bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Tourism Tax Burden: Evidence from Australia
Authors: Ihalanayake Ranjith , Divisekera Sarath
Published: September 2010

This paper examines the structure, trends and magnitudes of tourism taxes in Australia. Of the two types of broad taxes, general and special, the former accounts for the largest portion of the total tax revenue: excise duties have been the single major contributor, accounting for more than half of the tax revenue in the 1990s. Following the tax reforms in 2000, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) became the major contributor to tax revenue. A comparison of estimated tourism taxes with comparable sectors indicates that the tourism sector overwhelmingly makes a high contribution to national tax revenue. Similarly, while tax revenue from the all sectors has grown over time, an above-average growth in the tourism taxes is evident, particularly since the introduction of the GST. In conclusion, the Australian tourism sector appears to bear a relatively high tax burden and the burden is rising. The GST, an important element of the tax reforms of 2000, seems to have imposed a disproportionately heavy tax burden on the tourism sector.
Estimating the Contribution of a Multi-Purpose Event Facility to the Area Economy
Authors: Hodur Nancy M. , Bangsund Dean A. , Leistritz F. Larry , Kaatz John
Published: September 2010

While the economic impacts of professional sports events and entertainment facilities in major metropolitan areas have been the subject of numerous studies, sports and entertainment facilities in smaller cities have received less attention. This study addresses the economic impact of a multi-purpose sports and auditorium facility located in a small metropolitan area. Intercept surveys at eleven representative events provided information on attendees' expenditures and residence and on the role of the event in motivating visits to the area. Data on attendee expenditures, together with facility operation and vendor outlays, were applied to an input–output model to estimate secondary impacts. The results indicate that the events hosted at the facility varied substantially in their potential to draw attendees from outside the local area and that attendees' expenditure patterns also varied by event type. The overall economic impact of the facility was substantial.
Economic Effects of the World Tourism Crisis on Australia
Authors: Dwyer Larry , Forsyth Peter , Spurr Ray , Van Ho Thiep
Published: September 2010

Within a context of uncertainty over travellers' security, tourism experienced two critical events in 2003 – the Iraq War and SARS. This paper explores the economic effects of the tourism crisis on Australia. While the events resulted in less inbound tourism, they also resulted in a reduction of outbound tourism. The net economic impacts on the nation depend on the extent to which cancelled or postponed outbound travel are allocated to savings, domestic tourism or the purchases of other goods and services. Using a computable general equilibrium model of the Australian economy, simulations of the impacts of the events suggest that the net effects are not as severe as might have been perceived by tourism stakeholders.
Hotels in Australia 1988–2003: A Tale of Booms and Busts
Authors: King Brian , McVey Mike
Published: September 2010

This paper reviews the development of Australia's hotel sector over a 15-year period and uses that analysis as the basis for suggesting the likely shape of future developments. The underlying dynamics of hotel development and subsequent performance are shown to reflect a continuing pattern of boom and bust. The late 1980s were characterized by a building boom in the lead-up to the Bicentennial and World Expo celebrations. This was soon followed by a bust during the recession of the early 1990s. In the lead-up to the 2000 Olympics, another building boom occurred, particularly in Sydney, leading to a predictable oversupply of rooms and subsequent stalling of construction during 2003. A change has been evident among developers, who are moving away from their view of hotels as a component of commercial property development towards a stronger connection between inner-city residential apartment developments and hotels.
Occupancy Level and Productivity in Rural Tourism Establishments: The Case of Galicia, Spain
Authors: Roget Fidel Martínez , González Xosé A. Rodríguez
Published: September 2010

The degree of capacity utilization affects the measurement of total productivity. This paper uses establishment occupancy level as a proxy for establishment capacity utilization. Accordingly, the authors decompose total factor productivity (TFP) growth into technical progress, changes in allocative efficiency, changes in occupancy levels, changes in technical efficiency and scale effects. The empirical results show that the occupancy level component offers the most important contribution to TFP. Policy implications are offered in light of the results.
Tourism Investment in Australia
Authors: Salma Umme
Published: September 2010

Tourism is an important contributor to the Australian economy. The tourism sector's ability to continue its role in the national economy depends on the provision of investment funds necessary to create and maintain tourism businesses and tourism-related infrastructure. Based on national accounts data, the present study analyses tourism investment performance in Australia over the last 13 years. It reveals that the tourism sector experienced a lower rate of return than the rest of the economy during this period in spite of the fact that the tourism investment rate was consistently higher. It also reveals that, within the broad tourism sector, there is substantial variation in investment performance and profitability. Caution must be exercised in interpreting these findings, as there are substantial gaps and limitations, in both the definition and the measurement of tourism investment and related variables. Future work in this area should focus on closely specifying requirements for a properly defined and sufficiently disaggregated dataset on tourism investment and related variables.
Economic Effects of Advertising on Tourism Demand: A Case Study
Authors: Divisekera Sarath , Kulendran Nada
Published: September 2010

