANOVA. Findings revealed that multiple taxation has negative effect on SMEs’ survival and the relationship between SMEs’ size and its ability to pay taxes is significant. The research therefore, recommends that government should come up with uniform tax policies that will favour the development of SMEs in Nigeria and government should put into consideration the size of SMEs when formulating tax policies.

Job insecurity, Burnout and Intention to Quit

Abstract: This study examines the impact of job insecurity on intention to quit among Syrian private banks employees. Moreover, the mediating role of burnout in the relationship between job insecurity and intention to quit is investigated. A total sample of 172 employees is selected. The research findings indicate that there is a significant positive impact of job insecurity on both job burnout and intention to quit. Additionally, increased levels of burnout significantly affect intention to quit. Finally, the relationship between job insecurity and intention to quit is fully mediated by burnout.

Firm Age and Performance in Kampala, Uganda: A Selection of Small Business Enterprises

Abstract: This study sought to find out the effect of firm age on performance, using both financial (net profit before tax) and nonfinancial (operational) performance indicators. An ex post facto, descriptive correlation, descriptive comparative and crosssectional survey design was used. A sample of 409 firms was used with age ranges in six categories. Cronbach’s Alpha reliability coefficient test (α=0.884) and the Content validity ratio (CVR) for the instrument on performance was 0.93 (Mean CVR=0.93). Two hypotheses were tested: (i) there is a significant difference between firm age and the level of performance and (ii) there is a significant positive relationship between firm age and performance. Applying parametric statistical techniques, on way ANOVA and Regression analysis, both hypotheses were accepted. The effect size was revealed as financial (η2 = 0.99) and non financial (η2 = 0.07). The study also found that both financial and non financial indicators could be used as effective measures of performance. Suggestion was made that emphasis should not only be placed on starting up, but also on the sustainability and longevity of the firms that are operational in Kampala, Uganda.

Green HR for Businesses

Abstract: Orientation: This probing study conducted to explain various advantages of Green HRM in all types of businesses such as having green products, environmental safety products, efficient use of natural resources etc. Purpose: The main purpose this study is to identify the advantages and importance of GHRM adopted by the business organizations. Through this research it is also investigated that how the firm can improve its HR practices by emerging the policies with GHRM and what methods can be adopt to increase the efficiency of workforce. Design/Approach/Methodology: It is qualitative type of research in which a conceptual framework has been developed through the thorough study of previous work on GHRM. Practical implications: This research provides the recommendations for HR managers to improve HR system in their organizations and also this research can be used as literature review in future researches. Contribution: In this study literature review presented firstly which comprehensively describe that what the GHRM is and what is the importance of the implementation of GHRM in various organizations.

Do Financial Leverage, Growth and Size Affect Profitability of Jordanian Industrial Firms Listed?

Abstract: The main purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of Financial leverage, Company’s Growth , non-current / total assets ratio , and firm’s Size as independent variables on profitability in proxy of Return On Assets ratio (ROA) as dependent variable. A sample of 25 Jordanian Industrial companies listed on Amman Stock Exchange(ASE) for a period of 10 years (from 1995-2005) was selected. The results of the research show that there is a significant effect of the Financial Leverage , and Growth on profitability of industrial companies. Therefore, industrial companies may enhance the profitability of their firms by minimizing the debt, and increasing financial assets compared with total assets. So, the study concludes some recommendations that are beneficial to the stakeholders.

Strategic Imperatives of Total Quality Management and Customer Satisfaction in Organizational Sustainability

Abstract: The importance of Total Quality Management (TQM) in today’s business environment is a sine qua non (an indispensable and essential action). This is due to the ever increasing tastes of customers who see service quality as a right owed them by businesses they chose to patronize. This study examined the relationship between total quality management and customer satisfaction in service industries. The aims among others were to evaluate the relationship between of top management commitments and customer retentions as well as to examine the influence of organizational reputation on customer’s continuous patronage. Relying solely on secondary data collected from various archival sources, findings shows that strong relationships exists between total quality management and customer satisfaction in the achievement of organizational goals especially in the current dispensation of globalization and stiff competitions. The analyzed data also revealed that total quality management and customer satisfaction have increased steadily over a period of time in some service industries but top management still have much to do in order to entrench TQM and customer satisfaction as policies in their organizations. The authors recommend a holistic adoption of TQM and customer services tenets and its entrenchment as policies in all organizations for quality customer services and satisfactions.