The objective of this study is to quantify the long-term effects of advertising on tourism demand. A single equation demand model is specified which includes advertising as an explanatory variable along with other economic determinants of demand, prices and incomes. Using the Phillip–Hanson procedure, long-run elasticities of demand are estimated for Australian tourism from its major markets – Japan, New Zealand, the UK and the USA. The results indicate that Japanese and New Zealand tourists are more responsive to advertising than UK and US tourists and that they are also highly sensitive to prices compared with UK and US tourists.
Impact of the European Common Agricultural Policy Reform on Future Research on Rural Areas
Authors: Kantelhardt Jochen
Published: September 2010

European Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reform not only has an impact on agriculture, but also has significant effects on rural areas. This is caused specifically by decoupling direct payments from agricultural production, which will increase the market orientation of agriculture. Based on an analysis of the CAP reform, this article suggests a number of key tasks for future research on rural areas. In particular, a greater focus on behavioural aspects of farmers and on an integration of agriculture into regional and local structures is recommended.
On the Dynamics of Structural Change in Agriculture
Authors: Balmann Alfons , Dautzenberg Kirsti , Happe Kathrin , Kellermann Konrad
Published: September 2010

The agricultural sector in Europe faces a number of important challenges, such as developments in biotechnology and biofuel, globalization, vertical integration and policy changes. The important questions are whether and how farms are able to adapt to these changes and what are the potential forces working against adaptation. This paper elaborates on internal frictions regarding structural change in agriculture, namely sunk costs, dependence on subsidies and the challenges of an increasing demand for vertical integration.
Assessing the Impacts of Decoupling EU Direct Payments from Agricultural Production and the Potential for ‘Re-Coupling’
Authors: Osterburg Bernhard , von Horn Lysann
Published: September 2010

With the recent reform decided in June 2003, the EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) will fundamentally change the support of agriculture. In this contribution, impacts of decoupling as the core reform element are assessed from a theoretical point of view and using an explorative modelling exercise for Brandenburg, a less favoured region in Germany. Special attention is paid to interactions with other policy measures such as agri-environmental schemes and support of renewable energy from biomass. A good understanding of farming in marginal areas is needed, as major impacts on production and on the environment can be expected from the abandonment of agricultural production in such areas.
Efficient Conservation in Europe's Agricultural Countryside
Authors: Hampicke Ulrich
Published: September 2010

Europe's countryside has no parallel in the world. The most urgent conservation measures imply the continuation or resumption of traditional agricultural practices in sufficiently large areas. The economic situation of the agricultural sector is likely to justify heavy subsidies for many years to come. But in the long run, subsidies are untenable. It is argued that current subsidies should be transformed into remunerations for ecological services including conservation. Although agri-environmental programmes seem to translate this argument into practice, society is still far from accepting that the production of agricultural commodities and the ‘production’ of conservation services can be regarded as equivalent.
Technology Transfer: Learning from Lost Opportunities and Sharing Best Practices
Authors: Vari Sandor G. , Laur James D.
Published: September 2010

One significant aspect of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center's charitable mission is to ensure that its research results benefit society at large. This is accomplished through researcher education, securing appropriate intellectual property protection and licensing so that inventions are developed into useful products. The Swan-Ganz and Barath balloon catheters each represent different stages in the evolution of technology transfer at Cedars-Sinai. To capture revenues from its own technologies, Cedars-Sinai learned about the benefit of having established technology transfer practices through its experience with a blockbuster invention developed before its Technology Transfer Office existed. Cedars-Sinai subsequently felt that it should share its technology transfer experience and train researchers and administrators in Central and Eastern Europe.
Leadership in Higher Education — Its Evolution and Potential
Authors: Smith Bryan L. , Hughey Aaron W.
Published: September 2010

Leadership is a key ingredient in the ultimate success or failure of any organization. In this article the authors review the research on leadership in general and then focus on how leadership in the academic world is similar to, yet distinct from, leadership in the private sector. Included in this discussion are a description of how leadership in colleges and universities has evolved, the characteristics that are unique to higher education together with their implications for effective leadership, and consideration of the immense challenges academic leaders face as they attempt to keep higher education responsive to the needs of business and industry. The authors also address the emergence of student affairs administration and the current crisis in academic leadership.
Small Companies Seeking Information on the Internet
Authors: Kraaijenbrink Jeroen , Groen Aard
Published: September 2010

With the current growth of the Internet, we expect significant changes in how and to what extent companies acquire business information. By comparing two studies on information seeking by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) carried out in 1982 and 2003 respectively, and comparing the results with other studies, this paper indicates that the reality is rather to the contrary. SMEs remain remarkably stable in their information seeking behaviour, in the sources they use and in the problems they face. The paper concludes with a discussion on the likely causes of this consistency and its consequences for online intermediaries.
Intellectual Venture Capitalists: An Emerging Breed of Knowledge Entrepreneurs
Authors: Carayannis Elias G. , Formica Piero
Published: September 2010

Industrial culture focuses mainly on the production of ‘things' – of static objects. Knowledge, on the other hand, is constantly in flux, like a flowing stream. Conventional industrial notions lead policy makers to believe that the addition of a knowledge-based industry to an existing industrial base makes a knowledge economy. This is not the case. Pieces of knowledge, purchased like objects, do not make a knowledge economy. What is missed in such perceptions is the importance of managing and synthesizing knowledge and of conducting conventional business in innovative ways. Capitalizing the knowledge economy requires an entirely new way of viewing the economic landscape. An emerging breed of knowledge entrepreneurs – intellectual venture capitalists – is setting the scene for an entrepreneurial revolution that will transform that landscape.
Networking as a Strategy for Technology Transfer and Commercialization from R&D Laboratories
Authors: Roy Santanu
Published: September 2010

Managing R&D and the innovation process is closely linked with technology transfer and the commercialization of research results. This is especially so in the context of publicly-funded R&D laboratory systems in developing countries, such as India's Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). Inefficiencies in the transfer process and a lack of orientation towards the commercialization of scientific research results are predominantly responsible for ineffective public research. Against this background, the paper puts forward an argument for the adoption of a networking strategy or consortium-style operation by the various actors in the technological innovation process. To this end, the author presents case studies of specific technology development and commercialization efforts undertaken in different laboratories functioning under the CSIR. The lessons drawn from the case studies and the key elements that have led to the success of these initiatives are highlighted.
Does Training Improve the Business Performance of Small-Scale Entrepreneurs?
Authors: Friedrich Christian , Glaub Matthias , Gramberg Kristina , Frese Michael
Published: September 2010

In surveys conducted in different countries over four years, the authors investigated why entrepreneurs in the same sector and during the same period were not equally successful. From the findings of this research they developed a new three-day training programme to address primarily skills and techniques relating to personal initiative, planning, goal setting and innovation. The training programme follows the ‘action learning’ approach, which links learning to activity, and is based on the assumption that competencies and behavioural patterns can be learned. A sample of 84 entrepreneurs was selected in South Africa. In the first stage (T1), before the start of the training, a standardized interview was conducted. The sample was then split into two groups: the ‘experimental’ group, which participated in the training (T2) and the ‘control’ group (no training). After six months (T3) the results of the training group were compared with those of the control group through the use of behavioural measures. The results at this stage showed that members of the training group had made significantly better progress in their business performance than members of the control group.
Exploring Entrepreneurial Networking
Authors: Li Jun , Mitra Jay
Published: September 2010

This paper focuses on firm behaviour within business clusters and cluster-type environments. Using survey data to distinguish cluster members by the perceived degree of participation, the authors categorize them as leading, proactive or reactive players. They then examine the clustering behaviour of each of these categories. They find that (a) cluster development needs leaders or champions who are willing to commit time and effort to take the initiative; (b) when committed, leading players facilitate culture change so that open relationships with other cluster members can be established relatively easily; and (c) the champions of clusters are prepared to share information and knowledge in exchange for mutual benefits. Therefore, leadership and championing are matters of priority for supporters of cluster initiatives.
Evolution of the Bangalore ICT Cluster: The ‘Crystal Growth’ Model
Authors: Manimala Mathew J.
Published: September 2010

In about twenty years, starting in 1984, Bangalore has become the fourth best ‘Global Hub of Technological Innovation’, according to Business Week. This article reviews the major milestones in Bangalore's development and the interactive roles of government, universities and private entrepreneurs. The author offers a new model: innovation is not a state but a process, comparable to the chemical process of crystal formation and growth.
The ‘Celtic Tiger’ and a Knowledge Economy
Authors: Crawley Gerard M. , O'Sullivan Eoin
Published: September 2010