Sectoral Allocation of Banks’ Credit and Economic Growth in Nigeria

Abstract: The study investigates the impact of sectoral allocation of Deposit Money Banks’ loans and advances on economic growth in Nigeria during intensive regulation, deregulation and guided deregulation regimes. Regression analysis of the ordinary least square method is performed for each of the three regimes. The results show that only the credit allocated to government, personal and professional have significant positive contributions on economic growth during the intensive regulation. However, bank credits generally do not contribute significantly to economic growth during deregulation. Introduction of guided deregulation appears to be a success as commercial bank’s loans and advances to production and other subsector are both positive and significant in determining growth. Based on the empirical findings, Nigerian deposit money banks should be more favourably disposed to extending more credits to production and other subsectors namely agriculture, manufacturing, mining and quarrying, real estate and construction, government, personal and professional at reasonable interest rate. Finally, monetary authorities should ensure the continuance of guided deregulation as opposed to intensive regulation or total deregulation.

An Investigation into Factors Causing High Nurse Turnover in Mission Hospitals in Kenya: A Case for Pcea Chogoria Hospital

Abstract: Human Resource is the most important input in any healthcare system. The primary aim of this research was to investigate the factors causing high nursing turnover in mission hospitals in Kenya (a case for PCEA Chogoria Hospital). Through a detailed literature review, the researcher reviewed literature related to factors causing nursing turnover. Descriptive research design was used with the application of both qualitative and quantitative approaches of research to collate, analyze and present data. The researcher used sample size of 30% of the target population of 147 Registered and Enrolled nurses working in various departments of the Hospital. Stratified random sampling technique was used to ensure representation of these professional cadres of staff. The main data collection instruments were review and analysis of records and questionnaires. Data was analyzed and presented theoretically. The main outcome of this study is that retention of nurses is an important issue because shortages could lead to work overloads, burnout and dissatisfaction of nurses, turnover, and compromised standards of patient care. It is recommended that the mission hospitals should develop strong Nurses retention strategies by instituting effective nurse management support, regular promotion practices, adequate staff development practices and competitive compensation (salaries and allowances) practices.

Concomitant Debacle of Fraud Incidences in the Nigeria Public Sector: Understanding the power of Fraud Triangle Theory

Abstract: Detecting and preventing fraud is not an easy task, especially in the Nigerian public sector because it requires comprehensive knowledge about the nature of fraud, how it can be perpetrated and obscured by the fraudsters. Consequently, this study was, conducted with the primary aim to examine the significance relationships between the elements of FTT and fraud incidences towards combating the fraud outrages in the Nigerian public sectors. It was found that various factors are linked to the fraud perpetration in the public sector such as greediness of the high-profile government officials and poor standard of living for the lower rank officers. Equally, it is suggested that the Nigerian government should establish Salary Scale Reform (SSR) to increase the civil servants’ salary and provides fringe benefits to improve employees’ standard of living. Additionally, the Nigerian government should initiate a training scheme such as workshop, seminar and conference to enhance the employees’ moral behaviour and understand the negative impact of fraud on their behaviour and Nigerian economy. The study will immensely help Nigerian government and anti-graft bodies to understand why and how the public servants commit fraud so as to apply an appropriate control measure to combat the menace. From the academic perspective, this study stems to bridge the gap of insufficient study in relation to the application of FTT toward curtailing the broad range of possible causes of fraudulent activities.