Over the last two decades, Ireland has proactively marketed its educated workforce, its favourable corporate tax rates, membership of the European common market, and other advantages, to multinational technology corporations. The resulting foreign direct investment in high-tech manufacturing operations has driven a booming Irish economy that has come to be characterized as the ‘Celtic Tiger’. Today, however, Ireland is looking to the research and development sector to drive future growth. Competition from low-wage economies, such as those of Eastern Europe, India and China, threatens Ireland's position as a low-cost, high-tech manufacturing base. Across government, industry and the higher education sectors, Ireland is now focused on fashioning an ecosystem of research and innovation that can guarantee its continued prosperity.
A Travel Cost Analysis of the Value of Special Events: Gemfest in Central Queensland
Authors: Prayaga Prabha , Rolfe John , Sinden Jack
Published: September 2010

Special events play an important part in tourism and recreation choices in Australia, and many receive funding from various levels of government. However, the economic case for funding special events often focuses on estimates of expenditure, employment and indirect impacts rather than estimates of economic benefit or consumer surplus. The study discusses the application of the travel cost method for estimating consumer surplus associated with a special event. The event studied is the annual four-day ‘Gemfest’ in the sapphire fields of Central Queensland. Surveys were conducted in 1998 and 2002, and the derivations of the appropriate models, welfare calculations and comparisons over time are outlined.
Correcting for Sample Selection Bias in Stated Preference Tourist Surveys
Authors: Apostolakis Alexandros , Jaffry Shabbar
Published: September 2010

This paper makes novel use of Heckman's sample selection methodology in modelling tourists' choices for cultural heritage attractions. The data used were collected as part of a discrete choice experiment which examined tourists' preferences for two heritage sites: the Knossos Palace and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, both located on the island of Crete. In particular, the study addresses the possible discrepancies that may have arisen from the fact that the sample population may not have been random, but rather selected systematically as a result of the unobserved effect of the repeat visitation phenomenon. The empirical evidence presented suggests that the correction for sample selection provides a venue for further target audience selection for managers and policy makers. In particular, the main implication to emerge from the analysis is that the two heritage attractions, contrary to the general perception, are part of a tourism demand continuum. As a result, policy makers can capitalize on tourists' different perceptions in their promotion strategies for the two attractions by promoting the Heraklion Archaeological Museum to first-time visitors and the Knossos Palace to repeat visitors to Crete.
Impacts of Political Instability on Tourism Planning and Development: The Case of Lebanon
Authors: Issa Ina Aurelia , Altinay Levent
Published: September 2010

Tourism is one of the world's largest and fastest growing industries, and tourism planning is regarded as a prerequisite for success. ‘Political instability’ is a complex term, open to various interpretations, which applies to a number of countries worldwide. The implications for tourism of political instability are significant. This paper investigates tourism planning and the effects of political instability in Lebanon, and discusses how countries in such a situation can increase their potential for successful tourism development. A possible solution through the use and practice of crisis management is suggested, as this approach may help to prepare nations better for unexpected instability and the uncertainty of the future.
Integrating Crop—Livestock Research and Development in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Lenné J.M. , Thomas D.
Published: September 2010

An analysis was made of the contributions to increasing the productivity of crop–livestock systems by over 100 DFID-RNRRS research projects and relevant work carried out by ILRI and its partners in Sub-Saharan Africa. Important lessons and critical challenges were highlighted to inform future donor investment. It was concluded that integrating crop–livestock R&D in Sub-Saharan Africa remained an imperative if crop and livestock research were to have a lasting impact on reducing poverty, improving the livelihoods of small-scale crop–livestock farmers and encouraging national economic growth.
Personalized Course Delivery
Authors: van den Bosch Herman
Published: September 2010

Personalization will be a key element in the future of executive education. Personalization is based on a match between student characteristics (user model) and didactic treatments (teaching model). This article distinguishes two matching strategies: an educational institution can deliver on demand, or can anticipate the demand and offer students the most appropriate treatment based on prior knowledge of each student's characteristics. Anticipating demand is the most challenging strategy. Its validity depends on the independence of the students' characteristics: in the case of interdependency, prediction of an optimal match is virtually impossible. The assumption of independence was investigated for a subset of students' characteristics – that of learning preferences. A conceptual model, consisting of four dimensions, was used to construct 16 combinations of didactic treatments. We found evidence in favour of a high degree of interdependency among the dimensions of the conceptual model. With these results in mind, students must be allowed to choose for themselves whether more didactic treatments should be made available.
Impact on the Student Experience of Extending Problem-Based and Enquiry-Based Learning
Authors: Reynolds Rysia , Saxon David , Benmore Graham
Published: September 2010

This article reports on extended research into the use of enquiry-based learning (EBL) and problem-based learning (PBL) in a human resource management undergraduate programme. The authors have collected and analysed qualitative and quantitative data over a three-year period, some of which have been previously reported (Reynolds and Benmore, 2003, 2006). Here they present their analysis of the most recent data. They present further evidence that EBL/PBL activities have a significant role to play in the development of independent learning, teamworking skills and the acquisition of deeper knowledge. However, the extent to which these benefits are realized will be influenced by key factors such as cohort culture, small group interaction and student ability levels.
Exploring the Value of Factoring as a Finance Option for Small Enterprises in Emerging Economies
Authors: Satta Tadeo Andrew
Published: September 2010

Using Tanzania as a case study, this paper explores the value of factoring as a finance option for small enterprises in emerging economies. Based on identified challenges, the paper develops a policy framework that could facilitate the growth of the factoring industry in Tanzania. Within the boundaries of the developed framework, the paper concludes that there is a need for the Tanzanian government to create a favourable legal and regulatory environment, foster economic growth, support the formation of factoring associations, strengthen credit information infrastructure, and create an overall favourable tax structure that is supportive of the factoring industry. Furthermore, the paper argues that the ongoing global growth in factoring provides a unique opportunity for fostering the growth of factoring finance in emerging economies through cross-border factoring.
From SME Bank to Technology Bank
Authors: Wonglimpiyarat Jarunee
Published: September 2010

This paper is concerned with the attempts of the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Bank of Thailand (SME Bank) to move towards becoming a technology bank to support the generation of new businesses and innovations. Being the bank for technology-based businesses to increase the nation's innovation capacity is the great challenge for SME Bank, as it needs to garner integrated financial and entrepreneurial support as well as a network of alliances. The paper proposes a model based on venture capital management for changing the innovative environment to create a technology economy. These innovative initiatives at SME Bank would be useful for economies in other developing countries to launch programmes supporting the diffusion and commercialization of innovations.
Developing an Entrepreneurship Culture
Authors: Sondakh Danny F. , Rajah Kanes K.
Published: September 2010

Entrepreneurship is increasingly relevant to economic output and job creation in both developed and developing countries. It is especially important for the UK, so as to reverse a century of relative economic decline. This paper discusses the UK government's policy on entrepreneurship, and the objectives it has set for higher education institutions. It then goes on to present the initiatives taken by the University of Greenwich to develop an enterprise culture, both within and with the wider community. The paper focuses on the role played by the University's Centre for Entrepreneurship in helping it to contribute towards the UK's economic development and competitiveness. The conclusions reached indicate that higher education institutions need to behave entrepreneurially at both the staff and student levels in order to build an enterprise culture. Staff need to be bold in taking initiatives to seek out processes that can help shift the established paradigm and to introduce new content to achieve breakthroughs in the culture. This is also required to engage students and to help build their personal intangible assets as much as to facilitate them in starting up new enterprises.
Implications of the Single European Currency for Hungarian Tourism
Authors: Rátz Tamara , Hinek Mátyás
Published: September 2010

Tourism in Hungary is a key economic activity, as the travel and tourism industry is a net contributor to the growth of the Hungarian economy. However, the inflow of foreign capital has significantly contributed to the development of Hungarian tourism over the past decade, and the country's tourism industry continues to depend on external economic factors. This paper presents the findings of a survey carried out in 2004 to supplement industry data with an assessment of travel behaviour and to develop a comparison between the theoretical assumptions of the existing literature and the empirical results in the study area (Hungary).
Reconciling Multiple Data Sources for Implementing the Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) in Tanzania
Authors: Sharma Amit , Christie Iain T.
Published: September 2010

The Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) was approved by the United Nations as one of the first activity-based statistical accounting systems under the system of national accounting. Since its formalization as a framework for adoption by individual countries, implementation has been a slow and challenging process. One factor that has challenged implementation in Tanzania is the availability of quality data from existing national statistical programmes. This paper evaluates the quality of secondary datasets for prioritized TSA implementation. The results provide a critical stimulus to adopting the TSA through the use of secondary data sources.
Research Note: Technical Efficiency in the Tourism Industry
Authors: Peypoch Nicolas , Solonandrasana Bernardin
Published: September 2010

This note presents an efficiency measure for the tourism industry. It demonstrates the value of the proportional distance function, which simultaneously contracts inputs and expands outputs for analysing efficiency. It can be stated that if the tourism industry were to include this measure in the analysis of its technical efficiency, new possibilities would be opened up with regard to managerial recommendations.
Tourism Technical Analysis System
Authors: Petropoulos C. , Nikolopoulos K. , Patelis A. , Assimakopoulos V. , Askounis D.
Published: September 2010