Effect of Huduma Centers (One Stop Shops) in Service Delivery- A Case Study of Mombasa Huduma Centre

Abstract: Historically, the Government of Kenya has grappled with the problem of poor service delivery in its public service. The government in the early 1990s tried a range of interventions to remedy this situation. The Government retrenched more than 100,000 civil servants but had only a negligible impact on the effectiveness or efficiency of the civil service. The Government then introduced results-oriented management, but by 2005 nothing much had come out of it. In 2013, the government introduced the concept of Huduma Centres, to transform public service delivery by providing citizens access to various public services and information. It aims to provide efficient government services at the convenience of the citizen by amalgamating related services within one building, possibly on the same floor, effectively making it possible for service seekers to access it conveniently. However, many questions have been raised on whether Huduma centres have added any value to service delivery. The study, therefore, seeks to assess the effect of Huduma centres in service delivery to the public. The main objective of this study was to analyze the effect of Huduma Centres in service delivery within Mombasa town. The specific objectives of the study were; to establish if Huduma Centres influence transparency in service delivery; to assess if they enhance reliability of government services, and to determine if the centres result in customer satisfaction in government service delivery. The study adopted a case study research design. In this investigation, the population comprised members of the public accessing government services at the Centre. The study used purposive sampling method to select 30 respondents for data collection. The data collection instrument used was a questionnaire.

The influence of Corporate Governance on Corporate Performance Among Manufacturing Firms in Kenya: A Theoretical Model

Abstract: This study discusses on the relationship between corporate governance mechanisms and corporate performance of manufacturing firms in Kenya. It argues stagnation of manufacturing sector in Kenya has come about largely as a result of corporate governance challenges in the industry which leads to poor corporate performance. The paper examines the influence of corporate governance mechanisms such as board diversity, board duality, government ownership and management ownership on corporate performance. This study contributes to the literature by demonstrating the significance of manufacturing sector in Kenya in achievement of Vision 2030 .In addition, the study demonstrate how corporate governance influences corporate performance in order to address stagnation of manufacturing sector in Kenya

Domestic Private Investment and Economic Growth in Nigeria: Issues and Further Consideration

Abstract: This study re-considers the empirical investigation of the link between domestic private investment and economic growth in Nigeria, using the Cob-Douglas model framework. The model is estimated using Error Correction Modeling (ECM) approach and annual data covering 1970 to 2012 was used. The study shows the significance of investment on real gross domestic product (RGDP). The result of tests reveals equilibrium relationship between real GDP and its determinants in the long and short-run. An important finding of the study is that, like most other studies, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) should at best complement domestic private investment. We therefore, conclude that macroeconomic policies and overall macroeconomic stability is quite essential for the promotion of domestic private investment.

Role of Perceived Work-life Balance and Job Satisfaction in Developing Organizational Commitment among Hospital Employees in Saudi Arabia

Abstract: This study is aimed to explore the role of perceived work-life balance and job satisfaction in developing commitment among hospital employees. In addition to that, gender difference is also taken into consideration to draw concrete conclusion. The study is quantitative in nature. Based on the literature review it is proposed that work-life balance and satisfaction will be significantly contributing in developing commitment among the chosen respondents. In order to measure selected variables 13 items were adopted to measure work-life balance (Chaney, 2007; Gutak et.al., 1991). Job satisfaction is measured by Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ). 11 items were selected from work commitment index to measure organizational commitment (Blau et al.,1993). Results revealed a moderate level of work-life balance, job satisfaction and organizational commitment among the chosen employees. Significant relationship is found between work-life balance and job satisfaction. Work interfering family life and family interfering work life are found positively related with organizational commitment. Male and female respondent are found significantly different in their level of commitment, perceived work interfering family life and perceived family interfering work life.