Accurate forecasts of tourism demand are prerequisites in the decision making process in many organizations in the private and public sectors. Any information concerning the future evolution of tourism flows is of great importance to hoteliers, tour operators and other industries concerned with tourism, services or transportation. In the last few decades international tourism demand has attracted substantial academic interest, resulting in a wide range of successful forecasting approaches. Much attention has been paid to econometric models that use regression techniques to estimate the underlying relationship between tourism demand and its determinants; unfortunately, empirical studies suggest that these models usually fail to outperform simple time series models. The current study focuses on an alternative approach, the Tourism Technical Analysis System (TTAS), incorporating the use of technical analysis techniques and building on the similarities between stock and tourism markets. The absolute and directional accuracy of TTAS is evaluated in relation to a range of time series and econometric methods for forecasting international tourism demand, using as a benchmark well-known published research.
Beyond Adoption/Rejection of Agricultural Innovations
Authors: Mwaseba D.L. , Kaarhus R. , Johnsen F.H. , Mvena Z.S.K. , Mattee A.Z.
Published: September 2010

This study seeks to explore the adoption of rice research-based innovations in rural Tanzania. Apart from the age and level of education of the head of household, which had an influence on the adoption of herbicide in both study areas, the influence of other variables on the adoption of fertilizer and transplanting varied between the study areas. Moreover, the study shows that adoption of the selected innovations is context-dependent. In Tanzania, rice farming is characterized by the predominance of traditional rice varieties. Farmers grow these varieties for household consumption or income, or both, under crop management practices that are well attuned to the available resources. The observed discontinuation and adaptation of innovations make sense, given the production circumstances in which the farmers operate. The findings of the study raise issues with research implications for improved rice production in the study areas.
Farmer Participatory Evaluation of the Potential for Organic Vegetable Production in the Wetlands of Zambia
Authors: Kuntashula E. , Sileshi G. , Mafongoya P.L. , Banda J.
Published: September 2010

Although wetlands (locally called dambos) are considered extremely vulnerable to poor agricultural practices, rising population pressures have caused their agricultural use to become increasingly important. Intensification of dambo use by way of chemical fertilizer and pesticide applications poses serious challenges to their ecological sustainability. This study evaluated gliricidia (Gliricidia sepium) leafy biomass as a possible alternative to commercial fertilizer, and Tephrosia (Tephrosia vogelii) leaf extract, commercial formulations of neem seed extract (Achook) and Bacillus thuringiensis (Thuricide) as alternatives to chemical pesticides in the production of cabbage in dambos. The study showed that soil fertility management practices can significantly influence the time to harvest the cabbage crop and its yield. Vegetables grown using gliricidia biomass produced significantly higher yields compared with the no-input option. The population density of diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) larvae, the percentage of plants infested by cabbage webworm (Hellula undalis) and cabbage aphid (Brevocoryne brassicae) was significantly lower in cabbage treated with sprays of Tephrosia leaf extract and Achook. It is concluded that gliricidia leafy biomass as a soil fertility management practice combined with Tephrosia leaf extract and neem seed extract as a crop protection practice could increase the productivity of cabbage and ensure sustainable utilization of dambos.
Traditional Practices of Water Scheduling in Farmer-Managed Irrigation Systems in Central Himalaya, India
Authors: Satyal G.S. , Kumar Kireet , Kandpal K.D.
Published: September 2010

A study was conducted to examine the dynamics of water scheduling in a farmer-managed irrigation system in a small mountain watershed (Tharigad) of the central Himalaya. Despite being ancient, these systems perform even better today because of the proper water scheduling managed by the local community. These water distribution schedules functioned smoothly until recent times and helped the farmers to meet irrigation needs during the crucial period of crop germination when other areas of the region suffered water crises. The distribution of water was decided by an irrigation committee on the basis of the area to be irrigated and the distance of the village from the source. Different schedules for water distribution provided the flexibility of the system and mutual understanding to avoid user conflicts. By this means, it was possible to modify water distribution schedules for mutual benefit after allowing for the diversion of water from the source for drinking water. This special feature of water scheduling helped in managing the system so that high conveyance efficiency (84% to 92%) and good application efficiency (83% to 95%) could be assured throughout the season. Performance of these schemes was maintained irrespective of size.
The Inventor—Investor Conundrum
Authors: Hobbs Francis
Published: September 2010