Influence of Performance Appraisal on Employee Performance in Commercial Banks in Trans Nzoia County – Kenya

Abstract: Performance appraisal has increasingly become part of a more strategic approach to integrating human resource activities and business policies and may now be seen as a generic term covering a variety of activities through which organizations seek to assess employees and develop their competence, enhance performance and distribute rewards. The main objective of this study therefore, is to determine the influence of performance appraisal on bank worker’s performance in 10 selected commercial banks in Trans-Nzoia County, Kenya. The study adopted descriptive survey research design. A total of 178 research subjects were drawn from the target population using the stratified and the simple random sampling technique. 120 respondents’ questionnaires were completed and returned. This represents 67 percent response rate. Data analysis was done through descriptive statistics, specifically use of frequencies and percentages. Data was presented in frequency tables and Chi Square method was used for testing the hypothesis. The findings show that: there is a significant relationship between performance appraisal and worker’s performance.

Predictors of Entrepreneurial Intentions of Undergraduate Students in Vietnam: An Empirical Study

Abstract: The present research aims at identifying the factors that influence the entrepreneurial intentions among undergraduate students in Vietnam. The data were collected from 180 students at several Universities in Hanoi, Vietnam. Multiple regression method was used to test the impacts of personal factors and contextual factors on the students’ entrepreneurial intentions. The results confirmed that individual difference variables such as risk-taking propensity and creativity and personality traits, such as locus of control and need for achievement had strong impacts on the intention to start a new venture. Furthermore, contextual factor such as perceived support in the entrepreneurship-related context directly influenced the entrepreneurial intentions. Discussion of the findings, recommendations and implications for policy makers both inside and outside universities were also detailed.

Gastronomy Tourism as an Alternative Tourism: An Assessment on the Gastronomy Tourism Potential of Turkey

Abstract: Gastronomy tourism, besides being the most important means of economic development, it is also the most significant part of the fastly developing cultural tourism market. Many recent researches emphasized that the culinary culture of a target destination has a significant part in the travel experience. Travelling for the purpose of experiencing the new and unbelievable food, wine and other inimitable local gastronomy assets of another region is gastronomy tourism. In Turkey, tourism policies had been limited to the coastal mass tourism in the coastal zones of Aegean and Mediterranean regions, utilizing sea, sand and sun potentials of the country, win the purpose of maximum contribution to the national economy, by attracting foreign tourists. Turkish Cuisine; in seven region with advantage of having different climates and vegetation, reserves diversity of local taste and flavour in its cuisine as well Turkish cuisine one of three top cuisine in the world. The aim of this study is to emphasize the importance of marketing strategy of the traditional Turkish cultural cuisine as a alternative tourism field. Turkish articles with the subject of “gastronomy” published in “Google Scholar” and Council of Higher Education Thesis Centre or foreign articles regarding the gastronomy potential of Turkey and master’s and PhD thesis on the subject have been analysed within this research. A content analysis has been conducted as a result of the revision of the data gathered from 54 articles and 32 thesis within the scope of defined categories. Also method of frequency analysis has been utilised during the analysis of the data. According to the findings, gastronomy tourism has an important potential as a kind of alternative tourism for the Turkish tourism sector.

Understanding E-Marketing as a Firm’s Promotional tool and Its Impact on Consumer Perception

Abstract: The rapid adoption of internet and related technologies as a promotional tool has made it imperative for firm’s marketing plan. As internet presence is essential for a firm survival, so it has changed the way of doing businesses altogether. In this study, we empirically checked the four dimensions of electronic marketing (electronic mail marketing, web marketing, mobile marketing and marketing through internet) impact on consumer perception to make a buying decision. A total of 250 questionnaires were distributed, out of which 226 returned representing a response rate of 90%. Five point likert scales used to measure the response from respondents. Multiple Regression analysis has been applied to check the impact of e-marketing and its dimensions on consumer perception. We have tested five hypotheses for validating the result of study. ANOVA Table represents a model is good fit and predictors which showed positive and significant impact with consumer perception, were e-marketing, mobile marketing, e-mail marketing and web marketing. Results supported the analysis that positive consumer perception can be derived through e-marketing and its dimensions.