The complexities of developing a business based on a novel product may appear insurmountable. Stereotypical convention suggests that there are two major players: polarized inventors and ‘greedy’ investors. Surely there is a way of aligning the inventor–investor relationship into something positive for both parties? In this paper Francis Hobbs explores how both inventor and investor can be incentivized in a virtuous circle through the creation of a formal link between an ‘IP holding’ (inventor) company and an ‘exploitation’ (investor) company which is then free to commercialize the idea as it sees fit. With grant funding provided by the government and channelled through the exploitation company, the investor maintains cherished commercial freedom while the inventor benefits not only from paid contract employment to develop his or her own idea in the short term but royalties and, perhaps, exploitation company equity rewards in the longer term when product sales commence.
Teaching and Studying Technology
Authors: Eicker Friedhelm
Published: September 2010

Work and technology are – at least in all industrialized countries – characterized by continuous and fundamental change. This change has to be reflected in the education of technical workers. Engineering pedagogy must identify new demands and ensure that they are addressed in the design of technical education. To this end, engineering teachers in businesses, universities, schools and at other educational facilities discuss and test modified or new technical education concepts. This paper argues for an educational approach in which the focus is on the cooperative development of course content with the learner and the regional relevance of what is taught and learned. Engineering and other technical education and training must be demand-driven rather than supply-led. The paper examines how this can be achieved. The discussion is based on experiences in regional and international projects for the advancement of technical education and teacher training.
Festival Economics: The Case of the Red River Revel
Authors: Clarke Gregory D. , Hoaas David J.
Published: September 2010

Arts festivals are common in America. One successful festival held in Shreveport, Louisiana is the Red River Revel Arts Festival. The Revel features numerous artists, in addition to musical entertainment. Though the Revel charges admission, its primary revenue source is concession sales. Anecdotal evidence argues that concession sales are dependent upon many things, such as: the temperature, rain, and admission fee. This paper estimates a demand function for concession sales at the Revel between 1995 and 2004. This work has policy implications for those running the Revel, while also being of interest to the economist conducting research on similar topics.
Mastering Intrapreneurial Behaviour for Sustained Socioeconomic Development
Authors: Thomas Simon , Miller Christopher , Thomas Brychan , Tunstall Richard , Siggins Nia
Published: September 2010

Heritage is the key to the success of the tourism industry in Wales. Tourism itself is one of the largest and most important industries in the Principality, contributing £2.5 billion in spending from visitors, 7% to GDP and 10% of jobs to the economy. Following a period of substantial growth during the 1980s and 1990s, the industry has seen a period of decline over recent years. This paper analyses the proposition that an attitude of enterprise and innovation must be embraced if the heritage tourism industry in Wales is to be used as a catalyst for economic regeneration and development. The aim of the study was to assess to what extent intrapreneurial behaviour was occurring in the three organizations investigated and what were the views on enterprise of those surveyed. The research reported on case studies of the intrapreneurial characteristics of the small and medium-sized heritage tourism enterprises (SMHTEs) in the eastern valleys of south Wales. Three organizations were analysed and the data collated to produce, in combination with the contemporary literature, recommendations for successful growth and sustained socioeconomic development. The conclusions of the work suggest that intrapreneurial behaviour in existing organizations is directly linked to staff engagement and empowerment.
Small Business Networking and Tourism Destination Development
Authors: Tinsley Ross , Lynch Paul A.
Published: September 2010

This paper compares two localities of marked social, cultural and economic difference in relation to small tourism business networking and formalization of tourism destination development. The methodological process involves in-depth interviews, supplemented by participant observation. Template development and network-depth analysis are used to interpret the findings. Through ‘thick’ description and analysis of social, communication and exchange networking behaviours, an original cultural understanding of the community embeddedness of informal small business networking behaviours is provided in the context of a developed and a developing country. The study finds that the destination with a more formalized tourism development is less reliant on horizontal networking. This results in a less directly significant contribution to destination development. However, destination size, social network density and cultural differences are also key issues in relation to networking contributions.
Innovative Destination Governance
Authors: Nordin Sara , Svensson Bo
Published: September 2010

This article explores the impact of governance on destination development, focusing on public–private relationships, plus formal and informal networks and resource dependencies. The empirical contribution is based on a single case study of the Swedish ski resort of Åre. In the concluding section, some of the results are developed into suggestions concerning if and how the governance structure matters in terms of performance. The results indicate that public–private relationships built on trust, joint risk taking, informal structures and strategic consensus do have a positive impact on the level of growth at a tourist destination.
Indicators for Measuring Entrepreneurship
Authors: Martins Susana Paula Leitão da Silva
Published: September 2010

Indicators for measuring and comparing entrepreneurship in different regions are important tools for understanding economic and social development and formulating strategies to bring improvements to less developed areas. The existing indicators are not adequate for this purpose because they do not link the economic and social factors that contribute to regional development and competitiveness. This paper structures and defines entrepreneurship economic and social indicators. Through an analysis of existing entrepreneurship indicators and a review of the literature on economic and social entrepreneurship, a selection of indicators was made capable of measuring, in an integrated and global way, entrepreneurship in cities, regions and countries. These indicators were then divided into six categories – enterprises, human resources, innovation, social economy, initiative and knowledge – and were grouped in an ‘entrepreneurship scoreboard’. This paper describes and defines these indicators and discusses their advantages and disadvantages in application, precautions that need to taken in interpreting them, and their compatibility and complementarities.
Understanding Social Entrepreneurship
Authors: Harding Rebecca
Published: September 2010

The importance of social entrepreneurship in social, cultural and economic terms is increasingly acknowledged. Drawing on data from the second Social Entrepreneurship Monitor report published by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) UK project, this article focuses on the social entrepreneurs who may grow the social enterprises of the future. After establishing an appropriate definition of ‘social entrepreneurship’, the author assesses how much social entrepreneurial activity there is in the UK, breaking that activity down into the categories of ‘nascent’, ‘baby’ and ‘established’ and examining regional variations. She then reports on the characteristics of both mainstream and social entrepreneurs, and analyses their respective demographic profiles. This is followed by a discussion of the nature of social enterprises, including such issues as their main sources of revenue and the reasons why so many find it hard to obtain finance. The article concludes with reference to the policy implications of the paper, highlighting the importance of formulating strategies to stimulate social entrepreneurship.
Role of Support Organizations for SMMEs in a Global Environment
Authors: Isaacs Eslyn
Published: September 2010

Many owners of small, medium-sized and micro enterprises (SMMEs) are not highly educated but are so motivated that they take uncalculated risks when starting their own businesses – often with disastrous consequences. It is therefore imperative that these owner-managers are provided with the right type of services to ensure that they do not become part of the SMME failure statistics. These owners are frequently not even aware of the existence of support organizations, because in many instances the organizations do not market their services properly due to limited funds. In countries that have policies specifically targeted at SMMEs, the rate of SMME development is much faster than in countries without such policies and it is evident that the role of support service providers is important. A typical service model should include at least some of the following services: business functions; education and training; consulting, counselling and coaching; policy and advocacy; and networking and infrastructure.
Using Multi-Agent Systems in a Companion Modelling Approach for Agroecosystem Management in South-East Asia
Authors: Bousquet François , Castella Jean-Christophe , Trébuil Guy , Barnaud Cécile , Boissau Stanislas , Kam Suan Pheng
Published: September 2010

This paper describes research using multi-agent systems as a companion modelling tool to address key issues related to agroecosystem management in northern Thailand and northern Vietnam. The authors illustrate an approach for the use of complex models for the accompaniment of adaptive management experiences. First, some considerations on the shifts of paradigm that underlie the research are discussed. Then two case studies are presented. The first one illustrates the iterative process of problem solving with local stakeholders, while the second emphasizes the emergence of local institutions in the context of land reforms. In both cases, the research started with an analysis of the agrarian system, which integrated multiscale biophysical and socioeconomic knowledge by means of a model. The research process then evolved towards the use of such models in participatory approaches for community-based natural resource management. Regular interactions between researchers and local stakeholders mediated by the companion modelling tools were helpful in progressing local development.
Present Outlook and Transformation in the Delivery of Agricultural Extension Services
Authors: Aflakpui Godwin K.S.
Published: September 2010

Linkages are channels for the two-way flow of information, knowledge and resources among the stakeholders of a defined system. The key functions that any linkage system should perform include diagnosis, planning and review of programmes; execution of collaborative tasks; exchange/sharing of resources; dissemination of information/knowledge; evaluation, feedback and coordination. Mechanisms such as surveys, meetings, reports, workshops, training, demonstrations and field days, monitoring tours and extension materials are used to sustain linkages. The vision of a transformed agricultural extension service is to empower farmers/farmer-based organizations consciously to select and adopt technologies in an informed way, operate along sound business lines, demand extension services, provide marketing services of inputs and outputs to its members, and play an advocacy role to influence agricultural policy. Similarly, extension workers would be empowered to network, collaborate and facilitate linkages; to facilitate planning by farmers and assessment of demand for services and be eager to upgrade their knowledge and skills and curious to learn new things. The challenges for research–extension–farmer linkages in such a transformed system include an expanded range of stakeholders; managing the process of demand and supply of services; setting and enforcing standards for the quality of services provided; and funding.